Mark Osborne
Global Director of Motorsport
LOT 109
1968 Abarth Scorpione 1300S Coachwork by Francis Lombardi Chassis no. 1236614103 Engine no. 0659475
Sold for US$47,040 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 109
1968 Abarth Scorpione 1300S
1968 Abarth Scorpione 1300S
Coachwork by Francis Lombardi
Chassis no. 1236614103
Engine no. 0659475
Coachwork by Francis Lombardi
Chassis no. 1236614103
Engine no. 0659475
1,280cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Weber Carburetor
75bhp at 6,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*A svelte and stylish late-60s 'Etceterini'
*The last independently-developed Abarth model
*Desirable 'S' model with improved suspension
*Fiat 850/124 underpinnings with svelte Lombardi coachwork
*Exceedingly rare, believed to be one of 30 build and 4 known in the USA
THE CAR OFFERED
From 1968 to 1972, the Carrozzeria Francis Lombardi Company of Vercelli, Italy produced a small, rear-engine sports car based upon the Fiat 850. It featured attractive, streamlined coachwork in the wedge-style that was very much in vogue at the time. Tiny in dimension but very well proportioned, the Giuseppe Rinaldi-penned design had exotic looks that belied its humble Fiat underpinnings. Curiously, the car was marketed variously as the OTAS 820 Grand Prix, Lombardi Grand Prix, the Giannini, and as the Abarth Scorpione during its production life.
The Scorpione made its public debut was made at the Geneva Auto Salon in March of 1968. Its shapely good looks – with its electrically raised and lowered headlights – attracted much favor. Desipte its promise, the Abarth 1300 Scorpione sold in small numbers, and would soon prove to be Abarth's last independently developed car as Fiat took over Abarth in 1971 and canceled the project.
When Abarth put their name on the Lombardi-built Scorpione, chief engineer Colucci fitted a beefed-up 124-based engine with twin carbs, and heavily reworked the suspension and brakes to handle the 100 horsepower output (more than enough in a 1,500lb car!) and improve overall quality. Just six of these so-called 'SS' models were built, giving way the similarly equipped Scorpione S as offered here. The S utilized the suspension improvements, and four-wheel Girling disc brakes pioneered on the SS, but with a more flexible and road-friendly single-carb 124-based engine, rated at 75 horsepower – still not an insignificant number, considering the car's featherweight stature.
This Scorpione S is believed to be one of just 4 examples in the USA of the approximately 30 produced. Finished as most were in red over black upholstery, it presents in fine order throughout and is being offered from the collection of a devoted Abarth enthusiast. This rare bit of Abarth history punches well above its weight, especially when the tarmac gets twisty, and would be an exciting entry into a host of high-speed rallies such as the Copperstate 1000.
Saleroom notices
Title in transit.
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 23 January 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
- 24 January 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
- 25 January 2025, 09:00 - 11:30 MST