Fiat Abarth

1 43 RARE HANDMADE PROGETTO K 68 FIAT ABARTH 850 GR5 N BANG
1 43 RARE HANDMADE PROGETTO K 68 FIAT ABARTH 850 GR5 N BANG $17.99
Time Remaining: 3d 7h 58m

Bburago Fiat Abarth 500 2008 Black 1 18
Bburago Fiat Abarth 500 2008 Black 1 18 $28.95
Time Remaining: 22d 11h 53m
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2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH BLACK 1 18 DIECAST MODEL CAR BY BBURAGO 11028
2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH BLACK 1 18 DIECAST MODEL CAR BY BBURAGO 11028 $30.99
Time Remaining: 24d 13h 19m
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FIAT ABARTH 500 SS ESSESE WHITE 1 24 DIECAST CAR MODEL BY BBURAGO 21057
FIAT ABARTH 500 SS ESSESE WHITE 1 24 DIECAST CAR MODEL BY BBURAGO 21057 $13.99
Time Remaining: 29d 9h 23m
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Matchbox 9 Fiat Abarth Euro Version MINT
Matchbox 9 Fiat Abarth Euro Version MINT $19.99
Time Remaining: 3d 17h 54m

KYOSHO 118 1981 FIAT 131 ABARTH RALLY PORTUGAL 1
KYOSHO 118 1981 FIAT 131 ABARTH RALLY PORTUGAL 1 $84.99
Time Remaining: 22d 14h 58m
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KYOSHO 118 1980 FIAT 131 ABARTH RALLY MONTE CARLO 10
KYOSHO 118 1980 FIAT 131 ABARTH RALLY MONTE CARLO 10 $84.99
Time Remaining: 29d 21h 7m
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Michelle Conti Model 143 Fiat Abarth Prototipo White Metal Rare Conti 1
Michelle Conti Model 143 Fiat Abarth Prototipo White Metal Rare Conti 1 $12.50 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 4d 9h 39m

Bburago Fiat Abarth 500 Esseesse White 1 24
Bburago Fiat Abarth 500 Esseesse White 1 24 $12.80
Time Remaining: 15d 15h 45m
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143 Brumm Fiat Abarth 69 28
143 Brumm Fiat Abarth 69 28 $24.95
Time Remaining: 27d 10h
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MATCHBOX SUPERFAST FIAT ABARTH 9 D 1982
MATCHBOX SUPERFAST FIAT ABARTH 9 D 1982 $2.50
Time Remaining: 4d 10h 28m

