Fiat Abarth from Findlay draws raves
The Italian-made Fiat Abarth may be short in wheel base, but it’s hardly short on fun. A test drive is all it might take for the car’s addictiveness to set in.
Findlay Fiat in the Valley Automall gave me the keys to the 1.4 liter turbo Abarth in February with a few pieces of advice: Don’t think about shifting until the tachometer reaches 5,000 rpm and when heading into a turn, go a little deeper than normal because the Abarth has excellent power and incredible handling.
If you’re looking for fair reviews of a particular vehicle, racers are terrific sources. I discovered that Fiat owners have become something of a social tribe, honking and waving to one another.
“I cannot believe how this car rides,” said Mike Weaver, a Southern Nevada automobile aficionado and a former off-road racer. “It rides like a car that is much bigger and it is quiet even on roads that aren’t very smooth.”
Weaver listed the Abarth’s features: a K&N air filter, dual coil-over Koni shocks with a heavy torsion bar, a custom exhaust, Pirelli tires, front-to-rear skid plates, short-shift throw shifter, competition-style front seats and forged-aluminum 17-inch wheels.
“For the price, everything about this car is top-notch,” Weaver said. “Everything is so easy to read at a glance on the console.”
The Fiat Abarth is priced at $28,050 for a fully loaded model. The fuel mileage is rated at 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Chris Frick, another off-road racer who serves as jack-of-all-trades for McMillin Racing in San Diego, owns an Abarth.
“With a price at around $26,000, you would be hard-pressed to find a more fun car to drive in that range,” Frick said. “It is out-of-the-box fun with an affordable price tag. And with excellent exterior styling and the turbo performance, this is one car to not underestimate.”
Las Vegas trumpet player Tony Scodwell, whose career has included stints with Frank Sinatra and Harry James, crowed about the Fiat Abarth.
“When I was growing up in Wisconsin, I owned a 1960 750 Zagato Double Bubble, a 1961 750 Allemano Spyder and a 1960 Record Monza Bialbero,” he said describing the Fiats he once had. “I have owned them all and I dearly love the Abarth.”
His wife, Mary Scodwell, added, “You really need to rev the car to the max. It really shifts well, has a great gearbox and a excellent brakes.
“I think that anyone who has been driving an automatic would adapt to the five-speed in the Abarth easily. It’s a cute car and has a great exhaust system.”
Wayne Kodey, a Southern Nevada photographer and automotive enthusiast, shared the Scodwells’ enthusiasm.
“I haven’t driven a stick shift since 1995 and it was like riding a bicycle,” Kodey said. “I hopped right in and didn’t miss a shift. The car responded very well and it was very intuitive.
“This car goes like hell and it’s fantastic when either stopping or turning. It has very cool seats.
“Someone like me who is retired and loves cars like these will love the Abarth. The exhaust, the wheels and the tires make this fully deserving of the Abarth stature. They were hot rods, fully developed and high end. They were mini Ferraris and they still are.”
Kodey said he especially appreciated the fuel mileage.
“The mileage is fantastic even when you stick your foot in it. The five speed has a great gearbox and great syncros.”
Findlay Fiat is at 210 N. Gibson Road, Henderson.
Further information can be found by calling 702-982-4888 or by visiting www.findlayfiat.com.
