Benvenuti amici!
The long history and heavy influence of FIAT S.p.A. (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino Società per Azioni) is clear to those keeping up with this blog, other blogs, official/unofficial auto sites, programs/documentaries and books. FIAT, the family-owned and run Italian industrial powerhouse, has been involved in the automobile business since the business was little more than an enthusiasts game. In the area of their specialty, small/city/economy/B-segment cars, FIAT (also written Fiat) is arguably the most influential and innovative brand of the bunch.
It is a good thing for consumers, and car enthusiasts alike, the tiny giant is not leaving it up to their fans to get the word out. In 2007, the automaker reintroduced itself to the simple yet stylish (and affordable) 2-dr market with a modern version of their flagship creation… the 500 or Cinquecento. Included in the relaunch package is the perfectly simple Pop, the heavily chromed Lounge and the storied 500 Sport (re-imagined for the North American market), of Hockenheim fame, first introduced in 1958.
The 500 Abarth & 500c quickly followed. This gave Italian car aficionados and/or general consumers, looking for more style in their eco-car, plenty of choices to match their respective driving style/s and aesthetic taste/s.
Not satisfied to rest on their laurels, FIAT reintroduced itself to the 4-dr market with a modern melding of the 1956 600 Multipla & 1960 500K/Giardiniera. Having found international interest and stronger foreign market relationships, these latest versions of what FIAT does best are finding a much larger audience. For the first time in history, the Italians look to be moving into markets across the pond with no intent of ever again becoming wholly dependent on their homeland for financial stability.
So, what does one do when finding oneself before a global audience? If you are FIAT, you build drivable reminders of your history in the form of heritage-focused special edition FIATs. Here are the two latest homage variant offerings from the master of the sexy scorpion & the cute, little mouse.
It is a good thing for consumers, and car enthusiasts alike, the tiny giant is not leaving it up to their fans to get the word out. In 2007, the automaker reintroduced itself to the simple yet stylish (and affordable) 2-dr market with a modern version of their flagship creation… the 500 or Cinquecento. Included in the relaunch package is the perfectly simple Pop, the heavily chromed Lounge and the storied 500 Sport (re-imagined for the North American market), of Hockenheim fame, first introduced in 1958.
Not satisfied to rest on their laurels, FIAT reintroduced itself to the 4-dr market with a modern melding of the 1956 600 Multipla & 1960 500K/Giardiniera. Having found international interest and stronger foreign market relationships, these latest versions of what FIAT does best are finding a much larger audience. For the first time in history, the Italians look to be moving into markets across the pond with no intent of ever again becoming wholly dependent on their homeland for financial stability.
So, what does one do when finding oneself before a global audience? If you are FIAT, you build drivable reminders of your history in the form of heritage-focused special edition FIATs. Here are the two latest homage variant offerings from the master of the sexy scorpion & the cute, little mouse.
In 1963, at the Torino Motor Show, Carlo 'Karl' Abarth introduced his FIAT 595 Abarth to the world. Now, in 2013, FIAT is celebrating the event with a 50th anniversary special edition. This 500 Abarth variant truly takes a few more steps to the extreme in design elements, specifically the interior.
Some of my favorite detailing elements in this superb package are; the chrome bonnet spear, the chrome mirror caps, the striking front seats & the sensual red dash panel. In my opinion, these decisions hit all the right notes.
Realizing the world is just about as fired up about the heritage of the Cinquecento as is the automaker, FIAT has announced they will also celebrate the 57th birthday of the 1957 Nuova 500 with an anniversary edition in 2014.
Dante Giacosa is the designer/engineer of many inspiring motorized vehicles, but he is best remembered for the original 1936 FIAT 500 (Topolino), the 1952 FIAT 600 & their offspring ~ the 1957 Nuova FIAT 500. The thumbprint of its brilliantly simple design can be found in the engineering of every economy car on the planet since.
The modern version of the 1957 Cinquino will be available in verde chiaro and this gorgeous azzurro. My favorite of the detailing elements included in this package are the all around period badging, the retro wheels, the matching mirrors/dash panel & the tricolor door panels.
Roberto Giolito, Head of Design FIAT & Abarth, is to be commended for all the wonderful designs coming out of Torino these days. For me, history never looked so good or felt this fun. Kudos to FIAT for taking every turn, at breathtaking speed, to keep their iconic creations relevant & exciting without leaving their groundbreaking history in the dust.
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
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