HERITAGE HUB HOSTS THE EXHIBITION “THE ITALY WE LOVE: WELCOME TO THE HOME OF THE FIAT 500”

• From November 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the Heritage Hub in Mirafiori will host the exhibition “The Italy We Love: Welcome to the Home of the Fiat 500”, telling the story of the 500 as a reflection of the Italian lifestyle and design that made Italy famous around the world.
• An emotional, immersive experience transforms the Heritage Hub into a “home,” where each room represents a different era and way of life, with the Fiat 500 as the constant protagonist.
• Ten iconic models are showcased, from the 1957 Fiat 500 N to the new 500 Hybrid Torino, tracing nearly 70 years of Italian motoring history.
• Alongside the main exhibition, a selection of unique vehicles and special editions from the Heritage Hub collection showcases the enduring vitality of a model that continues to evolve without ever losing its identity.
• The exhibition is accessible with the online purchase of an admission ticket for the Heritage Hub and is an integral part of the guided tour. Tickets are available here.
   

TURIN, November 21st, 2025 – From November 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the exhibition “The Italy We Love: Welcome to the Home of the Fiat 500” will be open to the public. With this event, FIAT and Stellantis Heritage celebrate the commercial launch of the new Fiat 500 Hybrid Torino, dedicated to the city where the 500’s story began in 1957. Hosted inside the Heritage Hub, located in the historic Mirafiori plant, the exhibition retraces nearly seventy years of Italian history through the evolution of a true icon that looks at the future with renewed enthusiasm.

This temporary exhibition is part of a broader calendar of events that, throughout the month, will turn Turin into an international stage devoted to Italian creativity and ingenuity. Under the spotlights is the new Fiat 500 Hybrid Torino, heir to the legendary “Cinquino”, a social and industrial symbol that marks a new step in the revitalization of the Mirafiori site. For over 125 years, FIAT and Turin have shared a story marked by people, ideas, and passion. It was here, in 1899, that the Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino was founded, and it is here today that the 500 Hybrid is built, opening a new chapter in the brand’s history.

The exhibition “The Italy We Love: Welcome to the Home of the Fiat 500” welcomes visitors with a simple, heartfelt invitation. The 500 is not just an icon but a familiar presence, an important part of everyday life for millions of people. The exhibition’s layout, designed as a home, opening room by room, turns the Heritage Hub into an intimate, domestic narrative where each space embodies one specific era and way of living. At the center of every scene, stands the Fiat 500, surrounded by meaningful items that crossed the decades of Italy’s recent history - the radio, the television, the computer - in an ongoing dialogue between memory and modernity. The exhibition setup features pastel colors, symmetrical geometries, and storytelling details evoking harmony and familiarity. The result is an emotional journey that reveals how the 500 entered both the homes and the hearts of Italians.

Ten iconic models trace the legend’s evolution: from the 1957 500 N, born from the genius of Dante Giacosa and symbol of mass motorization, to the 1958 500 Abarth Record Monza, which set six international speed and endurance records. Then come the versatile Fiat/Autobianchi 500 Giardiniera, and the elegant 500 L, true symbol of Italy’s economic boom. Produced until 1975, the 500 R marked the end of the first great season of the beloved model. The next chapter began with the 2004 Trepiùno concept, which anticipated the modern rebirth of the “Cinquino.” Visitors then encounter the 500 in a room dedicated to the 2007 version, a contemporary reinterpretation of the original icon that captivated audiences and won numerous international awards, including Car of the Year 2008, World Car Design of the Year 2009, and Compasso d’Oro 2011. What follows is the showcasing of the 2008 500 Abarth, which revived the Scorpion’s bold spirit, while the 2020 500e, the first fully electric version, embodies the combination of tradition and sustainable innovation. The exhibition ends with the 500 Hybrid Torino, the brand-new special edition dedicated to the city where it all began, celebrating the return of one of FIAT’s most beloved models to the heart of its manufacturing roots.

