This Fiat 500, customized by a fashion photographer, is selling for 175,000 euros… despite its 0.8L 2-cylinder engine

At first glance, it could almost pass for a slightly modified vintage Fiat 500. But it only takes a few seconds to realize that this little red Italian car hides a much more ambitious project. Named 500 Scattante, this creation takes one of Italy's most famous popular cars and transforms it into a extensively redesigned restomod. With an expected price tag of around 175,000 euros, it now plays in a whole different league.

The story begins with Max Kindersley, the British founder of The Cinquecento and is best known as a fashion photographer. The car that served as the basis for the project belonged to his family and had spent about 25 years in a barn. Rather than settling for a traditional restoration, he chose to go much further.

A Fiat 500 that keeps its cards close to its chest

The silhouette remains instantly recognizable. The Milan-based studio BorromeodeSilva (who has previously worked on the Porsche Nardoneand the Eccentrica) did, however, give it more character with wider fenders, more imposing side skirts, custom wheels, and additional rally-inspired headlights. The goal, therefore, was not to visually reinvent the 500, but to accentuate its personality without losing its original charm.

Things get much more serious under the bodywork. The suspension, braking, steering, cooling, and electrical systems have been thoroughly overhauled. The Cinquecento also has a target weight of approximately 650 kg, a figure that helps shed light on the philosophy behind this Scattante: here, raw power isn’t necessarily the top priority.

Still two cylinders

There’s no question of installing a huge modern engine in the rear. The Scattante retains a two-cylinder engine sourced from a Fiat 126, featuring, among other things, a Twin Spark ignition system. According to available information, its displacement is approximately 802 cm³, and the engine is paired with a manual transmission. The power output remains a mystery, as La Cinquecento prefers to highlight the engine’s responsiveness, torque, and driving experience rather than a spectacular number.

The interior follows the same formula. The feel of the classic 500 remains intact with its light-colored steering wheel and minimalist instrument panel, but it’s paired with leather-upholstered bucket seats and a much more refined finish. It’s a way of modernizing the experience without turning this tiny Italian car into a contemporary car in disguise.

175,000 euros for a Fiat 500

This is obviously where the Scattante becomes particularly… exclusive! Its price is estimated at around 150,000 pounds, or nearly 175,000 euros. However, this price has not yet been officially announced by La Cinquecento. Production is expected to remain extremely limited, with numbered units that are heavily customized for their owners. 175,000 euros for a car with a two-cylinder engine and a weight of 650 kg—this is certainly a Fiat that has little left in common with the “popular” model.