Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Tre

Benvenuti amici!

We are back with the latest chapter in Bryan Thompson's modern 500 dream. In the two previous entries, we led with a set-up and this will be no different. From the first glimpse of this project, I felt a familiar vibe… from something I saw before… but failed to put my finger on the specific vintage work. 

I was working on one of my iPod playlists today and it finally came to me… the FIAT 500 Jolly from the legendary House of Ghia. The creations of this Italian gem were nothing short of whimsical. The design/s produced on the Cinquino platform was/were some of their most otherworldly work ever.

The house of Castagna Milano has taken a similar approach in their designs for the modern 500 platform. The Tender2 and this design, the Capri Blue, very clearly illustrate just what I am on about. The photos take it to a fagettaboutit level.

Bryan's design eye most definitely peers through the same viewfinder/s of the likes  of Ghia & Castagna. The colors and patterns of these varied works seem to come from the same kaleidoscope. In fact, Bryan's build feels much more like a Ghia work than a Giacosa. Either way… he's in very good company. 

I know what you are thinking. You wonder why you should take my word. Don't. A picture is worth a thousand words. Bryan?

This portion focuses is on detail and bringing the concept to life...

"The guys doing this build are excellent, and I'd be lying if claimed I wasn't putting their skills to the test. But the guys are up to the task -- and it will be fantastic! (Or else.) Just kidding... Sorta.

What can I say? After two decades, prepping concept and production designs for the laser-like focus of design luminaries like Tom Matano (Mazda, Miata) and Shiro Nakamura (Nissan), I can't help noticing the minutest flaw in line or paint quality. This process lets a designer's O.C.D. attention-to-detail have a field day. That is why I love what I do.

It's very exciting to see the car's personality emerge now…

The wheel mock ups show the car with and without whitewalls. If I had an unlimited budget, I'd use the Fiat OEM wheel designed for the 500L…

... rather than the version intended for the 500.

The 500L version has a deeper offset and would give the car a better stance. But changing the 500's 4-bolt pattern to the 500L's 5-bolt pattern appears to be cost-prohibitive, at least for now (says Bryan with a sinister grin) A whitewall will help the circular design look larger.

The blue plaid fabric has a great presence. After seeing it on/in the car today paired with the body colored details, it brings a bolt of life to the interior and great smiles all around. You have to see it in-person to experience the guttural growl of the engine contrasted with this light-hearted color palette.

It's really something special…"

Special, indeed, Bryan. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. We look forward to the next installment. Could we finally make our way inside your baby blue build? I certainly hope so...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Due

Benvenuti amici!

We trust you enjoyed reading part one of our collaboration with Bryan Thompson. Before we jump into the portion of this customization Bryan calls "Disassembly & Sourcing ", I think it is important to reset the tone of the piece with another inspirational photo. I was taken aback when Bryan sent me this print ad. I looked to this piece when I began the modding process of La Fee Verte (our former 500 Pop). Birds of a feather…

'57 Print Ad: Normale e Economica

What ought to be immediately obvious through this ad is FIAT always had a 'different strokes for different folks' approach to proposing their creations. By December 1957, less than 6 months after launch, savvy shoppers had two Cinquino choices; Normale (an updated version of the launch 500 - with descending vertical  windows, padded rear seats, chrome hubcaps and other added chrome bits) and Economica (essentially the July launch version of the Normale). In effect, the 500 Lounge is the modern day version of the Normale and the 500 Pop is the modern day version of the Economica. 

The stage is set for affordable sports cars in '58

For those wondering about their beloved Sport, worry not. FIAT debuted the Nuova 500 Sport in 1958 at the Hockenheim. Oh! There is also a strong historical link for our esteemed members of The Cult of the Scorpion. Karl 'Carlo' Abarth, inspired by Giacosa's Sport, introduced the FIAT 500 ABARTH later that same year. Four choices in two years -- Read familiar?

ABARTH & Co. ups the ante: A 4th option is born

So, you see, options and personalizations have always been an integral part of the FIAT life way. How one does or does not desire to personalize one's buggie is completely up to the individual. This brings us back to Bryan and his ambitious project. Take it away Bryan...

