SIX DECADES OF STYLE: ICONIC FIAT 500 TURNS 60 TODAY

• Legendary Fiat 500 is 60 years old today
• More than six million models have been sold worldwide
• Original city car is one of the most influential and best loved cars of all time
• Iconic model has remained at the forefront of style and fashion for six decades

The legendary and iconic Fiat 500 - the world's original city car - celebrates its 60^th birthday today.

Rolling off the production line at Fiat's Mirafiori plant in Turin for the very first time on July 4^th 1957 the groundbreaking model quickly became a global phenomenon and went on to achieve cult status.

During its first production run, which finally ended in 1975, almost four million 500s were sold internationally, a staggering 400,000 of which can still be found on Italian roads today.

After two decades in retirement the 500 was reimagined and reborn to enormous critical acclaim and huge commercial success in 2007.

Perfectly capturing the spirit, charm and personality of the original and packaging with state-of-the-art technology, the second generation became a phenomenon and cult collector's car in its own right.

To date more than two million sales of the second-generation model have been achieved worldwide and the model has won more than 40 top industry awards including World Car Design of the Year in 2009.

Throughout its lifespan, and all incarnations and special editions, one thing has remained true - the Fiat 500 has always been at the forefront of automotive style and fashion.

In its most recent form, the model has led the way in car personalisation, providing a huge range of interior and exterior accessories and enhancements that allow buyers to tailor a car that perfectly reflects their personality and sense of style.

• View a short history of the Fiat 500 here
• View a more in-depth story of the Fiat 500 with passionate owners and motoring journalists sharing their enthusiasm for the model here

Ashley Andrew, Managing Director of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK, said: "The 60^th birthday of the Fiat 500 may be small in stature but it's a car that's had a massive impact on the automotive world.

"Few cars can claim to have made the same impression on popular culture and even fewer still have continued to inspire others and imbue passion for six decades."

ENDS

FIAT Chrysler Automobiles UK Press Office Contacts:
Kate Saxton - PR Director +44 (0)1753 519592 kate.saxton@fcagroup.com
Krystyna Perry - Press Relations Manager Fiat and Alfa Romeo +44 (0)1753 519383 krystyna.perry@fcagroup.com