09 Apr 09
Abarth
Founded back in 1949 by Austrian Carlo, Abarth began life as a race team racing mostly modified Fiats. In the 50s and 60s the team dominated the motorsport in many different categories including hillclimbing, sports car racing - mainly in classes from 850cc to 2000cc.
However, the biggest achievement for which Abarth will be forever remembered is miraculously transforming the tiny Fiat Cinquecento from a woefully underpowered runaround into a pocket rocket.
Best car: Fiat 500 Abarth
Its squat, wide proportions, sharpened chin spoiler and fizzing twin exhausts are a statement of intent and, refreshingly, it's not all show: Abarth has endowed the new 500 with some serious performance, making it an irresistible warm hatch.
What were they thinking: Fiat Stilo Abarth
Want to make the new UK chief of Abarth cringe? Mention the Fiat Stilo Abarth: it was one of the least-focused, lukewarm 'hot hatches' to have ever sported a boot spoiler.
