The Abarth 1500 Biposto is an experimental two-seat coupé designed by Franco Scaglione and shown at the 1952 Turin Motor Show. It is one of the first, if not the first, Abarth cars based on a Fiat model, and its mechanics came mainly from Fiat. This page covers the key facts, the design, the history and the questions people ask most often.
Abarth 1500 Biposto at a glance
| Manufacturer | Abarth & C., Turin |
|---|---|
| Designer | Franco Scaglione, then at Bertone |
| Shown | 1952 Turin Motor Show |
| Engine | Fiat 1400 based, 1,480 cc, bore 84 mm, stroke 66 mm |
| Later history | Bought by Packard after the Turin show |
The power figure in the English source is partly cut off in the text used here, so it is not given in the table.
History
The Biposto was displayed at the 1952 Turin Motor Show. Its futuristic design had a central headlight, similar to the earlier Tucker Torpedo, and a panoramic split window. After the show it was bought by Packard and taken to the United States.
In 1952 Abarth began its long association with Fiat, which is why the 1500 Biposto is often named as the first Abarth built on a Fiat model. Its mechanics were mainly sourced from Fiat models, and the engine was based on the Fiat 1400.
Design and features
- A central headlight and a panoramic split window, in the style of its time.
- An engine based on the Fiat 1400, with a 2 mm larger bore than the Fiat unit.
- Built as an experimental car, not a production model.
Variants
- Abarth 1500 Biposto: the 1952 two-seat experimental coupé described here.
See also: the Abarth 750, the Abarth 1000 and the Abarth collection.
Abarth 1500 Biposto questions and answers
What is the Abarth 1500 Biposto?
An experimental two-seat coupé from 1952, designed by Franco Scaglione.
Who designed it?
Franco Scaglione, who worked for Bertone at the time.
Why is it important?
It is one of the first, if not the first, Abarth cars built on a Fiat model.
Video: Abarth 1500 Biposto
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Abarth 1500 Biposto, English Wikipedia: design, Packard, Fiat 1400 based engine
- Abarth, English Wikipedia: first Abarth built on a Fiat model in 1952
- Abarth 1500 Biposto, Goodwood, Wikimedia Commons: photo and licence
