Widely considered Italy’s most successful manufacturer of small-displacement sports cars, Carlo Abarth built a remarkable variety of “pocket racers” renowned for their lightweight, nimble handling and thoroughbred pedigree. Abarths were true giant-killers in competition, dominating the small-displacement classes and challenging much larger competitors, especially at hillclimb events and demanding road races such as the Targa Florio.
The Fiat-Abarth’s 750 Record Monza was a sporting dual-purpose machine. Based on the rugged Fiat 600 platform and evolved from the wildly successful 750 GT, the 750 Record Monza was in celebration of Abarth’s numerous record-setting endurance runs at the famed Italian Autodromo. Like its predecessor, the car was carefully developed by the Abarth engineers at Torino and bodied by the famed Milanese coachbuilder, Zagato.
This Record Monza, chassis number 441205, is believed to be an early example due to its 5 1/4-inch headlights, early red and amber tail lights, and the simple “Z” emblems displayed forward of the doors. The Abarth and Record Monza badges usually placed on the pillar behind the doors were not originally found on this car, nor is there evidence of them having been previously mounted to the body. Early photos and details suggest that this car may have been a factory-built Abarth racecar. As acquired in 1961, it featured twin, offset black racing stripes, racing roundels on the doors, no tail lights in the usual place on the fenders, Plexiglas rear quarter windows, and aluminum-framed Plexiglas door windows. Furthermore, the car was equipped with an 8,600-rpm tachometer with a 6,600-rpm redline and a 180 km/h speedometer. The Abarth also showed the usual signs of racing “bruises” to its aluminum coachwork, while the rear body panel was held on by four bolts for ease of removal.
Acquired by the Leonard family of Wakefield, Rhode Island, in 1961, Mr. Leonard’s son, Peter, would drive the sprightly little car, eventually nicknamed “Clyde” by the Leonard family, around the family’s cranberry bog until he acquired his driver’s license. He continued driving the Record Monza until he graduated college in 1969, at which time the car was placed into storage. Eventually, the Abarth was removed from storage and he set about properly restoring it. A correct Fiat 600 block was sourced from marque specialist Mahlon Craft in 1989 and which was rebuilt to 848-cubic-centimeter specification. This included boring the engine to 63 millimeters with a 68-millimeter stroke and fitting a high-lift Abarth billet camshaft, 9.5:1 compression Mondial pistons, and Fiat 850 Sport cylinder head with Beck Arnley/Eaton exhaust and intake valves, amongst others. The cosmetic restoration began in August 1986, with the job moved to Euro Coach Work in November 1992 to complete the comprehensive refurbishment. Just over a decade later, and over $100,000 spent in total, the prized Record Monza was finally ready to be enjoyed.
Having been driven and enjoyed in the ensuing 11 years at numerous events throughout Florida, the Abarth was eventually invited to be shown in the Zagato class at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Sadly, several years thereafter, and some 4,900 miles since its restoration, Mr. Leonard passed away in 2017. Two years later, it was acquired by the consignor—making him only “Clyde’s” second caretaker since 1961!
Truly an irresistible Italian sports car, this 750 Record Monza Zagato eagerly awaits its next steward. Whether on a winding road or in one of the many vintage races, rallies, and tours for which it is eminently suited, you will soon discover that this Fiat-Abarth packs far more charm—and performance!—than its modest footprint and small displacement might at first suggest.
