Presented in world preview at the Geneva Motor Show, the new 500 Vintage '57 was revealed very recently in Italy confirming how the FIAT 500 is a dynamic model where tradition is alive, passed on and renewed.
Paying homage to the iconic Fiat introduced in Turin on 4 July 1957, the 500 Vintage '57 special series has a retro look which picks up some of the key features of its classic precursor, like the pastel blue body - now in combination with white roof, spoiler, aerial and mirrors - and the tobacco or alternatively Brown Terra di Siena Poltrona Frau leather upholstery.
The car is embellished by vintage style Fiat badges on the outside and on the steering wheel, a white dashboard fascia and 16' alloy white and chrome-plated rims which are reminiscent of the tyres of yesteryear.
The FIAT 500 was introduced in 1957. Dubbed as the 'great little car', it became an emblem of mass motorisation, of which nearly 3.9 million would be sold and which would become firmly established in the collective imagination. Fifty years later, in 2007, Fiat starts driving into the future with the new 500. A new success with deep roots and an evolved answer to new mobility needs.
The new special series 500 Vintage '57, is a homage to the 1957 Italian icon. It is available in saloon configuration only, and has a vintage appeal which picks up particularities of its predecessor.
Marketed throughout Europe and available in 12 body colours, the new 500 Vintage '57 will be available with various engines and different standard and optional equipment to satisfy the needs of customers in each country. Customers in the EMEA area can choose the 1.2 litre 69 hp, 0.9 Twin Air 65 hp, 0.9 Twin Air 85 hp or the 0.9 Twin Air 105 hp petrol engines, or alternatively the 1.3 Multijet 95 hp diesel.
Characterised by complete standard equipment, the new special series complements the Fiat 500 2015 line-up, which today includes two configurations (saloon and convertible), four trim levels (Pop, Lounge, S and Vintage '57), two transmissions (manual or Dualogic) and six engine versions (the petrol/LPG 1.2 litre 69 hp EasyPower in addition to the engines available for the Vintage '57).
The new Fiat 500 Vintage '57 is the proper tribute to the legendary 'Cinquino', as the 500 was playfully dubbed, which from 1957 to 1975 contributed to motorise a rapidly evolving country becoming a cult model of which some 3.9 million were sold. The car was essential, even spartan, but it was the first to make the privilege of mobility affordable in less than three metres of length. The 1957 500 was equipped with a fuel-efficient 479 cm3 13 hp two-cylinder engine which touched a top speed of 85 km/h. Now, that was remarkable for its day.
For the first time, the model had an engine line-up which complied with strictest environmental and safety parameters even before they were to become mandatory. Euro 5 ready from the start, the 500 was the first compact - it was only 3.5 metres long - to be awarded five EuroNCAP stars and was the first to fit seven air bag as standard equipment and to make ESP available on the entire range. The car's robust structure, active and passive safety and full equipment package did not negatively impact price: 'safety first' was a tough decision which confirmed Fiat's intention to continue to lead in that area too.
500 soon revealed itself as a very successful breeding ground for new ideas: it was the first to be equipped with Twin Air two-cylinder engines, the first Fiat model to sport its own name as logo - a brand in the brand - and was the first in its class to have a very extensive array of equipment and customisation possibilities from the very start.
Today the torch is being passed to the 500 Vintage '57 special series which is a proper homage to 1957 icon and confirms the undisputed leadership of Fiat in this segment.