The Fiat 500 has now begun deliveries to customers in Argentina and most of the 90 unit special-edition and individually-numbered opening series which celebrate the brand's 90th anniversary in the country have already found customers. Called the Fiat 500 1.4 Sport Edición 90 Años de Fiat en la Argentina, this model will be expensive and destined to remain ultra-exclusive, the opening 90 units being priced at an extravagant $30,500 thanks to high import taxes that will keep the Car of the Year 2008 award winner from becoming anything more than a desirable accessory for the Buenos Aires fashionista.

This special Edición 90 Años de Fiat en la Argentina model celebrates the long and rich history of Fiat in Argentina where the Italian carmaker has a major production plant located in the city of Córdoba, which currently builds the Siena sedan version of the 'Project World Car' family having recently resumed activities after several years in mothballs.

This version is available only in a white body colour and it comes with a number of unique distinguishing features including a split red stripe across the bonnet and rear roof section up to the glass roof. Along the sides it comes with red, white and green strips, and its 185/55R15 tyres are fitted to shiny aluminium wheels with black hub caps.

Other distinct features include red finished brake callipers as well as aluminium pedals and gearknob. Fiat Auto Argentina will import the 500 in a high level of standard specification including all the full safety features of this Euro NCAP 5-star award winner, as well as climate control, central locking, electric windows and glass roof.

To celebrate the arrival of the Fiat 500 1.4 Sport Edición 90 Años de Fiat en la Argentina it was taken en masse onto the test track at the Fiat factory in Córdoba mid last month for a special photoshoot, and to accompany the purchase the new owners will receive a unique commemorative model crafted by the renown Argentinean goldsmith Juan Carlos Pallarols. This model will come in a luxurious case with a soft red interior padding stitched with the colours of the Italian flag while the individual model will come with the number of the car it accompanies engraved into door section as well as with a similar detailed numbered plaque.

Just one version of the 500 is to be imported into Argentina. In 'Sport' specification, it is powered by the robust 4-cylinder 1.4 16V FIRE engine which produces 100 CV at 6,000 rpm and 131 Nm at 4,250 rpm, and which power the 930 kg supermini to a top speed of 182 km/h and from 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. Once the first 90 units have been sold, and deliveries began last month, the Fiat 500 1.4 Sport will be available to order from the dealerships at a usual price of $28,500.