In 1960s European motorsport, Abarth championed the belief that ‘small engines could defeat the giants’. The 1000 Bialbero series represented the pinnacle of that philosophy.

The ‘Bialbero’ (twin-cam) engine, which carried on the philosophy of Gioacchino Colombo—the man behind numerous legendary engines for Alfa Romeo and Ferrari—achieved performance that defied the conventions of the 1000cc class at the time, bringing Abarth numerous victories and world records.

The first-generation 1000 Bialbero, introduced in 1961, was clad in a beautiful, rounded tail body and made a name for itself as the champion of the 1000cc category.

Improvements continued thereafter, with the adoption of a ducktail in 1962 to enhance aerodynamic performance. Furthermore, in 1963, it evolved into a refined short-nose design, bringing the series to a state of perfection.

Then, in 1964, Abarth launched the ‘Long Nose’ as the culmination of these developments.

The low, elongated front section was the result of a quest for stability at high speeds and reduced aerodynamic drag. The FRP front cowl, widened rear wings and ducktail-shaped rear end were all examples of functional beauty honed for victory. The 982cc twin-cam engine, housed in an aluminium body weighing just 570kg, ultimately produced 102hp and achieved a top speed of 210km/h.

However, almost immediately after its launch, FIA regulations were amended, shifting the main battleground of the World Championship to the 1300cc class. Although the Long Nose lost the stage on which it was originally intended to compete, it demonstrated overwhelming speed in Italian domestic races and hill climbs, cementing its reputation.

It is said that only around 15 Long Noses were produced, and it is estimated that only around 10 (though opinions vary) remain today. It is not merely their rarity, but the fact that they embody in their purest form the ‘spirit of challenging the world with a small engine’ that Abarth pursued, which is why the Long Nose remains a truly special car. It can be described as a work of art that crystallises Carlo Abarth’s passion, the aesthetic sensibilities of Italian coachbuilders, and the dreams of the golden age of 1960s motorsport.

This particular Long Nose was delivered to the Gallery Abarth in 1965. It remained unregistered for some time thereafter, before being restored and registered in 2017. Still clean like new.