Archival images from the FIAT Historical Archive enrich the walls surrounding the displayed vehicles. On the outer walls of the rooms, evocative frames from cult films of the 1960s and ’70s featuring the Fiat 500 are showcased as a clear reference to the photographic exhibition set up along the historic fence of the Mole Antonelliana (Via Montebello 20, Turin), at the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, highlighting the unbreakable bond between the little Fiat and the world of film. Visitors can access the exhibition by purchasing an admission ticket for the Heritage Hub, using this link. The exhibition is always part of the guided tour, which is available in Italian and English.

But the Heritage Hub experience doesn’t end with “The Italy We Love: Welcome to the Home of the Fiat 500”.  Among a collection of more than 300 cars, visitors can explore a rich selection of one-offs and show cars, where every single interpretation testifies the ability of this design to adapt to every era. 
At the end of the exhibition, “Mirafiori Since 1939”: a photographic and textual journey retracing more than eighty years of the Turin plant’s history, weaving together industriousness, society, and innovation.

Roberto Giolito, Head of Stellantis Heritage and father of the 2007 Fiat 500, states:

“Some cars make history for their technical or stylistic innovations. Others deserve to be remembered for what they represent in the everyday life of a generation or a nation. Very few manage to combine both - technology and emotion - leaving an indelible mark that transcends space and time. When that happens, we are in front of true masterpieces in the history of industry. Among them, there is certainly the Fiat 500: an icon of Italian style, never out of fashion, which, over the decades, has evolved while preserving its unmistakable character, strong personality, and innate ability to bring a touch of color to everyday life”.
 

The ten models on display for the exhibition “The Italy We Love: Welcome to the Home of the Fiat 500”

Fiat Nuova 500 N Normale (1957)

On July 4^th of 1957, FIAT unveiled the Nuova 500, heir to the glorious “Topolino”, a car that would write a chapter in the history of mass motorization in Italy and beyond. On that day, dozens of 500s paraded through the streets of Turin from the Mirafiori plant to the historic city center. The project to replace the little car began a few years earlier, when all resources were focused on the 600, launched in 1955. President Vittorio Valletta’s idea was to offer, alongside the 600, an even smaller and affordable car, with a price close to a factory worker’s annual wage. The name Nuova 500 was intended to create a link with the previous Fiat 500, better known as the “Topolino”, even though the new model was completely different. Technological innovations were drawn from the experience and success of the 600: from a self-supporting body to independent suspensions. The rear echoes the 600’s curved lines, while the hood – more modern - also covers part of the front wings, which no longer meet just at the headlights. A fabric sunroof covers the cabin, and the doors are rear-hinged. The mechanics had to be simple so that maintenance costs remained low: for this reason, Dante Giacosa chose an entirely new rear-mounted, air-cooled two-cylinder engine. The initial 479 cc displacement produced 13 hp at 4,000 rpm for a top speed of 85 km/h. The market reaction to the Nuova 500 was not immediately enthusiastic: the new car was overshadowed by the great success of the 600, perhaps also due to its two-seat configuration and basic equipment. FIAT quickly responded with different improvements: roll-down windows, a lock for the vent window, chrome details on the bodywork, and aluminum hubcaps. Significant mechanical changes - a higher compression ratio, a new camshaft, and a different carburetor - raised power up to 15 hp and increased top speed to 90 km/h. The price of the initial “Economy” version was reduced and kept the name on the catalogue, while the more powerful and better-equipped model, named “Normale”, made its debut at the 39th Turin Motor Show on October the 30th of 1957, keeping the original launch price of 490,000 lire.
 

