“I admit it – I fell for the seduction of the name. The words ‘Abarth’ and ‘convertible’ were like music to my ears. When the chance arose to drive the new Abarth 500C at the Goodwood Moving Motor Show – its first UK appearance – how could I possibly refuse?

As we rolled out of the exhibition centre I felt as if I was in another world. This wasn’t just any convertible. It was an Abarth convertible. We reached the beginning of the test route and was told it was my turn to drive. I could barely contain my excitement!

As we know, the 500C features a robotised manual gearbox as standard; in other words, no gearstick. In its place is a circular panel with four buttons: Auto/Manual, 1st, Neutral and Reverse. Having driven Ferraris and Lamborghinis with an F1-style shift, I had a good idea of the procedure. I planted my foot on the brake pedal and pressed ‘Auto’. There was no creep to speak of, so, with gentle pressure on the accelerator, we approached the start line.

I pressed the A/M button again to engage manual mode, tightened my grip on the wheel, and waited.

The Abarth 500C leaps off the line and disappears up the hill in a sequence of pops and bangs

The flag dropped, and I floored the throttle. The 500C didn’t scrabble for grip thanks to its electronics working overtime. I reached 60mph seemingly in no time, with the host keeping a keen eye on the rev counter while instructing me not to shoot into the red zone. The car had only clocked up about 360 miles, so I could understand his nervousness.

Keeping my eyes on the track, and my foot on the throttle, I flicked the gear-change paddle. There was a slight pause and the needle moved quickly away from the redline. Into the corner and the ‘C’ held its line well, despite its rumoured softer set-up than its hatchback brother.

Down-shifting and up-shifting before and after each bend was great fun, with the bonus of the throttle being blipped automatically to match road speed with revs. While I generally prefer manuals, the MTA gearbox was a revelation.

While 10 minutes up the hill doesn’t allow you to explore the full experience that a real test drive might, it was enough to convince me. I returned home, and placed an order for an Abarth 500C of my own. You can’t beat the uniqueness of open air Abarth motoring.”

- Exoticaholic

The Abarth 500C at the Goodwood Moving Motor Show

“With the sun shining and a pair of tickets for Goodwood in my hand, what more could you possibly ask for? Well, how about a test drive in a convertible?

As an Abarth 500 owner, I was already keen to see the new 500C in the flesh. And I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised.

The roof folds neatly without obstructing the view too much. And, from inside, having acres of blue sky above you, and the sound of the popping and burbling exhaust behind you, is quite a compelling combination. Abarth have even managed to keep buffeting for rear-seat passengers to a minimum, too.

The ‘C’ is the first 500 to be fitted with the new MTA gearbox. Based on the same five-speed unit, it has not just a fully-automatic mode, but also a pair of ‘flappy paddles’ mounted behind the steering wheel.

It seems strange at first to press a button on a panel where the gear stick should be, but once on the move I found the trick was not to lift off the accelerator pedal when changing gear. And boy, was it worth it, with the exhaust popping and banging with every shift.

It would have been interesting to see a Bi-colour car at Goodwood. The tan leather interior of one of the demonstrators didn’t appeal to me, but the rest of the spec – including Xenon headlights and parking sensors – seemed like a good choice.

First impressions, then? A thumbs up from me. I look forward to trying one on the road.”

- NinjaUK

He folds in his thumb – four seconds – as his expression softens a little, the intense scowl dissipating into a look of mild concern.

Taking a step back and tilting his head to one side, he’s clearly re-appraising his opinion. His brow unfurrows, the creases slowly dispersing like waves on the shoreline. Three seconds.

With two fingers extended sideways, he glances down the side of the car. His eyes widen, and ridges appear in his forehead as a look of appreciation washes over him.

One second. As he looks through the windscreen we briefly catch each other’s eyes. Is that a smile I see appearing at the corners of his mouth?

There’s no time to find out as, with his fingers clenched into a fist to mark the beginning of my slot, I dump the clutch and leave him standing on the start line, pondering the brief emotional journey he’s just completed.

Four pages of Goodwood Moving Motor Show briefing notes

It’s a journey familiar to many who’ve followed the impending arrival of the new Abarth Punto Evo.

It starts with disbelief at the hands of the first official photos released in February ahead of the car’s unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show. As the car reveals some of its more subtle details – the red and yellow stitching on the leather instrument cowl, the ‘Scorpion’ alloy wheels, the LED rear lights – the concern fades a little. But it’s still there – even when those in the know relay their assertion that “it looks so much better in the flesh.”

They’re right.

Five minutes ago, I was enjoying a coffee on the Abarth stand within the Moving Motor Show pavilion. I’d read the four pages of Goodwood-supplied rules and regulations, and was studying the Campovolo Grey Punto Evo parked centre stage.

