When in the 1950’s Carlo Abarth wanted to take on Ferrari in the world of GT cars he produced a series of vehicles with engines ranging from 1600cc to 2400cc in both coupe and spider form. Although attracting much admiration they proved to be very expensive and perhaps only a couple of dozen examples were produced.
This is the right hand drive spider that was displayed at the 1960 London Motor show on Anthony Crook’s Bristol stand. It has a 2200cc Abarth tuned straight six Lampredi designed engine with three twin choke Weber 40 sidedraught carburetters enclosed in a body designed by Michelloti and built by Allemano. Thus it has both good looks and good performance.
The car was sold to William Piggot Brown, baronet, playboy and amateur jockey. Hence the GOT registration. Around this time Piggot Brown was an associate of Dame Joanna Lumley. I asked her if she remembered the car and if so what was it like to drive when new. Dame Joanna replied that sadly she did not drive the car but thought it was very attractive. Later the car was bought by Roberto Giordanelli, historic car racer and journalist who completed the first restoration. Prior to our purchase the car was further improved by F1 engineer Steve Smith. We acquired the vehicle in 2007 at auction. Since then it has been used extensively on tours, at events and trips to the pub. It has won concours at Auto Italia Stanford Hall and Haynes Rare Breeds. It has been invited to Coys Blenheim Concours and the International Paddock at Wilton House Classic and Supercar Show. In 2022 it was Highly Commended at The London Concours. In 2023 it won it’s class at Wings and Wheels. The car has appeared as a feature vehicle in Octane, Auto Italia, Classic Cars and Classic and Sportscar magazines