BBURAGO 18 21057 FIAT ABARTH 500 SS ESSESE 1 24 WHITE
BBURAGO 18 21057 FIAT ABARTH 500 SS ESSESE 1 24 WHITE $12.99
Time Remaining: 29d 10h 22m
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NEW Tamiya 1 24 Fiat Abarth 695SS Limited 89675 NIB
NEW Tamiya 1 24 Fiat Abarth 695SS Limited 89675 NIB $26.59
Time Remaining: 28d 8h 44m
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SPECIAL ITALIAN CARS FIAT ABARTH OT 1300 PERISCOPIO 1967 DIECAST METAL 143 NEW
SPECIAL ITALIAN CARS FIAT ABARTH OT 1300 PERISCOPIO 1967 DIECAST METAL 143 NEW $9.99
Time Remaining: 4d 14h 8m
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C CONTI MODELS CM 34 1977 1978 FIAT ABARTH RITMO ABARTH GR 2 CAR No 292 oza
C CONTI MODELS CM 34 1977 1978 FIAT ABARTH RITMO ABARTH GR 2 CAR No 292 oza $54.22
Time Remaining: 28d 10h 41m
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143 Brumm Fiat Abarth 69 38
143 Brumm Fiat Abarth 69 38 $24.95
Time Remaining: 27d 9h 53m
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SPECIAL ITALIAN CARS FIAT ABARTH 2000 SPORT SPIDER 1970 DIECAST METAL 143 NEW
SPECIAL ITALIAN CARS FIAT ABARTH 2000 SPORT SPIDER 1970 DIECAST METAL 143 NEW $9.99
Time Remaining: 4d 14h 8m
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1983 Matchbox no 9 Fiat Abarth MOC
1983 Matchbox no 9 Fiat Abarth MOC $4.24
Time Remaining: 9d 13h 14m
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FIAT 124 ABARTH 2 1975 RALLY WARSZAWSKI WINNER 1 18 BY SUNSTAR 4950
FIAT 124 ABARTH 2 1975 RALLY WARSZAWSKI WINNER 1 18 BY SUNSTAR 4950 $49.99
Time Remaining: 6d 6h 38m
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BBURAGO 18 21043 FIAT ABARTH 500 1 24 RED
BBURAGO 18 21043 FIAT ABARTH 500 1 24 RED $12.99
Time Remaining: 29d 10h 22m
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SPECIAL ITALIAN CARS FIAT ABARTH 1300 LUFTHANSA 1964 DIECAST METAL 143 NEW
SPECIAL ITALIAN CARS FIAT ABARTH 1300 LUFTHANSA 1964 DIECAST METAL 143 NEW $9.99
Time Remaining: 4d 14h 9m
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BbURAGO 118 2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH NEW DIECAST MODEL CAR BLACK RED
BbURAGO 118 2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH NEW DIECAST MODEL CAR BLACK RED $32.99
Time Remaining: 10d 8h 55m
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Bburago Fiat Abarth 500 2008 White 1 24
Bburago Fiat Abarth 500 2008 White 1 24 $12.80
Time Remaining: 7d 19h 29m
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SPECIAL ITALIAN CARS FIAT ABARTH 2000 SPORT SPIDER 1969 DIECAST METAL 143 NEW
SPECIAL ITALIAN CARS FIAT ABARTH 2000 SPORT SPIDER 1969 DIECAST METAL 143 NEW $9.99
Time Remaining: 4d 14h 10m
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Bburago Fiat Abarth 500 2008 Red 1 18
Bburago Fiat Abarth 500 2008 Red 1 18 $29.95
Time Remaining: 22d 11h 10m
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1972 FIAT 124 ABARTH RALLY 1 43 scale model by STARLINE
1972 FIAT 124 ABARTH RALLY 1 43 scale model by STARLINE $12.56
Time Remaining: 23d 28m
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SPECIAL ITALIAN CARS FIAT ABARTH 2000 SPORT SPIDER MC 1967 DIECAST METAL 143
SPECIAL ITALIAN CARS FIAT ABARTH 2000 SPORT SPIDER MC 1967 DIECAST METAL 143 $9.99
Time Remaining: 4d 14h 10m
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Bburago Fiat Abarth 500 2008 Red 1 24
Bburago Fiat Abarth 500 2008 Red 1 24 $12.80
Time Remaining: 21d 14h 30m
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Vintage Tootsietoy Fiat Abarth EX NM
Vintage Tootsietoy Fiat Abarth EX NM $2.50
Time Remaining: 29d 10h 58m
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143 LUSO FIAT 131 ABARTH WINNER 1980 RALLYE DE PORTUGAL ROHRL GEISTDORFER
143 LUSO FIAT 131 ABARTH  WINNER 1980 RALLYE DE PORTUGAL  ROHRL GEISTDORFER $10.99
Time Remaining: 5d 14h 35m

Bburago Star Abarth 2008 Fiat 500 White Red Checker Roof 1 24 Diecast cars
Bburago Star Abarth 2008 Fiat 500 White Red Checker Roof 1 24 Diecast cars $15.95
Time Remaining: 11d 21h 47m
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Fiat 131 Abarth 12 Mouton at 1980 Rallye Monte Carlo IXO Altaya 1 43 NEW
Fiat 131 Abarth 12 Mouton at 1980 Rallye Monte Carlo IXO Altaya 1 43 NEW $15.99
Time Remaining: 21d 9h 45m
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TOMICA F11 FIAT 131 ABARTH MADE IN JAPAN 1979 JUST FOR COLLECTORS
TOMICA F11 FIAT 131 ABARTH MADE IN JAPAN 1979 JUST FOR COLLECTORS $19.90 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 8h

MATCHBOX FIAT ABARTH MADE IN ENGLAND MB09 IN BOX FREE SHIPPING
MATCHBOX FIAT ABARTH MADE IN ENGLAND MB09 IN BOX FREE SHIPPING $8.99
Time Remaining: 27d 12h 45m
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BbURAGO 124 2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH NEW DIECAST MODEL CAR RED
BbURAGO 124 2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH NEW DIECAST MODEL CAR RED $14.99
Time Remaining: 8d 10h 16m
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Vintage Tootsietoy Die Cast 55 Ford Fiat Abarth
Vintage Tootsietoy Die Cast 55 Ford  Fiat Abarth $1.00
Time Remaining: 12h 8m

