New British brand La Cinquecento puts its own spin on the Fiat 500
New British brand La Cinquecento has unveiled its love letter to the Fiat 500 with a re-engineered take on the classic car.
Making its debut at the Tutto Bene Hillclimb in Northern Italy, the model is based on a 1970s donor chassis and its first prototype uses a developed Fiat 126-derived two-cylinder engine with a twin-spark ignition system. Other fresh changes include bespoke suspension, braking, steering, cooling and electrical systems, while the car is engineered to create the perfect driving experience, rather than raw power.
25 years in a barn
La Cinquecento was created by Max Kindersley, who wanted to explore what the ultimate expression of the iconic Italian city car could be. Kindersley’s family owned a Fiat 500, which had been stored in a barn for 25 years, and it initially started as a personal project to return the car to its former glory. This escalated into La Cinquecento, with the first prototype build taking place in that same barn.
The exterior has been altered thanks to help from Milan-based design studio BorromeodeSilva. Retaining the same overall size, the 500 has widened wheel arches, side skirts, rally-inspired auxiliary lighting and a more purposeful stance.
Inside, the car has a simple, classic and stylish look, retaining its vintage look but with the addition of racing-style bucket seats.
“It’s simple, light, full of character and makes people smile.”
“I’ve always loved what the Fiat 500 represents,” said Kindersley.
“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.”
Only a limited series of individually numbered cars will be produced by La Cinquecento, with each model set to be closely developed with its owner. Prices have yet to be revealed; however, prospective customers are being asked to register their interest with the brand.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: La Cinquecento