Racing Masterpiece - The late 1960s were a golden era for motorsports, a time when manufacturers pushed the boundaries of engineering, design, and performance. Among the fierce competitors on the track and the hill climbs, Abarth stood out as a force to be reckoned with. Known for transforming Fiat’s mass-produced models into race-winning machines, the Italian company had already carved out a reputation for excellence. However, Abarth didn’t stop at modifying existing cars. It also developed pure racing prototypes that showcased the pinnacle of its technological prowess. One of the most remarkable results of this pursuit was the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010.
 |
| The Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010, which brought many glorys in the late '60s, has been passed down among fans as Abarth's masterpiece racing machine. (Picture from: 200 Mph Club on Facebook) |
This machine was the culmination of years of Abarth’s expertise in building lightweight, high-performance racers. Starting with the 750GT Double Bubble, which retained many components from Fiat models, Abarth quickly evolved its designs to create more sophisticated racing cars. The introduction of steel tube space frames allowed for greater flexibility in construction, leading to models like the 750 Spider Tuvolare and the 1450 Spider Sport. Each iteration demonstrated increasing performance, setting the stage for what would become one of Abarth’s most celebrated race cars. |
| The rear view of the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider showcases its '60s-inspired curves, with the exposed engine revealing its rear-engine layout. (Picture from: Abarth.jp) |
Released in 1968, the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010 embodied everything the brand stood for. This car was built with a partially FRP-reinforced steel tube frame, reducing its weight to just 47 kg. Under the hood, or more accurately, at the rear, sat a finely tuned 1,946cc water-cooled inline 4-cylinder DOHC engine. Borrowing from the OT2000 but further refined, this power unit produced a stunning 250 horsepower at 8,000 rpm. Unlike many competitors who adopted a mid-engine layout, Carlo Abarth insisted on a rear-engine configuration, a decision that defined the car’s driving characteristics.
 |
| The cockpit of the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider featured the Leb Kanter in front of the driver, with water temperature, oil temperature, and hydraulic gauges positioned on both sides. (Picture from: Abarth.jp) |
Visually, the 2000 Sport Spider was ahead of its time. It embraced the wedge-shaped design that would dominate the 1970s, balancing aerodynamic efficiency with aggressive styling. While retaining the smooth curves of the previous decade, it incorporated large windows, in line with race regulations. One of its most striking features was the four-headlight setup, which earned it the nickname "Quattro Fari" in Italy. The car also sported a bold Abarth logo on the nose intake, ensuring that it was instantly recognizable on the track.
 |
| The 1,946cc water-cooled inline four-cylinder DOHC engine, derived from the OT2000, produced a maximum output of 250 HP at 8,000 rpm. (Picture from: Abarth.jp) |
Cooling was a critical aspect of the car’s design, with a radiator positioned at the front and an oil cooler placed beside the driver. Early models featured fully enclosed rear wheels, but from 1969 onwards, the design was revised. The rear cowl was altered to expose the back of the tires, giving the car a more aggressive and modern look—reminiscent of legendary endurance racers like the Ferrari 512M and Porsche 917K.
When the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010 made its debut at the Ampuis Hill Climb in France in April 1968, it didn’t just participate—it dominated. Hill climbing was a major motorsport discipline in Europe at the time, and Abarth proved its engineering mastery by securing victories one after another. However, this was no one-trick pony. The car also excelled on the circuit, triumphing at the Gran Premio di Mugello, where it defeated formidable rivals such as the Porsche 908 and Alfa Romeo Tipo 33. Its success continued at Imola, where it clinched victory in its class in the 500km endurance race.
 |
| The Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010, recently restored by Abarth Classiche, features meticulously preserved details. (Picture from: Abarth.jp) |
The story of the 2000 Sport Spider didn’t end there. In 1969, the SE010 model was further refined, influenced by aerodynamic innovations seen in the Lotus Type 56 gas turbine cars that competed at Indianapolis. Abarth’s chief engineer, Mario Colucci, had long advocated for a central engine placement, but his vision clashed with Carlo Abarth’s preference for an outboard rear-engine layout. Ultimately, Abarth’s philosophy prevailed, leading to the creation of the 2000 SE014, the first in Abarth’s ‘Cuneo’ series of wedge-shaped sports cars.
 |
| The Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider Series 2, produced since 1969, featured a modern design with the rear tires exposed. (Picture from: Abarth.jp) |
At least 50 units of the SE010 were produced, each showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. The bodywork was handcrafted at Abarth’s Corso Marche factory by expert artisan Giuseppe Manera, ensuring that each car was as much a piece of art as it was a racing machine. Weighing just 560 kg (1,235 lbs), the 2000 Sport Spider was a formidable competitor, often piloted by specialist hill climb driver Edoardo Lualdi Gabardi.
Few race cars manage to encapsulate the spirit of their manufacturer as perfectly as the Fiat Abarth 2000 Sport Spider SE010. It was a machine built with an unrelenting drive for performance, utilizing lightweight construction, aerodynamic ingenuity, and raw power to achieve dominance on both hills and circuits. Today, it remains one of Abarth’s most celebrated racing cars, a testament to the brand’s dedication to speed and innovation. Decades later, this masterpiece continues to be admired, its legacy preserved as one of the finest examples of Abarth’s golden era. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ABARTH.JP | 200MPH CLUB ON FACEBOOK | LETOCAR ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
