There is much to love about the Italian “Etceterini.” The term broadly refers to low-production, small engine, tiny hand-made cars created by small and many times obscure, Italian manufacturers. The styling of these cars is often exotic and unusual, crafted by artisans and racers with the freedom to produce cars not for the masses, but for the automotive connoisseur who appreciates fine things in small packages. The post-war Italian coachbuilding renaissance, combined with North American demand for sporting cars, helped foster a burgeoning interest in Italian cars during the 1950s. Brands like Bandini, Siata, Cisitala, Nardi and Moretti may not be known by everyone, but the name Abarth is known by many today, thanks to its association with Fiat.
Photo: Steve Natale
Carlo Abarth was born in Austria in 1908, but lived most of his life in Italy. After a brief time with Cisitala, in 1949 he started the Abarth & Company, adopting his astrological sign, the scorpion, as the company logo. Abarth built and raced cars, but his main business was developing and selling aftermarket Abarth brand accessories and performance parts, mostly for Fiats. His throaty-sounding muffler and exhaust systems are music to any Italian car lover’s ears and were his most successful products throughout the ’50s and ’60s.
No Subscription? You’re missing out
Get immediate ad-free access to all our premium content.
