The final evolution of the Abarth-Simca Coupé following the 1300 and 1600 cc models, the Abarth-Simca 2000 was introduced in 1964. Its powerplant was based on Simca’s 1,500 cc engine block and was capable of producing over 200 bhp, a staggering figure for such a small displacement engine. But perhaps what really caught the attention of everyone looking in the engine bay were its carburetors, a pair of the largest Webers ever produced, 58mm-choke DCOs.

Capable of eating Porsche 904s for breakfast and dicing with Ferrari 250 GTOs (Abarth-Simca 2000s were faster than the GTOs at Montlhéry in 1964), these diminutive cars quickly gained a reputation for being the automotive equivalent of David to Ferrari, Porsche, and Jaguar’s Goliath. Abarth-Simca 2000s dominated hill climb championships and circuit racing, putting the major manufacturers on notice.

While not much is known about 046’s early history, photos of the car wearing its original numberplate, TO 596033, exist showing the car racing. The car was first registered in Turin in January of 1964 directly to Abarth in Turin according to its original Carta di Circolazione, which supports the claim in John de Boer’s Italian Car Registry as 046 being an official factory run car. However, this claim nor its race history within its native Italy has yet to be verified otherwise.

An Automotoclub Storico Italiano certificate dated December 1992 shows the car as being in the ownership of Mauro Lotti of Florence, and 046 is believed to have resided in Italy from new. The car was acquired by the father of the current owner from a gentleman collector based in Tuscany in 2019. The following year, the car recieved a service which included an engine rebuild and four new tyres.

These 2.0-litre Abarth-Simcas are said to provide an absolutely incredible driving experience and have well-earned their giant-killer reputation both in period and historic motorsport events alike. Looking respondent in light blue paintwork, this would be an exciting car to race at events like the Tour Auto or Goodwood Revival, but also the perfect car for some spirited Sunday morning driving.