Building on the success of their 750 Zagato Coupé, Abarth worked on a 500cc version of the car for the 1957 Turin Motor Show. Abarth worked extensively on the two-cylinder engine by fitting twin Weber 26IMBs and a new 8.7:1 cylinder head, which raised peak power to 23 bhp at 5000 rpm. The car was put into limited production for both road and racing clients.
Zagato's body was similar to the 750 GT without the famed double-bubble roof. The smaller engine didn't require the large scoops on the engine lid. However, it did retain the unique rear-quarter windows. The 500 had less impact than the 750 GT, but Ovidio Cappelli did become the 500cc Italian Grand Touring champion in one of these diminutive racers.
Source: www.supercars.net
Images: www.bernimotori.com
