Once again the Abarth Heritage Group participated in the Festival Italia.
The Group put on an impressive paddock display and suitably speedy, track demonstration
This years participants included
Mike Kason Fiat Abarth 1000 Corsa Gr5
Nick Druce Fiat Abarth 850 OT Berlina
Don Cole Fiat Abarth 1000 TC Stradale
Tim Milnes Fiat Abarth 1000 OT Coupe
Chris Rees Fiat Abarth 1000 Scorpione
Roger Portman Fiat Abarth 1000 OT Coupe
Bob Woodward Fiat Strada Abarth 130TC
Claudio Dotto Fiat Strada Abarth 130TC
Matteo Bragoli Fiat Strada 130TC
Andy Cobb Fiat 131 Abarth
Mike Allen Fiat X19 Abarth Prototipo
Carlo Caccaviello Fiat Abarth 500 Rvolutione
Chis Greenhalgh Fiat Abarth 1600 OT
Anton Boutier Fiat Abarth 695 Assetto Corsa and Fiat 600 Abarth
Andrew Colley Fiat Abarth 1000 Corsa Gr2
A total of 16 cars of which 14 participated in the track demo - a good effort by all involved.
It was great to see three Strada 130TC's on track as this model is rare these days - they still go very well. A particular mention should be made of Matteo Bragoli who had never driven the 'family' 130TC before and had never driven on a race track. I understand that Paddock Hill Bend got his attention but he had a ball!!
Another highlight was Carlo Caccaviello, winning Best of Show with his 500 Evolutione. This was recognition of Carlo's superb prepertation of the little black bomb which is just as much Go as Show!!
Our cars are always popular with the public and Brands Hatch like us. The Abarth Heritage Group has been invited back for the 2019 event. As soon as I have a date, I will circulate the information.
We had an excellent turnout of 'tin top' Abarths this year but I would like to boldter our numbers in 2019 wth some GT and sports racing Abarths. I am working hard on my Abarth Simca and fully intend to ready (and tested!) for the 2019 event.
Next year will be the 70th anniversary of the fouding of Abarth & Co - let's put on a bumper show. in 2019!!
ANY Classic Abarth owners who wish to participate in 2019, should contact me aat Middle Barton Garage.
Tony Castle-Miller- Abarth Heritage Group coordinater