Alex's Random Abarth Facts Thread

[AlexK]

I'm writing some blurb about the history of Abarth that'll eventually go on the forum somewhere.

I always knew the history behind Abarth, the company and the man, was something very special, but even I've been surprised at some of the stuff I've discovered while doing the research for it.

I thought I would use this thread to post a random fact every now and then, for those that are interested.

To get you started, here's an easy one:

• Carlo Abarth was born Karl Alberto Abarth on November 15, 1908 in Vienna, Austria.  He changed his name to the more Italian-sounding 'Carlo' when he emigrated to Italy.

Here's one I hadn't really thought about:

• Most people know that the Abarth scorpion logo originates from Karl Abarth's birth in November, under the astrological sign of Scorpio.  However, did you know that his death on October 24, 1979 also falls under the sign of Scorpio?

Spooky, huh?

[magicmole]

There's an article about Abarth in this month's Motor Sport. It sounds as though he was a bit of a despot.

[Missing in Action]

please excuse my ignorance.... a what?

[Reteb]

A despot

[Missing in Action]

well there you go - you learn something new every day 

[John501]

I think Despot is taking it a bit far, he just had a great passion for what he did. Lets face it, if you were that good at what you do, you would be a bit hacked off if the staff wouldn't show a bit of passion.

[Missing in Action]

hmmm i think i really need to read into the history of abarth, iv always seen them for the brand and the racing but i have never looked into the history.

[Shep76S]

Perhaps fact number one should be how to pronounce Abarth!

[tony401195]

if you are Italian you would pronounce Abarth as Abart with a strong accent on the middle A. But he was Austrian so no idea how they pronounce it in Austria.

[Missing in Action]

i have always pronounced it as A-Barth, but i do know from watching countless videos on you tube of the italians and the pronounce it A-Bart...

i personally think in the context of the english language abarth fits a hell of a lot better, even though i know it is pronounce A-Bart

[Missing in Action]

oh yes and i read into the history of Abarth last night.... VERY VERY interesting and fasinating actually... anyone who hasnt already done so , i recormend doing it

[John501]

You could always buy the book from the merchandise section. Its a great read.

[magicmole]

I think Despot is taking it a bit far, he just had a great passion for what he did. Lets face it, if you were that good at what you do, you would be a bit hacked off if the staff wouldn't show a bit of passion.

We don't get any time allowed for passion where I work.

[OPC]

You could always buy the book from the merchandise section. Its a great read.

John,

I've just had a quick look in the merchandise section and have just realised that this book costs £42.95. 

And looking on the merchandise thread, it is only 98 pages long. This seems very expensive to me.

Could you tell me if it is particularly informative, or is it one of those glossy books that focuses mainly on pretty pictures and doesn't have much in the way of writing / information?

Also, does it mention anything about Abarth's involvement with the likes of Porsche, Simca and Lancia?

Your comments would be appreciated.

[OPC]

Alex,

Good idea with the thread on Abarth facts.

I've had a few thoughts myself. I've got some old books, Abarth and general Italian car / motorsport ones which I would be happy to give some reviews on. Not sure if they are all still available new, but places like Amazon always seem to have second hand books on these days anyway.

Also, is it worth having a motorsport section on the site?