It's true the Japanese have a penchant for European style, which is why unusual hot hatches were sold there new.
It also enables us to uncover exceptional examples of cars that have long since vanished from Europe.
Wearing homologation number 5609, the Fiat Punto HGT 16-valve was certified by the FIA for use in its sanctioned competition events under Group A.
Its powertrain, suspension, and other miscellaneous parts from the road car were used in its production race vehicles. This is not an uncommon story in the world of performance hatchbacks, but it’s good to know, as it indicates the type of car this one is.
Having now driven it, we believe it is fun with a rorty and willing engine. The 1.75-litre ‘Pratola Serra‘ engine as found here is closely related to the 1.75-litre Alfa Romeo engine used in its 4C sportscar and rorty Giulietta hatchback.
It’s a fantastic powertrain that’s charismatic like the best Italian ought to be. Further to being an HGT 16-valve model, this example was also configured with the Abarth sports pack.
Standard features include an aluminium gearknob and gearlever surround, an aluminium handbrake, Abarth-branded kick plates, an Abarth-styled front and rear ‘aero’ body kit, Abarth-branded side skirts, aluminium sports pedals, an Abarth steering wheel and Abarth alloy wheels.
Rest assured, there will not be another one of these at your next Car & Coffee. This vehicle is undergoing a high-quality repaint in its original hero yellow and mechanical tune-up.
The car pictured – 2000 Fiat Punto HGT Abarth
This Fiat Punto is a HGT 16 Valve Abarth model that was built in March 2000 and delivered new to Japan by the factory.
The vehicle has arrived in Australia and is undergoing a exterior repaint to a high-quality standard. The vehicle has already had its timing belt replaced, water pump replaced, a full fluid flush, all belts changed, a re-seal of the engine, and plenty other mechanical touches conducted by us locally.
Quick facts
- 2000 Fiat Punto HGT 16 Abarth
- 97,294km
- Rare Abarth model with exterior and interior styling upgrades
- Vehicle is currently undergoing a full exterior respray in its original colour
- 1.75-litre twin-cam 16-valve engine
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Upon arriving, we replaced its timing belt, water pump, conducted a full fluid flush, changed all other belts, a re-sealed the engine, and plenty other mechanical improvements
- it was in great condition before the repaint, but its yellow paint had started to show signs of oxidisation
- Japanese de-registration paperwork and auction paperwork available
- Price includes Federal SEVS compliance
- Price includes a NSW roadworthy (blue slip)
- Price includes three-months NSW registration
Based on the Punto 1.8 16v HGT, the new HGT Abarth, featuring the latest Phase Three version of the company's twin overhead camshaft 1747cc 130bhp engine, is equipped with a full Abarth sports pack.03 Apr 2001, Punto tops euro charts as HGT Abarth arrives, Stellantis.
