Benvenuti amici!
We are back with part four of Bryan Thompson's very personal 500 ABARTH build. In order to restore some level of context to what you are about to see, we thought we should offer some context to the motivation/inspiration behind his approach.
Bryan, a huge fan of the sense of whimsy he feels when he sees a vintage 500, was left in want when he saw the modern 500 Abarth. Sure, he loves the overall design, power & sound of the Scorpione. But he cannot help feel the modern version of the supermini packs bit too much venom in its color schemes and racing-inspired accents. So, not afraid to put his money where his mouth is, Mister Thompson decided to purchase an ABARTH… as well a 500 Lounge donor car… to create what he believes is a truer modern representation of the vintage A500.
For those paying attention, FIAT recently took a step into past-inspired interior color schemes with the 595 ABARTH Anniversary Edition…
One of the first things on which Bryan needed to decide is the color scheme of his pet project. What would be the best combination to attain the feel of late '50s/early '60s design? Well, for Bryan, it had to be a Baby Blue & Ivory exterior. For the interior, Bryan has chosen to pair the exterior scheme with various hues of brown. One thing for certain is this car will most definitely emote the past upon first glance… as well as repeat gazing.
A Vintage Scorpion in the Wild
Bryan, an automotive designer of larger vehicles, got his start in an impromptu afternoon meeting with, then, FIAT Director of Design, Peter Davis. During this meeting of the minds, Bryan received the advice he credits with giving him purpose & focus. Bryan's relationship with FIAT is coming full circle with the reintroduction of FIAT to the US market and the relaunch of the Cinquecento (and the Cinquecento ABARTH).
A Legend is Reborn: "Small but Wicked"
For those paying attention, FIAT recently took a step into past-inspired interior color schemes with the 595 ABARTH Anniversary Edition…
A Limited Edition to Celebrate Greatness
Bianco e Nero Accents… A Nod to the Past
… But Bryan has decided to take his design quite a bit further. To learn just what we mean, you must read on…One of the first things on which Bryan needed to decide is the color scheme of his pet project. What would be the best combination to attain the feel of late '50s/early '60s design? Well, for Bryan, it had to be a Baby Blue & Ivory exterior. For the interior, Bryan has chosen to pair the exterior scheme with various hues of brown. One thing for certain is this car will most definitely emote the past upon first glance… as well as repeat gazing.
"Quick update today:
AbarthFront End! Looks so good. I had them completely remove the side vents (which destroys them) but it was worth the effort; now the new vents will slide right into place without any shoddy looking mask lines.
Paint quality is flawless, and you can see how the ivory mirror caps contrast/make the blue appear more saturated. My respect for color and material design grows deeper with each step of this project!!!"
Baby Blue… And Ivory…
They are not simply details…
… They are the product.
Now, you have an idea of just how committed Bryan is to his vision for the exterior of this 'cento. Let's take a brief step into the interior treatment of his buggie. Here are some shots, with notes, of what Mister Thompson wants to see as he buzzes around town in his very retro runabout.
Now, you see it…
… Now, you don't.
A Pop/Lounge wheel & dash set-up in the A500
As you can see, through these latest photos, Bryan's vision is bold and he has no fear of stepping into unchartered territory to achieve the look he desires. We look forward to seeing future shots of the interior coming together. In the meantime, if you have not read past entries, check them out… scroll below.
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
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