Fiat 500 Record Monza (1958)

The 1958 Fiat 500 Abarth “Record” was the first 500 tuned by Abarth, created to show the reliability and potential of Fiat’s new compact car. Carlo Abarth modifies the two-cylinder engine with targeted solutions and lightens the vehicle, boosting power up to almost 26 hp. Properly prepared, the tiny 500 exceeds 120 km/h and endures an extreme 168-hour test on Monza’s high-speed circuit, claiming six international records. The car on display is the original Monza racer, returned to its original configuration after careful restoration. The challenge was born out of initial skepticism towards the Nuova 500, judged by many to be too small and unreliable. In February 1958, six drivers took turns at the wheel of the 500 N Abarth, including Mario Poltronieri, who, after serving as an Abarth test driver, would later become a prominent motorsport commentator and TV journalist for RAI. Seven days on the high-speed circuit at an average of 108.252 km/h covering 18,886.44 km: the 500 set its first international record for Class I (350–500 cc cars) and shortly afterwards smashed five more: 15,000 km in 139 h 16’ 33” at an average of 107.699 km/h; 10,000 miles in 149 h 09’ 29” at an average of 107.894 km/h; and endurance records for four, five and six days.
 

Fiat 500 Giardiniera (1960)

In spring 1960, the Fiat 500 Giardiniera debuted in Turin, expanding the Nuova 500 family with a versatile, functional version designed for Italian families and everyday work. The Giardiniera, designed by Dante Giacosa and notable for its roomy interior thanks to a longer wheelbase and a side-hinged rear tailgate to ease loading, is Fiat’s first “small station wagon”, the ideal heir of the Topolino 500 C Belvedere. Compact but spacious, it measures 3.185 meters in length - 21 cm longer than the sedan - and can carry four people and 40 kg of luggage, or up to 200 kg of payload with the rear seat folded. The load compartment offers a flat, practical floor just 60 cm from the ground, while full-load volume reaches 1 m³ with the seats down. To obtain a large, regular rear space, the 500’s two-cylinder engine was rotated 90° to a horizontal position: the famous “flat” engine. With 17.5 hp at 4,600 rpm, it delivered a top speed of 95 km/h. The Giardiniera also introduced reinforced suspension and an innovative cooling system that channels air through side openings. Externally, it is distinguished by rear ventilation grilles, elongated lights, a foldable fabric roof, and rear-hinged doors. The interior retained the 500 sedan’s simplicity and functionality, updated over time with new materials, sprung seats, a windscreen washer system, and rear ventilation ducts. In 1968, production of the Fiat 500 Giardiniera moved to Autobianchi, retaining the same mechanics but with some aesthetic and functional updates. Produced until 1977, about 330,000 units were assembled, including a two-seat commercial version.
 

Fiat 500L (1968–1972)

Introduced in autumn 1968, the Fiat 500 L (Luxury) was created to satisfy those customers who increasingly focused on comfort and detail, without altering the proven mechanics of the 500 F. Following the success of the latter (introduced in 1965), the new version stood out for a refined interior and updated styling. Produced between 1968 and 1972 at Termini Imerese, in Sicily, the 500L was a commercial triumph, even outselling the F version in the early 1970s. Exterior features included chrome tubular bumpers, with the front plate moved beneath the front bumper, the new elongated FIAT logo on the radiator grille, and the “Fiat 500 L” lettering on the rear. The “Luxury” look was completed by chrome seals, shiny drip moulding, and new chrome wheel trims. New color options at launch included black and Positano Yellow. Inside, highlights included a black anti-glare vinyl dash cover, a new rectangular speedometer with a scale to 130 km/h and a fuel gauge, and a black two-spoke sporty steering wheel with the red FIAT logo. Front seats were reclining, and adjustable door panels featured integrated pockets and a new ribbed upholstery. From 1970, an integrated steering-lock anti-theft device was also available.
 

