Behold the last and most exclusive Abarth 695
Want one? You'll need to be a member of the club...
Did any car suffer more ‘special edition’ variants than the Abarth version of the Fiat 500? We could think of eight off the top of our heads; the internet remembers many more than that. Predictable, perhaps, for a very popular car built for what seemed like a millennium - but it did rather make one blend into another. This one though ought to stand the test of time: a) because it includes cars from the very final production run, and b) because Abarth collaborated from the start with the people who would be owning them.
Specifically, those eight people are members of Club Italia, founded in 1985 to ‘preserve the creative legacy of Italian automobiles.’ That mission, as you might expect, dovetails nicely with the job of Stellantis Heritage, which has busied itself recently with the creation of bespoke models through its ‘Reloaded by Creators’ project. The new Abarth 695 Club Italia is apparently the first of these to result from the customisation of a run-out, combustion-engined production model.
“When passion, culture, and expertise come together, we can create models which are capable of standing the test of time,” noted Roberto Giolito, Head of Stellantis Heritage for its Italian brands. “The Abarth 695 Club Italia is a tribute to Italian automotive culture and allows one to connect with this thrilling tradition. It was really incredible to see how our collaboration with Club Italia gave life to this one-of-a-kind Abarth.”
So what do you get? Well, chiefly everything you see: striking two-tone paint job, bronze 17-inch alloy wheels, matching mirror caps and Club Italia badges on the outside; inside, we’ll admit to being big fans of the custom-stitched, tobacco leather bucket seats - and of course you get additional badges, as well as a plaque to confirm that your car is one of just 8 built. An Abarth Classiche Certificate of Authenticity and comprehensive certification book are also provided to each recipient.
What they do not get is any mechanical differentiation from the norm: the stacked Record Monza exhaust system, Koni FSD suspensions, and Brembo braking system are familiar items, as is the redoubtable petrol motor that delivers 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and a 140mph top speed. Not earth-shattering by any means (though quicker than its electrified replacement, the Abarth 500e), but that was never the core appeal of the 695 - merrily driving it on the door handles was the deep and abiding pleasure.
Accordingly, we wish each lucky member of Club Italia all the best; doubtless they can be trusted to preserve their cars in a manner befitting its lengthy production run and enduring place in the Abarth history books. Moreover, Mr. Giolito confidently predicted that there is more to come: “Stellantis Heritage will continue to develop more exclusive initiatives like this one, producing unique or limited-edition vehicles which preserve the legacy and identity of our Brands, while always keeping the excellence and passion of Italian automobile tradition alive.” Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio up next, surely?
They made the original Mini for 40 years, the 500 is a mere youngster.
I second this, always “how old is this car now” comments, if it’s still selling then sell it, pointless spending millions on development of a new car if an existing one is still doing the job.
What makes it beholden?
Even chatgpt would use another word every now and again.
Clickbait would be "The last and most exclusive Abarth 695, but to get it you'll need to..."
What makes it beholden?
Even chatgpt would use another word every now and again.
Clickbait would be "The last and most exclusive Abarth 695, but to get it you'll need to..."
However, respect needs to be given to these 500 Abarths for one simple reason.
They are the absolute last of a dying breed of Italian hot hatches that are deeply flawed, but I guess, still exceptionally fun to drive.
From the Uno turbo, to the Punto GT, these are the last of that lineage.
They look a good buy at around £5k for an earlier example.
Almost a modern classic that is still In production.
What makes it beholden?
Even chatgpt would use another word every now and again.
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