Fiat Cinquecento Pick-Up

The Fiat Cinquecento Pick-Up, a creation by Pininfarina, embodied a unique blend of versatility and design ingenuity. This compact vehicle showcased a small Landaulet style, reminiscent of Suzuki’s agile 4×4 soft tops. Notably, the rear seats could fold seamlessly into the floor when not in use, transforming the car into a practical pickup truck—a feature reminiscent of the Citroen C3 Pluriel. Part of a series of prototypes celebrating the introduction of the small Cinquecento to the market, the Fiat Cinquecento Pick-Up made its debut at the 1992 Turin Motor Show. However, despite sharing the stage with other concept cars, it never received an official production follow-up, except for the proposal by Italdesign. The design is the result of a “4 hand” collaboration between Pininfarina designers Maurizio Corbi and Elvio D’Aprile. The development of this unique vehicle was part of a super limited budget program, with construction overseen by Paolo Garella. Notably, Garella, later the founder of Manifattura Automobili Torino, completed the project with minimal resources. Working alongside a mechanic, without any formal drawing release, they brought the concept to life practically. The culmination of their efforts was a moment of great joy and achievement when they witnessed the car in motion, with the 4WD system seamlessly functioning. Paolo Garella’s connection to the project was so profound that, in 2007, he approached Andrea Pininfarina to purchase the car. This request was accepted, highlighting the personal attachment and significance of the Fiat Cinquecento Pick-Up in Garella’s automotive journey. The subsequent confirmation from the Pininfarina management to sell the car upon Andrea Pininfarina’s departure from the company solidified the unique history and legacy of this unconventional vehicle. A second version was built for the Sultan of Brunei.