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TOTALLY DEDICATED TO MADE IN ITALY

FIAT 500, A GREAT SMALL CAR AND AN ITALIAN ICON

The car most-loved by Italians (and not only), a quintessential icon of Made in Italy, Fiat 500, firstly manufactured in 1936, is still today recognised and loved throughout the world.

In the 1930’s Italian car manufacturer Fiat wanted to create a vehicle suitable to the needs and means of Italian people. The 500 A, quickly nicknamed Topolino (Mickey Mouse) after its front that reminded the famous mouse’s face, was the first model to be produced. Unfortunately, the car was still too expensive for the majority of Italians and in 1955 the 500 was replaced by the 600.
In 1957 new models were launched, Nuova 500, 500 Normale, 500 Economica, 500 Sport and finally in 1965 the 500L, a luxury version with better finish.

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In 2007, 50 years after its launch, Fiat introduced the new generation of 500, developed in 4 different versions: Fiat 500, 500 Abarth (the most sporty model), 500L and 500X. The launch was a huge affair, televised on national TV in Italy and followed by millions of people (us included!).

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The 500 is today one of the most recognised Italian cars, sold throughout the world and recognised as an automotive icon that will go down in history for having represented the daily life of an entire country.
Fiat 500 is also collaborating with other famous Italian companies, Smeg and Meritalia, to bring this great little car into the world of design through the Fiat 500 Design Collection.

The collaboration between Smeg and Fiat has mixed shapes and functionalities to transform a traditional object like a fridge into an unusual space, the bonnet. The fridge fulfils its function in a new context, through a surprising creativity, catching our eye and curiosity. A true art piece ideal for collectors’ homes or for the coolest bars.

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The collaboration with Meritalia and Fiat 500 gave life to a set of 3 furniture pieces that are also cars: Picnic, Cincin and Panorama. Picnic table is realised with the frontal part of the 500 designed in the ‘70s combined with a crystal table top and allows us to eat al fresco without leaving our home. Cincin console reproduces the front of the same 500 as Picnic, with a metal structure and a transparent crystal top. This piece adds a touch of originality to any space, taking us on an imaginary trip to the hills, while sitting in the comfort of our homes. Finally, Panorama sofa, which also recreates the front of the 500 designed in the ‘70s, with upholstery either in leather or fabric and the side wheels adding a style detail that make the sofa unique in its kind.

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This way, the design of this little jewel Made in Italy is turned into unique pieces of design to admire in our homes.

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