About This Fiat 500 Abarth 2013 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Fiat 500 Abarth 2013 sits on a set of 17×7.5 / 17×7.5-inch Sparco Assetto Gara wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Sparco for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Fiat 500 Abarth builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Sparco Assetto Gara creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Sparco Assetto Gara on the Fiat 500 Abarth 2013
I walked around this Abarth for ten minutes just to soak in the Sparco Assetto Gara setup. Running a 17x7.5 square configuration completely transforms the way this little Italian hatch holds the road. That extra half-inch of width over the factory wheels gives the tires a much better contact patch to bite into the pavement.
We see a lot of people mess up the offset on these cars, but the +38 choice here is spot on. It pushes the wheels just enough to flush them with the fender line without requiring any obnoxious body mods. The stance looks aggressive and purposeful rather than tucked and timid.
Clearance is always a major concern with the big Abarth calipers, but these Sparcos swallow them whole. I checked the gap between the spokes and the caliper face, and there is plenty of breathing room. You will never have to worry about the wheel scratching your brake finish.
The hub bore sits perfectly, which keeps everything balanced at high speeds. Because we are rocking the stock suspension, the car maintains its factory geometry while gaining a wider track. You get all the handling benefits of a wider wheel without sacrificing the daily drive comfort.
I looked closely at the fender liner clearance during full lock turns. Even with the +38 offset, you have zero rubbing issues on the plastic liners. It is the perfect daily-driver setup that still looks track-ready.
The barrel design on the Assetto Gara looks thin but stays incredibly rigid. When you hit a pothole, these wheels soak up the impact without bending the rim. It is a lightweight design that doesn’t sacrifice structural integrity for the sake of mass.
We love the spoke design because it leads your eye straight to the center cap. It makes the wheel look bigger than it actually is, filling up those wheel wells nicely. This is the definition of functional, smart fitment for a 500 Abarth.
What We Recommend for Fiat 500 Abarth 2013 Owners
If you want to upgrade your Abarth, stick to a square setup. Staggering wheels on this front-wheel-drive platform just messes up the handling balance. Keep the 17x7.5 sizing consistent at all four corners for predictable turn-in and rotation.
For offsets, aim for that +35 to +40 range. Anything lower than +35 will poke too much and spray rocks all over your paint. Anything higher than +40 might start fighting with your inner suspension components.
Do not go crazy with tire stretch. Stick to a tire size that keeps the sidewall straight or slightly squared off. A 205/40 or 215/40 tire works perfectly with this width and provides enough cushion for those brutal city streets.
We often see owners try to run massive spacers, but it ruins the scrub radius. Avoid spacers if you can, especially when you run a wheel like the Sparco that is already designed for proper clearance. Keep your steering feel sharp and direct.
If you plan to lower the car later, leave a little room in the fenders. The stock suspension height is fine, but coilovers will change where the wheel sits under compression. Plan your wheel purchase around your final suspension goals.
Style and Build Analysis
The custom finish on these wheels is the star of the show. Against the factory paint, the wheels pop with a depth that standard silver or matte black just cannot match. It gives the car a custom, bespoke feel that sets it apart from every other Abarth at the meet.
Sparco nailed the rally-inspired look with the Assetto Gara. Those thin, spindly spokes look like they were pulled straight off a WRC car from the nineties. It fits the Abarth’s personality perfectly because the car is basically a tiny, angry rally machine anyway.
The proportions are just right for a car this size. By filling out the arches, the wheels make the car look more planted and less like a toy. It has a road presence that commands respect even when it is parked.
Compared to other builds I have featured, this one shows restraint. Many owners go too big with 18-inch wheels, which makes the car look like a roller skate. By staying with the 17-inch diameter, this owner kept the aggressive sidewall look that belongs on a hot hatch.
I love how the custom finish catches the light as the car rolls slowly through the lot. It shifts tones depending on the angle, showing off the intricate details of the wheel casting. This isn't just a wheel; it is a centerpiece for the entire aesthetic of the car.
Why We Love This Build
This Fiat 500 Abarth hits that sweet spot between show car and track toy. The custom finish sparkles under the sun, and those Sparcos fill the arches so perfectly that it makes the stock ride height look intentional. It feels like the car finally got the shoes it deserved from the factory.
When I see this thing parked, I just want to jump in and drive it through a canyon. It looks fast even when it’s sitting still, which is the hallmark of a great build. You can tell the owner put real thought into the wheel choice rather than just buying the first set they saw online.
It reminds me why we love the car scene. Build your car for yourself, pick the parts that make you smile, and drive it hard. This Abarth is pure automotive joy on four wheels.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Fiat 500 Abarth 2013
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Sparco Assetto Gara
- Wheel Size: 17×7.5 / 17×7.5
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Wheel Finish: Custom
- Tires: Milestar MS932 205/40 23.5″x8.1″ / 205/40 23.5″x8.1″
- Suspension: Stock
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Fiat 500 Abarth owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 17×7.5 / 17×7.5-inch wheels fit my Fiat 500 Abarth? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Fiat 500 Abarth owners run 17×7.5 / 17×7.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
