This is in short how these beautifull cars are being built. The photos are taken in the Torino workshop of Abarth. The car is the one prepared for Willy Plas (see the Willy Plas section) in its "Carling Black Label" outfit.
photo 1:
A Series Ritmo is taken from the belt to the Abarth workshop. The weight of the prepared Ritmo is 70 Kg lighter. Therefor all components of comfort and noicereduction are being dismanteled. This lower weight is even more remarkable if you take into account that to car is being equiped with rall-bars and racegear.
photo 2:
Abarth disposes of a workshop handeling only the official Fiat race or rally cars. The cars are changed completely which demands a lot of experience and skills. A specific departement deals only with the body before the motor will be placed.
photo 3:
The completely prepared engine is being placed into the car. The engine (with injection) is not the only component that has been changed. The connection between the differend mechanical components en the controls is from the most importance. That makes a car function and "obei" correctely what influences its succes directly.
photo 4:
A rally car has to cope with the most worst circumstances. A very well done inspecion of train and transmission is of the most importance if you want the car to handle all sorts of difficulties. The suspension is being modified to allow wider tires to be put. On top of that a limited slip is been mounted.
photo 5:
On the dashboard you only find the nescecary equipment besides an unusual small steeringwheel. Some very preciese instruments known as the tripmaster is being mounted. It allows the navigator to follow his notes easely. Special race chairs are being put in place.
photo 6:
The mounting of the Roll-cage has to be done with care. This component is part of the cars ridgitidy. It also alows the pilote and his copilote to be safe whenever an accident should occur. The capacity of the fullsump is being brought to 60 litres and is situated in the back of the car.
photo 7:
This is way these cars have to be prepared so preciesely. They just realy have to be able to handle everything!
