Benvenuti amici!
The FIAT 500L. As I did with the FIAT 500, I would like to explore (through photos) the automotive history which led from there to here. I, along the way, hope to propose a new way of thinking about FIAT's latest hit ~ FIAT's first global car from conception to production.
The FIAT 500L. As I did with the FIAT 500, I would like to explore (through photos) the automotive history which led from there to here. I, along the way, hope to propose a new way of thinking about FIAT's latest hit ~ FIAT's first global car from conception to production.
FIAT 500 'Topolino' 1936-1955 ~ Giacosa
FIAT 500 'Topolino' Giardiniera ~ Giacosa
FIAT 600 1955-1969 ~ Dante Giacosa
With squarish wheel wells & body lines and a roomier interior than its predecessor, FIAT grows as a nation recovers after the Second World War. In Spain it is referred to as 'el Fitito' in former Yugoslavia it is referred to as 'Fićo' and/or 'Fićko'. [Foreign] National terms of endearment in post-war Europe? Amazing. But it serves to further cement what we all felt the first time we laid eyes on our first FIAT… as well as we feel about our latest Italian-designed object/s of our desire/s.
FIAT 600 Multipla 1956-1965 ~ Giacosa
An extension of the idea which spawned the popular FIAT 600 & the 500 Giadiniera Belvedere, the 600 Multipla included some of the same design cues as its predecessor (the 600). Additions to the beloved Seicento design are two more doors (5-dr coaches are not a new FIAT concept), a two-tone paint scheme (No, that idea was not copied from a rival brand design), a lot more room and a commitment to evolve. Why simply repeat oneself when one can do much more? FIAT pushes the envelope and don Giacosa's pen seals the deal. Don Giacosa did not simply set out to deliver small, affordable, utilitarian coaches for 'the little people', as directed by his employer. He delivered small, affordable, utilitarian vehicles anyone would be proud to be seen driving.
Giacosa drew up a few notable 'giadinieras' or 'estate' coaches, but two are celebrated more than any others… the 600 Multipla and the 500 Giardiniera. Utilitarian to the core, these are the two vehicles Roberto Giolito & co. looked to for inspiration in creating a larger family vehicle with a dash of Italian flair and a bit of reckless abandon. His first attempt at an original design, based on the giardiniera works of don Dante Giacosa, is the FIAT Multipla.
Quirky and completely polarizing, this family car was met with reviews simultaneously crowning it as the ugliest car in the world as well as automotive perfection. FIAT Multipla Interior ~ 'Back to the future' styling and take note of the placement of the shifter. Look familiar? It should to present day Cinquino owners. I consider it a tiny hint of big things to come. Of course, we now know, it was just that.
FIAT Multipla (two become one)
1998-2010 ~ Roberto Giolito.
FIAT Multipla 2nd Gen ~ Roberto Giolito
FIAT Multipla Generations
Reigniting an old flame in a completely new package is something Roberto Giolito does to perfection. He doesn't simply regurgitate what has already been done. He examines what design elements are essential for an emotional register and finds ways to express that in something completely fresh & new. He is, for all intents and purposes, a modern extension in what has etched F.I.A.T. in the hearts & minds of passionate drivers for over 100 years.
Nuova FIAT 500 2007-Present ~ Giolito
500L: Pop, Easy, Lounge & Trekking
FIAT 500L 2012-Present ~ Giolito
Sure, Roberto Giolito could have designed an over-sized version of his miniature [2007 FIAT 500] genius. But he went back to the drawing board, exercising the same philosophy with which he so passionately dissected FIATs of the '50s & '60s. This time his own creations would be the subject of his studious gaze. The 500L is what happens when Giolito of 1998 meets the same designer 10 years aged. I, for one, think it's brilliantly utilitarian and hold… firmly… don Dante Giacosa would be proud to know he helped ignite the flame.
I hope I have introduced a new perspective from which to see the 'Elle'. It comes from a pedigree at least as rich, if not as hip, as the more famous Cinquecento. Both offer cockpits from which to celebrate life ~ which is what you are all invited to join the Cream City Cinquecento Club to do. Contact me via our Facebook page for your window badge. Remember to...
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
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