1963 Simca Abarth 1300 Evocation
Designer: Carlos Abarth

Estimate: $125,000 - $155,000

Chassis Number:130S0049

Imported From Italy
Aluminum Body
Abarth Ownership

The Model: While Carlos Abarth is known primarily for his work with the Italian Fiats, there was also a French connection. In the early 1960s, Simca, a French automaker, introduced the Simca 1000. Abarth would take that platform and turn it into another racing success. The Abarth Simca 1300 GT would feature most of the underpinnings of the Simca but power would now be supplied by Abarths twin cam engine that was fee by a pair of webers cranking out almost 200 Hp. Cloaked in aluminum alloy, the Abarth bodies were sleek and light, and proved to be an on-track success.

The Car: This example of the Abarth Simca collaboration started life as a Simca 1000, that was purportedly purchased by Abarth. What happened to the car between then and when a modern craftsmen rebodied the car is what remains an enigma. On a trip to Italy, the consignor reports that met with Anneliese Abarth, who still headed the Abarth foundation, to research the car. Consignor asserts that she concurs that Abarth had indeed owned the car but was unable to documented or substantiate anything further than a signed picture of the car. The engine appears to be the correct Simca, rather than the twin-cam screamer that Abarth was producing. The piece that lives in the car, is well sorted and provides lively and spirited acceleration. Presented today as an evocation based on the inability to fully document its history, but what it certainly represents now is a strong rolling tribute to an Icon of the industry.