Benvenuti amici!
We are back with the latest update for Bryan Thompson's Abarth build. Since this build began, FIAT USA has released the North American version of the GQ special edition (SE) Cinquecento. The reason for distinguishing the EU version from the NA version is simple. Although both cars were designed in collaboration with Condé Nast, they are mechanically and aesthetically very different models.
The GQ 500 IT is based upon a hardtop and cabrio version of the EU 500S, which is essentially a finer version of the NA 500 Sport. What separates this SE from the car upon which it is based is the ABARTH 595 Turismo dressing (specifically the exterior paint and the interior styling).
The GQ 500 US is based on a cabrio version of the NA ABARTH, which is essentially an EU 500c ABARTH EsseEsse (including somewhat controversially VIN series, power & a muffler). What separates this SE from the car on which it is based is the fact it is dressed in a combination of NA 500 Sport dressing (wheels), 500T badging/lights and NA 500 Lounge dressing (seats & details).
In short, the EU GQ is a standard 500 with ABARTH interior & exterior styling, while the NA GQ is an ABARTH cabrio with standard 500 interior & exterior styling.
What does all this have to do with an update of Bryan Thompson's ABARTH build? Well, if you've been keeping up with our entries, his vision for what the modern could/should be happens to mirror much of what has been done for the NA version of the GQ 500.
Pattern for Bryan's Abarth Interior
The 500 GQ IT is celebrated. The 500 GQ US seems to be somewhat polarizing. No matter how one feels about those special editions, one cannot help but be intrigued by what Bryan is doing. He is taking aesthetic customization, of a daily driver, to new level. It appears he is having loads of fun in the process. We are most definitely fans of fun.
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
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