In the metal, it looks sharper, fresher. It seems larger, too, perhaps a function of the now body-coloured wheel arch extensions and side skirts. The wheels are every bit as appealing as they look in the photos.

Straw bales funnel your attention up Goodwood hill

While it may have taken some of us five months to grow accustomed to the Evo’s looks, it bodes well that an orange-suited marshal managed it in just five seconds.

As he disappears in the rear-view mirror, I concentrate on the view ahead. Until today, it’s a view enjoyed only by the few – straw bales funnel your attention up the hill as Goodwood House appears on your left, before the stone wall focuses your mind and tests the Evo’s Brembos as you turn in to the right-hander and blast your way up the last section of the hillclimb.

Our route turns off to the left close to where the Festival of Speed’s finish line would normally be, and we follow a narrow tree- and marshal-lined road that takes us to the rear of Goodwood race course. Here, there’s a brief spell on public roads before returning to the private lanes of the estate.

We’ve bunched a little by now, but I’m keeping a respectful distance from the Citroen in front. The Audi R8 behind me, however, looks somewhat less patient. With a mix of cars that ranges from small hybrid-engined hatchbacks to 600 bhp snorting saloons, a few hold-ups were inevitable.

Abarth Punto Evo returning to the Moving Motor Show pavilion

Still, it gives me a chance to re-discover a feature of the new Evo that I’d forgotten about. While waiting patiently in a queue, I select neutral and step off the clutch. Silence fills the cabin as the engine stops, and a flash of nervousness sweeps across my chaperone’s face. Embarrassing thoughts of bringing the show to a stand-still with a broken-down Abarth blocking the test route are thankfully quickly replaced with the realisation that Start&Stop is now standard.

Casting an eye around the interior reveals more that’s new – the ‘technical’ fabric used in the centre sections of the part-leather seats, the Jaeger instruments, and the conveniently located USB slot. There are less convincing changes in almost equal measure, though – the loss of the leather dashboard, replaced by a new ‘asfalto’ finish, and the shiny black plastic of the stereo surround, for instance.

The latter may only feature in the minds of Abarth Grande Punto owners who’ll be quick to make a direct comparison. But with stylistic doubts aside, it’s the drive that reveals the greatest degree of change. Crawling behind a slow-moving Citroen isn’t conducive to forming a meaningful opinion of the new MultiAir engine, although it is certainly eager. But to my mind, it’s the steering that feels most improved over its predecessor, with better judged assistance at all speeds, and with a much improved transition away from the straight-ahead.

After three miles and a little less than 10 minutes, we pick our way through the crowd and park up next to the Abarth stand.

Glancing at the queue of eager test pilots, I wonder how long each will need to complete their own Evo journey.

Firstly, the event would play host to the UK debut of the new Abarth Punto Evo and Abarth 500C.

And secondly, this year saw the introduction of the Moving Motor Show, a new concept billed as a replacement for the now defunct British Motor Show and taking place on the Thursday before the Festival of Speed.

The Moving Motor Show provided an opportunity to preview much of what would be available during the festival, with a fine selection of rare and historic metal, the usual smattering of supercars, and enough trade stands to empty your wallet several times over.

The real appeal, though, came from the ‘Moving’ element of the event. Visitors could climb aboard cars from the likes of Alfa Romeo, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and, of course, Abarth, to experience the vehicles first hand. The cars undertook hundreds of runs on a special evaluation route that included the world famous Goodwood hillclimb, following in the wheel tracks of many celebrated racing drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Sir Stirling Moss.

The new Abarth 500C and Abarth Punto Evo were both available to drive at Goodwood

You can read our thoughts on the test drive experience elsewhere in the Abarthisti Magazine.

The Abarth presence at the show generated much interest, and I fielded questions from new-to-the-brand converts and returning-to-the-fold old-timers in almost equal measure.

As with any new concept, there were lessons to be learnt. While the ‘moving’ element of the show added a welcome USP over events such as those at ExCeL in London, it wasn’t perfect. The central roadway through the Moving Motor Show pavilion quickly became saturated with visitors, making it difficult for test drivers to get in or out.

The biggest lesson, however, came around lunchtime. The driver of the Honda Civic Type-R Mugen blacked out soon after starting the engine, leaving the car to roll into two Jaguars (one of which was reportedly the oldest E-Type in existence) and into the pavilion wall. Four bystanders were injured in the incident, although thankfully not seriously, and the pavilion was closed for several hours while an investigation took place.

Honda Civic Type-R Mugen crashes through the pavilion at Goodwood (Photo: Domc)

Two hours later, with the investigation concluded and the damage cleared, the pavilion re-opened. This time, however, under better organisation, with marshals at both ends preventing pedestrian access to the central roadway.

That incident aside, the event proved extremely popular, with Goodwood reporting nearly 30,000 visitors for Thursday’s event alone.

