Fiat racing and rally cars: books - history and technology

FIAT in Motorsport : Since 1899

An in-depth look at Fiat's historical and prestigious involvement in all forms of motorsport from the earliest days of racing right up to the present day. The achievements of the cars and drivers are described in detail, along with many original photographs, sourced from the official Fiat archives.

In the early days, before the First World War, Fiat was a major contender in Grand Prix racing, and employed many of the leading drivers of the era.
Although it withdrew from Grand Prix racing in 1927, Fiat cars were still to be seen participating in high-profile races, such as the Mille Miglia. In these events most Fiat models were sports editions of the highly successful 'Balilla' range.

In 1952 the introduction of the sensational 8V coupe resulted in many racing successes in private owners' hands, while the late 1950s saw the introduction of 'Formula Junior' class of racing and Fiat-engined cars were very successful in the early years.
In the 1970s, Abarth, then owned by Fiat, successfully ran the rally team, which resulted in three World Championships. Speed record attempts over the years are also detailed in this fascinating history of Fiat's sporting achievements.

Fiat en Grand Prix 1920-1930

" Fiat " et " Grand Prix "... l'association de ces termes est peu courante. Effectivement, pour le grand public, Fiat est surtout un grand constructeur de charmantes voitures populaires. Cette image est restrictive... et donc injuste. Fiat, c'est plus que cela !
Il fut un temps où Fiat non seulement était le représentant unique de l'Italie dans les Grand Prix internationaux, mais en plus y exerçait une domination sans partage. Le nom de Fiat ne pouvait apparaître sur les listes des engagés en Grand Prix sans provoquer un certain effroi dans les camps adverses, provoquant même des défections.
Quelles étaient les causes de cette domination humiliante ? Malgré la réputation de Turin en la matière, point de magie noire derrière tout cela ! Le succès de Fiat n'était dû qu'à de simples êtres humains, des hommes : des pilotes plus que talentueux bien sûr, mais aussi et surtout des ingénieurs et des techniciens exceptionnels, qui traçaient la voie à suivre en matière de technologie " course ".
Les concurrents qui tentaient de suivre le rythme effréné du constructeur turinois n'avaient alors pour finir pas d'autre solution que de le copier... ou mieux, d'aller débaucher des employés du bureau d'études Fiat. Ils ancraient ainsi l'influence décisive de la technologie Fiat dans l'Histoire de la course automobile.
Avec ce livre, l'auteur nous fait pénétrer au cœur du bureau d'études le plus secret et le plus influent des années 1920 !

Fiat da rally

Fiat started to compete in rallying in the early 20th century, with the first regularity races in Italy and other countries. This book documents the involvement of Fiat in rallying through hundreds of previously unpublished pictures, supported by a precise text that historically relates the facts.

The publication also tells the story of Fiat's participation in the single model trophy events of the last 30 years - with the Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Stilo, Punto and Panda - as well as the Fiat factory's return to the rallying with the Grande Punto S2000.

Text in Italian.

Abarth - La magie du scorpion

Initially a manufacturer of "marmita" (sport exhausts), then a tuner of mainly Fiat engines, Carlo Abarth brought all his technical expertise to the creation of racing cars which, right up to the 1970s, won class victories in international competitions, particularly in small displacement classes. Later absorbed by Fiat, the Abarth brand has endured to this day, remaining synonymous with uncompromising performance!

This book explores this rare subject by presenting a series of Abarth's most emblematic models, using original, previously unpublished photographs to retrace the main lines of the Scorpion's rich history.

Abarth (1950-1971) - Brooklands Road Test Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Abarth models from the years 1950-1971. Describes the Abarth 500, 595, 695, 750, 850, 1000, 1300, 1600, 2200SS, GT, TC, OT, Zagato, Allemano, Scorpion, Simca and Porsche Carrera.

• The 84 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.
• Gives also advice for the purchase of an used Abarth 500.

Click here to know more about the Brooklands Portfolio books

Fiat Abarth (1972-1987) - Brooklands Road Test Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Fiat Abarth sports models from the years 1972-1987. Describes the Fiat 124 and 131 Rally, Strada, Ritmo Abarth 125TC and Fiat Abarth 130TC. Also advice for purchase of a pre-owned Fiat Abarth.

• The articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

Click here to know more about the Brooklands Portfolio books