1952 ABARTH 1500 BIPOSTO BAT 1
1952 ABARTH 1500 BIPOSTO BAT 1
The famous Scaglione Abarth 1500 Biposto (forerunner to the Bertone BAT cars)has long been an iconic design piece – it has featured on many programs including Jay Leno’s Garage and appeared at the Goodwood Festival in 2011 - the 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto BAT 1 was part of the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ enclosure at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – designed by Franco Scaglione and with coachwork by Nuccio Bertone this really is a work of automotive art.
There was only one Abarth 1500 Biposto manufactured, and after it was displayed at the 1952 Torino Auto Show it was purchased by Packard in the United States. It remained hidden for many years before being restored in the UK. In 2010 it appeared at the Concours de Elegance at Pebble Beach where it secured the coveted Gran Turismo Trophy. It has a fascinating story… Designed by Franco Scaglione, Nuccio Bertone and Carlo Abarth as a one-off for the 1952 Turin Motor Show, this Fiat 1500 Abarth appeared on the Fiat stand. Bertone went on to design the BAT 5, 7, and 9 based on Alfa Romeo chassis between 1953 and 1955… and what does B.A.T. stand for? Berlina Aerodinainca Technica. After arriving at Packard’s styling studio it was apparently admired by Richard Austin Smith of Fortune Magazine. Smith created a new slogan and the car was presented to Mr. Smith as ‘compensation’ for his suggested slogan. Fortune management allowed him to keep the car and it remained in his ownership until his death. Move forward a few years and it was discovered as a ‘barn find’ in New England.
And now the Abarth BAT will appear in the Classic & Sports Car magazine with stunning studio photography that will show off this Abarth’s curves – the April issue will be the biggest issue in the magazine’s history with over 400 pages to celebrate their 30th Anniversary!
1952 ABARTH 1500 BIPOSTO BAT 1
1952 ABARTH 1500 BIPOSTO BAT 1
The famous Scaglione Abarth 1500 Biposto (forerunner to the Bertone BAT cars)has long been an iconic design piece – it has featured on many programs including Jay Leno’s Garage and appeared at the Goodwood Festival in 2011 - the 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto BAT 1 was part of the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ enclosure at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – designed by Franco Scaglione and with coachwork by Nuccio Bertone this really is a work of automotive art.
There was only one Abarth 1500 Biposto manufactured, and after it was displayed at the 1952 Torino Auto Show it was purchased by Packard in the United States. It remained hidden for many years before being restored in the UK. In 2010 it appeared at the Concours de Elegance at Pebble Beach where it secured the coveted Gran Turismo Trophy. It has a fascinating story… Designed by Franco Scaglione, Nuccio Bertone and Carlo Abarth as a one-off for the 1952 Turin Motor Show, this Fiat 1500 Abarth appeared on the Fiat stand. Bertone went on to design the BAT 5, 7, and 9 based on Alfa Romeo chassis between 1953 and 1955… and what does B.A.T. stand for? Berlina Aerodinainca Technica. After arriving at Packard’s styling studio it was apparently admired by Richard Austin Smith of Fortune Magazine. Smith created a new slogan and the car was presented to Mr. Smith as ‘compensation’ for his suggested slogan. Fortune management allowed him to keep the car and it remained in his ownership until his death. Move forward a few years and it was discovered as a ‘barn find’ in New England.
And now the Abarth BAT will appear in the Classic & Sports Car magazine with stunning studio photography that will show off this Abarth’s curves – the April issue will be the biggest issue in the magazine’s history with over 400 pages to celebrate their 30th Anniversary!