Dancing with the waves
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Abarth introduced its new “Offshore” model at the prestigious Top Marques Monaco 2024 event in June.
Presented by Car Off Shore, this zippy wee car/boat (pictured in action) captures Abarth’s signature traits with a striking metallic-green body and powerful performance boasting 230Hp and Riva racing exhausts.
Based on the iconic Fiat 500, it’s limited to just 500 customisable units, and designed for those who crave a unique and sporty sailing experience. A collaboration between Centro Stile Fiat and Abarth, the boat carries up to five people, and features an iridescent metallic-green exterior, dark hazelnut detailing, and a sophisticated interior with ergonomic, quilted leather Besenzoni sports seats.
A powerful 230Hp hydrojet outboard engine ensures impressive performance, while the Riva racing exhausts deliver an exhilarating sound, reminiscent of Abarth’s iconic hot-hatches. Features include a swim platform with a recessed steel ladder and a double sundeck for relaxation, high-quality materials like Synteak synthetic teak and advanced technologies such as a Garmin stereo system with RGB LEDs. 
An aquatic take on the Abarth 595/695 cabriolet, its hardtop design includes a full windshield and adjustable folding top system. Safety harnesses, a Wave Shock dampened steel support base, and a top speed of 58 knots (almost 110kph) complete the picture. In the United States, pricing starts at $105,000 for what looks like a fabulous, fun, jetski style little water dancer.
THE LEGEND OF THE SCORPION BRAND
Abarth & C. was founded in Bologna on 31 March 1949. Like many automotive firms of the time, it bore the name of its main founder, Carlo Abarth, who incorporated the company together with his friend Guido Scagliarini.
Carlo chose the scorpion as the symbol of his fledgling company because it stood for his sign of the zodiac, it was hard to counterfeit, and it encapsulated the Abarth philosophy: “small but mean”.
The first cars built were models belonging to Cisitalia, in receivership at the time, ceded to Carlo in payment for his work for the Turin firm. Abarth also kept on 20 Cisitalia workers and the company’s site at Via Trecate 10 in Turin.
Notching up incredible records at Monza, various European victories, and a world title within the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally, was the start of what is now a legendary marque.
