In the year that has seen the milestone of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, as well as Gucci’s own 90th anniversary, this special limited edition of the Fiat 500 has been customised by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with Fiat's Centro Stile.

The Fiat 500 by Gucci debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March and the order book opened in May 19 exclusively via a dedicated internet microsite. At the beginning of this month Fiat announced that the makeover would be extended to the convertible 500C version while also revealling that pre-orders at that point stood at 3,000 units. From this Friday the two Gucci versions of the 500 will kick off a European mini tour that will see them displayed in Saint Tropez, Barcelona, London, Geneva and Berlin. The Fiat 500 by Gucci will be available in the North American dealerships from December.

“In the 50s, the Fiat 500 created a style revolution when it first hit the road. It quickly became the must-have car of its time. Travelling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921. So, when Lapo Elkann suggested the idea of this collaboration it struck me as a perfect opportunity to create a new modern travel statement in Gucci's 90th anniversary year,” said Frida Giannini.

Claiming to be inspired by neo-classic black-and-white films, the new black-and-white Fiat 500 and 500C by Gucci models are finished in glossy pearl-glass paint. These two distinct colours aim to complement one another: black with detailing in shiny chrome paired with interiors with satin chrome detailing and ivory and black.

“With Gucci as our design partner, we’ve amplified the Italian style of our Fiat 500 with unique exterior and interior looks that will make the car truly unique on the road,” believes Laura Soave, Head of Fiat North America. “This special edition adds dimension to the Fiat 500 portfolio and will appeal to North American customers who appreciate Italian style just as much as modern technology, value and fuel efficiency.”

The worldwide launch of the Fiat 500 by Gucci has been developed with the support of Lapo Elkann and his agency, Independent Ideas, and includes a fully integrated above- and below-the-line campaign. Commenting on the collaboration, Lapo Elkann said, "I am honoured that I was able to connect Fiat and Gucci, especially in such an important anniversary year for Italy. Being Italian, it makes me proud to have contributed to this Fiat 500 by Gucci, which brings together the spirit of two brands that so perfectly symbolise our country's savoir faire in the world. It has indeed been very gratifying to work again on the car I love most with Fiat's Centro Stile and with Frida Giannini.”

The exterior surfaces of the Fiat 500 by Gucci feature the fashion house's trademark stripe, 16" alloy wheels with a retro design of the spokes and hub caps with a double "G" logo that matches the body colour as well as similar logos on the B-pillars. Finally the Gucci signature in italics is also displayed on the tailgate. Inside, the passenger compartment has sees stitchings, materials, satin and polished chrome-plated elements, a velvet-effect finish on the radio panel and two-tone Frau leather seats with Guccissima print. The "Gucci" theme also appears on the seats, gearbox, key cover, mats and on the seat belts.

The North American market's version of the Fiat 500 by Gucci, which will be built at the Chrysler Group's Toluca, Mexico plant unlike its European counterpart which is made in Poland, will also be equipped with this market's specific Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes. Features to come as standard include Blue&Me hands-free communication with USB port, eco:Drive and iPod control capability, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Bose audio system with six premium speakers and subwoofer, power sunroof, automatic climate control, seven standard air bags, security alarm, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, speed control, fog lamps and reconfigurable Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with trip computer, miles-to-empty average fuel economy and tire-pressure monitoring display (TPM).

ItaliaspeedTV: Fiat 500 by Gucci presentation with Frida Giannini and Lapo Elkann / Fiat 500 by Gucci (Teaser)