The Fiat 500 turns 60 years old this week. To celebrate this momentous occasions Pininfarina and Garage Italia have partnered up to create this cute little topless model, called the Fiat 500 Spiaggina.

Going back to its roots

The 500 Jolly, better known as Spiaggina, or ‘beach buggy’ was created by Carrozzeria Ghia in 1958. It is considered one of the very first special edition models of the 500. The Spiaggina was quickly snapped up by Italy’s young, beautiful and wealthy, not to mention heads of state and movie stars from abroad all in search of la dolce vita.

Despite costing twice the price of a regular Fiat 500 the Spiaggina was on sale from 1958 to 1965 and sold in Europe, the United States and even South Africa. If you own one or know someone who does, please let us know.

Click here to see an Italian take on the Nissan GT-R.

A fresh look

Garage Italia started with the new Fiat 500C and went about creating a modern interpretation of the Spiaggina.  

The front seat is a bench item and features waterproof treatment, much like the original did. The load bay is covered with slatted cork to deal with wet beach items, and resemble the wooden floor of expensive yachts. Chrome trim on handles, door mirrors and hubcaps all contribute to making the Spiaggina by Garage Italia retro-funky. However, unlike its earlier namesake, the new car has doors – pity.

Most dramatic of the modifications to the 500C is the low, boat-style front windscreen treatment on one of the show cars. A regular windscreen option is also shown, just in case you worry about your hairdo.

No show pony

Incredibly, Garage Italia will build you a car identical to either of its show cars, even featuring the low nautical-type deflector screen. The custom design house will build you a modern Spiaggina and offer any engine currently available in the Fiat 500 range.