The 60th anniversary of the iconic 500 Jolly
Spiaggina gave Fiat the perfect opportunity to churn out one more special
edition 500, paying tribute to what is described as the first special series
model of the original Cinquecento.
The new Fiat 500 Spiaggina ’58 will be limited to
1,958 units as an additional tribute to the year of the model’s birth. The new
special edition will be a convertible only and is finished in an exclusive
Volare Blue livery with an ivory soft-top. Other distinctive features
include a white belt line, a set of retro 16-inch alloy wheels, chromed door
mirror housings, vintage Fiat logos, as well as a chromed “Spiaggina ‘58” badge
in italic script.
The cabin features matching Volare Blue details on
the dashboard and a two-tone design for the seats, which feature a grey striped
base and an ivory upper section. Model-specific floor mats and a vintage Fiat
logo on the steering wheel complete the changes. A seven-inch Uconnect
infotainment system is offered as standard, as well as a seven-inch digital
instrument cluster, rain and dusk sensors, automatic climate control and rear
parking sensors. The new Fiat 500 Spiaggina ’58 will be available with a single engine
option, the 1.2-liter petrol unit that makes 69 hp and meets the latest Euro-6D
regulations.
The original 500 Jolly, also known as ‘Spiaggina’ or
beach buggy, was built by Carrozzeria Ghia between 1958 and 1965 and was sold
in Europe, the United States and South Africa, offered at twice the price of
the normal 500. The car became popular among influential personalities of the
era, including shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and actor Yul Brynner.
But Fiat wasn’t the only one wanting to celebrate
the 60th anniversary of the Spiaggina. Garage Italia and Pininfarina
collaborated in the creation of the “Spiaggina by Garage Italia” show car. The
concept has its roof removed just like the original, while its rear passenger
space transformed into a generous compartment with a built-in shower.
The show car also features a lowered windscreen, the
load platform is covered with slatted cork, while the two front seats have been
replaced by a tailor-made bench. What’s more, Garage Italia intends on
producing the roofless 500 as a highly customizable beach car that can be
equipped with any of the engine options currently available in the normal Fiat
500.