Courtesy Fiat Auto Press.

Story and Photos by Simon Grand

The tension in Turin had been building for quite some time now as thousands of people eagerly awaited the launch of the new Fiat 500, a very important model in the continuing relaunch of the Fiat brand. The Nuova 500 was launched exactly 50 years ago on the 4th July 1957, continuing Fiat’s tradition of manufacturing compact cars for the masses initiated in 1936 by the first of the 500 family also known as the Topolino. As in 1957, recent celebrations have been based in Fiat’s home town of Turin.

The city’s residents were aware of the shear scale of the event several days before the actual launch. The presence of giant cranes, floating stages, a car made to look like a birthday cake and several original 500 models (one with a caravan) floating close to the banks of the river Po gave some clue as to what was coming.

As the evening closed in a total of 100,000 people filled Turin’s centre for the night-time launch of the new car. With an impressive display of theatre (starring the floating 500’s), acrobatics and live music from Lauryn Hill, Fiat’s new baby appeared to simultaneous applause and fireworks on the floating stage especially constructed for the event.

Simon Grand posing with rally regular Paolo 'Schumacher'. The car is Simon's own, nicknamed 'Tumin', the Piedmontese word for a local cheese! It is currently his everyday car, when the weather's not up to taking his Vespa!

A hearty dinner was enjoyed by the classic owners. No Italian event would be complete without a good meal!

The classics were split into more manageable groups to follow the new 500 'pace car' around Fiat's Mirafiori test track.

Interesting, high speed blurring effects, a result of on the move 'Cinquecento' photography.

The classic played a vital role in the presentaion of the new model, not least as the transport for 'Marilyn Monroe'. Courtesy Fiat Auto Press.

The caravan reminded many Italians of cramped family holidays to the sunny Ligurian coastlines just two hours from Turin. (Although in a 500 it may have taken longer)! Courtesy Fiat Auto Press.

Fourth of July fireworks for the new 500. Courtesy Fiat Auto Press.

The Fiat 500, coming and going. Courtesy Fiat Auto Press.

Courtesy Fiat Auto Press.