1950 Abarth 205 A "Berlinetta Monza"

1959scudetto · 2025-11-22T18:35:10Z

When Cisitalia almost went bankrupt due to financial exhaustion caused by the development of the Porsche-Cisitalia 360 racecar in 1949, Carlo Abarth left the company and founded his own enterprise. He got 2 racecars plus several tools and spare parts as financial settlement and founded his own race team "Squadra Abarth" (the 204 A was also called Cisitalia-Abarth).

The 205 A was his first own creation, partially using drivetrain and other parts of the 204, but with a new box frame and an aluminium coupe body designed by Giovanni Michelotti and made by Carozzeria Vignale (where Michelotti was chief designer back then). With its wide track and low, aggressive stance it looked very similar to the Ferrari 166 (also with body by Vignale) and was often seen as "poor man's Ferrari" and was almost as expensive though it was driven by a 1200 cc, 4-cyl. engine with 65 hp (in race trim - higher compression - 1100 cc with 83 hp).

This is certainly the reason why there were only 3 cars built - all of them exist today (after long restaurations): https://www.supercars.net/blog/1951→1951-abarth-205/

A 4th chassis was delivered to Ghia who created a unique show car.

In the presently running Italian newsstand 1/24 Abarth series by Hachette (models made by Ixo) this is # 7 - highly recommended (the release of 66 cars is being planned) !