The new Gucci summer collection is out and one of the items is shaped like a car.
Pep Boys and the like might be the kings of tacky automotive accessories such as stick on chrome portholes and spinning hub caps. But, FIAT, through its partnership with Gucci, aims to turn the whole car – in this case the 500 and 500c – into an automotive accessory with the return of the Fiat 500 by Gucci Edition.
Based on the Lounge trim, the 500 by Gucci Edition commands quite a price premium, to the tune of $8,400. That prices this limited edition 500 at $24,895 for the fixed roof version and $28,295 for the cabrio.
To put this in perspective, the Abarth is $23,495 – or $1,400 less than the least expensive Gucci.
For that extra coin you get a bespoke interior and wheels, exclusive paint scheme, and numerous chrome and funky painted bits.
It goes without saying, if FIAT didn’t sell them the first time around, they wouldn’t be back again this year; it’s back by customer demand. Though, if it were my money, I’d be going with the Abarth. I also don’t have a small dog that fits in a purse or a monthly membership at a tanning salon.
Press release and images below.
WINDSOR, Ont. – The Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition, the perfect combination of Italian craftsmanship and style in a small car, brings two of Italy’s most respected brands together for an encore. The new limited-edition 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c Gucci Edition models will return to Canada with a new discrete appearance inside and out while continuing to meet the popularity and market demand of the previous edition.
“It doesn’t get better than this: two brands like Gucci and FIAT collaborating on an encore of the fastest-selling Fiat 500 that we ever had in our portfolio,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America – Chrysler Group LLC. “The success of the Fiat 500 by Gucci demonstrates that there is a clientele in North America that appreciates and demands high-quality small cars loaded with the craftsmanship, technology and the style that only the Italians can offer. Almost all of the vehicles of this new edition have been spoken for by our studios, and they can’t wait to start selling them again.”
2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition
For 2013, the Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition models now offer a new Nero (black) monotone interior environment that complements Gucci Nero or contrasts Gucci Bianco (white) eye-catching glossy pearl-glass exterior paint and includes Gloss Nero lighting accents. The new Nero interior space is stylish yet functional, down to every last detail: chic embroidery, exclusive materials, bright (with Gucci Nero) and satin (with Gucci Bianco) chrome accents, velvety varnish on the instrument panel and seats wrapped in Poltrona Frau leather with signature “Guccissima” print. Premium Nero leather accents are also found on the interior door panels and on the hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel.
For customers who prefer a two-tone environment, the 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition models reintroduce the original two interior colour schemes. Tied to the Gucci Nero exterior colour is an interior detailed with Bianco/Nero seating and accents, while the Gucci Bianco exterior colour features the reciprocal Nero/Bianco theme.
The 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition models feature several exclusive design elements that highlight the Cinquecento’s iconic style. A signature Gucci Verde/Rosso/Verde (green/red/green) web stripe runs along the entire bodyside perimeter on the Fiat 500 by Gucci, or across the length of the power-retractable cloth top on the Fiat 500c by Gucci model. Chrome cursive “Gucci” signatures complete the door frames and hatchback, complementing the bright (Gucci Nero) or satin (Gucci Bianco) chrome-accented exterior mirrors, door handles and hood spear. Adding to the vehicle’s sculpted fenders are uniquely designed, retro-inspired 15-inch aluminum wheels colour-keyed to the Gucci Nero or Gucci Bianco exterior paint. For even more sophistication, the wheel design includes centre caps with interlocking “GG” hubcaps and brake pads lacquered in signature Gucci Verde (green).
The 2013 Fiat 500 by Gucci Edition has a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,895, while the 2013 Fiat 500c by Gucci Edition model starts at $28,295. The new Gucci Edition models arrive in June of 2013 and will be offered for a limited time only.
