This is an “Identification Guide” / “Buyers Guide” for those interested in the Fiat 595 esse esse Abarth. This guide has been written with investors in mind, given the number of imitation or fake Abarth Fiat 500’s that are out there (many believe there are more fakes than real abarth 500’s ever produced!). The 595 and 695 SS models represent some of the most desirable versions, and we hope this guide provides some assistance in identifying any car you may be looking at purchasing.

This guide provides a variety of information for the Fiat 595 SS Abarth including original internal and external features, mechanical features, options and of course importantly the correct chassis and engine number details.

Some basic statistics are outlined below for the Fiat 595 SS Abarth:

Period of Manufacture: Introduced in 1964, produced through to 1971

Production Numbers: Unknown

We hope this guide if of assistance to you. Please note, this is only a guide, and not professional advice. If you are looking at investing in a car, you should always seek professional advice when trying to identify authentic/original vehicles.


1. External Features – Fiat 595 SS Abarth:

Many of the visual / external features of the 595 SS are easily replicated with aftermarket parts, however, external inspection makes a good starting point for identification of a genuine vehicle. A Fiat 595 SS should have the following external features:

  • Alloy wheels
  • Doors opening against the wind
  • Resin fender flares moulded to the body, that can mount wide rims Abarth.
  • Wheels which should be rough cast magnesium (or standard steel originals)
  • Esse Esse script on the rear engine lid (See images)
  • Fiat Abarth lettering on the front trunk displaying as separate letters.
  • Side decals stating "Fiat Abarth 595".
  • 2/3 roll back vinyl sunroof.
  • Abarth badges centre front and reat (see images).
  • Small Abarth badge on lower rear quarter panel (see image)
  • Abarth labelled front trunk rubber stay.
  • A small comparison of the wheels used on diffferent models is given in the last image. Many 595 SS cars were upgraded to the cast wheels used on the 695 SS (as shown on the main cars in these images). The original wheels were however per the monochrome image, being 12" steel wheels.
  • The "ABARTH" labelled finned sump is usually easily seen when looking at the rear of the car (see image).
2. Interior Features – Fiat 595 SS Abarth:

The following interior features should be present on a Fiat 595 SS Abarth:

  • Jaeger dashboard with four dials (see images).
  • The esse-esse script on the dash and Abarth badge next to 595.
  • Abarth aluminum steering wheel with motolita style timber rim/wheel.
  • Vinyl bucket seats (usually red vinyl with white piping).

The remaining features in the interior of the car we believe are consistent with the standard Fiat 500 from 1964 - 1971. Please contact us should you have any additional information on interior features so we can update this section.

3. Paint Colours / Codes – Fiat 595 SS Abarth:

From our research, we have only been able to confirm that The Fiat 595 SS came in white, with red Abarth decals. Fiat offered three types of white paint during the 595 SS production period, whichare outlined here:

1. 212 White (Lucite Code: 8285L)

2. 229 White (Lucite Code: 8286L) (Dulux 5 Code: 98110)

3. 233 White (Lucite Code: 8288L) (Dulux 5 Code: 97636)

We have not confirmed precisely which paint code was offered on the 595 SS, however, if you are aware of the correct colour, please contcat us so we can update this section.

 

 

4. Chassis Number – Fiat 595 SS Abarth:

The Fiat 595 SS Abarth will have two identification numbers. Firstly, the Fiat Chassis number on the Fiat identification plate / stamped into the body, and secondly, the Abarth specific number.

 

Fiat Chassis Number:

The correct Fiat chassis number for an Abarth 595 SS should begin with the prefix 110F. This is located in the front trunk compartment, on what would normally be referred to as the ‘firewall’ (as seen in the images). The number on the Fiat chassis plate should match the number stamped into the body directly under that plate.

 

Abarth Specific Chassis Number:

The Abarth specific chassis number for a Fiat 595 SS is located in the front trunk compartment, on what would normally be referred to as the ‘firewall’. The number is stamped into the body, just above the front RHS wheel (see images for a better description).

The Abarth specific chassis number is simply a number stamped “ABARTH 105” with the individual Abarth number for that car underneath. The Abarth number will have a star on either side of it (see images).

The font used for this Abarth number is slightly different from the font used for the Fiat chassis number as described above. The Abarth number is also believed to be hand punched, and is often not neatly done like the Fiat number.

It is worth noting that the Abarth 595 SS retained the Fiat chassis ID plate, and was not fitted with a separate Abarth ID plate.

5. Engine Number – Fiat 595 SS Abarth:

A Fiat 595 SS Abarth, like other Fiat 500 Abarth cars, should have an “ABA 205” engine number prefix stamped into the engine block. The engine version number (110F) will usually be written under that, followed by the individiual engine number for the car. The precise location is shown in the images, and should be easily visible after opening the hood. The most important thing is that the ABA 205 is stamped on the engine.

For the other specific mechanical specifications of the car (including the correct engine components), see #6 in this guide, “Mechanical Features”.

6. Mechanical Features – Fiat 595 SS Abarth:

The Fiat Abarth 595 SS had the following mechanical features in original form:

  • Solex 34PBIC carburetter (34mm Carby). The Carby should have an alloy oval shaped connector to the air intake hose, and the air filter should have an Abarth style air feeder lid on it.
  • That carb is very high and to make room for it the engine has been lowered about 10mm and additionally the hook for the hood has been cut away from the body.
  • central oil feed boring in the engine block.
  • Higher-compression pistons.
  • Re-worked inlet ports.
  • Abarth valve covers and air filter.
  • Abarth magnesium alloy sump.
  • a special camshaft and exhaust system.
  • 12 “ wheels (often upgraded to magnesium alloys).