Benvenuti amici!
We, finally, return to one of our more popular subject matters… the personal build of Bryan Thompson. This update will be short'n'sweet, as he is also a participant in the truTV car design reality show, Motor City Masters. In order to offer the uninitiated a chance to catch up to the fans of this labor of love, a short introduction may be helpful.
Bryan began his aged 15 years (and counting) auto design career with a gutsy move to France and gutsier visit to FIAT in Italy. The fortunate soul was greeted by, then, Chief Designer, Peter Davis. Mister Davis carved out an entire afternoon for Bryan… offering him a portfolio critique and seasoned advice. That afternoon would prove to be one of the most significant points in the 'green' designers professional development.
Fast-forward to present day…
Inspired by not-so-distant memories as well as his idea of what a modern day 500 ABARTH should be, Mister Thompson decided to purchase an A500, strip it to its core and dress it up according to his own conceptual specifications. I would be remiss, if I did not concede this is a very rich approach. Had Team Giolito taken this design approach, the Scorpione would not likely be the affordable tiny sports coupe it is today.
Bryan's take on the "small but wicked" performance Cinquecento is what I would characterize as the 1958 Limited Edition ABARTH 500. It is an extreme retro take on the car design already based on a timeless lil' runabout. The original 500 ABARTH debuted shortly after don Abarth laid eyes on the 1958 500 Sport. He set the automotive world on fire with his hyper-Cento… much the same way Roberto Giolito's 2004 concept (and subsequent production designs) did.
So, friends & family, without further adieu, we hand it over to the man himself. Bryan, take it away...
Bryan began his aged 15 years (and counting) auto design career with a gutsy move to France and gutsier visit to FIAT in Italy. The fortunate soul was greeted by, then, Chief Designer, Peter Davis. Mister Davis carved out an entire afternoon for Bryan… offering him a portfolio critique and seasoned advice. That afternoon would prove to be one of the most significant points in the 'green' designers professional development.
Fast-forward to present day…
Inspired by not-so-distant memories as well as his idea of what a modern day 500 ABARTH should be, Mister Thompson decided to purchase an A500, strip it to its core and dress it up according to his own conceptual specifications. I would be remiss, if I did not concede this is a very rich approach. Had Team Giolito taken this design approach, the Scorpione would not likely be the affordable tiny sports coupe it is today.
Bryan's take on the "small but wicked" performance Cinquecento is what I would characterize as the 1958 Limited Edition ABARTH 500. It is an extreme retro take on the car design already based on a timeless lil' runabout. The original 500 ABARTH debuted shortly after don Abarth laid eyes on the 1958 500 Sport. He set the automotive world on fire with his hyper-Cento… much the same way Roberto Giolito's 2004 concept (and subsequent production designs) did.
"It's very exciting to watch a car's personality change through color and trim. The interior space has opened up and feels very airy and happy now. That paired with the aggressive performance and growl from the engine make for a uniquely fun driving experience. It's the "Happy RaceCar," as my friend Camilo Pardo called it.
Very clean… very tasteful finished custom paint
Bryan's detailed seat design notes
Plaid is a tricky pattern to work with, but I have an excellent trimmer who is patient with my obsessive attention to detail. A good friend of mine, Brenda Parkin (who is also a professional car designer), said to me... after looking at the craftsmanship, "You can tell it's not a production seat because the plaid actually lines up with the stitching lines!" That made me smile.
Getting the details right...
Look at the care taken on these...
… From every angle...
… The detailing the details is perfect
All in all, I'm thrilled with the concept and can't wait to take it on it's first race to picnic."
We're thrilled with the concept too, Bryan. I am already amped to see your next batch of photos. Your updates always bring a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing your journey with our readers, sir.
Come back for more of Bryan's build updates and much, much more FIAT-inspired madness.
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
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