FIAT + Garage Italia reimagine the 500 Spiaggina with retro styling
The Fiat 500 Spiaggina by Garage Italia is a one-off, roofless tribute showcar that reimagines the beach-loving 1960s Fiat 500 with retro styling and modern craft. Created to mark the 60th anniversary of the original Spiaggina, it was built by Lapo Elkann's Garage Italia with the technical and engineering contribution of Pininfarina, two Italian icons of design and coachbuilding.
What is the Fiat 500 Spiaggina?
On 4th July 1958, the FIAT 500 Spiaggina made its first debut in the streets of Capri. This iconic car accompanied Italians throughout the economic boom and social rebirth of their country. Loved by actors, singers, TV anchors and entrepreneurs who went crazy for its style, it became the symbol of an era: a staple of the 1960s and the emblem of La Dolce Vita. Sixty years later, Lapo Elkann, chairman and creative director of Garage Italia, reinterprets that spirit in a 4.0 version and gives the car a rebirth. As Stellantis Media details, the celebration also produced a limited 500 Spiaggina '58 special series.
What makes this custom Fiat 500 special?
The custom automobile boasts a bespoke and exclusive two-tone paint finish, "Blue Volare" and "Perla White", which characterize the livery of the body with garage blue finishing touches matching the interior coverings. There is no roof, just like the Spiaggina from the '60s, and the rear passenger space has been converted into a large compartment with an integrated road shower, so drivers can take almost anything with them for a day at the lake or at the beach. This feature was created with Pininfarina's technical specialists, who supported the Garage Italia team in the structural engineering.
How was the interior crafted?
The lowered sailing windshield and the covering of the loading bed are crafted in slatted cork, with a pattern that recalls the teak floors of luxury yachts. A custom-made small bench replaces the two front seats, reminiscent of the typical design of '60s cars, embellished with white and light-blue waterproof Foglizzo leather. Chrome-plated touches on the door handles, mirrors and hubcaps of the 1957 FIAT 500-styled alloy wheels make this Spiaggina shimmer in the sunlight, while a set of Pirelli P Zero Nero GT tires adds to the show car's classic charm. ClassicCars.com Journal covered the seaside reveal in full.
What did Lapo Elkann say about it?
"Love at first sight, one that strikes dead your heart and soul. These are the feelings that I have every time I look at a 500 and whenever I drive one of them. I fell in love with her when I was a child and growing up I dreamed of its rebirth," comments Garage Italia's CEO, Lapo Elkann. He continues, "I am glad that the revamp will help many to re-experience the dream and the magic years of the economic boom and of the Italian joie de vivre. Since 2008 and over the years, I have always customized them for myself, and with the opening of Garage Italia we had the chance to design a multitude of one-off and unique versions that have confirmed the versatility and the high modernity of this car, which is still one of the most beloved worldwide brands."
Where to find Italian custom cars at TheArsenale?
The same coachbuilt, design-led Italian spirit runs through TheArsenale's curated garage. Explore the Project M Ferrari 308 GTS restomod and the Nardone 928 Porsche restomod for bespoke craftsmanship, or the charming city duo of the Smart Bleu by TheArsenale and the Duo electric microcar.
Looking for your own piece of La Dolce Vita? Browse the full TheArsenale Cars collection.
