The Value of Good Design Exhibition at the MOMA Features a Classic Fiat 500
Lillie Morales
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Though She Be But Little, She is One Fierce Little Ride!
A new exhibition at the MOMA highlights objects, furniture, appliances and more made in the late ’30s up into the ’50s. Each piece is special because of its good design and durability. In this exhibition, you will find many things that were designed post-war- from a vacuum cleaner, typewriter, camera, even a car. It’s no wonder that the Value of Good Design exhibition at the MOMA decided to feature a classic Fiat 500.
Further Reading: Learning the Thrill of Driving a Fiat at Skip Barber Racing School
Millions Sold During the ’60s and ’70s
The 1957 Fiat 500 F series was the most popular, most sought after car between 1965 to 1972. Over 4 million of these cars (including the Sport, D, L, and R) were made and sold between 1957 and 1975. It was a car known for being functional, affordable, and valuable. It was the car that made owning a car easier for the Italian people postwar.
The Fiat 500 has a small but beautifully designed interior. Photo: Lillie Morales
An Icon of Italian Style
This little car did so well in its time, it became iconic.
“500 is an icon of Italian style that never went out of fashion and that over the decades gained fans all around the world because of its key features and strong personality,” said Luca Napolitano, Head of EMEA Fiat and Abarth brands. “Since 1957, Fiat 500 has always brought colors and smiles to everyday lives on the roads of the world, becoming an ambassador of the ‘Bel Paese’ and an icon of style and design ‘made in Italy’.”
Watch the vintage promo video below to learn more about this best seller.
Essential, Inexpensive, Reliable.
The Fiat 500, also known as “Cinquecento,” was a mass-produced compact car. It’s clean, high-quality design shows that everyone can afford and deserves a well-designed car. And although the classic Fiat 500 is compact, it’s quite spacious inside. The engine sits in the back of the car and the gas under the hood- which also fits luggage and other items. There is also a removable fabric top that makes it into a convertible. Fiat 500 drivers found the car to be easy, affordable and functional. Cheaper on gas, easier to find parking, spacious enough for necessities.
Logical and economical, the Fiat 500 F series sold over 4 million cars. Photo: Lillie Morales
Who the Fiat 500 was for
As the promotional video above mentions, this compact cutie is for everyone. Moms who needed a car to take the kids to school or run errands, dads who needed a car to get to work, doctors, teens, newlyweds, families and more.
The Fiat 500, also known as “Cinquecento” is an Italian icon today. Photo: Lillie Morales
Have a Look
If you’re in the New York area, you may want to pay the MOMA a visit. It’s so cute and classic, you’ll be tempted tuck it into your purse and walk away. Just kidding, it’s not that small! But it’s definitely worth seeing.
The 1957 Fiat 500 F series will be on display at the MOMA for the first time from February 10 to May 27, 2019.