It’s a format that deserves to be repeated next year.

Our sincere thanks to Abarth UK for providing so many Abarthisti with free tickets.

Our specially-reserved area directly outside the American Air Museum quickly filled with angry scorpions and drew intrigued glances from passers-by.

Pulce Racing Abarth 500 front splitter (Photo: Dave Clark)

Despite what some believe to be a rather restrictive array of choices in the Abarth colour chart, no two cars were identical, and some – thanks to artfully-applied vinyl and aftermarket goodies – were more different than others.

Our friends at Pulce Racing, who manage the Abarthisti-sponsored Assetto Corse competing in the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB championship, brought along their race truck and a few of their latest developments to show us – including the particularly well-received front splitter for the Abarth 500 and an array of OZ Racing wheels.

Our next meet will be the Auto Italia Italian Car Day, held in the historic surroundings of the famous Brooklands circuit, on Saturday 1st May. Will you be with us?

» 2010 Event Calendar

Abarth 500 Launch

Of course 2009 was dominated by the launch of the Abarth 500. After a long and painful wait, prices were announced in late January and the official launch held over the weekend of 7th-8th February. While a number of ‘launch edition’ cars were made available (Bossa Nova White, red stripes, red leather, 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, etc), there was still an anxious time ahead for those preferring to spec their own cars.

Abarth Grande Punto “SuperSport”

Abarth Grande Punto 'SuperSport'

Late February saw the reveal of the Abarth Grande Punto “SuperSport”. Powered by the familiar 1.4-litre turbocharged engine but with the esseesse kit fitted from the factory, the SuperSport showcased the new Sabelt racing seats, variable back-pressure exhaust system, and Blue&Me Map satellite navigation with telemetry for the first time. After a mysteriously long gestation period, the car finally went on sale elsewhere in Europe in September – we’re still waiting for news on whether the car will ever make an appearance on our shores.

Abarth Corse by Sabelt Seats

Having made their debut on the SuperSport, the “Abarth Corse by Sabelt” seats were launched as an accessory in May for both Abarth 500 and Grande Punto, although it took a while for the somewhat alarming prices (£2,250 for leather, £1,760 for fabric) to finally show themselves.

Abarth Grande Punto Revisions

August saw a number of small revisions to the Abarth Grande Punto – the front centre armrest and tyre pressure monitoring system became available, while the previously standard Interscope hi-fi upgrade became an option. Emissions were reduced (from 162 to 159 g/km), while prices rose to £13,800, with many options also seeing increases.

Xenon Headlights for Abarth 500, Blue&Me Update

Record Monza Abarth 500 Exhaust

Xenon headlights appeared as a £500 option on the Abarth 500 at the same time, and a Blue&Me software update was released, together with a new adaptor, to improve iPod and iPhone compatibility.

Record Monza Abarth 500 Exhaust

The variable back-pressure exhaust system first shown on the SuperSport was finally released in September for the Abarth 500, now dubbed the “Record Monza” system and priced at £873.85. We’re still waiting for the elusive Punto version to arrive.

As a special Christmas bonus, we’ve negotiated a reduced price of £799.99 for Abarthisti members until the end of the year. Orders can be placed through the Abarthisti Shop.

Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”

Abarth 695 'Tributo Ferrari'

September also saw the arrival of the Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”. Based on a standard Abarth 500 but featuring many of the engine improvements used in the Assetto Corse race cars, the 695 pumps out over 180 bhp through a new MTA (automated manual) transmission. Externally, the car is finished in Scuderia Red with carbon fibre door mirrors, unique 17-inch alloy wheels and four-piston Brembo brakes. Inside, there are Sabelt racing seats, Jaeger instruments, non-slip aluminium foot wells, carbon fibre dash board, unique pedals and steering wheel, and a special identification plaque. While prices haven’t been announced, it is expected to be coming to the UK by special order during late 2010, with some dealers accepting deposits now.

Abarth 500 R3T Rally Car

Completing the announcements for a busy September was news of the Abarth 500 R3T rally car. Featuring a sequential six-speed gearbox, a self-locking differential, special half-shafts, and 180 bhp from its 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, the car will compete in the R3T group of a new promotional rally trophy launching in 2010.

Abarthisti Events

Abarth Hillclimb Challenge

It’s been a busy year for the Abarthisti, too. Our February event at the Gaydon Heritage Motor Centre was the one and only time the AGPs outnumbered the 500s. The Auto Italia events at Brooklands (May), Stanford Hall (June) and Gaydon (September) were all well attended and demonstrated our strong link with Abarth UK with combined display areas.

Our member-organised Driving Days made it out into Wales, Scotland, the Yorkshire Dales and anywhere else where there’s an abundance of curves and a sparsity of traffic.

