Book review: Abarth, Radbourne Racing and Me 

Founder of 1960s British racing team Radbourne Racing, Lincoln Small's recount of 'the golden age of European motorsport' brings with it some incredible designs across road and track. The foreword from legendary driver Derek Bell MBE, a multiple Le Mans and Daytona winner among many other accolades, makes clear that this is a story worth telling.

It takes a while for the book to hit its stride, segueing around Small's early life before racing or fascination with cars, and readers might be forgiven for page flicking. However, mention of Enzo Ferrari and Carlo Abarth in the opening paragraph remind the reader that automotive relevance is on the way.

Indeed, a weaving tale of Small's time in Italy soon explains his growing fascination with Fiat and, in particular, Abarth. A cartoon on page five depicts a gentleman declaring various car parts to H.M. Customs, with the caption: "Just some souvenirs, presents, etc. from Italy." An unrelated but bizarrely accurate illustration of Small's experience when returning to Dover on the Ferry, having smuggled (metaphorically speaking) a variety of parts back for his soon to be converted Fiat 600.

And it is a deep appreciation for the work of the late Carlo Abarth that carries throughout the book: “I loved Abarth’s scorpion badge, inspired by the great man’s birth sign.” The front cover celebrates the astounding Monoposto, a Pininfarina-designed single seater with functional yet beautiful surfacing shaped in the wind tunnel of Turin Polytechnic.

There is a nice selection of greyscale and colour shots showing racing and non-racing variants, static and dynamic, inside and out. From the Abarth SEO14 prototype in ‘Heuer’ livery, to the redesigned instrument panel and steering wheel of the 595 ‘esse esse’, to the obscure cover art for the ‘Abarth Mufflers’ catalogue, the visuals – although limited – are excellent.

Indeed, this love of Abarth and subsequent “Abarthising” of Fiats led to a modest business venture that would eventually spiral into something far larger. Even for those with limited interest in design or automotive in general, the story of how Radbourne Racing came to be is quite emotive. This was a surprising element to the book, which may pose at first as a recount of motorsport success, but is more of tale of human endeavour. It was euphoric at times, tough at others, and Small does not spare the detail.

The book itself is well constructed and bound, with a decent weight to it. The cover design by Dominic Forbes elevates this from the confines of the bookshelf to the coffee table; a wonderful piece of artwork. All things considered, it feels worth the £29.99 recommended retail price with few, if any, direct competitors.

While it is more a tale of racing and teamwork, elements of the book will no doubt speak to design heads.  

Author: Lincoln Small and Steve Hole

Publisher: Salaft Properties in partnership with Whitefox Publishing Ltd

Format: Hardback

Page count: 210

Available online and at various retailers.