Fiat Punto Abarth SS: Spotted

The fast Punto as it was meant to be with both Assetto and Esseesse performance packs

You have to love Italian logic sometimes. Back when the Fiat Punto Abarth (or whatever order of names was decided on then) was launched in 2008 there was just the one model with 155hp. It sat in the middle of warm hatches like Mini Coopers and faster stuff like Renaultsport Clios. A proper Cooper S rival would have been cool, many thought, given the standard car was quite well received.

When did you last see one? Looks great

Fiat did offer one. Sort of. Rather than a standalone model, a Cooper S to the Abarth's Cooper, customers had to buy aftermarket kits from Abarth to upgrade their cars. Wooden crates of suspension and engine parts would be delivered to those who had purchased the full Abarth Punto experience, to then be fitted at an Abarth retailer. A lot of faff, and around £3,500 more expensive too. As a distinct model in the range, that premium for a faster, sharper Punto would probably have been viewed as more acceptable. Given there are just two '1949 White' SS Puntos in the classifieds, it implies many didn't opt for the crates.

The specs of both the Esseesse power kit and Assetto handling pack are intriguing. The former added a different Garrett turbo running 1.5 bar of pressure instead of 1.3, a new exhaust, an ECU remap and intercooler tweaks amongst other changes. Power went from 155hp to 180 and torque from 170 to 200lb ft.

A Punto Abarth with Esseesse and Assetto upgrades runs 15mm lower than a standard Abarth on unique 18-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zeros. There are also cross-drilled brakes and uprated pads. Some worthwhile upgrades then.

1.4 upped to 180hp with Esseesse upgrades

From reading a few contemporary reviews the Esseesse and Assetto made the Punto Abarth what it really should have been. Perhaps not quite up to levels of a Cooper S or Clio RS but keener, more communicative and just a better resolved hot hatch. As one of the pre facelift car also, this Abarth Punto thankfully avoids the later rather dubious 'Evo' styling tweaks. In white with white wheels and red accents it looks superb actually.

As you would expect from a buyer dedicated enough to buy wooden crates of parts for their new Fiat Punto and then keep it for six years, this Punto SS has been exceptionally well cared for. The oil has been changed every 6,000 miles, the cambelt was done a year ago and it's now being stored in a garage under a cover for maximum protection. You won't find a better one, surely. To be honest you may struggle just to find another Punto SS but let's not escape the point.

Sure, there are some excellent alternatives for the same money; see this Cooper S and a very nice version of that Renault Clio for the same money. But it would be boring if we all liked the same things and bought the same cars. For something a little different with rarity value and some Italian vim the Punto SS really appeals.

FIAT PUNTO ABARTH ESSEESSE
Engine: 1,368cc 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 180@5,750rpm
Torque (lb ft): 200@2,750rpm
MPG: 42.2mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 159g/km
First registered: 2008
Recorded mileage: 62,756
Price new: £18,395
Yours for: £7,500