Abarth 1500 Biposto: Italy’s Boldest Experimental Coupe

Concept Courage - Italy has long been celebrated as a cradle of automotive artistry, where passion meets precision to create some of the world’s most beautiful machines. From the cobblestone streets of Turin to the sun-drenched roads of Modena, Italy has consistently delivered vehicles that are not only fast but also breathtaking in design. Among these rolling works of art stands a particularly fascinating gem from the early 1950s—the Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe.

The 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe is also known as the first series of B.A.T. (Berlina Aerodinamica Technica) which features a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder inline engine, which can produce 75 horsepower. (Picture from: Brian Snelson in Flickr)

Unveiled in 1952, this experimental coupe was the result of a bold vision by Carlo Abarth, the founder of the Turin-based Abarth & C. S.p.A. Known primarily for producing race cars and performance-tuned vehicles under the Fiat Group umbrella, Abarth took a creative leap with the 1500 Biposto. To bring the idea to life, Abarth teamed up with Bertone, one of Italy’s most iconic design houses, and entrusted the car’s shape to a young designer named Franco Scaglione.

Front view of 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Scaglione’s work was nothing short of dramatic. When the Abarth 1500 Biposto debuted at the Turin Motor Show, it made a striking first impression. Its face was dominated by a trio of headlights that pushed forward confidently, flanked by distinctive air intakes that gave the front an aerodynamic flair. The look was unconventional and futuristic, resembling other visionary cars of the era like the Tucker 48 or Torpedo, yet still completely its own.

Right side view of 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

The coupe’s side and rear profiles were equally bold. Its thin rear fins hinted at American automotive trends that wouldn’t fully emerge for another few years, and its split rear window added a touch of modern elegance. The entire body flowed with a sense of motion, as if shaped by wind rather than hands. It was both form and function—an artistic experiment wrapped around a mechanical heart.

Right side view of 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

That heart was a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 75 horsepower. With its overhead valve setup and twin Weber carburetors, the car wasn’t just about looks—it had a spirited performance to match. Paired with a four-speed gearbox and drum brakes, it was a capable prototype that matched its visual daring with mechanical credibility.

 

Interestingly, the Abarth 1500 Biposto is considered a key influence behind the later B.A.T. (Berlina Aerodinamica Technica) series developed by Alfa Romeo, also in collaboration with Bertone. Its adventurous lines and aerodynamic focus helped lay the groundwork for a whole new design philosophy in Italy’s automotive world. 

Rear-right view of 1952 Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours. (Picture from: Robert Knight in Flickr)

After turning heads in Turin, the car caught the attention of the Packard Motor Car Company in the United States. Eager to bring some Italian flair to Detroit, Packard acquired the prototype and used it as a source of inspiration. Eventually, in 1953, it was gifted to automotive journalist Dick Smith for his contribution to Packard’s advertising campaign. Smith rarely drove the car, instead keeping it preserved in his private garage for years.

Decades later, this once-forgotten coupe returned to the spotlight. At the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, it captured the prestigious Gran Turismo Trophy, securing its place among the most admired vehicles in classic car history. It was also immortalized in the digital world through the Gran Turismo 6 racing game, allowing a new generation of enthusiasts to discover its unique charm.

The Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe is more than a beautifully crafted machine—it’s a symbol of fearless creativity. It bridged Italian design flair with forward-looking engineering, inspired future innovations, and left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Its legacy reminds us that sometimes, the most daring designs are the ones that stand the test of time. *** [EKA [27020202] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FANDOM |  CLIFF REUTER | COACHBUILD ]

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