Fiat 500 — long-sleeved top

Fiat 500

The Fiat 500, which first appeared on the Italian market in 1957, is a prime example of a city car that, thanks to its small size, could be parked in even the narrowest alleyways, undoubtedly eliciting many sighs of relief from residents of Rome or Florence. The name of the Italian "little one" refers to the displacement (500) of its two-cylinder engine, whose power was increased from 13.5 HP to 15 HP after the first three months of production. The Cinquecento, thanks to its functionality, quickly gained popularity throughout Europe, and its reputation in its country of origin soon earned it the title of the car that motorized Italy, comparing its role to that attributed to the Volkswagen Beetle in Germany.

The Fiat 500, especially in a vibrant red color, reminiscent of the prominent lips of beautiful Italian women, stained with hot arrabbiata sauce, is an exceptionally elegant and practical means of transportation. Beyond its technical advantages, it is also worth noting its sleek design - its rounded lines, which prevent a visually heavy impression, minimalist leather seats, elegant interior and gauges that almost give an impression of femininity; additionally, silver exterior trim, and - something unheard of today - suicide doors.

Production of the aforementioned Fiat 500 ended in 1975. In 2017, its sixtieth anniversary was celebrated with an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The car was awarded the Corporate Art prize at a gala in the Quirinal Palace in Rome, overseen by Italian President Sergio Mattarella. A person who was certainly missed at the Roman gala was the designer of the Fiat 500, Dante Giacosa, who passed away in 1996.

The drawing was created by Wrocław artist Paweł Grabowski.