THE CAR AND ITS OWNER
1967 Fiat Abarth 1300 OT owned by James Moore
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
Climb behind the wheel of a car with the Abarth scorpion crest and you’re almost guaranteed an exciting ride. The company -- founded in Italy in 1949 by Austrian motorcycle racer/designer Karl (Carlo) Abarth and a partner -- was dedicated to building its own race or road cars, or making high-performance modifications to others, including Fiats and Porsches. Today, the brand is part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the scorpion, Karl’s astrological sign, can be found on the sportiest new Fiat 500 coupes and convertibles. Don’t be fooled by the cute looks of Moore’s little coupe. The 1300 OT was an aggressive and successful race car of its day, posting many wins on world championship tracks. Some enthusiasts claim fewer than 10 may remain in the U.S. “This is a very rare automobile,” says Moore of his Fiat. “The parts and restoration of my car were gathered from all over the world and it has taken me more than 20 years to complete.”
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 1986
WHERE HE FOUND IT
It was advertised in the local newspaper and he bought it from a Southampton, New York owner.
CONDITION
“The car was a complete restoration,” Moore says. “Both floor panels and both fenders had to be replaced. Parts were ordered over the years from various countries all over Europe and North America. It had been out of production since 1972. I still have the original owner's manual that came with the car and a lot of paperwork written in Norwegian, where the car was originally purchased. I did as much of the restoration as I could.” He put the main body and paint work, as well as heavy engine repair, in the hands of experts on Long Island.
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“You need a really good body shop and a reliable mechanic,” he advises. “Enjoy being an owner of one of these special, rare cars.”
VALUE
Moore estimates the Fiat is worth around $70,000.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“Cars have been my life-long passion,” Moore says, as he grew up watching Formula 1 racing and rallies, and attending races at fabled tracks, such as Bridgehampton, Lime Rock, Watkins Glen and Sebring. “Owning my Abarth is a joy. My car has been shown at various automobile shows on the North Shore of Long Island, as well as being featured on the cover of the Fiat Club quarterly publication. Showing the car is exciting for me and my family. This is an unusual automobile, which, in the past few years, has had a renewed interest and following, thanks to the Fiat Abarth 500 reintroduction.”
1967 Fiat Abarth 1300 OT owned by James Moore
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
Climb behind the wheel of a car with the Abarth scorpion crest and you’re almost guaranteed an exciting ride. The company -- founded in Italy in 1949 by Austrian motorcycle racer/designer Karl (Carlo) Abarth and a partner -- was dedicated to building its own race or road cars, or making high-performance modifications to others, including Fiats and Porsches. Today, the brand is part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the scorpion, Karl’s astrological sign, can be found on the sportiest new Fiat 500 coupes and convertibles. Don’t be fooled by the cute looks of Moore’s little coupe. The 1300 OT was an aggressive and successful race car of its day, posting many wins on world championship tracks. Some enthusiasts claim fewer than 10 may remain in the U.S. “This is a very rare automobile,” says Moore of his Fiat. “The parts and restoration of my car were gathered from all over the world and it has taken me more than 20 years to complete.”
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 1986
WHERE HE FOUND IT
It was advertised in the local newspaper and he bought it from a Southampton, New York owner.
CONDITION
“The car was a complete restoration,” Moore says. “Both floor panels and both fenders had to be replaced. Parts were ordered over the years from various countries all over Europe and North America. It had been out of production since 1972. I still have the original owner's manual that came with the car and a lot of paperwork written in Norwegian, where the car was originally purchased. I did as much of the restoration as I could.” He put the main body and paint work, as well as heavy engine repair, in the hands of experts on Long Island.
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“You need a really good body shop and a reliable mechanic,” he advises. “Enjoy being an owner of one of these special, rare cars.”
VALUE
Moore estimates the Fiat is worth around $70,000.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“Cars have been my life-long passion,” Moore says, as he grew up watching Formula 1 racing and rallies, and attending races at fabled tracks, such as Bridgehampton, Lime Rock, Watkins Glen and Sebring. “Owning my Abarth is a joy. My car has been shown at various automobile shows on the North Shore of Long Island, as well as being featured on the cover of the Fiat Club quarterly publication. Showing the car is exciting for me and my family. This is an unusual automobile, which, in the past few years, has had a renewed interest and following, thanks to the Fiat Abarth 500 reintroduction.”
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