A British company has transformed a 1970s Fiat 500 into a carefully engineered restomod, combining the charm of the original 1957 icon with a more powerful engine, upgraded chassis and modernized mechanical systems.
The modern Fiat 500 may be one of the most successful classic-car revivals of recent decades, but the original remains difficult to beat when it comes to character, simplicity and compact dimensions. Now, British company La Cinquecento is taking that formula in a new direction with a unique restomod project designed to make the legendary city car faster, more precise and more enjoyable to drive—without sacrificing its unmistakable personality.
The prototype made its first public appearance at the Tutto Bene mountain race in Italy, offering a glimpse of what could become a limited series of numbered cars.
A Classic Fiat 500 with a More Focused Attitude
The exterior design comes from BorromeodeSilva, the Milan-based studio known for its work on projects such as the Eccentrica Lamborghini Diablo restomod and the Automobili Atmos Futurista/Safarista, inspired by the Lancia Delta.
Rather than turning the Fiat 500 into an entirely different car, the designers have kept the original’s proportions and visual identity intact. The result is a restomod that looks familiar at first glance, but reveals a more purposeful character through a series of subtle modifications.
The red bodywork is complemented by:
- Rally-inspired lights mounted on the front bumper
- Wider fenders that give the car a more planted stance
- Deeper side skirts
- Matte-finish disc-style wheels
- Cream and body-colored interior accents
- Retro upholstery and saddle-colored leather on the bucket seats and door panels
The design approach is restrained, but the wider bodywork and additional lighting give the classic Fiat a distinctly motorsport-inspired appearance.
A Fiat 126 Engine with Twin Spark Ignition
The donor vehicle was a 1970s Fiat 500, purchased by La Cinquecento founder Max Kindersley after spending approximately 25 years in storage. Under the hood, the original engine has been replaced by a two-cylinder unit sourced from the Fiat 126.
The engine features a Twin Spark ignition system, although La Cinquecento has not disclosed its power output. The company says the modifications improve throttle response and torque, suggesting that the focus is not simply on adding horsepower, but on making the car more responsive and engaging in everyday driving.
That approach is particularly appropriate for a lightweight classic. In a car like the Fiat 500, a modest increase in performance can make a significant difference without overwhelming the character that makes it appealing in the first place.
Upgraded Suspension, Brakes, Steering and Electrical Systems
The engine is only one part of the transformation. La Cinquecento says the restomod has received a thoroughly reworked suspension, braking, steering, cooling and electrical systems.
These upgrades are intended to improve the car’s precision, reliability and overall driving experience while retaining the light, approachable nature of the original.
The company has not released detailed technical specifications, but the extensive mechanical revisions indicate that this is more than a cosmetic restoration. The goal is to create a classic Fiat 500 that feels better engineered and more capable without losing its essential identity.
“I’ve always loved what the Fiat 500 stands for. It’s simple, light, full of character and brings a smile to your face. The idea was never to change that. We wanted to take everything that made the original so special and see how much we could improve it, make it faster, more precise and better engineered, without losing the reason you wanted a 500 in the first place.”
— Max Kindersley, founder of La Cinquecento
Limited Production Planned
Following its debut at the Tutto Bene mountain race, La Cinquecento confirmed plans to produce a limited series of numbered cars. The company is already accepting applications from interested buyers through its website.
However, the price of the Fiat 500 restomod has not yet been announced. Production numbers, final specifications and delivery details are also expected to become clearer as the project progresses.
For collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate classic Italian cars but want something more refined and mechanically capable, the La Cinquecento project could offer an appealing alternative to a conventional restoration.
The Fiat 500 Restomod Formula
The appeal of this project lies in its restraint. Instead of chasing extreme performance or dramatically altering the original design, La Cinquecento has focused on improving the elements that matter most in a lightweight classic: responsiveness, precision, braking, reliability and driving enjoyment.
The result is a modern interpretation of the original Fiat 500 that aims to preserve its charm while making it better suited to enthusiastic driving. If the production cars remain faithful to this prototype, the La Cinquecento could become one of the more interesting small-scale restomod projects in the classic-car world.
Source: La Cinquecento
