2009 FIAT 500 Abarth 'Ferrari Dealer Edition'
Chassis no. ZFA31200000327484

The company founded by Carlo Abarth had first come to prominence in the 1960s as manufacturer of a series of giant-killing competition cars based on the diminutive FIAT Nuova 500, so it was inevitable that when the 21st Century version came along there would be an Abarth variant. In fact, since the current FIAT 500's arrival in 2007, coincidentally with the hitherto moribund Abarth brand's revival, there have been numerous Abarth-badged models, all offering improved performance and special styling features.

Launched in 2008 at that year's Geneva Motor Show, the FIAT 500 Abarth was powered by a turbo-charged and inter-cooled version of the 1.4-litre four-cylinder 'L Fire' engine. The following year Ferrari ordered 200 for use as courtesy cars at Ferrari main dealerships; each example carried a numbered plaque, and all Ferrari Dealer Edition models were equipped with the desirable five-speed manual gearbox (the later and more numerous Ferrari Tributo model had a paddle-shift transmission and no numbered plaque). In Dealer Edition form the turbocharged engine produced 158bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of around 209km/h (130mph).

As well as the manual 'box, the Dealer Edition boasted many other exclusive features including Sabelt bucket seats, Rosso Corsa paintwork with grey stripes, 'Dealer Edition' badging and a wonderfully sonorous Monza sports exhaust. So successful was the Dealer Edition concept that many ended up being sold to Ferrari customers instead of being used as courtesy cars!

Number '182' of the 200 built, this example had covered 2,800 kilometres when it was purchased by the vendor in 2010 from the Fritz Leirer dealership. Since then a further 16,590 kilometres have been covered and the car remains in very good condition. Equally at home around town and or on the racetrack, this exclusive Abarth Ferrari Dealer Edition is certain to provide the fortunate next owner with a truly enjoyable driving experience. The car is registered in Switzerland and comes with one key.

Please note the following: VAT will be payable on the hammer price and buyer's premium at the standard rate if the car remains in Switzerland.