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In tribute to the 100th Disney anniversary: FIAT has created five unique Fiat Topolino, four designed by FIAT Centro Stile, inspired by Disney Creatives, and one designed with the aid of Disney artist. Dating back to the 1930s, Topolino has been Mickey Mouse's name in Italy, the nickname given to the classical first Fiat 500, and the name of Fiat's new electric quadricycle. The displaying of the Topolino was held by FIAT CEO and CMO of Stellantis Global Olivier Francois, and Country Manager of The Walt Disney Company Italy & Turkey and Head of Studio Italy Daniel Frigo. The 5 unique pieces will be displayed on the North ramp of the Lingotto building in Italy.
In homage to Disneys 100th anniversary, FIAT has designed 5 themed versions of the new Fiat Topolino dedicated to Mickey Mouse. The presentation of the five Topolino one-offs took place at Casa 500, on the fourth floor of the prestigious art institution “Pinacoteca Agnelli” where to experience a journey through art and time on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Disney and the 95th anniversary of Mickey Mouse, and also the centenary of Lingotto.
FIAT CEO and Global Stellantis CMO, Olivier Francois, commented: “The stories of FIAT and Disney are rooted together as both Disney and the Lingotto celebrate their 100th anniversaries, and the 2 Topolinos – the Disney icon and the very first Fiat 500 – have been inspiring art, street art and fashion for decades. We have so much more in common than a name: DNA, authenticity, the importance of bringing people simplicity, warmth, and joy. The value of letting people see the world and the future with a smile and optimism, the way to get connected with a younger audience. The new Fiat Topolino will play its part in that by offering ‘smiling’ electric mobility to people. Today I am proud to present our tribute to Disney with five special Topolino one-offs, all inspired by the iconic Disney character that motivated our Topolino’s nickname back in the 1930s.”
Country Manager of The Walt Disney Company Italy & Turkey and Head of Studio Italy, Daniel Frigo, stated: “At Disney we are incredibly proud to be part of the culture and amazing creativity of Italy. This love for Italy has inspired us to forge a relationship based on respect and trust with both Italians, as well as FIAT. We are truly honored to be able to celebrate our 100th anniversary with this magical moment that brings FIAT and Topolino together once again, in the spirit of creativity and the bond of friendship.”
To celebrate the bold partnership, a traditional car event was not enough: and therefore it began a project that involved two Design teams from different worlds collaborating together to realize something magical that would breach people’s hearts and transform “the Mouse” into a Muse. Those unique Fiat Topolino represent a journey through time and art: from when both Topolinos were born, to today, with the aim of creating something iconic that would bring the two stars together.
To further celebrate the Mickey Mouse and the Fiat Topolino union, an exhibition of these 5 unique pieces, in collaboration with Pinacoteca Agnelli, is to be set up in the North ramp of the Lingotto building. Visitors to the shopping center will walk along the ramp and admire the 5 Fiat Topolino one-offs as they reach the track. A beautiful combination in the name of creativity and pop culture.
Inspired by the creatives at Disney, FIAT Centro Stile gave the four Fiat Topolino a fresh new skin, a skin that expresses many aspects of the other Topolino’s world. On top of that, the fifth one was designed with the special collaboration of the Disney artist Cavazzano.
In addition to Cavazzano's celebratory design, the other four artfully created Topolino are based in a distinct ambiance and artistic movement for each of them. These moods are centred around the four themes: historical, modern, street, and abstract.
The story of the Topolino starts with the historical theme to which the Fiat Topolino pays tribute. It is inspired to the graphics of the first Disney short film “Steamboat Willie”, beloved by those that saw it, which not only came with the revolutionary innovation of synchronised sound in the world of animation but also was immortalised as an exhibit at MoMA in New York.
The next Fiat Topolino is inspired by modern art, and incorporates a texture of Mickey Mouse's initials as a second skin to provide a strong positive feeling from the quadricycle. This helps celebrate the shared forward-looking view in a bright, colourful, optimistic way of FIAT and Disney: both brands take on iconic status in modern art and culture.
The abstract livery is an homage to another crucial aspect of Disney’s creativity and the way it renews classic styling cues via abstract graphic touches and symbols, providing things a strong visual impact alongside a feeling of elegance.
Finally, the street Topolino contains graffiti based references that homage Mickey Mouse with an urban twist while boosting joyful urban mobility which inspired the last work of art, accentuating how Topolino is a vehicle perfect for urban environments.
The Disney and Lingotto centenary celebrations were a joint effort that honor two incredibly iconic figures: both small in stature but grand in appeal, honored through the creation of five one-offs, which were intended to be a birthday gift for Disney, revolving around the magical atmosphere that surrounds two icons who have written history in their field, making people dream in the name of “Topolino”.
