The Fiat Topolino is proving to be a favorite among coachbuilders, with Torino-based Carrozzeria Garavini unveiling its own unique take on the urban electric vehicle (EV). Garavini, a coachbuilder that has been revitalized to continue the legacy of a body shop originally founded in 1908, announced plans for a limited production run of 10 units of its customized Fiat Topolino. This new project offers a fresh stylistic direction for the compact EV, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean island of Capri and the Dolce Vita lifestyle, which evokes a sense of relaxed luxury and timeless elegance.
Garavini’s version of the Fiat Topolino has undergone a complete redesign, though it retains some signature elements of Fiat’s design language. The front end of the vehicle has been modernized, featuring a sculpted bumper and round LED lights that are reminiscent of the iconic Fiat 500, lending the vehicle a contemporary rather than retro aesthetic. The side profile maintains this modern look with disc wheels, and notably, the design omits traditional doors for a more open and airy feel. At the rear, the vehicle exudes a nautical vibe, reminiscent of a yacht, with a semi-exposed cargo area that includes a low floor covered in wood. Additional distinctive touches include vintage-style LED lights, a canvas-style roof, and a circular element that resembles a spare wheel holder, enhancing the car’s retro-modern appeal.
Inside, Garavini has introduced new seating with removable headrests that can double as beach pillows, emphasizing the vehicle’s relaxed, beach-ready theme. Due to its handcrafted nature, each of the 10 units will be highly personalized to suit the individual preferences of its owner, making each car unique. Despite these significant visual and interior changes, Garavini has not modified the mechanical components of the Fiat Topolino. The vehicle remains a heavy quadricycle, sharing its underpinnings with the Citroën Ami and Opel Rocks Electric. It continues to be powered by a single electric motor that delivers 8 horsepower, and it retains the original lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 5.5 kWh, which provides a range of approximately 75 kilometers on the WLTP cycle.
According to Carrozzieri Italiani, the cost of this bespoke conversion by Garavini starts at €45,000, excluding taxes and the price of the donor vehicle. This means that the total cost for a Garavini-customized Fiat Topolino will exceed €55,000 before taxes, making it the most expensive version of the Topolino available. For those seeking a more affordable customization option, there is an alternative. Owners of the EV can choose the conversion offered by Castagna Milano, which includes a longer tail, a convertible body style, and a beach-inspired interior. This option starts at €25,000, which, while still a significant investment, is considerably less expensive than the Garavini transformation.
The Garavini and Castagna Milano versions of the Fiat Topolino offer two distinct approaches to customizing this compact EV, catering to different tastes and budgets while enhancing the unique charm of the original model.