Fiat is unveiling a new special edition of the Fiat 500 at the LA Auto Show next week. Called the Fiat 500 “1957 Edition," the car celebrates the Nuova 500 model that premiered on July 4, 1957. It's a modern interpretation of the iconic model produced between 1957 and 1975.
The new Fiat 500 “1957 Edition” is based on a Lounge model and available in three vintage looking colors - Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) or Celeste (celestial blue). The last two colors come with a Bianco painted roof and mirror caps for an authentic retro look.
A new 16 inch wheel designed to resemble the steel wheels used on 1950 era Fiats sets off this special edition 500. These wheels made their first appearance on the Fiat 500 Beach Cruiser concept shown at last year's SEMA show and the Mopar concept car earlier this year at the Detroit auto show (sharp eyed Fiat fans will recognize the "1957 Edition" as looking nearly identical to the car on display at Detroit - see here). A sport tuned suspension makes the 1957 Edition a nimble handler, just like the original.
Inside is furnished in Marrone (brown) and Avorio (ivory) leather, which is lavished on the seats and hand stitched steering wheel. Grey door panels have Avorio inserts with Marrone armrests, and there is a six-speaker, 276-watt premium audio system with SiriusXM Radio. The interior and exterior are finished off with period correct Fiat badging.
Fiat Studios will be able to order the Fiat 500 "1957 Edition" early 2014 with deliveries beginning in Spring. Pricing is yet to be announced. We'll have that news for you as soon as it is available.
The Nuova Fiat 500
In the mid-1950s, Italy was recovering from the devastation of World War II. The demand for low cost cars was expanding. Two seater micro cars/bubble cars were becoming popular. These typically sat 1-3 people and were arguably closer to a motorcycle than a car. Dante Giacosa, Fiat's legendary chief engineer was tasked with developing a new car that would have the economy of these micro-cars, yet have the space for four passengers and offer the drivability and security of a real car. The result was the Nuova 500 and its appearance came at a time when there was a new sense of prosperity in Italy and throughout Europe. The affordable and cheerful Fiat 500 gave families something to aspire for as it offered a taste of La Dolce Vita and became something more than just a car. Nearly 3.9 million Fiat 500s were sold between 1957 and 1975, and it would be fair to say that each one holds a special place in the heart of its owner.
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