600 Abarth. From the 750 to the 1000 TCR

Abarth is the most famous 600 performance, the first model was the Fiat Abarth 750 in 1956. It was a racing machine wich could hit 130 Km/h. The original Fiat 600 version could only reach 93 Km/h. Abarth changed the engine for a 767 cc one, with high compression pistons and lighter valves.It also used a bigger cooler.

The 750 accelerated to 100 Km/h in 20 seconds (the 600 took 54 seconds to do it). This racing version had new tachometers and limited edition wheels. It was painted in white with red stripes on each sides.

Between 1960 and 1961 the first TC (Turismo Competizione) was born, the 850 TC, based on the 600D. This version was pushed by a 847 cc engine, with a Solex carburator and a new sportive suspension. This litle bullet developed 52 hp and had a top speed of 147 Km/h. It could do 0-100 Km/h in 12,4 seconds. The original drum brakes were changed for disc brakes. 

In 1962 Abarth created a new and more powerfull version, the 850 TC Nürburgring Corsa, with 62 hp. This model had a front cooler and was the first Abarth using it. It was able to reach 180 Km/h.

In 1961 Abarth started working in the 982 cc DOCH engine.  Based on it, they created the 1000TC, with 68 hp. This version was designed for everyday use, reaching "just" 150 Km/h. During those years Abarth cars were the Mini-Cooper main rivals in many competitions. 

The second series of the 1000TC apeared in 1964. The front cooler was oversized for this model. With the aim of improving the refrigeration and the dynamic stability, they installed a bar to keep the bonnet open. This model developed 76 hp at 7000 rpm and had a top-speed of 190 Km/h.

One year later, in 1965, the series III was born, with a huge front bumper that hid 2 cooler radiators, a water one and an oil one. This version had 80 hp at 7400 rpm, and 192 Km/h. Then came the series IV, with few improvements (85 hp at 7600 and 195 Km/h).

The last Abarth based on the 600 was the 1000 TC Radiale. The main variation was the carburator, it used 2 Weber 40 DCOE. It had a 5 gear manual box and 106 hp,with a maximum speed of 208 Km/h!!! In 1970 Abarth improved the carburator's efficiency with 112 hp at 8200 and a crazy speed of 215 Km/h. It weighed just 580 Kilos... Try to think about it.