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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Fiat 500 Spiaggina Frua

1957Coachwork by Frua

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

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Pietro Frua archive — Fiat creations pietro-frua.de Designer specialist archive

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records

THE CONVERSATION

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