Alexandre
An unofficial union dating back to 1936 has finally been formalized in 2023, between Fiat and Disney, 87 years later. This applies, of course, to the Fiat Topolino.
For the record, in 1936 the first Fiat 500 was introduced. Named after its 500 cm3 twin-cylinder engine. A car that was intended to be very popular and therefore inexpensive given the economic context of the time.
This first 500 was quite a success, with over 500,000 units produced at the time. However, and this is the reason for this article, this emblematic model is known not as the 500 but as the Topolino.
Topolino is the Italian name for Mickey, from Disney. So it was unofficially named by the Italians, who found it reminiscent of the Mickey character, with its large grille and two round lights. It was a name that stuck to the model, yet remained unofficial, as there was never any partnership between Fiat and Disney at the time.
So that's what was made official in 2023. When Fiat launches a Dolce Vita-style version of the Citroën AMIThe name 500 could not be used, of course, as the model we all know already exists in the A segment.
The new model, 100 % electric, is also intended to be popular and, like the 1936 model, attractively priced, Fiat has therefore officially reached an agreement with Disney to call their new model Topolino.
The agreement having been reached, Disney Italia and Fiat have agreed to organize an event to make the union official, with 5 "one-offs", including four by Centro Stile Fiat and one by Giorgio Cavazzano, an Italian designer who has worked for Walt Disney Italia since 1966.
To mark the occasion, these 5 one-offs were presented on Turin's famous Lingotto, in the presence of Rossella Guasco, Stellantis' Head of Colors and Materials who piloted the project at Centro Stile Fiat, Olivier François, CEO of Fiat, John Elkann, President of Stellantis, Daniel Frigo, Head of Disney Italy, and Giorgio Cavazzano, featured above.
5 brand-new Fiat Topolino models, with historical, modern, abstract and street livery on the Centro Stile Fiat side, and the Disney creation on the far right. For the time being, these models will remain on display at Lingotto. After that, we don't know whether these models will be auctioned off or displayed elsewhere...
Incidentally, as Olivier François explained at the press conference, it was John Elkann who put Fiat and Disney in touch to make this possible.
Italpassion was present for this event, which gave us the opportunity to visit Turin and spend the night at the Lingotto (video to come). to interview Guillaume Clerc, responsible for the Fiat and Abarth brands worldwide. And what we can tell you is that a lot of exclusive content concerning the Fiat brand will be published in the next few days, and will be of interest to you!
This collaboration with Disney for the Topolino is just the thing.
I look forward to the news that will be announced for Fiat and Abarth.
Turin is an interesting city where I had the pleasure of returning earlier this year for a guided tour of the Heritage Hub. The Museo Nazionale dell' Automobile is also well worth a visit.
Unfortunately, I was only able to stay in Turin for 24 hours. I had a quick look at the car museum, but the Heritage Hub was closed. But I'm planning to go back!
You have to book online to visit the Heritage Hub. I believe there are only 2 days in the week for group visits.
There's plenty more to see in Turin too, including the Mole Antonelianna, the Museum of Cinema.
yes but normally if I give advance notice I could have a guided tour for italpassion and maybe even the centro stile which isn't too far 😉 Anyway I'll be back one day to share it all with you!
It's normal that it's 2 days for individuals, because for the rest of the week, we come with coach groups who book several months in advance when they come for a minimum week's stay. This is also why some hotels in Turin are sometimes full for several weeks or even months at a time, as people take the opportunity to tour the city of Milan too.
Thanks for the articles to come, Turin really is a beautiful and very pleasant city (including the sweets from Gerla, a must). For this Topolino we can clearly see Fiat's commercial genius, helped by the fact that Disney is celebrating its 100th anniversary and has obviously accepted a new advert. I really like the "Steamboat" version, but I think there's a lot to be done in the aftermarket to dress up and finish the interior. For example, I would have tried to integrate a Dyson Pure Hot+Cool because it's cold in winter in Piedmont...