Lets face it: "57" is not an usual number to celebrate, but when we are talking about the 57th anniversary of a model launched in 1957, it's a whole different story. With this in mind, Fiat ->ke30 decided to celebrate 500->ke1708's 57th anniversary with the launch of a special 500 "1957 Edition." After all, we are talking about a hugely successful model that was sold in over 100 countries since its unveiling in 1957.

The new special edition is based on the 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge, and it features design elements from the 1957 Fiat "Nuova" Cinquecento, including the body colors and the interior materials. The 1957 Edition will also come with a manual transmission and sport-tuned suspension.

The new 500 "1957 Edition" will be put on sale in the spring of 2014. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Click past the jump to read more about the Fiat 500 "1957 Edition".

2014 Fiat 500 "1957 Edition"

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Fiat 500 "1957 Edition"
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 101 @ 6500
  • Torque: 98 @ 4000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Buyers can order the new 500 "1957 Edition" in just three exterior colors -- Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) or Celeste (celestial blue) -- combined with a signature Bianco painted roof and mirror caps.

It rides on special 16-inch wheels in a retro design inspired by the 1957 Fiat "Nuova" Cinquecento. They feature a wide chromed lip, body-color accent and large center cap with historic "FIAT" emblem. The rims are wrapped up in all-season performance tires.

Interior

Also inspired by the 1957 model is the Avorio (ivory) interior contrasted by premium Marrone (brown) leather seats. Avorio stitching finds its way on the seatbacks and seat cushions, while Grigio (grey) sees use on the door panels, and Marrone for the door armrests and shift boot. The steering wheel is wrapped in an exclusive Avorio leather and features a retro "FIAT" badge. There us also a uniquely styled key fob with Marrone casing and Avorio-painted "1957" graphic.

Providing the entertainment is a six-speaker FIAT premium audio system with 276 watts of power and SiriusXM Radio.

Drivetrain

Under its hood, the 500 "1957 Edition" gets a 1.4-liter MultiAir engine mated to a C514 five-speed manual transmission -- a combination that ensures an estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway. Fiat said nothing about any output improvements, so we presume the engine delivers the usual 101 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 98 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Customers not interested rowing their own gears can opt for the six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes.

Prices

The new Fiat 500 "1957 Edition" will be put on sale in the spring of 2014. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Mini Cooper

The new-generation Mini Cooper is just a few days away from its official launch. The model will be built on an all-new UKL platform and will be offered with a new three-cylinder engine family along with the conventional four-cylinder engines. The new Cooper will also get a more aggressive design language, a more sharply steeped A-pillar and a wider front grille.

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Volkswagen Beetle

This little buggy is a model with an even longer tradition than the 500. It was launched in 1938 and over the years enjoyed a great success, though it was not always available in the U.S.. This generation of the Beetle was launched at the 2011 New York Auto Show and hit showrooms in early 2012.

The new Beetle is offered with a choice of three different engines: a 2.5 liter five-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower, a 2.0 TSI engine with 197 horsepower and a 2.0 TDI engine with 138 horsepower.

The new Beetle is priced at $19,765.

Conclusion

Of course, the new 500 "1957 Edition" is just another way of drawing attention to the very successful 500 city car. As usual, Fiat does that in a very elegant way. This make us believe that the new special edition will sell in no time, so for sure it will be pretty difficult to get one for your own.