Bburago 2008 Fiat 500 Abarth Checker Black 1 18 Diecast Cars NEW
Bburago 2008 Fiat 500 Abarth Checker Black 1 18 Diecast Cars NEW $34.95
Time Remaining: 20d 19h 42m
Buy It Now for only: $34.95

AutoBianchi Fiat 112 Abarth in Yellow from Metro Models 1 43 NEW
AutoBianchi Fiat 112 Abarth in Yellow from Metro Models 1 43 NEW $9.99
Time Remaining: 18d 11h 54m
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143 Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Protolipo CuneoSE14 1969
143 Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Protolipo CuneoSE14 1969 $10.50
Time Remaining: 8d 1h 28m
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1 18 FIAT ABARTH 695 SS 1963 RALLY YAT MING
1 18 FIAT ABARTH 695 SS 1963 RALLY YAT MING $37.99
Time Remaining: 7d 4h 47m

Road Signature 118 Scale Fiat Abarth 695SS
Road Signature 118 Scale Fiat Abarth 695SS $39.50
Time Remaining: 3d 11h 35m
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TootsieToy Fiat Abarth Red 1960s
TootsieToy Fiat Abarth Red 1960s $1.74
Time Remaining: 2d 11h 42m
Buy It Now for only: $1.74

IXOfiat 124 Abarth Rally car1 43 Diecast model
IXOfiat 124 Abarth Rally car1 43 Diecast model $5.03 (15 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1d 8h 47m

SOLIDO FIAT ABARTH RECORD CAR 61 OBSOLETE REEDITION MIB
SOLIDO FIAT ABARTH RECORD CAR 61 OBSOLETE REEDITION MIB $23.56
Time Remaining: 18d 7h 43m
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1 43 Fiat Abarth 1000 Berlina Corsa 63 1963
1 43 Fiat Abarth 1000 Berlina Corsa 63 1963 $9.50
Time Remaining: 25d 14h 37m
Buy It Now for only: $9.50

IXOFiat 131 Abarth Rally car1 43 Diecast model
IXOFiat 131 Abarth Rally car1 43 Diecast model $11.00 (7 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1d 9h 47m

FIAT 600 ABARTH 1961 143 BARGAIN MODEL SOLIDO NEW IT014
FIAT 600 ABARTH 1961 143 BARGAIN MODEL SOLIDO NEW IT014 $14.13
Time Remaining: 7d 4h 11m
Buy It Now for only: $14.13

FIAT ABARTH 695 FERRARI TRIBUTE RED 118 DIECAST MODEL CAR BY MONDO 50107
FIAT ABARTH 695 FERRARI TRIBUTE RED 118 DIECAST MODEL CAR BY MONDO 50107 $27.99
Time Remaining: 7d 14h 27m
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Fujimi 1 24 Fiat Abarth 695 w pe
Fujimi 1 24 Fiat Abarth 695 w pe $50.00
Time Remaining: 2d 6h 10m
Buy It Now for only: $55.00

1 43 FIAT ABARTH Punto Super 1600 Rally 2002
1 43 FIAT ABARTH Punto Super 1600 Rally 2002 $8.50
Time Remaining: 7d 1h 48m
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BbURAGO 124 2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH NEW DIECAST MODEL CAR WHITE
BbURAGO 124 2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH NEW DIECAST MODEL CAR WHITE $14.99
Time Remaining: 8d 10h 16m
Buy It Now for only: $14.99

TEAM SLOT FIAT ABARTH 500 NEW 1 32
TEAM SLOT FIAT ABARTH 500 NEW 1 32 $99.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 2d 15h 55m

Nice 1 43 Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Starline Models Nrnberg Germany
Nice 1 43 Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Starline Models Nrnberg Germany $16.99
Time Remaining: 19d 14h 6m
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Vintage Diecast Tootsie Fiat Abarth
Vintage Diecast Tootsie Fiat Abarth $1.99
Time Remaining: 9d 10h 46m
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MATCHBOX LESNEY SUPERFAST FIAT ABARTH 9 D4 1982
MATCHBOX LESNEY SUPERFAST FIAT ABARTH  9 D4 1982 $3.99
Time Remaining: 3d 4h 50m

