The Fiat Topolino, a tiny urban electric vehicle (EV), is among the highly sought-after EV collectibles for its Italian roots. Carrozzeria Garavini and Castagna Milano, renowned Italian coachbuilders, have reinterpreted this iconic Topolino model. These coachbuilders have transformed a simple Topolino EV into a high-end, luxury collector’s item. Following the Fiat Grande Panda, only 10 units of the Topolino will be available, each customized based on buyer preferences.
The tiny Topolino shares its platform with the Citroën Ami and the Opel Rocks Electric. The Topolino EV has an 8-horsepower powertrain and a 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery offering a 47-mile driving range. Although modest in performance, this limited-edition Topolino is ideal for Italian automotive art enthusiasts.
Here’s what you need to know about these bespoke Topolino conversions.
Carrozzeria Garavini’s Luxury Fiat Topolino
The Topolino has a sleek and modern exterior that still incorporates familiar Fiat design elements. Turin-based coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Garavini, breathed new life into the Fiat Topolino with its exclusive design, producing just 10 units. Garavini, a historic body shop with roots dating back to 1908, redesigned Topolino’s bodywork. This coachbuilder drew inspiration from Italy’s Mediterranean island of Capri and the Dolce Vita lifestyle.
The front of the Topolino features a sculpted bumper and round LED headlights reminiscent of the Fiat 500. It notably has disc wheels, which add a retro touch. On the side, the profile is strikingly minimalist, with no doors, evoking a classic, open-air feel.
The rear end of the Topolino has a yacht-inspired design. There is a semi-exposed cargo space with a wooden floor, vintage LED lights, and a canvas roof. There’s even a round feature resembling a spare wheel holder. This enhances the classic yacht vibe.
For the interior, the Topolino has a pair of stylish seats with removable headrests that double as beach pillows. Each of the 10 units will be handcrafted and highly personalized, based on the preferences of the owner.
Fiat Topolino Power And Performance
The new Topolino is powered by an 8-horsepower electric motor. This seems very modest, but it’s perfect for the small Topolino.
Supported by a 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Fiat Topolino has a driving range of 47 miles (75 km) on a single charge, under the WLTP cycle.
Garavini’s Fiat Topolino Price
Garavini’s version of the Fiat Topolino has a starting price of €45,000 ($50,257) before taxes, not including the cost of the donor Topolino. The total cost is expected to exceed €55,000 ($61,370), making Garavini’s version the priciest Fiat Topolino available.
Castagna Milano’s Cheaper Topolino Conversion
For those who seek a customized Fiat Topolino but prefer a less costly alternative, Castagna Milano offers a more affordable customization option. Castagna Milano’s Topolino conversion features a long tail, a convertible body style, and a beach-inspired interior.
Castagna Milano’s Topolino version has simpler design modifications. It still, however, maintains the spirit of the Italian seaside lifestyle. Unlike Garavini’s €45,000 version of the Castagna Milano Topolino conversion starts at a more reasonable €25,000 ($26,746). This makes the Milano version a popular choice for Topolino owners looking to enhance their vehicle without the higher price tag of Garavini’s bespoke version.
The Urban EV Platform
At its core, the Topolino is a fun and compact EV. A s compact car, the Topolino is perfect for urban environments. It shares its platform with the Citroën Ami and the Opel Rocks Electric, both of which are classified as heavy quadricycles.
Despite its limited 8 hp (6 kW / 8 PS) output and a modest 47-mile range, the Topolino has carved out a niche for itself as a stylish, eco-friendly commuter vehicle in bustling European cities.