Abarth Simca 1300 GT

The Abarth Simca 1300 GT is a high-performance sports coupé developed through a collaboration between the Italian firm Abarth & C. and the French manufacturer Simca. Produced from 1962 to 1965, the vehicle was conceived as a competitive Grand Touring car for international motorsport, combining Italian engineering expertise with French manufacturing resources. The project was facilitated by engineer Rudolf Hruska, and it marked the beginning of a short but impactful partnership between the two companies. The model was based on the platform of the Simca 1000, a rear-engined compact car. While retaining some structural and mechanical components from the donor vehicle—such as the gearbox, steering, and suspension systems—the 1300 GT was extensively reengineered by Abarth. The chassis was shortened and reinforced to improve handling and rigidity, resulting in a wheelbase of 2,090 mm. The aluminum bodywork was initially crafted by Carrozzeria Beccaris and subsequently by Sibona-Basano, with the design supervised by Abarth’s chief engineer, Mario Colucci. The total weight of the vehicle was approximately 630 kilograms. Power was provided by a rear-mounted, 1,288 cc inline-four engine developed entirely by Abarth. The engine featured dual overhead camshafts, twin Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, and a dry sump lubrication system with twin oil pumps. It produced an output of approximately 125 horsepower at 7,200 rpm and enabled a top speed of 230 km/h. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed version offered as an option. The Abarth Simca 1300 GT achieved considerable success in competition, notably securing class victories at the 3 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1963. These results contributed to Abarth’s victory in the FIA International Grand Touring Championship Division I in 1964 and 1965. Production ended in 1965 following the dissolution of the Abarth-Simca partnership. The Abarth Simca 1300 GT remains a notable example of mid-20th-century sports car engineering and is recognized for its technical sophistication and competitive achievements.