Description
The Abarth Fiat 695 SS Assetto Corsa, introduced in the late 1960s, is a legendary racing version of the classic Fiat 500 that pushed the boundaries of what Abarth could achieve with a small car. Known for its impressive performance and aggressive styling, the 695 SS Assetto Corsa was specifically designed for motorsport, particularly in the popular Italian “Turismo Competizione” racing class. This car was the pinnacle of Abarth’s Fiat-based 500 modifications, delivering a powerful punch within a compact, lightweight package that became iconic in the world of small racing cars.
The 695 SS Assetto Corsa was powered by an enlarged version of the standard Fiat 500 engine, which Abarth increased to 695 cc. With high-performance modifications including a higher compression ratio, a larger Weber carburetor, improved intake and exhaust manifolds, and Abarth’s signature exhaust system, the engine delivered an impressive 38 to 40 horsepower—more than three times the original Fiat 500’s power. This might seem modest by today’s standards, but in a car weighing around 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds), it translated into exceptional performance, with a top speed close to 90 mph (145 km/h) and rapid acceleration, especially for such a small car.
The “Assetto Corsa” (Italian for “race setup”) designation signified several race-focused enhancements. The car was fitted with stiffer suspension, lowered ride height, reinforced brakes, and wider tires for better grip, giving it sharper handling and stability on the track. To further reduce weight, non-essential interior features were removed or stripped down, resulting in a bare-bones, driver-focused cockpit with sport seats, a racing steering wheel, and minimal instrumentation. Exterior modifications included flared fenders to accommodate the wider wheels, an open engine cover for better cooling, and Abarth’s distinctive badging and racing stripes that made the 695 SS Assetto Corsa instantly recognizable.
With its compact size, nimble handling, and spirited performance, the Abarth Fiat 695 SS Assetto Corsa quickly became a favorite among privateer racers and enthusiasts. Its success on the track further cemented Abarth’s reputation for transforming humble Fiat models into potent racing machines. Today, the 695 SS Assetto Corsa is highly prized among collectors, celebrated as a rare and valuable piece of Abarth’s motorsport heritage and as a symbol of the brand’s philosophy of extracting maximum performance from small, lightweight cars.