The Fiat 500 has long served as the quintessential emblem of Italian motoring, a design triumph that defined the post-war era of la dolce vita. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, one of the most sophisticated interpretations of this classic city car has emerged not from the industrial hubs of Turin, but from a quiet workshop in West Berkshire, England. This project, branded as La Cinquecento, marks a new chapter in the burgeoning restomod scene, blending traditional Italian aesthetics with rigorous British engineering standards.
The inception of this venture was rooted in sentimentality. Max Kindersley, a professional fashion photographer, sought to restore a family-owned Fiat 500 that had languished in a barn for over a quarter of a century. What began as a personal restoration project quickly evolved into a commercial endeavor under the name La Cinquecento—a direct translation of the Italian name for the iconic vehicle. The company’s mandate is precise: to explore the ultimate potential of the classic Italian city car, elevating its performance and build quality while preserving its original, charismatic spirit.
A Chronology of the 500 Scattante
The evolution of the 500 Scattante from a derelict barn find to a high-end, limited-production restomod follows a distinct timeline. The initial phase focused on structural integrity and chassis preservation. Once the foundation was secured, Kindersley engaged the expertise of the Milan-based design studio BorromeodeSilva. Known for their high-profile work on the Lamborghini Diablo, Porsche 928, and the Lancia Delta Integrale, the studio was tasked with providing a design language that honored the original silhouette while incorporating modern, performance-oriented cues.
Following the design phase, the project moved into the technical development stage in West Berkshire. The prototype underwent extensive testing, aimed at refining the vehicle’s handling characteristics. The public unveiling of the 500 Scattante took place at the Tutto Bene hillclimb in Italy, a venue chosen specifically to bridge the gap between the car’s heritage and its new, performance-focused identity. Following the positive reception at the event, La Cinquecento has now moved into a limited-production cycle, with plans to build only a small number of units annually, ensuring that each vehicle receives individual attention and meticulous craftsmanship.
Engineering and Design Specifications
The name Scattante—which translates to "quick," "fast," or "agile"—is a deliberate indicator of the car’s dynamic focus. While the chassis originates from a 1973 Fiat 500, the vehicle has undergone a comprehensive transformation. The exterior features widened wheelarches, which grant the car a more aggressive, grounded stance compared to the original, narrow-track design. These aesthetic modifications are complemented by bespoke side skirts and upgraded wheels. Furthermore, the inclusion of rally-inspired auxiliary lights on the front fascia serves as a nod to the historical racing lineage of small Italian cars, while simultaneously improving visibility for modern driving conditions.
Under the skin, the transformation is even more significant. The engineering team at La Cinquecento has replaced or overhauled nearly every major mechanical system. This includes the implementation of a bespoke suspension geometry, upgraded braking components, and a revised steering rack designed to provide greater feedback to the driver. The electrical and cooling systems have also been modernized to meet contemporary reliability standards, addressing the common issues associated with classic air-cooled engines.
The powertrain is arguably the heart of the Scattante. It utilizes an 802cc two-cylinder, twin-spark engine derived from the Fiat 126 platform. Mounted in the rear, as per the original architecture, this engine is paired with a manual gearbox. While the company has opted not to disclose specific output figures, the development philosophy emphasizes torque delivery and throttle response over raw top-end speed. The focus is on creating a car that feels inherently "quick" in urban environments and winding country roads, rather than a vehicle designed for high-speed motorway cruising.
Interior Craftsmanship and Ergonomics
The interior design of the 500 Scattante strikes a balance between nostalgic simplicity and modern luxury. The cabin retains the minimalist layout of the 1970s original, featuring a clean dashboard dominated by a prominent speedometer and a large rev counter situated behind a classic two-spoke steering wheel. Physical toggle switches manage the primary functions, maintaining the tactile experience that enthusiasts of vintage motoring prioritize.
The refinement becomes apparent in the materials used throughout the cabin. The seats are upholstered in high-grade leather and suede, providing improved lateral support through a bespoke bucket seat design. The pedal box has also been upgraded, utilizing billeted metal components that offer a more consistent and precise feel underfoot. Every detail, from the stitching on the door cards to the weight of the switches, reflects an intent to provide an experience that is authentic to the era but elevated to a boutique, luxury standard.
Market Positioning and Economic Impact
With an estimated price point of approximately £150,000 per unit, the 500 Scattante is positioned firmly in the high-end, collectible market. This pricing strategy reflects the extensive man-hours required for each build, as well as the scarcity of the base vehicles and the cost of bespoke components. Given that the company plans to produce only a handful of cars each year, the 500 Scattante is likely to attract collectors who value exclusivity and the narrative of a "remastered" icon.
The emergence of such a project in Britain highlights a broader trend within the automotive industry: the rise of low-volume, specialized restomod manufacturers. As the world transitions toward electrification, there is an increasing demand for internal combustion vehicles that offer a high degree of driver engagement and character. By focusing on the "analog" driving experience, La Cinquecento is tapping into a market segment that views cars not just as appliances, but as functional art.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The success of the 500 Scattante serves as a case study for how classic car culture can adapt to modern sensibilities. By integrating modern engineering into a vintage frame, builders can address the reliability and safety concerns that often deter enthusiasts from owning classic cars. However, this raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the restomod sector. As regulations regarding vehicle emissions and safety tighten, companies like La Cinquecento will face increasing pressure to balance the "raw" appeal of vintage engines with the environmental realities of the 2020s.
Furthermore, the collaboration between a British workshop and a Milanese design firm underscores the international nature of the automotive restoration industry. The expertise required to create a world-class restomod—ranging from CAD design and metallurgical testing to fine upholstery—is rarely found in a single location. This cross-border cooperation is likely to become a hallmark of future bespoke manufacturing.
For those interested in the allure of the Fiat 500 without the specialized investment of a full restomod, the market remains diverse. The current Fiat 500e, for example, offers an electric alternative that maintains the aesthetic charm of the original while providing modern connectivity and safety features. The existence of both the 500 Scattante and the mass-produced 500e demonstrates the enduring legacy of the platform. One serves the collector who prizes mechanical purity and historical connection, while the other serves the urban driver who prioritizes modern convenience and zero-emission transit.
Ultimately, the 500 Scattante is more than just a car; it is a manifestation of Max Kindersley’s belief that the original Fiat 500 possessed a fundamental quality that transcends its age. By developing the platform further—making it sharper, better engineered, and more responsive—La Cinquecento is attempting to prove that the character of a vehicle is not defined by its specifications, but by the emotional connection it fosters between the machine and the driver. As production continues in the quiet corners of West Berkshire, the 500 Scattante stands as a testament to the idea that some icons are not meant to be left in the past, but rather continuously rediscovered.
