1000 TCR
Based on the rear engined, rear driven Fiat 600, the Abarth 1000 TCR was homologated for Group 2 Touring Cars in those days. Abarth, then a separate entity from Fiat, first started out modifying the Fiat 600 by chucking out the 600cc engine, first stuffing in a 750cc engine and later stuffing in a tuned Fiat 850cc engine and called it the 850 TC for 'Touring Competizione' (photo above).
The 850 TC was homologated for Group 2 racing. That model weighed a miniscule 583 kg and had a tuned 847 cc engine in the rear.With a compression ratio of 12.5: 1 it made 78 hp. aided by downdraft twin carburettors Weber 36s. It had a top speed 180 kmh,
Of course, staying competitive meant going mad a little. These cars ran with the rear engine cover on props. It was kept open for cooling and also had some extra wing at the rear because of it. 850 TC also ran a huge front bumper that was for adding on a front mounted oil cooler to cool the tuned engine down. According to reports, Abarth could have tuned the engine to over 100bhp per litre, but chose reliability over overall power.
These days if you see one over in Europe it is most probably a replica created from a normal Fiat 600. The originals are going for ridiculous money and are mostly kept in collections. Occasionally you would see one at a Fiat or classic car gathering over there. As for here in Malaysia, there are still a few Fiat 600 around. But no 850 TC or 1000 TCR replicas exist. It's too bad Fiat is no longer cool to have over here. Or even have a distributor. A damn shame.
photos: abarthcarsuk
1 comment:
Car look awesome. Old school is the way to go.
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