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Fiat 500 Cabrio 1957 Edition confirmed for US market

Fiat will bring the 500 Cabrio 1957 Edition to US showrooms, offering retro styling, a power-operated cloth top and a 1.4-litre MultiAir engine from spring 2015.

By Chris Wilson Updated
Fiat 500 Cabrio, model year 2009, front view.
Fiat 500 Cabrio, model year 2009, front view. Spurzem - Lothar Spurzem / CC BY-SA 2.0 de

Fiat has confirmed that the 500 Cabrio 1957 Edition will be available in the United States, with first deliveries planned for spring 2015. This special edition adds a nostalgic touch to the Fiat 500 Cabrio line-up, blending classic Italian style with features tailored for modern city driving.

Fiat 500 Cabrio 1957 Edition arrives in the US

Retro-inspired styling and features

The 500 Cabrio 1957 Edition pays tribute to the original 1957 Nuova 500. It features classic exterior colour options, 16-inch retro-styled wheels with the historic Fiat logo, and updated Fiat badges throughout the exterior. The interior continues the theme, offering a two-tone leather finish designed to evoke the look and feel of the original model.

A power-operated cloth roof is standard, giving drivers the option of open-air motoring while maintaining the compact proportions that define the Fiat 500. This feature is particularly aimed at those who want to enjoy convertible driving in urban settings without moving to a larger vehicle.

Engine and gearbox options

Under the bonnet, the 500 Cabrio 1957 Edition is powered by Fiat’s 1.4-litre MultiAir four-cylinder engine. The engine produces 102 hp and 132 Nm of torque, the same as the standard 500 Cabrio. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. The focus for this edition is on visual and trim enhancements rather than mechanical changes.

Position in the Fiat 500 line-up

This edition joins a long list of Fiat 500 special models, appealing to buyers seeking a blend of modern convenience and retro flair. Pricing for the 500 Cabrio 1957 Edition starts at $24,700, placing it above the standard 500 Cabrio in the range. Its arrival in the US follows other themed versions, such as the Gucci and GQ Editions, as Fiat continues to expand its line-up with limited-run variants that celebrate the brand’s heritage.

The 500 Cabrio 1957 Edition is expected to attract attention from enthusiasts of classic Italian design as well as those looking for a stylish city car with a unique identity. Its combination of retro details and modern features aims to provide a distinctive choice in the compact convertible market.

Key features at a glance

  • Power-operated cloth roof for open-air driving
  • Classic exterior colour choices inspired by the 1957 Nuova 500
  • 16-inch retro wheels with historic Fiat logo
  • Two-tone leather interior for a vintage feel
  • 1.4-litre MultiAir engine (102 hp, 132 Nm)
  • Choice of 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission

Background and context

Fiat has a history of releasing special editions of the 500, often drawing on its rich heritage for inspiration. The 1957 Edition is a nod to the original Nuova 500, which played a significant role in establishing Fiat’s reputation for stylish and practical city cars. The Cabrio variant adds another layer of appeal for US buyers who value both the nostalgia of the brand and the practicality of a convertible city car. The introduction of this model is part of Fiat’s broader strategy to maintain interest in the 500 range through limited-run and themed editions.

For those interested in the evolution of the Fiat 500 Cabrio, earlier developments include its 2011 New York debut, which marked the model’s official entry into the US market. Since then, the Fiat 500 has continued to evolve through various updates and special editions, each offering its own take on the iconic city car formula.

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