– The historic Fiat 500 was presented on July 4, 1957 in Turin. 100 vehicles formed the lettering “#HAPPY BIRTHDAY 500″ on the roof of the former Fiat Lingotto plant, where the “Nuova Cinquecento” was built.
The celebrations for the 62nd birthday of the Fiat 500 have begun. Among the first to congratulate the iconic model, which was presented in Turin on July 4, 1957, were the employees of the Fiat Mirafiori plant and owners of the current Fiat 500. They met on the famous run-in track on the roof of the former Lingotto plant in Turin and formed the words "HAPPY BIRTDAY 500" with their vehicles. In the past, every "Nuova Cinquecento" had to complete a test drive on the roof there before being sent out to conquer the world.
"Happy birthday to Italy's most popular car, which is also very popular throughout Europe," said Luca Napolitano, Head of EMEA Fiat and Abarth. "Around six million Fiat 500 models have been sold to date, more than two million of which are the current Fiat 2007, launched in 500. This makes the Fiat 500 the best-selling model in its segment in Europe today, and the best-seller in FCA's entire model portfolio for the past two years. These figures show how much people have taken our Fiat 500 to their hearts."
Among the 100 vehicles now gathered on the roof of the former Lingotto factory were a number of spectacular special models from the Fiat 500 series. A Fiat 500 Cappellini (2007), a Fiat 500 Blackjack (2010), a Fiat 500C TwinAir (2011), a Fiat 500C GQ (2014), a Fiat 500C by Diesel (2010), a Fiat 500 by Gucci (2011), a Fiat 500 Riva (2016), an Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari (2009) and examples from the Fiat 500 120TH Anniversary special model series, with which the brand is celebrating its 120th birthday this year. The lively ensemble cast colorful reflections in the night sky over Turin.
July 4th is the perfect opportunity to celebrate a very special car. The Fiat 500 always pushes the boundaries of the genre. It was elevated to the status of a work of art when the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York added it to its collection (2019). The Fiat 500 appeared in a commercial alongside Hollywood star Adrien Brody (2017). And the Fiat 500 has been immortalized in the Guinness Book of Records as part of the "Largest human car image" (2015), since more than 300 people formed an oversized Fiat 500 silhouette. With the celebrations for the 62nd birthday of the "Nuova Cinquecento", Fiat is renewing its deep connection to the city of Turin, where the "Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino" was founded 120 years ago.
The Fiat plant in the Lingotto district of Turin was opened in 1923 and was considered one of the most modern automobile factories in the world at the time. Even today, the vertical layout of production and the unique test track on the roof arouse astonishment and admiration.
Press contact: Anne Wollek Phone: +49 69 66988-450 Email: anne.wollek@fcagroup.com