The Abarth Hillclimb Challenge, which saw the Abarth Grande Punto compete in six events across the country from April to September, proved popular with many, and even managed to claim a class win at Goodwood with Autocar Magazine’s Matt Rigby at the wheel.

The Abarth 500 Trophy Europe nipped across the water to Brands Hatch in July, and we were ready with fistfuls of free tickets, reserved parking, paddock access and, for lucky forum member JKDesign80, a ride around the Brands Hatch circuit in an Assetto Corse driven by ex-BTCC driver and double 500 Trophy race-winner Adam Jones.

The launch of the British version of the series, the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB, took place at Silverstone in October, and we were exclusively invited not just to witness the unveiling of the championship and enjoy a little Italian hospitality, but also the chance to hit the track in our own cars. Tyres were tortured, and brakes were punished, but everything stood up well.

And next year?

Trofeo Abarth 500 GB

Abarthisti supports the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB

We’re most looking forward to following the Abarthisti-sponsored Assetto Corse’s progress in the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB throughout 2010, and we anticipate that our involvement will lead to unprecedented access to the Trofeo series for all Abarthisti members, including ticket give-aways, pit-lane access, the chance to meet drivers and engineers, and more.

Duxford 31/1/2010

Our Duxford event on 31st January kicks off the calendar for the year, and we have several irons in the fire for interesting events during the rest of 2010, including track days, motorsport events, and social get-togethers.

2010 Abarth 500C

It’ll be a busy year for Abarth, too, with the launch of the convertible Abarth 500C currently pencilled-in for June 2010. The rag-top version will closely match the specification of the standard Abarth 500, but with the addition of Xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, and Start&Stop as standard.

Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but using the Fiat 500C as a guide suggests a starting price around £17,000.

2010 Abarth Grande Punto face-lift

The new and nervously-awaited Abarth Grande Punto will show its face in July 2010. Rumours suggest its design will move further away from the Fiat Punto Evo on which it’s based. Power will come from the new 1.4-litre 170 bhp MultiAir engine with Start&Stop technology and, while it won’t be available from launch, it will be the first car to offer the new C635 MTA automated six-speed manual transmission as an option. Assetto handling kits will be available from launch, but the esseesse kit will follow later.

There’s no official word on pricing yet. However, the 135 bhp Fiat Punto Evo Sporting will be priced at £15,295 when it arrives in January; clearly the 170 bhp Abarth version will be higher still.

The last piece of news is that the Abarth hillclimb challenge, using the Abarth Grande Punto, will likely make a repeat appearance for 2010, with an anticipated eight events across the country.

Phew!

All that remains now is to thank you for supporting us through 2009, to wish you and your family the very best for the festive period, and to hope the New Year brings you good health, good luck, a full tank of Super Unleaded and a fresh set of tyres.

Here’s the full 2010 event calendar as it stands today:

A regularly-updated events calendar can also be found on the Abarthisti website: Abarthisti Events.

Photo credit: Scuderia Sitar.

The Imperial War Museum at Duxford is home to more than 200 military and civil aircraft, as well as maritime and land warfare exhibits housed in seven cavernous exhibition halls and hangars. As well as static exhibits, Duxford is also a working museum, with major restoration projects and routine maintenance of many historic aircraft taking place in publicly-accessible areas. The recently-opened AirSpace tells the story of British aviation, and its Aircraft Hall contains over 30 historically significant aircraft, such as the Lancaster, Vulcan and Concorde.

Our base for the day is the American Air Museum (pictured). Designed by Lord Foster and opened by The Queen in 1997, the AAM is an outstanding piece of architecture. It houses the largest collection of American warbirds on display outside the United States, including a vintage B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-25 Mitchell, P-47 Thunderbolt, and aircraft from the Cold War era such as a B-52 Stratofortress, SR-71 Blackbird and F-4 Phantom, with many suspended from the ceiling as if in flight.

We’ve been granted special access to park on the apron directly outside the AAM. Not only does this provide a fantastic photo opportunity, and a convenient base before exploring the rest of the Duxford site, but the AAM’s huge glass front allows us to seek refuge should the weather turn without straying more than a few feet from your car!

The AAM also has its own cafe – Station 357 – serving coffee, sarnies and snacks, while The Mess Restaurant in the Visitor Centre offers a more extensive menu.

The date for the event is Sunday 31st January 2010. Gates open at 10:00am. Duxford is just off the M11, 8 miles south of Cambridge – Google Maps link.

Cost of admission – including parking outside the AAM and access to the full Duxford site – is £19.90 per car. The standard admission rate is normally £16 per adult, so if you bring a friend or partner, that’s a substantial discount. However, due to the nature of our arrangement with Duxford, payment must be made prior to the event, either by PayPal (+£0.91 PayPal fees) or bank transfer well before booking closes on 16/1/2010.

To book your place, please visit:-

http://www.abarthisti.co.uk/duxford/

See you there!