2013 Abarth 595 Competizione
Today was brought to us by the letter A for Abarth, and the number 595. (Apologies for any younger millenials who don’t get that reference - I’ll come up with something more In-The-Night-Garden-based next time).
These little pocket-rockets are always welcome in Norwich’s little Italy, having resurrected the legendary Abarth name from an undeserved hiatus. As you probably know, we do consider the Stilo Abarth 2.4 20V (in manual guise only, mind) a highly underrated hot-hatch. But, leaving that rarity aside, you had to go all the way back to the 80s for an Abarth with any real sting in its tail, namely the superb Strada / Ritmo Abarth. Until 2008, that is, when Carlo’s famous surname and evocative logo were revitalised once more to add some serious performance chops to the nuova 500.
This example came to us for a new timing belt, after its owner had actually contemplated undertaking the job himself. After a “surprisingly reasonable” quote from us, however, he soon gave that idea up. That’s one of our favourite things about the Abarths - although they may look, drive and sound just like a purebred racer, they’re as easy to work on and inexpensive to maintain as any run-of-the-mill citycar.
This one in particular was a pleasure to work on, too, having only covered 33k miles from brand new and clearly having been cherished throughout its life.
If you’d like your own Italian car, from Abarth to Zagato, treated to the italicar treatment, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
