Description
Our car: #129 0288 belongs to the 6ᵉ series, which represents the ultimate evolution of the model. This version, with a fully opening front bonnet, offered improved me-chanical accessibility and optimised aerodynamics.
#129 0288 was delivered in 1965 to Dimitri Mollof, exclusive Abarth importer in France and owner of Team Abarth France: Squadra Corse Abarth France. As soon as it arrived, it was entered in the European Grand Touring and Sports Car Champion-ship.
Driven by Jean Mazzanti, the official Abarth France driver, the car took an active part in the 1965 and 1966 seasons, contributing to Abarth's victory in the European GT Championship and the World Championship for marques in 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967.
Its involvement in competition included some famous events:
1000 km of Paris
Freiburg Grand Prix
Monza race
Ronde du Ventoux
Mont Dore
Coupe du Salon
Coupe de Paris
Various rounds of the European GT and Sport Championships
In 1967, the car continued to race, notably with Beaumont and Lemaitre.
From 1968, it was acquired by Jean-Marie Lemerle, who continued to race it until 1970. An enthusiastic driver and well-known figure in hill-climb racing, Lemerle re-placed his 1000 Bialbero with another iconic Abarth, the 1000 SP, a model developed for the Sport-Prototypes category and was entered in the 1969 Le Mans 24 Hours, where it was driven by Maurizio Zanetti and Ugo Locatelli.
The car then passed into the hands of Jacques Simonet, who raced it until 1977, be-fore keeping it preciously in his collection for 50 years!
A unique car of indisputable authenticity :
Of the 30 Abarths built by Carrozzeria Sibona & Basano, 15 Abarth 1000 Bialbero Long Nose were produced, but only 11 remain in museums and private collections. Of these 11, 3 were ‘Muso Corto’ cars retrofitted with the ‘long nose export’ option.
This chassis #129 0288, the last of the series, is the only example still in its original condition, never invasively restored. When it was sold to its fourth owner in 2020, me-ticulous mechanical restoration work was undertaken, including rebuilding the en-gine, running gear and braking system, while preserving the authenticity of the body-work and interior.
An exceptional heritage :
Today, the Abarth 1000 Bialbero Long Nose Sibona & Basano embodies the excel-lence of Abarth design and engineering from the 1960s. Its racing history, unique condition and extensive history file make it an exceptional collector's item, testifying to Abarth's unique expertise in motorsport.