[Here are] Some color tuning samples…

I dig the deep dive approach to this project...

… Finding inspiration in inspired ways…

It was quite a challenge to locate an Abarth that fit my needs. Just about every Fiat salesman said that what I was looking for was impossible to find… A unicorn, if you will. In the end, I found the mythological creature: A new corporate-owned grigio Abarth cabrio with grigio roof, seat heaters, and cloth seats. 'No point in buying leather, as they will be reupholstered. "Gainsborough" (that's his name)  was located in a tiny town in Illinois. The grigio roof was key, as nero would be too severe a contrast when paired with the baby blue exterior.  Also, one of the benefits of this particular car, aside from the rare configuration, is that I am officially the first private owner.

[Editor's note: For those unaware, certain configurations are near impossible to obtain… even using FIAT's online configuration tool. For instance, Sombrita is free of contrasting mirror caps and 'go faster' stripes. Easy. But she is a 2013 in nero puro, a 2014 color, has leather seats and is devoid of a convenience package. Using the configuration tool, the ModCon package is one with the leather seats. Like Bryan's A500, La Sombrita was corporate-ordered. Unlike Gainsborough, she was never corporate-owned. FIAT Corp ordered and, then, sent her to our LS. I, as they say, was lucky enough to want this 'stripped' version of the sexy Scorprione & was in a position to purchase.]

In searching for all the avorio interior components necessary to complete the light and airy interior palette, it finally occurred to me that it was going to be more cost effective to simply purchase a second car equipped with an avorio interior and have a one-stop source for all the parts (big and small). 

… Avorio headliner and Bryan mugging the shot...

… Bryan's one-stop shop for avorio parts... 

Even after 20 years in this industry, it still surprises me to see all the teeny tiny components that are color coordinated to a cars interior. Everything from large scale items like the headliner, to minuscule sunvisor clips need to match. I, now, have a deepened respect for Color and Material Designers; They are logistic geniuses! Upon completion, much of the nero interior (from the Abarth) will go into the donor [Lounge] car.  

…

… Deciding on which azzurro works…

To get the avorio door inserts, (again the interior should be light, open and airy, not dark)  I sourced door panels for a 500e with "Steam" interior, and will replace the orange armrests. The orange pop of color is a nice accent. However, the proportion of orange on a full armrest would be too large for this concept… It would be all anyone would notice. It did make me realize that the concept needs a little 'second read surprise' detail. I'll use an orange thread for stitching, and this should be a delightful, yet, small pop of color.

… These 500e door panels draw lots of interest…

For the turbo gauge, I personally find the left hand drive solution of incorporating the feature into the speedometer gauge disruptive to the purity of the design. It complicates the simplicity of a very charming design element.

… UK boost gauge & a little blue friend…

So, I sourced a gauge from a right hand drive model, and will have it installed on the dash, next to the A-Pillar. This also feels more in line with the original Abarth 500, in my opinion: It's a secondary display and won't be competing with the primary read-outs: Functional, simple and pure, rather than adding complexity to the purpose of the main speedometer zone. 

[Editor's note: I must protest, albeit mildly. The left hand boost gauge may be the missing "completely mad" design element in the Top Gear UK review of the A500. You see, in the UK, the gauge is neatly integrated into the top of the dash. Having lived in a Pop for over a year, I rather enjoy the touch of madness involved in attaching it to the otherwise simple/clean design of the speedo. I, as an artist trained in calligraphy, dig the fact team Giolito matched the font in this gauge to the one used for the speedo numbers. These small details complete the end product.]

Unfortunately, my friends, the end of the sourcing portion of our journey leaves us with no choice but to begin the disassembly stage of this trek...

… It is always difficult for me to look at these kinds of photos. I know it is necessary, but they sting just the same. To be continued...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Uno

Benvenuti amici!