Fiat 500R (1972–1975)

At the start of the 1970s, amid social changes and economic crisis, Fiat began the transition to a new small car while preserving the 500’s philosophy. Therefore, in 1972, the Fiat 500 R (Renewed) made its debut at the Turin Motor Show, with a new 594 cc engine producing 18 hp at 4,000 rpm and a Weber 24 carburetor. Derived from the Abarth experience, the engine offered greater flexibility and smoother running, a more fluid gear change, and a top speed over 100 km/h. It adopted a sport-car-style final drive ratio and reinforced half-shafts to improve reliability. The gearbox, initially without synchromesh, was mounted on a more robust and easily accessible metal cradle. Braking was improved, with the “stop” switch moved to the pedal box, and the engine compartment was simplified in the sheet metal and fitted with an electric starter motor on the right side. Inside, the 500 R reused the dash and speedometer of the 500 F, but in black plastic. Central switches were reduced to two, incorporating the panel light; seats were covered in smooth vinyl leather, the rear backrest was fixed, and the gearlever had an ergonomic round knob. Interior door handles combined elements from the F and L with simplified, functional finishes. Externally, the 500 R opted for an essential look. The new FIAT logo appeared on the grille and the engine lid; the perforated four-slot wheels were used with visible bolts and no hubcaps. Produced until 1975 at Termini Imerese with more than 168,000 units, the Fiat 500 R was the last evolution of the Nuova 500 of 1957: an icon of Italian automotive ingenuity and culture.
 

Fiat Trepiùno (2004)

The Trepiùno is the concept car presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show that laid the design foundations for the 2007 500. It offered a modern reinterpretation of the 1957 Nuova 500, keeping iconic elements such as round headlights and the front badge while introducing innovative technological solutions. Inspired by the previous model’s shapes, the Trepiùno is a modern city car just 3.3 metres long, built on a brand-new, sophisticated platform combining high-strength steels with aluminum. Like contemporary compact cars, it features a front-wheel drive engine. The name Trepiùno (three-plus-one) refers to the versatility of the interiors, now offering two comfortable front seats, a rear seat that gains space when the front passenger seat is moved forward, plus an emergency quarter seat behind the driver. References to the glorious Nuova 500 are many, but reinterpreted not only in a modern key but also in a futuristic one. For example, the round “multifunction” front lights are paired with two additional lamps serving as turn indicators, and the rear lights are made with liquid-crystal displays that trace the functions. What was intended by Fiat’s Centro Stile, then led by Roberto Giolito, as a study of new technologies and stylistic cues for future Fiats, became the prototype of the Group’s greatest commercial success of the 21st century: the Fiat 500.
 

Fiat 500 (2007)

Unveiled on 4 July 2007 - exactly fifty years after the original debut - the new Fiat 500 marked the resurrection of a myth and entered the era of the “new Fiat”: a more emotional, creative, and design-centered approach. The silhouette remained faithful to the 1957 model, reinterpreted in a contemporary key with compact proportions, soft lines, and retro details. The aim was not to copy the original but to recreate it, preserving the popular, joyful soul of the historic version. The 2007 500 introduced hundreds of personalization elements, becoming a pioneer of the “tailor-made” car concept, and was the first A-segment city car to offer seven airbags as standard and to earn a 5-star Euro NCAP rating: an unprecedented record for the category. Initially produced at the Tychy plant in Poland and later also in Toluca (Mexico) for non-European markets, the 500 combined Italian style with technology and safety. The interior comfortably seats four people and evokes the vintage charm of the historic 500 with a minimalist yet sophisticated design. The rounded dashboard incorporates the speedometer, tachometer, and computer into a single, circular instrument. Available as both hatchback and convertible, the 500 stands out for its agility and vivacity, striking a perfect balance between elegance and sportiness. Over the years, it has been offered in numerous special editions and concepts, born from collaborations with brands like Gucci, Diesel, Riva, and Armani, becoming an ambassador of Italian design and style all over the world. The Fiat 500 has won more than 40 international awards, including the prestigious Car of the Year 2008, Compasso d’Oro 2011, and World Car Design of the Year 2009.
 

