2018 Fiat 500 Spiaggina by Garage Italia and Pinninfarina

Marking the 60th anniversary since the unveiling of the first special edition car based on the model 500 - the 500 Jolly, known as "Spiaggina," Fiat showcased their new limited edition of the latest Fiat 500. Called the Fiat 500 Spiaggina ’58, the new model is limited to 1958 units. A number which is an homage to the year Fiat showcased the original 500 Jolly, a car adored by rich and famous of the time.

However, apart from Fiat showcasing a rather cool Spiaggina ‘58 production model based on the 500C with a 1.2-liter, 69 horsepower engine, Garage Italia and Pininfarina prepared their own celebration model. It is a better one.

2018 Fiat 500 Spiaggina by Garage Italia and Pinninfarina

Specifications

Make: Array
Model: 2018 Fiat 500 Spiaggina by Garage Italia and Pinninfarina

What Makes the Fiat Spiaggina by Garage Italia and Pininfarina Special?

Ok, Fiat made the production model which is kinda cool, but Garage Italia reimagined what everyone wanted - the original Spiaggina interpreted by a modern 500. And boy is it good. It is the cutest thing I’ve seen in awhile. It is the thing you’ll want to own, drive and enjoy, exceptionally expensive. You’ll read about that later on, though.

The changes Garage Italia made to the Fiat 500C in an effort to convert the car into a true Spiaggina are, frankly, astounding. The job was so work-intense and perilous that Garage Italia partnered with famed Pininfarina to bring the job to a close. With their expertise in the creation of show cars, Pininfarina and Garage Italia came up with a 500 featuring a lowered windscreen, a rollover bar instead of a roof and only two seats.

The rear seats and cargo area have been completely overhauled. Sitting under the rear deck is the cargo floor with cork wood flooring perfectly fitting the front bench which was installed instead of the front seats. The nautical theme is present throughout, as the rear deck (load platform) actually also received cork wood treatment evoking the ambiance of luxury yachts.

Actually, the car as a whole gives an unmistakable beach and yachting vibe. The two-tone finish with Volare Blue and Perla White distinguish the Garage Italia Spiaggina from all other Fiat 500 cars.

The most incredible feature, however, is the integration of a real shower at the back. After all, the car is designed to take you to a secluded beach. Have a swim, get back to your Spiaggina and have a shower. Really cool.

Lapo Elkann, Chairman and Creative Director of Garage Italia: "Love at first sight, the kind that strikes deep into your heart and soul. This is what I feel whenever I look at or drive a 500. I fell in love with the car when I was a boy, and as I grew up, I was determined to bring it back to life. I am so happy about the model's relaunch and hope it will convey the dreams and the magical years of the post-war economic boom and the Italian way of enjoying life. The opening of Garage Italia has enabled us to design a multitude of one-off versions, all confirming the versatility and immense contemporary appeal of this vehicle, still one of the world's best-loved brands.”

Elkann’s statement is definitely justified as the Garage Italia 500 features even more cool quirks. The installation of special retro wheels and tires perfectly compliments the retro style of the 500 Spiaggina. Chopping the roof off the 500 definitely was the most meaningful thing Garage Italia could ever do in an effort to celebrate 60 years since the original spawned to the beaches. That one from long before had a chopped off roof. Actually, it did not have any doors. I reckon that is hard to achieve in the pampered world of today, but all of this comes at a price. Garage Italia and Pininfarina did actually report that this is only a show car, but many of the pieces will be on sale through dedicated channels. In fact, considering that Garage Italia previously sold some extremely modded versions of the 500, I am sure they can make this one too. In Europe, some of their previous works had been priced at €89,000 ($105,000). And they weren’t as elaborate as this one. So that’s that.

But if you really want to celebrate the Spiaggina’s anniversary with a Fiat 500, then the version mentioned earlier - the 500 Spiaggina ’58, will definitely be good enough.

The Fiat 500 Spiaggina ’58 is Not as Elaborate as Garage Italia's Work, but it is Cool Nonetheless

Nowhere as elaborate as the Garage Italia and Pininfarina creation, the Fiat 500 Spiaggina ‘58 still carries some strikingly cool details. First of all, there is that cool color combination - Volare Blue - and special beige soft-top. As is the case with the Garage Italia, Fiat also tried to evoke the nautical theme giving the 500 Spiaggina ‘58 16-inch alloy wheels in vintage design, chromed mirror covers, and “Spiaggina ‘58” name at the back. The interior received some additional details as well including Volare Blue finish on the dash, vintage logos, a new steering wheel, and other adjoining details.

Expectedly, the Spiaggina ‘58 is based on a car loaded with features. Some of the stuff it has includes the Uconnect 7" HD LIVE touchscreen radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, TomTom navigation, automatic air conditioning, parking sensors, and more. If you find that entry-level, 69-horsepower, 1.2-liter underwhelming (and you will,) go for the 0.9-liter TwinAir with 85 horsepower.