The Autobianchi A112 Abarth is the sportiest version of the Autobianchi A112, a small car from the Fiat group, introduced in September 1971. It was prepared by the motorsport division of the Fiat Group and became a well-known “boy racer” and rally car. This page covers the key facts, the history, the variants and the questions people ask most often.
A112 Abarth at a glance
| Manufacturer | Autobianchi, part of the Fiat group; Abarth preparation |
|---|---|
| Introduced | September 1971, with the A112 Elegant |
| Engine (first) | 982 cc, from the Abarth preparation |
| Rally series | Campionato A112 Abarth, 1977–1984 |
| Based on | Autobianchi A112, the lightweight small car |
The English article does not give the power or top speed of the A112 Abarth for each engine, so the table keeps to the facts stated in the source.
History
The A112 was built in several series, and in September 1971 the A112 E, the “Elegant”, was introduced. The sportiest version was the A112 Abarth, shown at the same time, and it was prepared by the motorsports division of the Fiat Group. It was first built with a 982 cc engine, obtained by increasing the stroke.
The car was entered in many rallies across Europe. A one-make trophy, the Campionato A112 Abarth, ran for eight editions from 1977 to 1984 under Group 1 rules. The English article on Abarth calls the A112 Abarth a lightweight, inexpensive “boy racer”.
Design and features
- A lightweight body with a modified engine prepared by the Fiat Group motorsport division.
- French and Swiss market A112 Abarth models from March 1979, as the English article records.
- The Abarth styling and badge on the standard A112 body.
Variants
- A112 Abarth: the sport version from September 1971.
- A112 Elegant: the trim level introduced with it, the base for the Abarth.
- A112 Giovani: a one-off concept car by Pininfarina, shown in 1973 with a 982 cc Abarth engine.
See also: the Abarth 595, the Abarth Punto and the Abarth collection.
A112 Abarth questions and answers
When was the A112 Abarth introduced?
In September 1971, at the same time as the A112 Elegant.
Who prepared the A112 Abarth?
The motorsports division of the Fiat Group.
What was the Campionato A112 Abarth?
A one-make rally trophy with eight editions, from 1977 to 1984.
Video: A112 Abarth acceleration test
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Autobianchi A112, English Wikipedia: introduction in September 1971, Abarth preparation, rally trophy, Giovani concept, French and Swiss models
- Abarth, English Wikipedia: A112 Abarth as a lightweight boy racer
- Autobianchi A112 Abarth, Wikimedia Commons: photo and licence
.jpg){kind=link}
