Turin, Italy – The Fiat 500, one of Italy’s best known and iconic motor cars turns 60 years old today and to commemorate this auspicious occasion, a new postage stamp has been commissioned with the iconic vehicle featuring prominently. The commemoration event took place at Fiat’s Mirafiori building in Turin in the presence of Ivan Scalfarotto, Italian Deputy Minister for Economic Development; Giovanni Accusani, Head of Philatelic Department of Poste Italiane; Ivo Planeta, Operations Manager of Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato; Alfredo Altavilla, Chief Operating Officer FCA EMEA and Olivier François, Head of Fiat Brand and FCA Chief Marketing Officer.
This collector’s item, produced in a series of 1,000,000 units and on sale in Italy from today, celebrates the model that made motoring history. With a value of 0.95 Euro, it is printed by Officina Carte Valori of the State Printing Office and Mint, and features the unmistakable outline of the classic Fiat 500 superimposed on that of the now equally famous current Fiat 500. The dark blue background with a band in the colours of the Italian flag near the top edge frames the dates 1957-2017 and the words “Fiat Nuova 500” in the same font as the 1957 advertising posters. It is a real miniature work of art, which celebrates the realization of a great dream of mobility and also of freedom.
The 500 is a miracle of Italian design and a car that has improved the lives of millions of people. It has accompanied the economic recovery, put Italy on four wheels and then it was exported all over the world, so much so that today, 80% of Fiat 500 models are sold outside of Italy.
In the 60 years since production began, the Fiat 500 has become a true icon thanks to its functionality, its innovative shape and the technology employed, which can be seen in its design, unmistakable bodywork and versatility of use. With a permanent place in the collective memory of mass-market products and a soul with a strong personality, the 500 has been an object lesson in car design for decades, influencing and shaping the forms and contents of most modern utility models. The 500 regained great cultural and automotive relevance in 2007, with a major step forward in technology and form enabling the new model to achieve worldwide success. An immensely valuable heritage that few car manufacturers can boast.
With 60 years of history behind it, the Fiat 500 is about to start another, long journey, maintaining its status as a symbol of the best Italian style. A democratic yet distinctive icon, destined to achieve ever-growing popularity and desirability worldwide, and to stay forever young, thanks to its evolution and the special series that have added value to the range over time.
