Fiat 500 open top spy shot

Here is a spy shot of Fiat’s open roof version of the 500. The ability for this car to keep its distinctive shape in soft-top form suggests that this car may not be a traditional convertible. Instead, Fiat may be using a “rolling roof” for one or all of its open top 500s.

Fiat may choose the rolling roof idea as a tribute to its history. The original 500 convertible utilized a fabric top section that ran from the top of the windshield to the base of the trunk. The fabric area could be peeled back (almost like a sardine can). When opened, the sold metal frame that surrounded the roof section remained.

The 500 convertible should be released late this year or early next year, and Fiat’s convertible plans should have no bearing on its assembly sibling, the Ford Ka. As reported yesterday, the Ka CC will have a folding metal roof, which is one version of the 500 convertible we have not seen or heard about.