The classic Fiat 500 acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2017, was seen by the general public for the first time yesterday.
The car is part of “The Value of Good Design” exhibition, telling the story of industrial design through works collected by MOMA running until 15 June, 2019.
The induction in MoMA’s galleries certifies the historical importance of the 1950s Fiat 500 as an Italian style icon, one that embodies many of the typical features of modernist design of the age and connects to the themes explored by the collections on display in the museum.
The Fiat 500 on display at the MoMA is a Series F model, manufactured from 1965 to 1972. Counting the other first-generation versions (Sport, D, L, R), a total of over four million rolled off the lines from 1957 to 1975. Adding the units made since the 500 was revamped in 2007, more six million cars have been manufactured, making this one of the best-selling Fiat models of all time.
Designed by Dante Giacosa and launched in 1957, the “New” Fiat 500 was designed as an affordable car to put post-war Europe on wheels. The basic concept is that high-quality design should be accessible to all.
In spite of its small size, Giacosa’s design maximised the space inside, creating a surprisingly roomy interior able to accommodate four passengers.
The standard folding soft top gave this budget car a touch of luxury, while reducing the use of steel, which very expensive at that time, needed to make it.
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