1 43 Fiat Grande Punto Abarth S2000 2007
1 43 Fiat Grande Punto Abarth S2000 2007 $9.50
Time Remaining: 20d 16h 36m
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FIAT 600D 600 MULTIPLA LA MARMITTA ABARTH 1 18
FIAT 600D 600 MULTIPLA LA MARMITTA ABARTH 1 18 $119.99
Time Remaining: 28d 20h 14m
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Brumm Fiat Abarth 1000 Berlina 4 ore Monza Leo Cella R369C
Brumm Fiat Abarth 1000 Berlina 4 ore Monza Leo Cella R369C $23.50
Time Remaining: 23d 4h 16m
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RARE FIAT ABARTH 131 9 ALITALIA RALLY PORTUGAL 78 ROERL KYOSHO K08371B 118
RARE FIAT ABARTH 131 9 ALITALIA RALLY PORTUGAL 78 ROERL KYOSHO K08371B 118 $90.00 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 3d 7h 41m

BBURAGO 2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH 1 18 DIECAST BLACK RED
BBURAGO 2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH 1 18 DIECAST BLACK RED $29.99
Time Remaining: 10d 8h 51m
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BbURAGO 124 FIAT 500 ABARTH ESSESSE NEW DIECAST MODEL CAR WHITE WHITE RIMS
BbURAGO 124 FIAT 500 ABARTH ESSESSE NEW DIECAST MODEL CAR WHITE WHITE RIMS $14.99
Time Remaining: 15d 13h 14m
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Rare TOOTSIE Toy Classic FIAT ABARTH Sports Car Made in USA GC
Rare TOOTSIE Toy Classic FIAT ABARTH Sports Car Made in USA GC $7.84
Time Remaining: 3d 10h 50m

1 43 GAMA Fiat Abarth RARE
1 43 GAMA Fiat Abarth RARE $12.99
Time Remaining: 25d 12h 1m
Buy It Now for only: $12.99

2008 FIAT ABARTH 500 RED 1 24 DIECAST CAR MODEL BY BBURAGO 21043
2008 FIAT ABARTH 500 RED 1 24 DIECAST CAR MODEL BY BBURAGO 21043 $13.99
Time Remaining: 26d 4h 53m
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2 fiat abarth tootsietoy cars red
2 fiat abarth tootsietoy cars red $0.99
Time Remaining: 3d 13h 22m
Buy It Now for only: $5.00

FIAT SEAT 131 ABARTH RED 1976
FIAT SEAT 131 ABARTH RED 1976 $15.50
Time Remaining: 4d 9h 6m
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143 Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE019 1970
143 Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE019 1970 $12.50
Time Remaining: 12d 3h 54m
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DISNEY PIXAR CARS 2 FRANK CLUTCHENSON Fiat 500 Abarth fan of Francesco
DISNEY PIXAR CARS 2 FRANK CLUTCHENSON Fiat 500 Abarth fan of Francesco $2.81 (13 Bids)
Time Remaining: 3d 17h 29m

1960s Tootsietoy Lot Wedge Dragster Fiat Abarth Roadster 2 Hot Rods Dune Buggy
1960s Tootsietoy Lot Wedge Dragster Fiat Abarth Roadster 2 Hot Rods Dune Buggy $12.25
Time Remaining: 25d 15h 23m
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Starline Fiat 750 Abarth Coupe White color 1 43 New
Starline Fiat 750 Abarth Coupe White color 1 43 New $10.99
Time Remaining: 22d 4h 1m
Buy It Now for only: $10.99

Fiat 124 ABARTH l Netto Ixo Rallye Portugal 1973 RARE
Fiat 124 ABARTH l Netto Ixo Rallye Portugal 1973 RARE $5.03 (3 Bids)
Time Remaining: 4d 28m

Matchbox Fiat Abarth No 9
Matchbox Fiat Abarth No 9 $7.00
Time Remaining: 11d 17h 16m
Buy It Now for only: $7.00

1976 FIAT 131 ABARTH in Red 1 43 scale model by NOREV Damaged Faulty
1976 FIAT 131 ABARTH in Red 1 43 scale model by NOREV  Damaged Faulty $15.64
Time Remaining: 25d 10h 10m
Buy It Now for only: $15.64

