>> Table of contents
Davide puts the spot on Fiat 500 Custom Models - Part 17: 500 Moretti Lusso
- Year of manufacture: 1969
- Displacement: 499 cc
- Body type: Sedan
- Derived from: Fiat 500
- Manufacturer: Carrozzeria Moretti
- Number of cars built: unknown
The 1950ies marked a period in which Italy was reborn and employment was booming. Innovations followed each other in rapid succession. The new generations were striving for independence and motorisation was their means to achieve it: The world had become smaller because far-away destinations were now within reach. A car or a motorbike was enough to get around – and in most cases, even without caring much about the aesthetic aspect. It was precisely between the middle and the end of the 1950ies that the Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, better known as FIAT, started to produce the Fiat 600, and later the Fiat 500, providing mobility for all.
Within one decade, i.e. until the end of the 1960ies, Italian motorists came to consider their car as a true companion of life. Functionality was still top priority, but now the car was well cared for and had to be beautiful as well. Many people wanted a car that not only stood out from the others by its shape, but also by its features, accessories and comfort. This was the main reason why the increasing number of customised models, such as the 500 Lusso Moretti, became very popular among motorists. Their shape was virtually identical to that of the series model, but these cars featured nicer details that FIAT could not offer, both for cost reasons and for maintaining smooth production cycles.
In this case, the Fiat 500 series model was embellished by Moretti. Thanks to the friendship of Giovanni Moretti and Gianni Agnelli, who owned FIAT at that time, the small Turin-based car manufacturer could benefit from large discounts when purchasing complete chassis, which were then customised with stylish features.
The 500 Lusso Moretti was available in pastel colours never seen before on a car. Among them were Bianco Gardenia (Gardenia White), Champagne, Verde Germoglio (Sprout Green), Azzurro Cielo (Sky Blue), Rosso Vivo (Flaming Red) and Verde Oliva (Olive Green). But this model was also available in many metallic colours, such as silver, blue and green, which were great eye-catchers back then. The range of colours for the interior, which featured comfortable upholstery for the front seats and a modified steering wheel, was also extended. The gear knob was in F design just as the doors and the hubcaps. The dashboard was equipped with a speedometer identical to that of the 500 L, apart from the fact that it had no fuel gauge, but only a low-level warning light next to its 140 km/h scale.
More guides by Davide about the Fiat 500 custom models, one-offs and curiosities can be found here on our website!
You want to know who Davide is? Then click here!