Recognition for Abarth and Alfa Romeo at Silverstone Classic
Few car companies can boast such rich sporting heritages as either Abarth or Alfa Romeo – so it is no surprise that both legendary Italian marques will have a major presence at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26th-28th July).
Abarth’s presence is particularly pertinent as the manufacturer was founded in 1949 and is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
Abarth’s early creations were raced and hillclimbed by such gifted drivers as Tazio Nuvolari and Piero Taruffi and the new enterprise quickly earned itself an enviable sporty reputation – a repute that it maximised commercially by selling high-performance accessories to motor manufacturers such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo and BMW.
In the late 1970’s Abarth became Fiat’s racing department which led to such rally classics as the 124 and 131. The iconic Fiat Abarth 124 rally won the 1972 and 1975 (Group 4) World Rally Championship. The 124 rally was successful over a number of years until it was replaced by the 131. The Fiat 131 Abarth was a successful Group 4 rally car which won the manufacturers World Championship three times in 1977, ‘78 and ‘80.
Honouring its esteemed 70-year history, Abarth has chosen the Silverstone Classic to celebrate its platinum birthday with all those at this summer’s event. As well as offering test drives, Abarth will be holding an Autotest Challenge giving showgoers a wonderful chance to pit themselves against the clock when racing one of its latest models around a figure-of-eight course - it will be sporty, competitive and fun.
As partners in the massive event’s interactive Drive Live, both Abarth and Alfa Romeo will be offering visitors the chance to take latest models for a 30-minute test drive on the country roads surrounding the famous Northamptonshire circuit.
Additionally, those already lucky enough to own an Abarth or Alfa Romeo will also be treated to their own exclusive club house at Silverstone. Not only that, but there’s a special 70thanniversary track parade for the Abarth Owners Club on late Saturday afternoon.
“We are delighted that two great companies with such wonderful sporting pedigrees will be out in force at this year’s Classic,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “This is clearly a very special year for Abarth and I’m sure some of its unique Italian magic will rub off on all those coming to the Silverstone Classic at the end of July.”
