What did I do yesterday??

[oldcolt]

I was invited to the private Calgary unveiling of this car:

Ultra-rare Fiat Abarth transformed into Concours-ready jewel | Driving

It is a one-off 1953 Abarth 1100 Sport Ghia Coupe. This car had not been photographed since 1954 and became a total basket case while been stored in a barn. Grant restored this car (10,000 hours) in his garage here in Calgary. He took 1st in Class and 2nd place Best of Show at Pebble Beach this year.

I got to have a private conversation with Grant and I can tell you the man's enthusiasm is unmatched. I can't relay how beautiful this car is in person.

The car was revealed against the backdrop of other rare Abarth and Ghia bodied cars held in a private collection here in Calgary. It was a great experience.

 

[rottenronnie]

Interesting read.

The man that restored that is a true Craftsman!

 

[NukeGM/Ford]

its amazing that in the 50's, the "jet age", that they made cars with curves that looked cool, nowadays they all look like a jellybean. pretty cool day you had
:rock::rock:

 

[Wastelands Warrior]

Nice lines on that Italian Stallion! Must have been awesome seeing it in person.

 

[oldcolt]

Nice lines on that Italian Stallion! Must have been awesome seeing it in person.

It was incredible. For a car that was handmade 60 years ago, the design remains so fresh. The proportions of the car are what makes it work. It is actually very small...I would never be able to sit in it. Grant is a slight built fellow, and he just fits.

The beauty is in the simplicity of the design. For the 50's, there are none of the garish design elements, that became the norm for the period. The big fins on a Caddy worked because of the proportions of the car. On a car this small, they would look horrible.

 

[10-1=9]

Wow, does that thing have a double pumper carburetor on it?
I like the ram air intake for the passenger compartment.

 

[ZCx]

:rock::rock::rock:

that is beautiful. the car that took best over all must be either very very rare or workmanship must be out of sight

 

[VPRPWRD]

that is a beautiful car! Congrats on getting to see it in person.

 

[oldcolt]

that is a beautiful car! Congrats on getting to see it in person.

Thanks. Seeing a restoration of that quality is mind blowing. Again, the fact that he did it in his garage...wow!