The Fiat 1000 TCR Abarth is a vehicle that made a significant impact on the race tracks of Europe in the 60s and 70s. Originally developed as a successor to the Fiat 600, the Fiat 1000 TCR Abarth was transformed into a racing machine once again by Carlo Abarth and his team. This generation, built from 1964 to 1970, stood out for its performance and agility. The car was powered by a 1.0-liter engine, which in the racing versions reached up to 112 horsepower. This power increase was achieved through the use of a special cylinder head, larger valves, and dual carburetors, making the engine more rev-happy and powerful.
The model car in a 1/18 scale, manufactured by Revell, presented here is an accurate replica of the original Fiat 1000 TCR Abarth. It is worth noting that this model was modified by the Modelly member "TrolleyJack" and hence does not represent the original product produced by Revell. Upon closer inspection, you can see fine details like sponsorship stickers including Shell, Bosch, and Ferodo. These small details give the model an authentic look and showcase the attention to detail with which it was crafted. Also, the front headlights and ventilation grilles, typical of the racing technology of that time, are striking.
The Fiat 1000 TCR Abarth was highly successful in various racing series and won numerous titles. The car became particularly well-known for its outstanding performances in endurance races and hill climbs. Some of the most famous drivers who piloted this car were Günther Amand and Hans Hermann, who played significant roles in furthering the success story of Fiat Abarth. The TCR Abarth was always at the forefront in various national championships and secured several class wins.
The technical specifications include a weight of approximately 600 kilograms (1322 pounds) and a top speed of up to 185 km/h (115 mph), which is a remarkable performance for such a small vehicle. The low center of gravity and wide tires provided excellent driving characteristics and impressive handling. The design of the Fiat 1000 TCR Abarth itself is characterized by its compact dimensions and the typical shape of a classic small car of the 60s, but the wide fenders and spoiler immediately reveal the potential of this racing car.
The model car modified by "TrolleyJack" features some visible changes inspired by the original. The prominent red racing stripes wrapping around and the additional ventilation grilles at the front stand out. The detailed and precise application of the race number 86 adds a real racing character to the model. The proportions of the model's wheels and tires look well-balanced and significantly contribute to the authentic overall impression. The accurate reproduction of the body shapes and the smallest details, like the sponsorship stickers from MARCHAL and S.E.V., perfectly completes the appearance.