Fiat 500 celebrates 60th-anniversary with limited edition series
The 4th of July, 1957 was the date on which the Fiat 500 was first produced in Turin, the “big small car” which soon became the emblem of the concept of driving for the mass market.
To this date, over 4 million vehicles have been sold. Fifty years on, again on the 4th of July, Fiat used its popularity as leverage for accelerating towards the future with the 500 of the new millennium and in the first months of 2017 will break the record of two million cars sold.
The quintessential Italian car has been a global best-seller in 100 countries. Interestingly 80% of all 500s were sold outside Italy.
Geneva Motor Show launch
The Geneva Motor Show will provide the stage for the launch of the special 60th-anniversary series. This exclusive numbered limited edition pays tribute to the original 500 through some of the style details that made it famous, such as the vinyl dashboard, the vintage logo on the front, between the chrome spoiler and on the bootlid and steering wheel, as well as the chrome finish on the bonnet.
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Exclusively available as a convertible, the Fiat 500 special 60th-anniversary series presents brand new dual-tone paintwork. The style of this special series is enhanced with chrome mirror caps, special 16” lightweight alloy wheel rims and a dedicated logo: 560. A brand within a brand, as the red “6” and “0” are contained in the last two figures of the 500 logo.
The Fiat 500 60th anniversary special series will be available for order from 9 March; the edition will total 560 cars, all with individual authenticity certificate, for sale on the main Europe, Middle East and Africa region markets with delivery from 4 July.
Retro Interior
The interior also presents retro details, such as the tubular elements of the seats in ivory leather with contrasting burgundy seams, which match the central part of the dashboard, and the bespoke dual-colour car mats.
Latest Technology
The tribute to the past is only skin deep: in terms of technology, the 60th-anniversary special series offers the very best of everything available today when it comes to technology and on-board comfort. Standard features include a leather gear stick knob and steering wheel with built-in commands, the 7” Uconnect™ Radio Live touchscreen system with Bluetooth, satellite navigator and USB and AUX IN ports; 7” TFT, automatic climate control, fog lights and rear parking sensors. The MY2017 innovations are also present: Speed Limiter and Cruise control and, on request, the CarPlay and Android Auto
Standard features include a leather gear stick knob and steering wheel with built-in commands, the 7” Uconnect™ Radio Live touchscreen system with Bluetooth, satellite navigator and USB and AUX IN ports; 7” TFT, automatic climate control, fog lights and rear parking sensors. The MY2017 innovations are also present: Speed Limiter and Cruise control and, on request, the CarPlay and Android AutoTM system; this makes possible for users to access the main applications of their smartphones directly on the 7″ screen of the UconnectTM system integrated on the central console.
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With Apple CarPlay support and the Android Auto integration allows managing the compatible content and features on the device directly from the driving seat, getting directions, making calls, sending and receiving messages, and listening to music, always driving safely.
Rain & Dusk sensor, Bi-Xenon headlights, tinted rear windows and Beats AudioTM system repeat this impressive outfit.
Engine Options
The selection of engines available on the 500 Sessantesimo is wide-ranging and complete, with two petrol engines – also available with robotic Dualogic gearbox and paddle shift – the 1.2 with 51 kW and the 0.9 TwinAir with 62.5 kW. In the combined cycle, this results in a consumption rate of 3.8 l/100km. All engines are Euro 6, including the small turbodiesel 1.3 16v Multijet II 70 kW version. The vehicle on the stand will be a 1.2 51 kW, fitted with Stop & Start.
Source: QuickPic