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Abarth-Simca 1300 Bialbero: 1962 Le Mans participant
The Abarth-Simca 1300 Bialbero is a small-displacement GT car developed during the partnership between Abarth and Simca. The name 'Bialbero' refers to the engine with two overhead camshafts.
1300 Bialbero in brief
This is a compact sports coupe with a 1.3-litre engine. It was built for racing, particularly for endurance events like Le Mans.
The car became a symbol of the Abarth and Simca collaboration in the early 1960s.
History and creation
In the 1962 Le Mans race, the factory entered three Bialbero 1300 cars, but none of them finished the race.
The only Bialbero to finish the race was the Equipe Nationale Belge car #43 — it won its class and finished 14th overall.
Technical details
The car's standout feature is the Abarth-designed twin-cam (bialbero) engine with a displacement of around 1.3 litres.
The body was lightweight and aerodynamic, allowing the car to compete with larger-displacement prototypes due to its low weight.
Significance and where to see it
In its debut season in 1962, the 1300 GT, according to sources, won nine major races. According to sources, Abarth cars also excelled in the Nürburgring endurance race, where they won their class.
Surviving cars can be seen at classic car events and museums, such as the Savigny collection.
Road and race versions
The key difference is the purpose.
1300 Bialbero
1962 model year.A racing GT car with a 1.3-litre DOHC engine.
- Two gear-driven camshafts
- Lightweight body
- Designed for Le Mans and endurance racing.
1300 GT Corsa
1963–1964 model years.Another racing version.
- Similar 1.3-litre design
- Body tailored for racing.
- Built for endurance competitions.
1300 Bialbero and Abarth Simca 2000
| Abarth-Simca 1300 Bialbero | Abarth Simca 2000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.3-litre DOHC | 1946 cc DOHC |
| Class | Small-capacity GT | Large-capacity GT |
| Era | 1962 model year. | 1963–1965 |
The 1300 Bialbero was lighter and aimed at a smaller class, while the 2000 model was more powerful and robust.
Pros
- High-revving DOHC engine
- Success of the first season
- Light and compact body
- A significant symbol of the Abarth–Simca partnership
Cons
- The factory cars at Le Mans 1962 did not finish
- Very limited production run
- Rare examples in the collector's market
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Bialbero' mean?
In Italian, it means an engine with two camshafts.
Did it win at Le Mans?
Not overall, but in 1962, the Equipe Nationale Belge car won its class.
Where can I see a 1300 Bialbero?
At classic car events and in some museums.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
