1959 ARBARTH DOUBLE BUBBLE

A Jewel of Italian Engineering and Design Collaboration

This 1959 Abarth 750 GT Zagato, affectionately known as the “Double Bubble” or “Doppia Gobba” is a lightweight, aerodynamic masterpiece born from the brilliant minds of Carlo Abarth and Zagato. A marriage of advanced performance engineering and unmistakable coachbuilt styling, this rare and beautifully sculpted GT car is one of the most iconic small-displacement racers of its era and has been meticulously maintained.

Chassis 668060 was built 09.09.1959 and delivered to Roosevelt Motors, Washington DC.

Team Roosevelt, owned by Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr. The son of President Roosevelt, he ran what was arguably the most successful Abarth racing team earning numerous victories throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s. In addition to racing, he was a United States importer and distributer for Fiat/Abarth

• Built 09.09.1959 and delivered to Roosevelt Motors Washington DC

• One of fewer than 600 examples produced by Zagato between 1956 and 1960 of which 204 are thought to remain

• Zagato Signature “double bubble” roofline

• Featherweight aluminium body on a modified Fiat platform, weighing less than 550 kg

• Period-correct instrumentation and details

• Finished in the original Rosso Vivo with matching two-tone blu/Beige interior trim and correct Zagato badging

Presented in the correct Rosso Vivo paint, this 750 Zagato is in superb condition having undergone thorough recommissioning under the expert eye of marque specialists Middle Barton Garage, including a full repaint in 2020, and has retained all of the original external trim and badging. Offered for sale with certificate of authenticity from Abarth.

The engine (100*000*727609*) is the original matching number unit for this chassis (a rarity as when the original cars went to Abarth they were separated from the chassis and replaced apparently at random) and retains the factory specification. The Abarth steel crank and forged pistons combine together to produce 747 cc whilst utilising the correct fiat 600 cylinder block. The engine has benefited from a thorough rebuild by Dominick’s - a marque specialist in New York.

The transmission is original complete with transmission hand brake.

Internally, the trim, fittings and instruments are correct with the wonderful two-tone blue and beige interior beautifully preserved including the unique stitched headliner that accentuates the signature "double bubble" roof. One of the most original examples – this car even retains the elegant leather rear window vents.

The stunning instrumentation accentuates the view forward, the steering wheel and horn push are original and importantly, everything works correctly!

Pull the familiar (to Fiat fans) starter lever and the matching numbers engine roars to life. The gearbox is a joy to use and features a fetching Abarth gear knob. Eager to rev and accelerate the Double Bubble truly is a pleasure on a good road, and punches far above its tiny weight.

Tested by The Autocar magazine, the Abarth Zagato 750 scorched through the standing quarter-mile in 20 seconds on its way to maximum speed of 95mph, outstanding figures for such a small engined car.

As a fully sorted example it would make an excellent companion for any event or rally.

This has to be one of the best 'double bubbles' in existence - a great opportunity for a new owner to cherish and enjoy.