IXO Fiat 131 Abarth 1977 Rally car1 43 Diecast model
IXO Fiat 131 Abarth 1977 Rally car1 43 Diecast model $6.60 (4 Bids)
Time Remaining: 5d 8h 53m

1960s Vintage Tootsietoy Fiat Abarth Blue hard to find USA Made
1960s Vintage Tootsietoy Fiat Abarth Blue hard to find  USA Made $4.25
Time Remaining: 9d 7h 53m
Buy It Now for only: $4.25

Bburago Star Abarth 2008 Fiat 500 Red 1 24 Diecast cars
Bburago Star Abarth 2008 Fiat 500 Red 1 24 Diecast cars $15.95
Time Remaining: 21d 21h 11m
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2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH WHITE WITH CHECKERS ON THE ROOF 124 BY BBURAGO 21043
2008 FIAT 500 ABARTH WHITE WITH CHECKERS ON THE ROOF 124 BY BBURAGO 21043 $13.99
Time Remaining: 22d 16h 41m
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Matchbox Superfast Blue Box MB74 Fiat Abarth Alitalia MIB
Matchbox Superfast Blue Box MB74 Fiat Abarth Alitalia MIB $5.42
Time Remaining: 6d 2h 17m

1 24 Gunze FIAT ABARTH 1000TCR BERLINA Model kit NIB
1 24 Gunze FIAT ABARTH 1000TCR BERLINA Model kit  NIB $72.00
Time Remaining: 28d 7h 32m
Buy It Now for only: $72.00

Tamiya 51424 1 10 Fiat Abarth 1000 TCR Berlina Corse Body Set M03 M05 M05 Pro
Tamiya 51424 1 10 Fiat Abarth 1000 TCR Berlina Corse Body Set M03 M05 M05 Pro $32.80
Time Remaining: 9d 22h 7m
Buy It Now for only: $32.80

89675 TAMIYA Fiat Abarth 695 Historic Car Model Kit 1 24
89675 TAMIYA Fiat Abarth 695 Historic Car Model Kit 1 24 $22.99
Time Remaining: 6d 20h 46m

KYOSHO FIAT 131 ABARTH WORKS RALLY WINNER 1 18 10
KYOSHO FIAT 131 ABARTH WORKS RALLY WINNER 1 18  10 $81.99
Time Remaining: 6d 7h 17m
Buy It Now for only: $81.99

FIAT 131 ABARTH OLIO 1977 RALLY PORTUGAL WINNER 1 18 3
FIAT 131 ABARTH OLIO 1977 RALLY PORTUGAL WINNER 1 18 3 $81.99
Time Remaining: 14d 3h 49m
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Tamiya Fiat Abarth 1000TCR Berlina Corsa M02 manual 58158
Tamiya Fiat Abarth 1000TCR Berlina Corsa M02 manual 58158 $4.86
Time Remaining: 6d 23h 49m

19335209 Tamiya Fiat Abarth Berlina Corsa Wheels 2 Pair
19335209 Tamiya Fiat Abarth Berlina Corsa Wheels 2 Pair $12.00
Time Remaining: 22d 5h 28m
Buy It Now for only: $12.00

Lot of 8 TootsieToy Fiat Abarth Racers Decent All Tires Roll
Lot of 8 TootsieToy Fiat Abarth Racers Decent All Tires Roll $18.50
Time Remaining: 17d 10h 10m
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VINTAGE TOOTSIETOY FIAT ABARTH MINI DIE CAST CAR
VINTAGE TOOTSIETOY FIAT ABARTH MINI DIE CAST CAR $5.00
Time Remaining: 4d 17h 53m

TodaysMotorSports 2 61 CERV 1 Fiat Abarth Derivazione+
TodaysMotorSports 2 61 CERV 1 Fiat Abarth Derivazione+ $15.95
Time Remaining: 7d 14h 28m
Buy It Now for only: $15.95

BBURAGO 2008 DA FIAT 500 ABARTH DIE CAST BLACK W CHECKER TOP 1 18 NEW 18 18028
BBURAGO 2008 DA FIAT 500 ABARTH DIE CAST BLACK W CHECKER TOP 1 18 NEW 18 18028 $34.99
Time Remaining: 10d 11h 3m
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1982 LESNEY MATCHBOX 75 FIAT ABARTH 9 SUPERFAST NEW IN BOX
1982 LESNEY MATCHBOX 75 FIAT ABARTH 9  SUPERFAST NEW IN BOX $0.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 6d 5h