Fiat 500 Abarth (2008)

In 2008, fifty years after Carlo Abarth’s legendary tunings, the Abarth 500 was born - heir to the “small but fierce” Scorpion models of the 1950s and ’60s. Like its ancestor, the new sporty Turin model embodies the Scorpion spirit: compact, aggressive, and constantly ready to evolve. Over the years, the 500 Abarth has been renewed with increasingly powerful versions and numerous special editions that have marked its history. The exhibition features the first limited “Zerocento” version dedicated to Carlo Abarth’s anniversary, symbol of the official relaunch of the brand. Lower, wider, and grittier than the Fiat 500, it immediately stands out with a unique look. Each limited edition has a precise identity, from Tributo Ferrari, Tributo 131 Rally, Rosso Officine and Maserati Edition to the 50th and 70th Anniversary celebrations. Some versions, like the 695 70° Anniversario, introduced advanced aerodynamic solutions, including a variable-setting spoiler manually adjustable in 12 positions up to 60° to adapt downforce to driving conditions. Under the hood, the 1.4 Turbo T-Jet engine (1,368 cc) has been continuously refined over the years. At launch, it offered 135 hp and 180 Nm, but power progressively rose to the 190 hp of the extreme 695 Biposto. Improvements involved not only the engine: the most powerful versions received lowered Eibach suspension, Brembo brakes with 284 mm ventilated discs, 205/40 tyres, and tuning kits such as the iconic esseesse. The Koni kit, which uses FSD dampers with frequency-selective damping, delivers precise handling both on road and track. A distinctive element of every Abarth remains the sound, from classic Record Monza and Record Modena exhausts to the titanium Akrapovič terminals of the 695 Biposto, which give the small Scorpion an unmistakable tone.
 

Fiat 500e (2020)

In 2020, more than sixty years after the original 500’s birth, FIAT opened a new chapter with the Nuova 500e, the brand’s first car designed as a 100% electric vehicle. A symbol of sustainable, accessible mobility, the 500e is produced at the historic Mirafiori plant in Turin, completely renewed for the occasion, and represents the perfect synthesis of tradition and innovation. Dimensions grew by only a few centimeters compared with the combustion 500, but proportions remained harmonious and faithful to the original DNA. Design, by Fiat’s Centro Stile, evolved with distinctive elements such as full LED “Infinity” headlights, flush door handles, the new “500” badge at the front, and the FIAT lettering on the tailgate. The 87 kW (118 hp) electric motor reaches an auto-limited top speed of 150 km/h, while the 42 kWh lithium-ion battery provides up to 320 km of range (WLTP). Three driving modes - Normal, Range, and Sherpa - let drivers choose between efficiency, comfort, or maximum range, with a particularly effective energy recovery system. The new 500e is also the first electric city car with Level 2 ADAS, thanks to technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and traffic recognition. The interior, made with recycled and sustainable materials, offers a refined and bright environment with a 7” TFT display and a 10.25” central Uconnect screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. At launch, the range included Action, Icon, and the most exclusive La Prima, also available as a Cabrio. The Fiat 500e quickly conquered European markets, becoming one of the best-selling electric cars in Italy and Europe and receiving more than 40 international awards, including titles such as “Best Electric City Car” (Diesel & EcoCar Magazine) and “Best Small Electric Car” (Parkers, Carbuyer, Auto Express, Autocar).
 

The 500 Hybrid Torino (2025)

The Fiat 500 Hybrid Torino is a perfect synthesis of Turin’s style, culture, and creativity. The car’s exterior features two striking colors (Yellow Gold and Ocean Green), which join five additional colors available on request. While drawing inspiration from the electric version, the design immediately stands out thanks to a side badge bearing the Mole Antonelliana, symbol of Turin, placed beside the Hybrid logo, highlighting the car’s new hybrid technology. Inside, the Torino edition is distinguished by exclusive fabric seats with the Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino logo, a dashboard colour-matched to the bodywork, and a black soft-touch steering wheel. Driving the 500 Hybrid Torino makes every trip simple thanks to equipment such as keyless start, automatic climate control, cruise control, and sensors for dusk, rain, and parking. Technology is integrated into a 10.25-inch DAB display supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB mirroring, and various connected services. Under its sophisticated style beats an all-Italian heart: a 1.0-litre FireFly three-cylinder engine with 65 hp (compliant with E6bis emissions), paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and assisted by a 12V mild-hybrid system.
 

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