I think everyone is aware our focus for the NA (North American), as well as the global, FIAT community is promoting life behind the wheel of these beautiful Italian machines by focusing on the people driving them. Our aim, of course, is to be an online destination for Italian car aficionados. But we also aim to draw fans of life… and the adventures therein.

One major component of our individual & collective experience on this big, wonderful planet is expression. Knowing this, we often give audience to the customization work of our fellow FIATisti.

The next few blog entries will shine a light on one such act of expression. I 'discovered' this project on one of the FIAT forums I frequent. I was so taken with the passion I saw in the inspirational preparation photos shared, alone, I knew I had to propose a collaboration (of sorts). The greater FIAT community deserves to take part in this brilliant life series. 

What is so special about this particular story? Read on...

"My name is Bryan Thompson. I've been a professional car designer for more than 15 years, styling for Nissan, Peugeot Citroën, Volvo-Mack Trucks, Airstream, etc.  

Bryan and what is definitely not a 'Cento

While I've most often designed large vehicles, like; trucks and vans and camping trailers, my main passion is for small cars. I love them like most people love their pets.

Bryan, his ABARTH of choice & a furry friend

I got my start in the automotive industry at Fiat. Long story made kinda short, I was a young frustrated design student at Arizona State University, studying product design and wanting very badly to learn how to become a car designer. In a pre-internet world, this information was not readily available. 

Sometimes it takes a bit of terrible advice to focus desire and ignite a fire. A Guidance Counselor told me, "Car Design is a pipe dream, that needs to be let go." Undeterred, I dropped out of school, and moved to France.  I lived in the South near Montpellier in a dirty old camping trailer, totally broke, starving and struggling to learn the language, but in total design bliss. I was surrounded by quirky European cars, beautiful French people and amazing cheap wine. So what if I couldn't bathe regularly, no one else seemed to either!

Arc de Triomphe: Place de la Comèdie

I spent my time researching car design studios and making naïve attempts at contacting the Design Directors at each and every company in Europe.  Of course, no one replied.  So, after months of this, I snuck onto a train and went to Turin, Italy, knocked on the door (literally) at Centro Stile Fiat, and proceeded to wait in the lobby until I could be seen.  

Believe it or not, this actually worked.  

Peter Davis, the Design Director at the time, happened to be present, available, and, probably, a little amused at my scruffy (and pungent?) appearance.  He spent an entire afternoon with me; looking at my sketches, listening to my questions, and saying everything I had come so far to learn. 

Tipo B Spider176 Concept - Peter Davis; far right

He told me I had talent, but that I was green.  [Looking back, I wonder if he meant my complexion. Who knows?] He also told me how to make a portfolio, from what schools the industry hired, and a host of other insider details. The notes I took that day became my bible, and I did everything he suggested.

Fast forward 20 years or so. After a decade designing for Nissan and, later, growing my own design studio, I wanted to explore creating a car. That comes back full circle to Fiat… A car for myself.

CONCEPT:

I love the current Fiat 500, and the Abarth brand. But I want to do something that, in my opinion, is true to the original Abarth 500s in the way that I've admired them for so many years.  

Some of the "Small but Wicked"…

… bits of automotive bliss…

… which informed & inspired Bryan

The Abarths I remember always retained the charm of the 500 on which they were based, letting their buffed up performance speak for itself, rather than trying [quite so] hard to be "dark."

It's that contrast of Charm and Wicked Performance that draws me to this happy little mischievous car. So, for my little car, I want to capture that duality in a modern way. 

Bryan's personal-build A500 vision/concept

This car should look delightful and whimsical, and then ROAR to life when you turn the key, and growl through every corner.  It should make you smile when you look at it, and laugh out loud with a big, toothy grin when you drive it.  In essence, it should be the fastest, fun-to-drive, little picnic-finder out there."

CC5C readers dig these vintage adverts

So, has Bryan captured your attention? Are you curious about the progress of this project? Well, you are in luck. Bryan's work is moving along well and he  agreed to participate in chronicling it for the CC5C crowd. We are very pleased to help Bryan share his FIAT life experience. To be continued...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@