| The car for sale today was supplied new by Fiat-France in April 1965, in 1988 it was purchased by Patrick Mersch who was looking for a car to compete with in European endurance and FIA historic series. Prepared originally by Kerry McSwann who specialised in Ferrari’s and looked after Tom Walduck’s Ferrari collection, many original and scarce original Abarth competition parts where sourced which included the aluminium bonnet and Abarth competition sump. From the late 1980’s through to the early 1990’s the coupe competed in the 1992 Historic Grand Prix de Provence, the Nürburgring Old Timer Grand Prix 1990 / 1991, and in 1991 was placed 3rd overall in the FIA European Historic Touring car championship, during this period the car successfully competed at Paul Ricard France, Zandvoort, Silverstone, Nürburgring, Österreichring, Vallelunga and in 1992 Nürburgring, Paul Ricard, Monza amongst others. Retired shortly afterwards the car sat for twenty-two years in Patrick Mersch’s garage, being turned over regularly with oil changes and maintenance being carried out. Following its sale in 2014, the coupe has been recommissioned, the engine has covered less than 1000 Kms since being fully rebuilt, and this Winter all the engine seals have been replaced, together with brake and clutch hydraulics. |
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Overall comments
Historic FIA Historic European Group F racing coupe.First exhibited as a design concept designed by Sergio Sartorelli at Carrozzeria Ghia at the Turin Motor show in 1960, it was originally Ghia’s intention to build the coupe in house, however the Fiat Ghia 2300S was announced in 1961, and launched in 1962. The construction of the 2300S was carried out by OSI due to Ghia be unable to produce the volumes planned for production, utilizing the Fiat 2300 floor pan, with engine tuning and modification by Abarth. The six cylinder 2279cc litre engine was designed by former Ferrari engine designer, Aurelio Lampredi. For the 2300S, Abarth further tuned the engine providing a twin carburetor, high compression version of the engine with a hotter camshaft and two twin choke weber carburetors producing up to 134 bhp. Other technical improvements were the introduction of four wheel disc brakes. When launched the Fiat 2300S was one of the fastest and most attractive GT’s of the early 1960’s, outperforming the Lancia Flaminia and the Alfa Romeo 2600. For competition Carlo Abarth bored out the block slightly from 2279 cc to 2323 cc, fitted three (40 DCOE) twin-choke Weber carburetors, increased the compression ratio from 9.3:1 to 9.8:1, fitted a hotter camshaft and re-routed the exhaust through a swept manifold and separate lines. Net result of these modifications was an increase in power to some 210 bhp and a corresponding top speed in excess of 130 mph. For 1963 Fiat’s relationship with Abarth resulted in Carlo Abarth taking the model a stage further as three competition coupes were developed by Abarth which competed in the 1963 season. The most notable being the coupe driven by Paul Frere and Lucian Bianchi which included a class win and second placing overall at the Nurburgring 12-hour race, followed by Rudi Golderner and Karl von Kothen in 9th place overall, who in the same year were placed 12th overall in the Tour de France. |
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Body
Excellent original condition, modified for competition |
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Interior
Original red leather, with carpet set, if required for touring, roll cage, FIA approved harnesses |
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Mechanical
The specification of the car confirmed by the original FIA papers comprises Koni / Spax shock absorbers, stiffer springs, strengthened rear bulkhead, roll bar, new seat harnesses, competition AB Tunaverken alloy wheels shod with Avon CR6ZZ’s, harder suspension bushes, rare Abarth competition sump without the Abarth logo, aluminium bonnet. Within the history file the engine power charts record 145 bhp being developed. As developed today the car is well suite for FIA historic series racing series having previously been registered ‘F. Historic B’, the Tour de France Auto, Coppa Dolomiti and other longer distance events. The roll cage can be removed, and the car reverted to normal road use. The car is provided with a quantity of spare parts to include a spare engine with the Abarth stamped sump, gearbox, clutches, brake servo’s, spare exhaust, spare road wheels, weber carbs, camshafts, springs, oil filters. A large history file accompanies the car, which includes the French Carte Gris, FIA papers, engine performance reports, invoices, manuals, part lists, and period racing reports for the Fiat 2300S. It has a copy of the French Carte Gris and a new British registration book with the number . PNW 507C |
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