1965 Abarth 1000 Coupe Speciale – A Pininfarina and Abarth Masterpiece

The 1965 Abarth 1000 Coupe Speciale stood as one of the most fascinating creations of its time, blending advanced engineering with forward-thinking design. Conceived by Pininfarina and developed in cooperation with Abarth, this unique two-seater coupe explored new territory for the Fiat 850 platform while showcasing a remarkable level of sophistication for a small-displacement sports car.

At its heart, the car featured the Fiat Abarth 1000 four-cylinder engine, a 982 cc unit derived from the Fiat 850 and tuned by Abarth to deliver 54 HP DIN. Power was transmitted through a 9/37 gear ratio, and braking was handled by two Girling disc brakes, reflecting Abarth’s motorsport expertise and focus on performance.

Visually, the car displayed a strikingly slender and low-slung appearance. The design emphasized the dramatic relationship between the aerodynamic, lenticular-shaped front end and the broader rear section housing the mechanical components. The nose sloped sharply forward, blending harmoniously with the thin-section fenders. Specially developed iodine headlights by Carello were mounted behind a single transparent fairing, forming a unified horizontal front element. Light steel and rubber bumper guards were fitted at the ends of the fenders, providing impact protection without disturbing the clean lines.

The coupe’s profile carried a subtle dihedral surface, enhancing its sense of lightness and elegance. The side glass featured two vent wings and, together with the steeply raked, multi-curved windscreen and roof, formed a single forward-tilting assembly. This unique hinge system allowed the entire upper section to tilt forward, making access to the cabin far easier despite the car’s very low stance. The rear portion of the roof doubled as a roll bar, and a generously sized rear window offered excellent rearward visibility.

At the back, the wide rear bodywork was visually lightened by two sculpted elements that blended into the fenders. Above them, a functional groove acted as an air outlet, aiding cabin ventilation while contributing to the car’s visual balance. Elektron alloy wheels were fitted to reduce unsprung weight compared to conventional wheels, an important detail for both handling and performance.

Inside, the cabin used elastic leather upholstery with foam-rubber padding for safety and comfort. Instead of a conventional dashboard, the instruments were grouped in a light, ogival-shaped fairing positioned directly in the driver’s view. The steering wheel could be moved aside for easier entry and better driving ergonomics, a crucial feature given the very low, rearward-inclined seating typical of purpose-built sports cars.

The 1965 Abarth 1000 Coupe Speciale ultimately represented more than just a styling exercise. It was a forward-looking study in aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and ergonomic innovation, all brought together under the artistry of Pininfarina and the engineering precision of Abarth. Today, it stands as a rare and significant milestone in the evolution of small-displacement Italian sports cars.