The Abarth Festival

There's no doubt about it, 2021 has brought with it an influx of new shows, and what with so many events springing up across the UK and Europe, we have to say we'd love to have a huge stand at them all. We just love cars of all shapes and sizes, and the shows are what make our weekends go around!

The thing is though, you just can't be in two places at once… or can you?

You see, we like to get out as much as we possibly can and, when we heard that the guys at the Petrolheadonism Club were laying on a brand-new event exclusively for some of the UKs miniature Italian stallions, our big rig and Airstream trailer winging its way across the country to another venue wasn't going to stop us attending. No, instead we packed our MS-RT Transit with stock, fired up the '73 T2 Panel Van shop, and headed straight up to the Abarth Festival in Finedon, Northampton.

Single marque events tend to represent the hardcore of modifying fans, but more than that it offers the opportunity for car fanatics from all walks of life to get involved, everyone is invited here, you just need to be particularly interested in a particular brand. These events are also a major attraction for the car clubs, who always (and we do mean always) come out in force. This brings forth the atmosphere of more of a social gathering, than a full-on, hectic car show. Something we've all been lacking throughout the 18-months.

Basically speaking then, what we were presented with here, was an extremely laid-back vibe and a whole load of folk who seriously like to look after their Abarths. And, perhaps that last bit is why we loved it so much… after all, looking after cars is what we do best!

It may seem crazy talking about variety at a show dedicated solely to the scorpion badge, but when it comes to Abarth, it's not simply a case of Punto, 500, Spyder and repeat. There are in fact a mindboggling array of special editions, some much rarer than others, so you really have to know what you're looking at to be a true connoisseur of the brand.

There's the 595 Monster Energy Yamaha, 695 XSR Yamaha Ltd Edition, 695 Biposto, 595 Competizione, 695 Maserati, Zerocento, the Tributo Ferarri and the new 595 Scorpioneoro… and that's just a few of the 500s! Chuck in the odd Punto Scorpione, Evo and quite a few others and there really is a lot to discover here. We're pretty sure we saw them all, and a whole lot more besides. And that's without the raft of supremely modified versions out there, too.

Here's a small taster of some of our favourites…

With the weather starting off wet, cloudy and all-round nasty, we were all keeping our fingers crossed that it would clear up… and it did. After just an hour of rain, the sun came out and so did the deckchairs. Eating, chilling and looking at cars, it just doesn't get any better.

The guys at Petrolheadonism certainly pulled together all the elements of a great day out. They even lavished the most outstanding cars with a trophy or two, on their main stage. All deserving winners in their respective categories.

Thanks to everyone who popped over to our pop-up shop throughout the day, and well done to everyone who turned up to show us some true Italian style. We had a great time, and we'll see you again in 2022.