British automotive design and engineering studio La Cinquecento has revealed its first highly bespoke, re-engineered interpretation of the classic Fiat 500.
Born from founder Max Kindersley’s long-standing connection with his family’s Fiat 500, La Cinquecento was founded with a clear ambition: to explore what the ultimate expression of the iconic Italian city car could be. The result retains the scale, simplicity and character that made the original so loved, while introducing a significantly greater level of engineering, performance, quality and usability.
“I’ve always loved what the Fiat 500 represents,” said Max. “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.”
Based on a 1970s donor chassis, the first prototype uses a developed Fiat 126-derived two-cylinder engine with a twin-spark ignition system, alongside bespoke or extensively reworked suspension, braking, steering, cooling and electrical systems. Development focuses on response, torque and driver engagement rather than outright power or top speed.
The exterior has been developed with Milan-based design studio BorromeodeSilva, with widened wheelarches, side skirts, rally-inspired auxiliary lighting and a more purposeful stance, while remaining immediately recognisable as a classic Fiat 500.
The project itself began with Max’s family Fiat 500, which 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 La Cinquecento, and the first prototype is now being built in that same barn.
Following its debut at Tutto Bene, La Cinquecento plans to produce a limited series of individually numbered cars, each developed closely with its owner. Prospective customers can now register their interest at www.500.design