The original Fiat 500 is one of those classic cars that has a kind of charm that’s simply timeless. It extends beyond enthusiasts, too, as anyone who catches a glimpse of one will be left daydreaming of the Italian riviera.
Perhaps that’s why the 500 has been a popular car over on RR Auctions as of late, as it’s a car that hardly looks out of place in any collection – even parked up next to a line of Italian supercars. At the time of writing, this 1965 500 D is open to bidding until September 16, while this 1969 500 F sold for a good sum back in August.
That’s why the latest restomod to hit the internet has caught our attention. Dubbed the Fiat 500 Scattante, it’s the first effort from British firm La Cinquecento.
Founded by Max Kindersley, the name obviously gives away that the company’s focus is on building highly bespoke interpretations of the classic 500 that incorporate contemporary engineering and craftsmanship without losing the simplicity and scale of the classic.
“I’ve always loved what the Fiat 500 represents. It’s simple, light, full of character and makes people smile,” Max explains.
“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 project began with Max’s family Fiat 500, a car that 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 this new business, and the first prototype vehicle is now being built in that same barn.
In a nutshell, the company’s ambition is “to explore what the ultimate expression of what the iconic Italian city car could be”, and you’re looking at the result of that ambition here with La Cinquecento’s first prototype.
Based on a 1970s donor chassis, this prototype uses a developed two-cylinder engine taken from the Fiat 126, which is fitted with a twin-spark ignition system.
Rather than outright power or top speed, the focus has instead been on honing its torque, responsiveness, and driver engagement. As a result, bespoke or extensively reworked suspension, braking, steering, cooling, and electrical systems also feature.
The exterior has been redeveloped in conjunction with Milan-based design studio BorromeodeSilva. Widened wheel arches, side skirts, rally-inspired auxiliary lighting, and a more purposeful stance obviously give it the edge over the regular cutesy 500, although it’s still recognisably the same classic.
After making its debut at the Tutto Bene Hillclimb event in Piedmont, Italy, La Cinquecento has announced plans to produce a limited series of individually numbered cars. Every example is set to be developed in close collaboration with each classic 500 owner.
You can find out more details about La Cinquecento’s work on its website.
