Benvenuti amici!
When FIAT re-introduced the Cinquecento (500) to the world, in 2007, they made it clear the intent is for their city car to become the iPod of the automotive industry. The Italian automaker launched the car with a rich interior/exterior palette and continues to add trim levels as well as special editions to help match consumers to their equivalent 'cento. In addition to this, the Agnelli family saw fit to create a 500 spin-off line called the 500L...
FIAT 500/500L 'Italian Invasion'
Back to special edition 500s. In late 2012, FIAT NA (North America) announced the North America-only 500 Sport Turbo ~ also called the 500T. The 500T was lauded, by then head of FIAT NA Tim Kuniskis, as the ultimate 500 customization machine. The 'T' has more power than the standard 500 and more freedom to take what you dig about the Scorpion and add whatever your heart desires. In effect, creating your own Italian dream
Base 500T
FIAT NA, under Kuniskis, simultaneously announced a small authorized aftermarket vendor network as well as the as-yet-to-be-completely-realized FIAT Custom Shop. Of course, this is not completely good news. The North American arm of the company has a great concept (and customization starting point), but has not brought the plan to fruition. Thankfully, there is the occasional brilliant example of what the Shop could offer to the public.
The FIAT Custom Shop Hallmarks
Base 500T Cattiva
Base 500 Abarth Tenebra
Fortunately, for FIAT aficionados and the brand, we are a passionate bunch… and we do not sit around waiting for someone else to make things happen for us. While our favorite city car manufacturer focuses on the Chrysler merger, we have been busy finding ways to express our individuality by way of our Cinquinos. I, for instance, desired my own personal Pop Star SE/TwinAir look (unavailable in the US). I, with the help of our LS, added personal touches ~ all based on factory customization available at purchase of EU 500s.
The Pretty Green Pop Star
This brings us to the star of this entry. 500 Madness, also of Smart Madness fame, got in on the ground floor of North American FIAT customization. I am pleased to say I have been able to purchase EU-specific accessories from them. One particular member of the Madness famiglia is taking his FIAT dream from concept to reality using the 500T as his canvas.
Feast your peepers on the Fitito that Joseph built. All photos are courtesy of the man himself. We owe him a special thanks for sharing this project with us. Much respect to our artistic brother...
The initial intro to the 500-owning public...
"Drop it...
What?!
They're not details…
They are the product...
Oh, no he didn't...
Complete with CF (carbon fiber) mirror caps
Yes, my friends, that just happened. But aesthetic changes are not the limit to Joseph's modifications. There are goodies under the bonnet too. Head over to the 500 Madness website to learn how you can express yourself through your little machine. Of course, they are not the only game in town. They just happen to be the place I looked for my non-OEM Italian 500 swag. Check out our links section for more options.
This entry is dedicated to all the men & women working hard to keep the FIAT NA dream alive. Grazie mille...
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
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