Abarth's fifty year tribute to iconic '595'

Fiat’s performance arm, Abarth, is marking the 50th anniversary of the unveiling of its original Abarth 595, with a tribute version, based on the current, re-born Fiat 500.

At this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (Sept. 12-22), Abarth will display an example of the original 595 and its 21st century reinterpretation.

The original car, created by Carlo Abarth’s eponymous tuning company in 1963, features an increased capacity for the rear-mounted four cylinder engine (499 to 593cc) as well as upgraded pistons, camshaft, exhaust and carburettor. The result? A jump in power from 16kW to a stonking 22kW.

The new Abarth 595 '50th Anniversary' is limited to 299 units, all powered by a 134kW four, and matched with a five-speed dual clutch gearbox.

No word at this stage on right-hand drive versions within that production run.