Fashion For America: Fiat Ships 500 by Gucci To U.S. Market

Written by: Ben Timmins G+ on August 17 2011 11:00 AM

2012 Fiat 500c Gucci White Rear Three Quarter

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American fans of gilded, fashionable Italian brand names, listen up: if you’ve already purchased a Fiat 500, we hope you like it. If not, here’s another reason to buy one: you can now buy a 500 that’s been spiced up by the fashionable people at Gucci.

The 500 by Gucci has already been on sale in Europe, but the automaker announced this morning that the car will formally debutin the U.S. on September 8 — right in the middle of New York Fashion Week, of course — and will go on sale in the colonies this winter. The Gucci touch will be offered on both be on 500 or 500C models.

Gucci 500s are available painted in two pearlescent shades, black or white. Both colors will get the signature Gucci green-red-green stripe on their sides, and 500C models will get another stripe that runs the length of the convertible top. The green-red-green stripe pattern extends onto the seatbelts, too.

To remind owners and passengers of the rich design heritage of their special edition Fiats, Gucci has festooned the 500 with a number of its own logos.The interlocking GG emblems are located in the hub of each alloy wheel and on the headrests, while the Gucci script logo is placed as a badge on the B-pillars and the rear hatch.

Fiat says the Gucci 500 will have many other special touches,including a hand-stitched two-tone ivory and white steering wheel. Gucci models will also receive automatic transmissions and Fiat’s Blue&Me infotainment system — normally optional extras — as standard equipment.

As for the Gucci 500’s optional extras, Gucci has released a line of specially designed fashion accessories to commemorate the 500’s launch. Notable items include driving moccasins, aviator sunglasses, and overnight bags. These items are available directly from Gucci and start at $150.

The Fiat 500 by Gucci will be available at Fiat dealers starting in December 2011, at an unspecified price.

Source: Chrysler