Go Vintage Racing In This Cheap Fiat Abarth Spider

"DailyTurismo" (thedailyturismo) 04/08/2015 at 13:16 • Filed to: Daily Turismo, Blog, Abarth, Fiat

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The Bertone designed and built Fiat 850 Spider was a small 2-sear roadster that sourced its rear engine setup and mechanical parts from the higher volume Fiat 850 sedan. The nuts at Abarth created a hopped up version with a bigger engine and called it the Fiat Abarth OT 1000 Spider. Don't ask me what OT stands for because I don't know. Maybe Over the Top? Open Track? Overtly iTalian? Oxidizing Tin? Original Tankster? Origami Truck? Over Taken? Organic Tomatoes? Olive Tapenade? Really, I DON'T KNOW. Find this 1967 Fiat Abath OT 1000 Spider found !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! currently bidding for $5,100 reserve-not-met with 4 days to go, located in Altanta, GA.

The OT 1000 Spider has been given a full racing haircut, complete with roll cage, cut down windscreen (watch out for bugs and flying tires) and a sweet racing paint job. Oddly enough, you could probably drive this car around the streets in Southern California without attracting the attention of the local fuzz, and registering a pre-75 automobile requires no inspection.

Power comes from an Abarth tuned 1.0 liter inline-4 (up from 850cc on the basic Fiat version) that was good for 61 horsepower in the street version, perhaps a few more in this racing tuned version.

The interior features a simple racing bucket mounted low under a roll bar that might give you some protection in the event of a roll over, but I wouldn't expect to walk away from rolling a Fiat Spider anytime soon.

See another classic Italian with low bids? !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Originally posted as !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

ACESandEIGHTS > DailyTurismo 04/08/2015 at 13:19

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Finally an old car worth its asking price. That thing is pimp.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > DailyTurismo 04/08/2015 at 13:37

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That car makes me feel all tingly......

Anthony Miller > DailyTurismo 04/08/2015 at 13:51

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I'm restoring one of these right now! A '72 850 Sport Spider. It's so easy to work on. However, word to the wise (aka whoever buys this) if the doors don't line up when they shut, the frame is probably sagging plus the hinges are probably toast. The frame is so lightly built, a man of the portly constitution can jump in it a little hard and actually bend it.

Paullubbock > Anthony Miller 04/08/2015 at 13:58

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So no fat dudes, you heard it right here. I guess I'm out, but it is a great looking little car.

tylinol > Anthony Miller 04/08/2015 at 13:59

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I'm also restoring a '72. This is so true. It doesn't help that the drainage system funneled water and dirt THROUGH THE FRAME.

Anthony Miller > tylinol 04/08/2015 at 14:01

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In dry climates it isn't such a big deal but I can imagine in wetter climates that makes for some serious cutting and welding.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > DailyTurismo 04/08/2015 at 14:03

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Atlanta is dangerously close to me.

Anthony Miller > Paullubbock 04/08/2015 at 14:03

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Well I wouldn't say totally out, just don't do any jumps into the driver's seat with the door closed. ;)

QQXQXL123 > DailyTurismo 04/08/2015 at 14:03

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The OT stands for Omologata Turismo , as it is not particularly Gran.

vacantserver > DailyTurismo 04/08/2015 at 14:13

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OT = OPEN TOP! or Outrageous Tomato, I’m not really sure which...

4play > DailyTurismo 04/08/2015 at 14:15

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OT - Omologato Turismo (Homologated Touring)

This car will go for way, way more than $5k. Only like 20 OT1000s are left. A similar example wet for $24.8k a few years ago. This one is legit (pictures of the Abarth crank) too, so it will command a pretty high price (close to $30k).

Bfunkadelia > DailyTurismo 04/08/2015 at 14:35

1

So beautiful

ACESandEIGHTS > QQXQXL123 04/08/2015 at 14:50

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Knew there had to be some Italian omologazione in there somewhere. Started to research, then saw a squirrel.

spookiness > DailyTurismo 04/08/2015 at 16:13

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My best friend in H.S. had an 850 Spyder. If you buy it you will most certainly become fluent in Italian curse words by the end of the ownership experience. Best to look away and just keep walking....

fyjr > DailyTurismo 04/08/2015 at 19:03

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uh, some friends of mine raced one in the SCCA production class back in the early 80's. It broke. ALOT. Every event. No manner of chicanery or money could fix several inherent flaws. In it's final incarnation, there was some degree of reliability because the next owner stopped thinking it would win and just tried to make laps. I saw several sedan versions with Corvair engines. That'll give you a clue!

DailyTurismo > QQXQXL123 04/08/2015 at 20:29

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That sounds better than my suggestions!!

DailyTurismo > Anthony Miller 04/08/2015 at 20:30

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If you have any interest in doing a reader ride feature for DailyTurismo and/or Oppositelock, hit me an email tips@dailyturismo.com

-Vince

Zeek Is A Geek > DailyTurismo 04/09/2015 at 00:01

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I had an 850 Spider in college. Barely ever ran, and when it did it leaked oil so badly that the alternator belt would start slipping. Still, a gorgeous machine and a blast to drive. Got more tickets, though, a couple of times for going 80 when the top speed was about 65. Damn if it didn't look fast.

Zeek Is A Geek > Anthony Miller 04/09/2015 at 00:03

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I had a friend who could "curl" mine—grab it by the front bumper and lift it right up. Very, very light.

bhorn1200 > DailyTurismo 04/09/2015 at 02:27

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A friend of mine in high school had two of these (the street version) so that he could have some hope of one of them running on any given day. This sure is a lot prettier than the stock 850 though.

chocolatechickenpotpie > DailyTurismo 04/09/2015 at 04:09

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My first car! loved that tiny thing, I'll have to dig up some photos of it to post later. My GF at the time called it the "speed pellet"... Steve Jobs had one too, IIRC

Kingen2 > DailyTurismo 04/09/2015 at 05:28

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I do actually go vintage racing ina 57 alfa spider, it's bonkers but fun.

LatitudeAdjustment > Bfunkadelia 04/09/2015 at 07:35

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Was so beautiful :( Do Not loan the car to your girlfriend, she couldn't handle the power!

Bfunkadelia > LatitudeAdjustment 04/09/2015 at 08:12

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she's used to beautiful, powerful things.

Anthony Miller > DailyTurismo 04/09/2015 at 12:37

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When it gets a little closer to completion I will send you a note!