2010 Abarth 500 - Celebrity Challenge Edition - 25,395 Miles

KEY FACTS

• A rare, limited-edition hot hatch, this Abarth 500 Celebrity Challenge Edition is one of just 16 examples built for the BSM Centenary event, and one of only 13 cars that competed at the Silverstone Classic.
• It is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre inline-four producing approximately 165bhp following the Esseesse upgrade, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
• First registered in July 2010, this example was acquired by the seller in August 2025.
• This car, running as #15, was driven by Travis drummer Neil Primrose, who set the fastest lap and finished second overall in the event.
• The odometer shows 25,395 miles, which is supported by the car’s MOT test history.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Each Celebrity Challenge 500 came fitted with numerous high-performance features, including the full Essesse upgrade pack, an upgraded Abarth ECU and Monza exhaust, cross-drilled brake discs with uprated pads, a bespoke Custom Cages MSA-compliant roll cage, and Abarth Corse seats by Sabelt with four-point Toora safety harnesses.
• As with the other Celebrity Challenge cars, this example is finished in the subtle hue of Campovola Grey, with contrasting red door mirror covers, red checkerboard roof decals, and white number 15 racing roundels on the doors and bonnet, over a purposeful black synthetic suede and grey cloth-trimmed cabin punctuated by red contrast stitching, a body-coloured dashboard inlay, and chrome trim.
• It rides on a set of 17-inch Abarth multi-spoke alloy wheels finished in white, framing red brake callipers, and fitted with Toyo Proxes TR1 tyres.
• Equipment includes Abarth Corse Sabelt bucket seats with Toora four-point harnesses, a bespoke MSA-compliant roll cage by Custom Cages, switchable sport mode, a built-in CD stereo, a passenger footwell-mounted fire extinguisher, electric windows, and heater and ventilation controls.
• The car is supplied with a collection of V5C documents, its handwritten service history records, an A4 folder of invoices, and a memorabilia pack relating to the Celebrity Challenge event.
• A replacement spare key is also included.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: a small amount of surface rust is forming at the lower rear of the front wings. The interior has been retrimmed around the roll cage following the removal of the rear seats.
• The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 17 July 2025 at 25,052 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with advisories and one minor defect. Advisories note slight play in the front upper shock mountings, an oil leak (not excessive), and wear to both rear brake discs. The defect recorded was damage to the offside lower windscreen, not affecting the driver’s view.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The seller notes that this Abarth 500’s most recent maintenance was performed in July 2025 at 25,049 miles, which included an engine oil and filter service, new air and pollen filters, and a spark plug replacement.
• In October 2022, at 24,110 miles, Whites Garage (Leeds) Limited changed the cambelt and water pump.
• The seller reports that other notable maintenance includes two new front suspension arms being fitted in December 2020 and four new tyres being fitted in November 2025.

Dates and mileage:

• Jun 2011 - 1,264 miles - (reported)
• May 2012 - 4,047 miles - (reported)
• Jul 2013 - 6,812 miles - (reported)
• Jul 2014 - 9,473 miles - (reported)
• Jul 2015 - 12,296 miles - (reported)
• Jun 2016 - 14,629 miles - (reported)
• Jul 2017 - 17,801 miles - (reported)
• Jun 2018 - 20,132 miles - (reported)
• Aug 2019 - 22,175 miles - (reported)
• Jul 2024 - 24,301 miles - (reported)
• Jul 2025 - 25,049 miles - (reported)

SUMMARY

This Abarth 500 Celebrity Challenge Edition represents a very rare opportunity to acquire a genuine competition-prepared example of the celebrated hot hatch from a unique one-make charity event, with direct provenance to a notable driver and race result. Retaining its original livery, safety equipment, and factory Esseesse upgrades, it offers an engaging and characterful driving experience. Equally suited to track-day use, enthusiast events, or as a distinctive addition to a collection, it is a compelling modern motorsport collectible with an entertaining edge.

Descriptions are provided by the seller and, to their knowledge, are accurate and not misleading. Buyers must satisfy themselves of the description’s accuracy, and independent research is strongly advised. Enquiries should be raised in the comments section and any inspections arranged before bidding.

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