Abarth - Everything You Need to Know | Up To Speed

You probably know the Fiat Abarth 500 hot hatch. But did you know Abarth is one of the first factory tuners in the world? The House of the Scorpion is so famous for making cars faster “Abarth” is slang for anything strong in Italy. Cool, but how did it get such a killer rep? And what does a cross-country race with a train have to do with it? Find these answers and more as host James Pumphrey investigates the history of Italy’s legendary tuning firm, Abarth!

New to Donut?

We upload almost every day, subscribe so you don't miss out!

Shop Donut Merch:

Donut Media is at the center of digital media for the next generation of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts. We are drivers, drifters, and car enthusiasts who love to tell stories.

[joost]

This Up to Speed just made me realise we need videos on the Italian coach builders. Pinifarina, Bertone and Zagato could all easily fill an episode.

[SailorTo]

Being born in Turin, you cannot imagine how much I enjoyed this video. It is so nice seeing you American guys telling a story about my City ! Great work !

[StaufferGarage]

Always wanted to drive one of the Abarth's. Seems like a go kart and the sounds are pretty badass for something like that

[StrayCatsYT]

Donut,
As one of literally tens of FIAT enthusiasts here in the states,
Thank you for this.

[JoseSanchez-emdt]

I’ve driven a 2018 Abarth 124 spider and not only is it fun as hell to drive, but it attracts positive attention from everyone, including those who aren’t car enthusiasts.
Smiles and waves and people asking “what car is that?”. Easily one of the best experiences in a car I’ve ever had.

[spatareve]

We, in Italy, also use to say (mostly in the past)
"you know what a hare is? An Abarth rabbit!"
As usual a very nice and precise video by you.! Thanks!

[fernandosestini]

I bought my 500 abarth I’m 2018, and since then the car is being pretty amazing…. It’s really fun to drive, and the engine is slow enough so you can have fun going thru all the gears before getting in too much trouble! Haha. I would highly recommend driving this car at least once ….. not a perfect car by any means, but super fun

[zackcurdes]

I love these types of episodes where you guys did deep into old racing/tuning culture, I had no clue abarths was ever a thing but then I get to go talk about this episode with my grandpa who used to race anything he could get his hands onto and learn a little more!

[rimRapr]

My dad (born in 1952) told me that it wasn't unusual for his friends and him to bring home Abarth exhausts from vacation in Italy. It was the stuff to have back then.

[FloridaCams]

I had a 2005 Stilo Abarth, man that thing was hilariously fun! 2.4l 5 cylinder, such a great sounding and handling car! It really was a track car for the road, so underrated!

[TheAllstar]

Finally, some REAL Up to Speed - I missed these videos.

[urock]

A modified 500 Abarth is some of the most fun you can have under $10K. Looks ridiculous, sounds ridiculous, and you just won't care. Love mine to pieces (sometimes literally).

[frankiedeuce]

I have owned a 2013 for 3 years. Bought it for 7 grand and I can easily say it is more fun than the 2016 Focus ST I Cobb tuned to 300hp. It ain't the speed (even thoughit's it's not slow), it's the way it handles any speed you through at it. And it's the perfect commuter. Parks anywhere, gets 30 mpg no matter how you drive, squirts through traffic because it's quick and small, and people stare at it because it's rare. We have a BMW 435i and a GLA45 AMG, and this thing is just as fun on the road!

[rae]

I’ve driven several 500 Abarths and can confirm they live up to the hype. Fun as hell and super easy to work on. The manual is a joy but sadly only has 5 speeds iirc. Interior quality is crappy but who cares when it’s a stock hatchback that’s literally shoots flames. I was dogging the shit out of one and making it pop a lot intentionally, 5 minutes later the sheriff comes up saying they had reports of multiple gunshots 😂

[allennewborn]

The first picture of the red 205a you showed made me almost emotional. A tear literally formed in my eye. That's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

[goose]

Actually the Lancia 037 was properly Abarth developed. Apart for this, great video. Probably in the top 3 best up to speed videos and if it helps more people to know better one of the most underrated car tuner/maker ever, I'm oh so in.

[michsaleeby]

Love the old Abarths, my grandpa had an old 80’s Fiat 124 and I wish he never sold it

[TrojanRabbit]

Normally I’m an old school rwd enthusiast but after my ‘stang had to be put down when a pickup thought stop signs were optional I wanted a smaller car. I tried an Abarth. It had so much personality that gave it a go. Few mods later & it earned top 3 fun ride that I owned. Drive it like it was stolen & don’t get in trouble. Also no reliability issues.

[MatteoBadini]

My grandfather had a 600 Abarth as it’s first car. He still tells me stories about that car. They were little, quirky rockets for the time!

[el_rex_]

More than two years waiting for this up to speed, finally! Thank you! As an Abarth owner is truly a pride to see the history of Mr. Carlo and to experience the passion for motoring built into this fun cars.