Fiat is going back in time for its latest special edition, the Fiat 500 1957. The Italian automaker is celebrating 57 years of its iconic city car, the 500. The special edition was designed in the style of its 57-year-old predecessor and is set to make its official debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Fiat 500 1957 is based on the upcoming 500 Lounge model and sports a look that can best be described as retro.
The Fiat 500 1957's link to the past comes in the form of its alloy wheels. The special 500 also packs a sport-tuned suspension and all-wheel tires. The interior is done up in ivory and brown leather, giving the little car a big touch of class. Pricing and availability haven't been announced yet, but expect the former to be much, much higher than the latter.
Semi-Centennial City Cars
The Fiat 500 1957 Celebrates 57 Years of the Iconic Italian City Car
Trend Themes
1. Retro Automotive Design - Automakers could explore creating special editions of classic car models with a retro design aesthetic to celebrate anniversaries and develop new revenue streams.
2. Heritage Branding - Heritage and legacy brands can create limited edition products that incorporate design elements from the past to tap into consumer nostalgia and boost brand loyalty.
3. Premium Compact Cars - Automakers can tap into the growing demand for compact cars with upscale design and features to attract consumers who want luxury but with a smaller footprint and more affordable price point.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Automakers can leverage retro-design trends to create special edition models and target consumers who want unique, nostalgia-infused products.
2. Fashion - Fashion brands can collaborate with automakers to create capsule collections or limited edition accessories that feature automobile design elements and capitalize on the growing interest in heritage and retro style.
3. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronics companies can draw inspiration from classic car design to create tech products with a retro-inspired aesthetic, tapping into the growing demand for vintage style and nostalgia-infused products.