Abarth 1000 Sport 131-MC Spider Tubolare

The Abarth 1000 Sport 131-MC Spider Tubolare was a prototype sports racing car developed in 1962 by Abarth & C. under the direction of engineer Mario Colucci. It formed part of a series of lightweight, small-displacement competition vehicles produced during the early 1960s, intended primarily for hillclimb and endurance competition in the under-1000 cc category. The designation “131-MC” refers to the chassis series and Colucci’s engineering input; “Spider Tubolare” denotes the car’s open body and tubular space-frame construction. The chassis consisted of a tubular steel frame with a 2,040 mm wheelbase. The car featured fully independent suspension and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. The powertrain comprised a 982 cc inline four-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts and twin carburettors. The engine produced approximately 130 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle’s dry weight was approximately 520 kilograms. Coachwork was fabricated by Beccaris of Turin and consisted of aluminium panels mounted over the tubular frame. The body featured a low-profile spider configuration with integrated fenders, a clamshell front section, and minimal frontal area. Aerodynamic treatment was functional, with priority given to low weight and efficient airflow management. Chassis number 131-003 is the best-documented example of the type. It was constructed in late 1962 and entered by the Abarth works team in competition events. Recorded drivers include Gianni Balzarini and Hans Herrmann. Following its active career, the car remained in Abarth’s internal collection until the 1990s. In 1997, it was acquired by Engelbert Moll of Bellach, Switzerland. The vehicle was later offered publicly at the Bonhams Goodwood Revival sale in 2014. The Abarth 1000 Sport 131-MC Spider Tubolare is a direct antecedent to the later Fiat-Abarth 1000 SP. It reflects Abarth’s design approach of mating lightweight space-frame construction with compact but highly tuned engines. Its configuration is representative of early 1960s European prototype racing design and engineering philosophy. Few examples were built; of these, only a small number are known to have survived. Chassis 131-003 remains extant and retains its original engine and bodywork.