THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1957
- Body style
- Spider
- Engine
- Inline-2
- Type
- Concept
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Fiat 500 Spiaggina Frua, a beach version of the iconic Fiat 500, was masterfully interpreted by the renowned designer Pietro Frua for the 1957 Turin Motor Show. Frua’s vision introduced a distinct aesthetic characterized by clean and straight lines, revolutionizing the traditional design of the Fiat 500. One of the most striking features of the Fiat 500 Spiaggina Frua is the innovative placement of the headlights. Unlike conventional designs, Frua ingeniously incorporated the headlights under the front windshield, with the rear lights positioned behind the door line. This unique design solution was inspired by the lights found on motorboats, lending the Fiat 500 Spiaggina Frua a distinctive and original appearance reminiscent of seaside leisure and elegance. By evoking the imagery of motorboats, Frua infused the Spiaggina with a sense of adventure and leisure, perfectly suited for beachside escapades and coastal cruising. This design innovation not only enhanced the visual appeal of the Spiaggina but also underscored its playful and carefree spirit, capturing the essence of the Italian Riviera lifestyle. With its iconic design and timeless charm, this Frua Beach car remains a beloved symbol of Italian automotive heritage, celebrated for its innovation, style, and evocative design elements that continue to inspire enthusiasts around the world.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Concept
- Body & configuration · Legacy attribution
- Spiaggina
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-2
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Frua
- Designer · Documented
- Pietro Frua
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
39° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · From the historical archive
- Date
- 30 Oct 1957
- Chassis
- General
- Venue
- Torino Esposizioni / Palazzo delle Esposizioni · Torino
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 1 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Pietro Frua archive — Fiat creations pietro-frua.de | Designer specialist archive |













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