Fiat Gives 500 Another Powerful Dose of Retro with New 1957 Edition [LA Photos]

Fiat has released a limited-production 500 model in the U.S. called 1957 Edition, a reference to the year the classic Nuova Cinquecento launched in Italy. The 2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition features retro styling cues like the full wheel design, Bianco-painted roof and vintage Fiat emblems.

Based on the 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge model, the 500 1957 Edition is available in three classic exterior colors: Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) and Celeste (celestial blue), all paired with a signature Bianco painted roof and mirror caps.

The retro-design 16-inch wheels have a wide chromed lip, body color accent and large center cap with historic Fiat emblem – also found on the front fascia and rear liftgate. The vintage theme continues on the inside, where the 500 1957 Edition features an Avorio (ivory) interior environment contrasted by premium Marrone (brown) leather seats with Avorio accent stitching.

The Grigio (grey) door panels feature a contrasting Avorio inner panel, while Marrone door armrests and shift boot match the leather seats. The Avorio leather-wrapped steering wheel with Marrone leather on the inner ring and retro Fiat badge, plus the uniquely styled key fob with Marrone casing and Avorio-painted “1957” graphic complete the interior upgrades.

The Fiat 500 1957 Edition is offered with the base 101hp 1.4-liter MultiAir engine paired to a five-speed manual transmission as standard. A six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes is offered as an option.

Combined with the sports-tuned suspension and the driver-selectable Sport mode on the instrument panel, the limited edition 500 is not stuck in 1957 when it comes to dynamics.

The 2014 500 1957 Edition arrives at Fiat dealerships across the U.S. in spring next year, just in time for the 57th anniversary of the classic 500. Orders begin in early 2014, with pricing to be announced closer to market launch.

By Dan Mihalascu

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