Abarth, renowned for its unrivaled sporting heritage, initially carved its niche in the automotive world by manufacturing induction and exhaust systems. Founded by Carlo Abarth, the company soon expanded its scope to offer performance kits, primarily catering to FIAT production cars. However, it wasn’t long before Abarth diversified its portfolio, venturing into crafting aerodynamically striking sports prototypes and limited-series production vehicles, often in collaboration with esteemed design houses like Carrozzeria Zagato.
One of the key collaborators in Abarth’s journey was Carrozzeria Allemano, a firm established in Turin in 1928 by Serafino Allemano. Initially focused on car repairs, Carrozzeria Allemano transitioned exclusively to design work in the mid-1930s. Mario Allemano, Serafino’s nephew, joined the company post-World War II. By 1950, Carrozzeria Allemano had earned recognition for its modern and forward-looking styling themes, reflecting the spirit of the ‘Jet Age.’
Abarth’s partnership with styling firms like Allemano bore fruit with the development of the six-cylinder 2200 and 2400 models, both based on FIAT chassis. Introduced in the late 1950s, the Abarth 2200 garnered positive acclaim, prompting FIAT to launch its 2300 Coupé, bodied by Carrozzeria Ghia. Despite FIAT’s entry into the market, Abarth continued producing its own 2200 and 2400 models in limited quantities, maintaining its focus on performance and exclusivity.
The Abarth 2200 and 2400 models became revered for their blend of Italian style and sporting prowess, capturing the imagination of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. With their sleek designs and potent engines, these vehicles epitomized Abarth’s dedication to crafting high-performance machines for discerning drivers. As FIAT embraced the luxury coupe segment with the 2300, Abarth’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship ensured its models remained coveted symbols of automotive excellence.
Despite comparable power outputs of around 135 horsepower, the Abarth models outperformed their FIAT counterparts. The lightweight aluminum coachwork of the Abarth, in contrast to Ghia’s steel bodies for FIAT, resulted in significantly lighter vehicles with superior performance characteristics. This superiority was highlighted in a 1959 article in the esteemed Italian motoring magazine Quattroruote, which reported a top speed of 187 km/h (116 mph) for the Abarth models.
However, despite the performance advantages, the FIAT 2300 offered a more affordable price point, leading to limited production of the Abarth 2200/2400. Only a few dozen units were built before production ceased in the early 1960s, marking the end of an era for these exclusive and high-performance vehicles.
The collaboration between Abarth and Carrozzeria Allemano, along with other esteemed design houses, represents a significant chapter in automotive history. Their partnership resulted in the creation of iconic vehicles that not only showcased exceptional performance but also pushed the boundaries of automotive design, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