KYOSHO FIAT 131 ABARTH WORKS RALLY WINNER 1 18 1
KYOSHO FIAT 131 ABARTH WORKS RALLY WINNER 1 18  1 $81.99
Time Remaining: 21d 3h 27m
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2008 FIAT ABARTH 500 RED 118 DIECAST MODEL CAR BY BBURAGO 11028
2008 FIAT ABARTH 500 RED 118 DIECAST MODEL CAR BY BBURAGO 11028 $30.99
Time Remaining: 27d 10h 15m
Buy It Now for only: $30.99

Fiat Abarth

New Car Review: Fiat 500, Deep in the heart of Texas

The Fiat 500, the original was a response to the Suez Crisis of 1956, the post war European economy was beginning to wake up and by 1955 half of all ships passing through the Suez Canal were oil tankers. Fiat no stranger to small cars had released the Fiat 600 in 1955, but with the oil crisis of 1956 it was clear that a even more fuel efficient car was needed for the growing urban centers in Europe. The Fiat 500 is considered by many to be the first "City Car". But that is enough history, today people are just as concerned about oil prices, cities are still growing, and people are looking for stylish alternatives to the standard econo-box hatchback. Just as it was in the late 1950's the Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper stepped up to answer the call with cars that have a little personality.

As a car lover I could not wait for the new Fiat 500 to hit US Shores, I had owned several classic Fiats over the years, but had not driven a new Fiat since my last trip to Europe. So I did what most people would do and headed over to the local dealership (they call them studios) the showrooms are slick, clean red and white paneling, smooth Italian styled cabinets and displays, a coffee bar, and lots of glass. The only problem with the dealer is that no one would walk out and help me. After spending 20 mins walking around the lot, looking at every car, no one would come out. Now back when I sold cars, you get someone on the lot, at 10AM on a weekday, that's a good opportunity. So I made my way into the showroom where I found no-one, I began to wonder if I had missed the rapture, but at last I spotted a salesperson sitting a glass office. I waved, shouted, and he looked up with little regard, and turned back to whatever it was he was doing. So needless to say, the first drive of a 500 would not come from Fiat of Ontario. I reached out to them, but that is another story for another time. I was headed to Dallas.

Dallas...

I landed in Dallas, it was over 100 degrees and the humidity from incoming thunderstorms made it feel even hotter. I watched as people darted in and out of air-conditioned cars into the terminal and back again, as if they could avoid feeling the heat. "CC66...sir,sir, your car is parked in CC66" said the lady from behind the counter. "Thank you" I said as a fumbled for my sunglasses. Outside the air was as thick, the heat was intense, the kind of heat you can only experience on blacktop, where it radiates from all directions. CC66, there it was bright red, one of only four colors an Italian car can really be.

Getting into the car I began to acclimate myself with all the bells and whistles, for someone that drives a 1969 Mini Cooper everyday the number of flashing lights and dials was impressive, and slightly overwhelming. The window buttons are not on the door and after a few moments searching I discovered them on the center console. For a car that is so small some buttons (such as the passenger side window) are kind of a reach for the driver. Thankfully this car was equipped with the steering-wheel mounted radio controls. The car seemed to get mixed reactions as a drove into town, some people would thumbs up, others from their towering pickups would shake their head as if to shame me, still others looked at me as if I were Al-Qaeda descending on their city.

The body color dash panel is a nice touch, it gives the car that 1960's feel that they were going for, however, I just know some aftermarket company is going to come up with a simulated carbon fiber snap on cover for it. If you buy a 500 please avoid the urge to install wood or carbon fiber anywhere on it. For some reason, Fiat has decided to market the accessories under the MOPAR name here in the US. Because when you think MOPAR you think small and European. So far they have mostly come up with chrome fuel doors, mirror covers, decals, and the normal racks for all the extreme sports you will be doing in your Fiat. Don't worry they already coming out with MOPAR seat covers, shift knobs, and wheel centers for your Fiat.

