1970 Abarth 1000 Biposto Corsa SE 018 "Millino"

Chassis No. SE 018-X001/O
Unveiled for the 1970 season, the Fiat Abarth Biposto Corsa type SE 018, affectionately nicknamed the “Millino,” literally “little thousand,” distilled Carlo Abarth's small-displacement competition philosophy into one of his most compact and distinctive sports-racing cars of the era. Unveiled at the IV Mostra dell'Auto da Competizione in Turin at the end of February 1970, the SE 018 was aimed at young drivers stepping up from touring cars and karting into serious prototype and hillclimb competition.
While it retained the steel-tube spaceframe chassis concept and Fiat-derived twin-cam architecture of the preceding 1000 Sport SE 03 and SE 04, the new SE 018 otherwise marked a comprehensive shift from the mid-engine formula. Its dramatic Cuneo, or wedge-shaped, fiberglass body was lower, shorter, and lighter, while Carlo Abarth abandoned mid-engine thinking in favor of his preferred outboard layout, placing the 982-cc four-cylinder behind the rear axle. With approximately 120 CV at 8,200 rpm and a quoted weight of just 400 kilograms, the result was a remarkably compact and highly responsive prototype, engineered above all for agility on tight and technical courses.
The SE 018 made its competition debut on 31 May 1970 at the Castione Baratti–Neviano Arduini hill climb, where works driver Johannes Ortner immediately drove it to victory. That commanding first outing confirmed the promise of the new design and solidified the Millino as one of the most charismatic and effective little Abarths of its era.
Assembled in 1970, chassis number X001/O is believed to have been among the Fiat Abarth Biposto Corsa type SE 018s entered by the factory works team during the model's early competition career. Following Abarth's absorption into FIAT, the car later passed to Squadra Corse Osella, which continued to campaign and manage a number of the marque's competition cars. In May 1971, the car was entrusted to Parma Corse for the 55th Targa Florio, where it was campaigned by the pairing of Mario Barone and Maurizio Campaini, both already well known for their successes in small-displacement Abarth touring cars. In that demanding Sicilian classic, the SE 018 performed impressively, the pair claiming the Sport Prototipi fino a 1000-cc class victory and finishing 14th overall.
Barone subsequently campaigned chassis X001/O in several notable hill climbs, including the Trento-Bondone and Cesana-Sestriere, before it was returned to Osella. Significantly, this car is understood to have been updated in period by Baistrocchi to a belt-driven configuration, setting it apart from all other known survivors of the type. It is thought to have remained active in competition through 1978, entrusted over the years to a succession of drivers.
Later sold into Italian collector ownership, the car was acquired approximately a decade ago by its current caretaker—a dedicated enthusiast whose collection encompasses some of the most significant and beautiful Abarths in existence. Recognizing the importance of chassis X001/O within that remarkable collection, he subsequently commissioned a complete mechanical restoration by Facetti, after which the car has been preserved in exceptional condition. Today, accompanied by a substantial file of restoration photographs, chassis X001/O is ideally suited to continued enjoyment in prominent non-competitive historic events.
PREVIEW DETAILS:
This lot will be available for viewing in person at Museo Alfa Romeo from Thursday, 14th May 2026 to Monday, 18th May 2026.
SALE LOCATION:
Italy
BUYER'S PREMIUM:
10% + VAT on the Hammer Price
TITLE/REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS:
Bill of Sale
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
N/A
POST-AUCTION REMOVAL AND STORAGE:
Following the auction, this lot will be removed from site and transferred to a nearby third-party storage facility pending receipt of payment. The removal fee of €450 + VAT will be charged to the buyer. Storage charges of €50 + VAT per lot per day will also be charged from Thursday, 21st May 2026.