Fiat has announced a limited-run version of its ever-popular 500 city car that pays homage to the model’s heritage.
The Fiat 500 Collezione 1957 celebrates the year that the Italian company launched the Nuova 500, the classic model widely regarded as Italy’s first people’s car.
Compared to the rest of the hybrid-powered Fiat 500 range, the Collezione 1957 can be identified by its two-tone Bossa Nova White and Dew Green paintwork.
Much like the 1950s original, all models will feature a retractable soft top for taking in some fresh air and chrome-coloured door mirrors.
However, unlike the classic, the Collezione 1957 will have a cream-coloured ‘Frau Leather’ interior and 16-inch white allow wheels.
Fiat claim that the 500 Collezione 1957 will also feature plenty of technology, including LED daytime running lights, fog lamps and a seven-inch touchscreen.
As part of the infotainment system, the Fiat will also come with Mopar Connect, which allows drivers to connect the car to their smartphone.
This feature can help owners remember where they parked, manage journeys and quickly call for assistance in the event of an emergency.
All Fiat 500 Collezione 1957s will come with a 1.0 litre mild hybrid engine, in which an electric motor can gently assist the engine to provide better fuel economy, and a six-speed manual gearbox.
Perhaps predictably, 1,957 examples will be produced, with each model featuring a unique plaque to represent its number.
Each example sold in the UK will be priced at £23,940, making it £3,000 more expensive than a Fiat 500C Top.
First launched in July 1957, the Fiat Nuova 500 already had a solid reputation to keep thanks to the incredibly popular Topolino, produced since 1936.
However, its clever design maximized the limited amount of space available, being capable of seating four passengers, despite being under three metres long.
Not phased out until 1975, nearly 3.9 million of the original Fiat 500s were produced, with the company launching the current generation model in 2007.
