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!
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