The modern rendition of the Fiat 500 has been a hit for the Italian automaker, captivating the hearts of over 3.2 million buyers with its charming and nostalgic design. This updated version was first introduced in 2007, drawing inspiration from the Trepiuno concept unveiled in Geneva on March 4, 2004. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of this unveiling, Stellantis Heritage has introduced a special limited edition of the Fiat 500, named the Tributo Trepiuno.
The Fiat 500 Tributo Trepiuno is built upon the 500 Hybrid platform but boasts a variety of exterior and interior enhancements, paying homage to the original concept car which was heavily influenced by the iconic 1957 model. Adorned in a unique shade of white, the Tributo Trepiuno rides on a fresh set of alloy wheels featuring five double spokes with a glossy finish. Drawing cues from the concept, red accents are incorporated into the taillights, while vintage blue-faced Fiat emblems adorn the grille, tailgate, and wheel caps.
Stepping inside, the cabin boasts a distinctive combination of reddish-brown and white. The dashboard showcases original sketches from the concept, while the front seats, upholstered in full-grain white leather, feature Trepiuno embroidery with XX (Roman numerals for 20) insignias beneath. To further evoke the concept's bathtub-style interior, the door cards, side moldings, and rear seatbacks are painted in matching colors.
The Fiat 500 Tributo Trepiuno is part of the "Reloaded By Creators" initiative overseen by the Stellantis Heritage department, known for its recent creations such as the Alfa Romeo 4C Unica and Fiat Multipla 6×6. Roberto Giolito, the designer behind the Trepiuno concept and current Head of Stellantis Heritage, emphasizes in the official video how the production version of the Fiat 500 faithfully follows the lines of the original concept, driven by the enthusiastic response from the media.
Reflecting on his design approach, Giolito explains, "My idea was to simplify any decorative elements and utilize the minimalist design of the 500, reminiscent of Giacosa's original concept. This led to the incorporation of a rounded lower body—a ring enveloping the entire volume, including the sides of the hood—and a glass bubble that ensures continuity between the windshield and the openable roof."
While the production-spec Fiat 500, introduced in 2007 and updated in 2016, differs slightly in size from the concept and features a more conventional four-seater interior, it maintains the core design elements. Similarly, the fully electric Fiat 500e, launched in 2020, adheres to this same design philosophy.
Although Fiat has not disclosed production numbers or pricing for the 500 Tributo Trepiuno, it has stated that all examples of this limited edition will be certified and sold directly through the Stellantis Heritage department.