Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Otto

Benvenuti amici!

The FIAT 500 has held a special place in hearts of Italians since 1936 and captivated the imaginations of designers, the world over, since its iconic 1957 update. Bryan Thompson, an automotive & freelance designer of more than a decade, is no exception.

When FIAT S.p.A. released their latest update to their famous lil' mascot, in 2007, and relaunched the ABARTH & Co. version in 2008 it sparked something in Bryan he could not shake. He had to have a Scorpione of his own… and he would put his personal (Re: whimsical) stamp on it. Whimsy is Bryan's calling card. In the FIAT 500 ABARTH, he found a perfect playing field for his aesthetic leanings… and play he did.

It's been some time since we last checked in with Bryan Thompson and his (very much) one-of-a-kind FIAT 500c ABARTH. We've been with Bryan through this entire exciting process and, now, we finally get to see the finishing touch. If you regularly visit this blog, you know that touch is the W-H-E-E-L-S. 

I know Bryan pushed and pushed and, then, pushed some more to get every detail of this build just right. His vision was clear and his standards high. It is evident in the final product. Check it out…

But this brilliant slice of La Dolce Vita isn't the only work of art Bryan is sharing with us. As you are aware, Bryan is a contestant on Motor City Masters. Here is an original piece he sent me to celebrate USAmerican Independence Day… also the birthday of the FIAT 500 and CC5C. Thank you (so much) for sharing your journey with us, sir. I trust you'll post some shots of your first picnic with friends on the CC5C Facebook page.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Sette

Benvenuti amici!

What's this?! After too long a time without regular updates from the ever-busy Bryan Thompson, we bring the second update in as many weeks. Bryan, as I've come to know him through our many e-communications, is a vibrant human being. He is focused. He is determined. He is what he does and what he does is who he is. He lives a life focused on being the best Bryan Thompson he can be. He is happy and enjoys sharing his happiness.

For all intents and purposes, Bryan is a walking, talking, FIAT advert. Realizing this, CC5C has dedicated time and creative energy to help him promote his philosophy by way of his Picnic Racer. Through his ultra-personal special build, I've taken the liberty of dubbing the 1958 Limited Edition ABARTH 500, he is promoting the long-held FIAT tradition of Joy in Motoring. 

Let's face it, 'ownership' of motorized transport can be a drag. There is the educational process to the purchasing process to the insuring process to the weekly fueling process to the regular maintenance process to the traffic process… Repeat ad nausea.

If you lack a positive connection to your coach, it can feel like a ball'n'chain anchoring you to the bottom of a large body of water or, at best, a noose around your neck. Enter: Dante Giacosa, Karl 'Carlo' Abarth & Roberto Giolito. These three gentlemen of the drawing table/garage/track, among a very small number of other automotive geniuses, have created cute'n'wicked machines to get us through the monotony of daily driving. FIAT has seen fit to properly punctuate the fact in ad campaign after ad campaign.

Enter: Cream City 500 Club & Bryan Thompson. We are deeply touched/inspired by those adverts and the shiny buggies for which they speak. Let's check into the progress Bryan and his 'partners-in-crime' are making with his ultimate smile-maker.

Fitment complete & waiting for color-match

A look into the mind of a 'Plaid Man'

 "So much plaid… So much happy!" - BT

Bryan reports argento wheels were ordered for the fitment, because those were the only available choice at the time. But, avorio or bianco wheels are needed to help the lo-saturation azzurro hue pop. The crew is, now, awaiting delivery of said wheels. In the meantime, they SMASHED IT with that beautifully lush interior treatment & exterior paint (and accents).The care taken in getting this build just right is proving to be well worth it.

I see the seats, but where is Bryan?

The photos chosen by Bryan, for this update, and the grin on his face say it all. Don't they? This… more smiles per mile-focused build… is what FIAT S.p.A. and their army of small runabouts do better than anyone else in the business. 

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Sei

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...

"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!

@

Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Cinque

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!

@

Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Quattro

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. 

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"

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…

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!

@

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!

@