“That’s the car from the Inbetweeners”. That’s the phrase I hear as I drive past tourists at the Natural History Museum. Yes, yes it is. Launched back in 1991, the Fiat Cinquecento was a popular hatchback known for its affordable price tag and cheap running costs.
The Inbetweeners, a rowdy coming-of-age Channel 4 sitcom following four secondary school losers has become the stuff of legend in the UK, and now, so has the iconic whip Simon was rocking.
It was a practical three–door, almost perfect for city driving and was immensely popular in Italy and Poland. The classic model was transferred to the UK in June 1993 and sold modestly before becoming a cultural icon almost 20 years later when it rolled onto TV screens in the Inbetweeners. The car was purchased off social media and is now touring the UK and is available to hire before embarking on an ambitious road tour this summer.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, owner Callum King said: “We found the perfect blank canvas on Facebook Marketplace last year – a 1999 Fiat for £500.
“From there, we transformed it into the UK’s most iconic car: the Inbetweeners car.
“From the red door to the roof-mounted rape deck, every detail was recreated to match the original.”
Stepping behind the wheel of the Cinquecento felt almost like tapping into a time portal.
Firing up the ignition isn’t as easy as pressing down on a switch, with road users having to hold down the key for several seconds before the engine rumbles into life.
Setting off, it quickly becomes evident that there are no luxuries here, it’s as raw as motoring gets and for petrolheads there’s a certain thrill in that.
You feel every bump, feel every slip off the clutch pedal and jolt as the throttle picks up.
Pulling off at Earls Court, the Fiat is quickly picking up attention, it feels like there’s a hundred eyeballs on me from pedestrians and fellow motorists.
Sitting in traffic, a gentleman winds down their window, enthusiastically revealing “he had one of these when he was younger”.
With modern vehicles becoming very standard looking, it’s great to see people appreciating the quirks a classic can bring.
The only thing missing was a passenger to shout the famous ‘bus w******” out the window as we trundled past a Routemaster.
After touring London and Birmingham, motorists can rent the Inbetweeners Car in Manchester from next week before heading abroad.
Callum added: “This July, we’re taking on the ultimate nostalgia-fuelled road trip – driving the Inbetweeners car all the way to Magaluf, visiting all the iconic spots from the movie.
It’s a proper mission but we can’t wait to roll it down the legendary Maga strip and see everyone’s reactions.
“Once we arrive, the car will stay in Magaluf for the summer season. It’ll be making club appearances (with a few very special guests) – so fans can see it in all its glory on the island.”