Fiat Abarth 695 SS- 1967

Carlo (Karl) Abarth selected the scorpion emblem to represent his high-performing, powerfully tuned, sports cars. Abarth vehicles were small and agile, dangerously fast and did exceptionally well in competitive racing. He also developed sports car tuning kits in collaboration with Fiat that offered affordability, enjoyment, and broadened his patronage. The Fiat Abarth 695 “esse esse” (SS) was the top of that scorpion-brand.

After a career racing motorcycles, Carlo Abarth founded Abarth & Co SpA with Guido Scagliarini in 1949. The Cisitalia-Abarth 204A sports car was one of the first vehicles they produced, known to be an impressive racetrack performer. Due to the economic demands of racing, Abarth began focusing his attention on mechanical components that added power to mass-produced cars—mainly Fiats. Abarth tuning kits included exhausts, manifolds, valves, and steering-column mounted gear levers among others.

In 1958, Abarth signed an agreement with Fiat to take semi-completed car bodies for preparing with his custom components. One of the first vehicles was the Fiat Abarth 595, introduced in 1963, based on the Fiat 500 D. With a larger, 595cc capacity engine, new Solex C28 PBJ carburetor, and tuned fuel system, power increased from 18 hp to 27 hp. The very top of the series was the 695 SS version, introduced in 1966. The 695 SS was offered with a 38 hp engine that, with a little extra tuning, could be raised to over 50 hp. The 695 SS came equipped with special cylinder castings, stronger valve springs, and revised camshaft, allowing for higher engine speeds. The 695 SS was the only version to feature flared arches, and the need to raise the engine cover for extra stability and cooling.

Only 1,000 Fiat Abarth 695 SS’s were ever produced and only 150 are believed to remain.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Abarth & Co SpA
Country of Origin: Italy
Drivetrain Configuration: Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: Water-cooled, 595cc, twin-cylinder, 38hp
Transmission: Manual 4-speed gearbox
Top speed: 87-90 mph with mechanical upgrades
Years Produced: 1964–1971
Number Produced: 1000
Cost: Unknown