LONDON (September 11, 2026) – New British automotive design and engineering studio La Cinquecento made its public debut at Tutto Bene, revealing its first highly bespoke, re-engineered interpretation of the classic Fiat 500.

Born from founder Max Kindersley’s long-standing connection with his family’s Fiat 500, La Cinquecento was founded with a clear ambition: to explore what the ultimate expression of the iconic Italian city car could be. The result retains the scale, simplicity, and character that made the original so loved, while introducing a significantly greater level of engineering, performance, quality, and usability.

“I’ve always loved what the Fiat 500 represents. It’s simple, light, full of character, and makes people smile. The idea was never to change that. We wanted to take everything that makes the original so special and see how far we could develop it—to make it faster, sharper, and better engineered, without losing the reason you wanted a 500 in the first place.”

– Max Kindersley, founder La Cinquecento

Based on a 1970s donor chassis, the first prototype uses an upgraded Fiat 126-derived two-cylinder engine with a twin-spark ignition system, alongside custom or extensively reworked suspension, braking, steering, cooling, and electrical systems. Development focuses on response, torque, and driver engagement rather than outright power or top speed.

The exterior was developed with Milan-based design studio BorromeodeSilva, featuring widened wheel arches, side skirts, rally-inspired auxiliary lighting, and a more purposeful stance, while remaining immediately recognizable as a classic Fiat 500.

The project itself began with Max’s family Fiat 500, which had spent approximately 25 years stored in a barn. What started as a personal project to get that car back on the road ultimately developed into La Cinquecento, and the first prototype is now being built in that same barn.

Following its debut at Tutto Bene, La Cinquecento plans to produce a limited series of individually numbered cars, each developed closely with its owner. Prospective customers can now register their interest at www.500.design