Heart of the Scorpion
Auto Italia|May 2017

Abarth is tapping into its rich heritage by opening a new ‘Classiche’ department. We take a tour around Abarth’s Turin HQ to delve deep into the heart and soul of the scorpion brand Story & images by Chris Rees

Chris Rees
Heart of the Scorpion

Ferrari did it. Now other Italian brands are clocking on to the value of having a special factory department devoted to classic models of the past. Since Abarth has arguably one of the richest histories of any company, it’s no surprise to find that it’s aiming to celebrate (and exploit) its past with a new ‘Classiche’ department. No question, Abarth (and indeed other brands in the

Fiat group, including Lancia) is following firmly in the footsteps of Ferrari Classiche, which has become a massive success for the Maranello brand. Ferrari’s Classiche department was set up more than 10 years ago to provide restoration and maintenance services to owners, and also – significantly – Certificates of Authenticity for classic Ferraris. These have increasingly become vital documents for anyone who owns a historic Ferrari: official factory recognition that your car is to the exact specification in which it left the factory. Reportedly Ferrari is considering changing its certification programme to an ‘annual MOT’ style model, to avoid the risk that a car, once certified, could be modified away from original but still benefit from ‘Classiche’ endorsement.

That’s by the by. After all I’m not in Maranello; instead I’m in a somewhat down-at-heel quarter of southern Turin. Specifically I’m at Mirafiori, one of the few remaining factories sited within city limits. Fans of the Fiat 131 will know that the sprawlingly giant Mirafiori factory gave its name to the 131 in 1974. It’s an absolutely huge plant – in fact, in its heyday it was one of Europe’s most productive facilities. It still makes cars today but at a more modest rhythm and much of it lies empty. In 2017, you’ll see transporters leaving laden with Abarth 595s, Alfa Romeo MiTos and Maserati Levantes.

この記事は Auto Italia の May 2017 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Auto Italia の May 2017 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

AUTO ITALIAのその他の記事すべて表示
Heart of the Scorpion
Auto Italia

Heart of the Scorpion

Abarth is tapping into its rich heritage by opening a new ‘Classiche’ department. We take a tour around Abarth’s Turin HQ to delve deep into the heart and soul of the scorpion brand Story & images by Chris Rees

time-read
5 分  |
May 2017
Auto Italia

Lusso Or Sport?

Maserati’s executive saloon is relaunched for 2018 with a subtle facelift, more equipment, a power boost and new GranSport/GranLusso versions. Is it better to drive, though?

time-read
4 分  |
February 2018
Toy Boy
Auto Italia

Toy Boy

We survive heckling nuns and comedy proportions as we climb aboard this 1948 Mille Miglia racing Siata-Fiat 750 Spider Corsa.

time-read
7 分  |
March 2017
Auto Italia

A-Lister

What should you replace a clunky old Ford Fiesta with? Something from the top drawer, naturally: a tastily modified Alfa Romeo 147 GTA .

time-read
7 分  |
March 2017
Wind of Change
Auto Italia

Wind of Change

Levante is a Mediterranean breeze – we test Maserati’s first-ever SUV in UK-spec right-hand drive form to find out if it’s a breath of fresh air 

time-read
7 分  |
February 2017
Il Mago di Modena
Auto Italia

Il Mago di Modena

We tell the story of the ‘wizard’ of Modena, Stanguellini, through two of his exceptional and pioneering race cars

time-read
7 分  |
April 2017
Alfa Romeo TZ2
Auto Italia

Alfa Romeo TZ2

We attempt to shed light on the mysteries of the ultra-rare and delectable TZ2 – and get behind the wheel of one

time-read
4 分  |
April 2017
Auto Italia

Tail Sliders

Recent Lamborghinis have majored on four-wheel drive. But there’s a hardcore enthusiast market for rear-wheel drive cars – a great excuse for us to compare three generations of mid-engined rear-drive Lambos: Huracán, Gallardo Balboni and Urraco.

time-read
9 分  |
December 2017
Auto Italia

Usefully Sporty

Alfa’s new Sports Utility Vehicle has finally landed in the UK. We head to Northern Ireland to put the Stelvio through its paces in right-hook form.

time-read
7 分  |
December 2017
Auto Italia

Andrea Zagato Face To Face

In an exclusive interview with Andrea Zagato, we find out why Italians don’t believe in perfection, why electric cars are great for designers and how Zagato’s future includes Alfa Romeo.

time-read
6 分  |
December 2017