Karl Abarth, a legend in the world of automobile design, was born 100 years ago.
Officially Austrian, he was Italian at heart, and the company founded has now put its stamp on some of the most fascinating Italian sports cars.
The Abarth name is most closely associated with Fiat, but now that the four-wheel and two-wheel world have united thanks to the collaboration between Yamaha and Fiat, the best way to celebrate 100 years is with a special edition Abarth motorcycle.
As part of the Abarth exhibition 0-100, Yamaha Italia has presented the FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corse, dedicated to Karl Abarth and his work.
This is an engine on steroids, white and red colours, Ohlins racing suspension, Marchesini wheels, Brembo brakes and slick Pirelli superbike tyres.
The titanium exhaust system is from Akrapovic.
For the moment the FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corse is just a prototype but a couple of indiscretions means we can hope for eventual production – perhaps in 100 units.