Abarth is a brand of Italian automobile manufacturer founded by Carlo Abarth in 1949. Abarth is best known for its performance cars, which are often modified versions of existing models from other manufacturers. The company has a long and storied history, beginning with Carlo Abarth's early days as a race car driver and engineer.
Carlo Abarth was born in Vienna, Austria in 1908. He began his career as a mechanic and race car driver in the 1930s, competing in various European races. He quickly gained a reputation for his engineering skills and was hired by Fiat in 1937. During his time at Fiat, Abarth developed a number of successful race cars, including the Fiat 500 Abarth.
In 1949, Abarth left Fiat and founded his own company, Abarth & C. He began producing performance parts for Fiat and other Italian cars, as well as producing his own cars. His first car was the Abarth 204 A, a modified version of the Fiat 500. This car was a success and was followed by the Abarth 205 A, a more powerful version of the 204 A.
In the 1950s, Abarth began producing cars for the Italian market, including the Abarth 750 and the Abarth 1000. These cars were highly successful and helped to establish Abarth as a major player in the Italian car market. Abarth also began producing cars for export, including the Abarth Simca and the Abarth Alfa Romeo.
In the 1960s, Abarth continued to produce cars for the Italian market, as well as for export. He also began producing cars for the American market, including the Abarth Fiat 124 Spider and the Abarth Fiat X1/9. These cars were highly successful and helped to establish Abarth as a major player in the American car market.
In the 1970s, Abarth began producing cars for the European market, including the Abarth 131 and the Abarth 131 Rally. These cars were highly successful and helped to establish Abarth as a major player in the European car market. Abarth also began producing cars for the Japanese market, including the Abarth 2000 and the Abarth 2000 Turbo.
In the 1980s, Abarth continued to produce cars for the European and Japanese markets, as well as for the American market. He also began producing cars for the Australian market, including the Abarth 124 Spider and the Abarth 124 Rally. These cars were highly successful and helped to establish Abarth as a major player in the Australian car market.
In the 1990s, Abarth continued to produce cars for the European, Japanese, American, and Australian markets. He also began producing cars for the Chinese market, including the Abarth 500 and the Abarth 500C. These cars were highly successful and helped to establish Abarth as a major player in the Chinese car market.
Today, Abarth continues to produce cars for the European, Japanese, American, Australian, and Chinese markets. The company has also expanded into other areas, such as producing performance parts and accessories for other car manufacturers. Abarth is still a major player in the automotive industry and is known for its high-performance cars.