The seats are trimmed in cloth and vinyl, they are comfortable and supportive, for an inexpensive car have a good range of movement. The back seats fold nicely, but with the seats up you have just about enough truck space for a fat Basset Hound. With the seat down you have more room than the MINI, and about the same as the new Mazda 2/Ford Fiesta.

Driving all over Dallas I found myself looking at maps since there was no built in Navigation. I know that the dashboard layout does not lend itself to a navigation system, but MINI figured it out. Instead of doing it the right way Fiat has teamed up with Tom Tom, with a special edition Tom Tom dock that is mounted on the top of the dash, the system takes up about half of the windscreen and looks like a dirty thrift-store t-shirt under a Armani suit.The Navigation system is a $400 option and for that money your better off just getting the standard $149 Tom Tom with the large window blocking suction cup mount and spending the rest of that money on 512 $0.49 red burritos from Del Taco.

That does bring up the price, while the basic model does start at $15,500 the pricing quickly spikes up from there. The top of the line Fiat 500 Lounge C (C is for Cabriolet) will set you back $23,500 and that's before you add the options. You want heated fronts seats and an auto dimming mirror that will be $450. Leather $1,250. A wifi hot spot in the car? give'em $499. Special order color $849, a red white and green racing sticker down the side? $399 so it all adds up pretty quickly. All said you can kit out a Fiat 500 to just under $30,000...and that is before you start adding your MOPAR parts to it.

So...ummm...yeah...$30K....Fiat 500....hummmmm. If you really have you heart set on an Italian Convertible for around $30K, I would suggest a previously loved Maserati Spyder, Qvale Mangusta, or go British and pick up a gently used Lotus Elise. With the Lotus you get the best of a Fiat... its small, impractical, flashy, and gets good gas mileage. But you get one thing that the current Fiat can't give you....the Lotus is also fun to drive.
So how does the Fiat 500 drive, well the as tested Fiat 500 Sport, came in at just over $19K, the car is a "sport" because it has a button that says so on the dash. I think it is just the overdrive button most automatic cars have that disengages the overdrive. But this one says Sport so therefore it makes the car more sporty. It also gets the sporty alloy wheels and some other styling upgrades. However, the 101hp and 98 lb-ft of torque do little to inspire a sporty driving experience. (The Turbocharged Abarth model is needed ASAP.)

The sport model would have benefited with steering wheel mounted shifters since reaching for the shifter to do the +/- "Sport" shifting gets old quick and I ended up just putting it back in drive. The dash board mounted shifter is just far enough out of reach to feel uncomfortable, a feeling I got in the manual transmission version as well. I kept looking for the low between the seats, well placed shifter of my classic Mini Cooper that allowed you top push and pull the gear changes. This feels more like a toggle switch that has to be pulled at an odd angle. Fiat may have designed the shifter this was as keeping both hands on the wheel is important when you are driving the 500 at speed. Take a corner and the car feels like it is going to pitch over and roll, the back end bounces and misses no opportunity to take flight. This translates into a unsettled and uncontrolled feeling in any corner that is not perfectly smooth and level. The four-wheel discs do allow to brake later, keeping momentum is important in the 500. I was hoping for more of an original Golf GTI or Classic Mini Cooper feel in the handling department, but the only go-kart similarity the 500 has is the wheelbase.

Perhaps we are asking too much from the 500, it is about 6 grand less than a comparable MINI, and while the MINI has a racing heritage and pedigree, the standard 500 was never known as a performer, it took Abarth who doubled the cubic inches, and reworked the entire suspension and chassis to make it a worthwhile racer. The standard Fiat 500 is serving its purpose the original was intended for, a cute, affordable (if you go with a base model), city car that can deliver MPG in the high 30's. It has a good A/C system, good fit and finish, it looks the part, but the "Sport" is a bit misleading.

It will take some time to see if the new 500 has more than just the cuteness appeal, once those who buy the car as a fashion accessory are done shopping will the drawbacks make the 500 this years SMART-CAR?

About the Author

Michael Satterfield has worked in the automotive industry for over 10 years, the majority of that time focused on Internet Sales and Marketing, in 2007 Michael founded Satterfield Group Int. a consulting firm dedicated to helping small businesses in the automotive aftermarket. Also in 2007 Michael launched Morgan's & Phillip's, a retro clothing company that produces licensed apparel including official Shelby, Barris, and many other iconic American brands.

E-mail Michael directly at michael@satterfieldgroup.com

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