Fiat will celebrate its 57th anniversary with a limited production of the Italian brand’s original 1957 Nuova Cinquecento, set to hit showrooms in April.
“The 1957 edition celebrates the Cinquecento, the icon of our brand, and its unique cachet of Italian style, efficiency, and engaging road manners,” says Jason Stoicevich, head of Fiat Brand for North America. The 1957 Edition features unique styling elements, material finishes, a manual transmission, and sport-tuned suspension.
The original Nuova 500 resulted from a strategy to develop and revamp Fiat’s product range following World War II. Nearly four million units of the Cinquecento were built between 1957 and 1975. The last Fiat Nuova 500 was built on August 4, 1975, at the Fiat plant in Palermo, Sicily.
Next year’s homage is based on the 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge, available in several classic colors. Drivers can opt for an all-white model, or a bi-color version with either light green or celestial blue paired with a white roof and mirror caps. Inspired by the Cinquecento, the model will also include a 16-inch retro wheel design, a wide chromed lip, body-color accents, and a large center cap with the historic “FIAT” emblem.
The ivory interior will feature brown leather seats and grey door panels with an ivory inner panel. Adding to the historic theme is a key fob with Marrone casing and a Avorio-painted “1957” graphic.
For improved handling, a sport-tuned suspension and all-season performance tires are standard. The model also features a 1.4-liter MultiAir engine and a five-speed manual transmission that delivers an EPA estimated 31 miles per gallon city and 40 milers per gallon highway.
Pricing will be announced closer to market launch. Ordering will begin in early 2014.
