Interesting Abarth Coincidence in Issue #135

I noticed a striking similarity between the Abarth Scorpione on page 138 and the OTAS Grand Prix advertised for sale on page 95. The owner of the Scorpione says it is Fiat 124 based and the wirewheel website states the OTAS is Fiat 850 based. The OTAS also features Abarth badging and components. The cars clearly share much of the same body shell. I think its very cool that two "oddball" cars that clearly share a lot of heritage showed up together. I had never heard of either model before. Anyone know of any good online resources for Abarth cars? It seems a much greater variety of interesting cars was available in the past.

Over in the clubs section there's a link to an international Abarth club. Cool little cars.

Actually, we totally planned that. Okay, not really.

Don't forget the Lombardi Grand Prix which appears the same but is also 850 based and powered.

--Kevin (2) x-1/9's

That is the same thing as wirewheel was selling I think. Looks the same, and they use the name Lombardi in addition to OTAS on their website. Its all pretty confusing for someone who isn't familiar with the little cars (like myself).

I find little, unfamiliar cars very interesting and have been wondering about the green Abarth since I saw it behind that Maserati in another thread here. I'm glad it appeared in the magazine.

Those Italians! They take a street sedan and throw a bunch of specialty shops at it. I like the: http://gallery.italiancarclub.com/general/album91/album93/DSCF0567_L.jpg.html

Fiat 600 based, Zagato bodied, Abarth tuned, 750 cc often called the Double-Bubble.

Cheers Ron

The OTAS, Abarth Scorpione and Lombardi Grand Prix are all essentially the same car, all 850 based with the same body that was made by Francis Lombardi (c.1968-1971). The Abarth however, has a Fiat 124 based engine, that mounts to an 850 gearbox via a custom bell-housing.

Check out this forum, Guy normally has a couple for sale.

http://www.abarth-gmr.be/new/

Cheers, Duane

Ron, I really appreciate that Abarth double bubble photo link. Thanks! Ken