More than six million models have been sold
The iconic Fiat 500 city car is celebrating 60 years since the original model first rolled off the production line.
The first car was built at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, on July 4, 1957, with production continuing until 1975. In that time, almost four million models were sold, and Fiat estimates that 400,000 are still on the roads today.
What followed was more than two decades out of production – until Fiat revived the 500 name for a new retro-styled city car in 2007.
It was incredibly well received and proved a huge sales success, with more than two million second-generation 500s having been sold in the intervening 10 years. Its modern interpretation of the classic design has been at the forefront of its success, winning World Car Design of the Year in 2009.
Ashley Andrew, managing director of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK, said: “The 60th birthday of the Fiat 500 may be small in stature but it’s a car that’s had a massive impact on the automotive world.
“Few cars can claim to have made the same impression on popular culture and even fewer still have continued to inspire others and imbue passion for six decades.”
In March, Fiat revealed a 60th anniversary edition of the 500 with just 250 examples coming to the UK. Priced from £19,240, it came with a grey fabric roof, a combination of white and ‘pastel ivory’ on the bodywork, and a variety of special design touches.
This article originally appeared on expressandstar.com
