The NEC Performance Car Show first opportunity to see Abarth’s sensational 595 50th Anniversary Edition

50 years since the launch of the original, the Abarth 595 was first shown at the Turin Motor Show in 1963. The legendary Italian racing car manufacturer first unveiled the limited edition model last month at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

With only 299 to be produced, the Abarth 595 50th Anniversary Edition will make its UK debut at the Performance Car Show on 9-12 January 2014, as part of Abarth’s presence. Held alongside Europe’s biggest motorsport show, Autosport International, the Performance Car Show in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com will feature an exciting line-up of displays led by supercars and high-performance cars.

The most powerful Abarth 595 ever produced thanks to a 180hp, 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, the diminutive supercar also features an Abarth Competitione gearbox, 305mm floating disc brakes from Brembo, the distinctive Record Monza dual mode exhaust and 17” alloy wheels.

A contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic 1963 original, the matte-white finish is accompanied by Abarth 595 graphics and a historical ‘Scorpion’ logo on the bonnet, while red leather seats headline the expertly-crafted interior.

“The Abarth range of cars and the Performance Car Show are a perfect match, so we are delighted that the new Abarth 595 Anniversario should make its UK debut at the NEC,” says Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth in the UK.

“In 1963 Abarth took the humble Fiat 500 and transformed it to create the Abarth 595, a performance car with ‘giant killing’ capabilities both on and off the track; 50 years on we have taken those same core values of size, shape, speed and spirit to create the limited edition Abarth 595 Anniversario, a respectful celebration of the great 60s supercar. The phrase ‘Small But Wicked’ quickly became associated with the fast little Abarth cars and it’s as true today as it ever was.”

“Abarth has a rich heritage and its 595 50th Anniversary Edition is a fantastic modern take on the revered original,” said Ian France, Performance Car Show Director. “We’re excited about hosting it at the Performance Car Show in January, giving local enthusiasts the chance to see it in the flesh for the first time.”

Features within the Performance Car Show 2014 at Birmingham’s NEC will include the Autocar Supercar Display, PistonHeads.com Heroes, the Hand Built British Sports Car Pavilion and a 5,000-seat Live Action Arena.

Under the same roof, Autosport International will host motorsport legends such as John Surtees and Martin Brundle, cars from every level of the sport and an array of interactive elements.

Tickets are now on sale, from £31 for adults and £20 for children. For more information, call 0800 581 1419 or visit www.performancecarshow.com.

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