New British Automotive Studio La Cinquecento Reveals First ReEngineered Fiat 500 at Tutto Bene

• La Cinquecento makes public debut at Tutto Bene with its first comprehensively re-engineered classic Fiat 500
• Prototype pairs a developed Fiat 126-derived two-cylinder engine with bespoke suspension, braking, steering, cooling and electrical systems

• Project began with founder Max’s family Fiat 500, which spent around 25 years stored in a barn
• Limited series of individually numbered cars to follow, with expressions of interest now open – www.500.design New British automotive design and engineering studio La Cinquecento has made its public debut at Tutto Bene, revealing its first highly bespoke, re-engineered interpretation of the classic Fiat 500.

Born from founder Max Kindersley’s long-standing connection with his family’s Fiat 500, La Cinquecento was founded with a clear ambition: to explore what the ultimate expression of the iconic Italian city car could be. The result retains the scale, simplicity and character that made the original so loved, while introducing a significantly greater level of engineering, performance, quality and usability.

‘I’ve always loved what the Fiat 500 represents,’ said Max. ‘It’s simple, light, full of character and makes people smile. The idea was never to change that. We wanted to take everything that makes the original so special and see how far we could develop it – to make it faster, sharper and better engineered, without losing the reason you wanted a 500 in the first place.’

The exterior has been developed with Milan-based design studio BorromeodeSilva, with widened wheelarches, side skirts, rally-inspired auxiliary lighting and a more purposeful stance, while remaining immediately recognisable as a classic Fiat 500.

The project itself began with Max’s family Fiat 500, which had spent approximately 25 years stored in a barn. What started as a personal project to return that car to the road ultimately developed into La Cinquecento, and the first prototype is now being built in that same barn.

Following its debut at Tutto Bene, La Cinquecento plans to produce a limited series of individually numbered cars, each developed closely with its owner. Prospective customers can now register their interest at www.500.design
Photo credit: La Cinquecento
Posted on Autotech-plus.com