![Does this Abarth have future-classic status? Classic & Sports Car – Future classic: Abarth 695](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2019-06/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20%E2%80%93%20Future%20Classic%20Abarth%20695%20%E2%80%93%20LEAD_0.png?itok=cnpihw3l)
The look of luxury? Abarth and yacht builder Riva combine for the special 695 Rivale
Nothing more than a marketing exercise, another ‘special’ when standard cars are the exception? But nobody seemed to mind Mazda rolling out model after model of limited-edition MX-5s.
The Abarth 695 Rivale is a celebration of the creative talents of Carlo and Carlo: Abarth and Riva, the famous yacht designer.
But did this need to be an Abarth, let alone the highest-strung 695? The around-town comfort of a TwinAir would surely be better to nip from the harbour to the local Monaco supermarché.
The 695 has a longer history than many would expect, having first been unleashed on the world as a bonkers 87mph, flared-arch 500 in 1964.
Various special 695s have been produced recently, such as the Biposto and the Tributo Ferrari – both a full £10k more expensive than this Rivale. They were rarer, but only 350 will be made of this – 175 each in soft- and hardtop.
![The evocative Abarth badge Classic & Sports Car – Future classic: Abarth 695](/sites/default/files/2019-06/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20%E2%80%93%20Future%20Classic%20Abarth%20695%20%E2%80%93%20DSC_2503.png)
![Two-tone paint and good-looking wheels for this Abarth Classic & Sports Car – Future classic: Abarth 695](/sites/default/files/2019-06/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20%E2%80%93%20Future%20Classic%20Abarth%20695%20%E2%80%93%20DSC_2509.png)
![This is a collaboration between Abarth and renowned yacht builder Riva Classic & Sports Car – Future classic: Abarth 695](/sites/default/files/2019-06/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20%E2%80%93%20Future%20Classic%20Abarth%20695%20%E2%80%93%20DSC_2499.png)
![The Abarth 695 is a punchy little thing Classic & Sports Car – Future classic: Abarth 695](/sites/default/files/2019-06/Classic%20%26%20Sports%20Car%20%E2%80%93%20Future%20Classic%20Abarth%20695%20%E2%80%93%20DSC_2429.png)
As expected, the sound from its throaty exhaust, ‘sport’ mode enabled and valve opened, is addictive. Roll back the convertible roof and it sounds even sweeter.