It's true the Japanese have a penchant for European style, which is why cars like this were sold there new.
This 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.
Which we know as fun and with a very 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.
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 and mechanical once-over before sale.
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
- Will be serviced upon arriving into Australia
- In well-above average condition – never repaired and original
- 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.
