Abarth Simca 1300 GT
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| Abarth Simca 1300 GT[1] | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Abarth |
| Production | 1962–1965 |
| Designer | Mario Colucci |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Layout | FR |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1300 cc I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,090 mm (82.3 in) |
| Length | 3,550 mm (139.8 in) |
| Width | 1,480 mm (58.3 in) |
| Height | 1,140 mm (44.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 630 kg (1,389 lb) |
The Abarth-Simca 1300 GT is a sports racing car built by Abarth from 1962 to 1965.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
The Abarth-Simca 1300 was the first product born from the collaboration between Carlo Abarth and Simca. The negotiations between the two companies were mediated by the Austrian engineer Rudolf Hruska, who had previously worked with Carlo Abarth at Cisitalia in 1949 and was a technical consultant at Simca in the early 1960s. Simca owner Enrico Pigozzi was looking for a sports partner for his small cars, to be able to make racing versions, then agreed with Abarth to develop a family of cars using the Simca 1000 as a basis. Pigozzi hoped that the collaboration with Abarth could make the Simca brand affirm itself in motor racing.
The Abarth-Simca 1300 was based on the floor of the Simca 1000. The chassis, gearbox, steering, and front and rear axles were retained. The bodywork, on the other hand, was revolutionized with a new design, which followed the shape and rounded lines of coupé like the Fiat-Abarth 850 and Fiat-Abarth 1000. The project was developed by the chief engineer of Abarth Mario Colucci. To create the aluminum bodywork, Carlo Abarth and Colucci relied on small local companies: from 1963 onwards entirely to Carrozzeria Sibona-Basano, before that to Beccaris, both from Turin.
The engine was also completely redesigned. Also mounted at the rear, the displacement was increased to 1.3 liters and the cylinder head was equipped with a twin-shaft distribution, with the adoption of two Weber 45DCOE double-barrel carburetors; thanks to these modifications it delivered 125 hp. The lubrication was dry sump with two oil pumps and a radiator was fitted in the front. The GT road version reached a top speed of around 230 km/h (140 mph).[9][10]
