Few car companies can boast such rich sporting heritages as either Abarth or Alfa Romeo – so it is no surprise that both legendary Italian marques will have a major presence at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July), the planet’s biggest retro racing festival where the cars are the stars.
Abarth’s presence is particularly pertinent as the illustrious manufacturer was founded in 1949 and is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
Abarth’s early creations were raced and hillclimbed by such gifted drivers as Tazio Nuvolari and Piero Taruffi and the new enterprise quickly earned itself an enviable sporty reputation – a repute that it maximised commercially by selling high-performance accessories to motor manufacturers such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo and BMW.
In the late 1970’s Abarth became Fiat’s racing department which led to such rally classics as the 124 and 131. The iconic Fiat Abarth 124 rally won the 1972 and 1975 (Group 4) World Rally Championship. The 124 rally was successful over a number of years until it was replaced by the 131. The Fiat 131 Abarth was a successful Group 4 rally car which won the manufacturers World Championship three times in 1977, ‘78 and ‘80.
Honouring its esteemed 70-year history, Abarth has chosen the Silverstone Classic to celebrate its platinum birthday with all those at this summer’s event.
“We are delighted that two great companies with such wonderful sporting pedigrees will be out in force at this year’s Classic,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “This is clearly a very special year for Abarth and I’m sure some of its unique Italian magic will rub off on all those coming to the Silverstone Classic at the end of July.”
“Silverstone Classic is the perfect event for us to celebrate our 70th anniversary with dynamic activities and a track parade of classic and current models.” said Andrea Lo Presti, Abarth UK Marketing Director. “We are really looking forward to hearing that distinctive Abarth sound echo around Silverstone once again.”
Source. Silverstone Classic
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