Fiat launches special Topolinos for the Disney anniversary
Disney turns 100 and Fiat congratulates with five special versions of the Topolino. Behind this is a long story about the world-famous Mickey Mouse and a tiny Italian car.
The world premiere of the five special Topolinos combines several anniversaries and very special relationships. Firstly, the 100th anniversary of the Disney company and the Fiat headquarters in Lingotto, where the Topolino was also built from 1936. Turin was also the first Italian city that Mickey Mouse (Topolino in Italian) took by storm.
Its Italian name was first applied to the Fiat 500 throughout Italy and then the whole world. A glance at the facial expression and the large round ears of the mouse and the radiator grille and round headlights of the mini car are enough to explain the name
"The history of Fiat and Disney are strongly intertwined," says Olivier François, CEO of Fiat and Global CMO Stellantis. "We are more than just friends. It's almost as if we were related. In fact, Fiat and Disney are about conveying simplicity, warmth and joy."
Daniel Frigo, Country Manager of The Walt Disney Company Italy & Turkey and Head of Studio Italy, praised the close ties between the two brands and evoked the "magical moment" that brings Fiat and Mickey Mouse "together again in a spirit of creativity and friendship."
Small electric car for 15-year-olds
The five unique models of the recently launched electric subcompact car for 15-year-olds were created as a collaboration between two design teams from Fiat and Disney, i.e. with otherwise completely different focuses.
According to Fiat, the one-offs are intended to symbolize a journey through time and art. From the birth of Mickey Mouse and the Fiat 500 Topolino to the present day. The model created in collaboration with Giorgio Cavazzano, one of the most famous illustrators from the Disney universe, plays a special role.
Art topolino number two is all about history. "Its design takes up motifs from the legendary Disney short film 'Steamboat Willie'," say the makers of the colorful little cart. First shown in 1928, the animated film with Mickey Mouse at the wheel of a paddle steamer is the first Disney sound film.
A feeling of positive energy
Mickey Mouse's initials adorn Topolino number three. Its design is intended to convey a feeling of positive energy and symbolizes the shared future-oriented vision of Fiat and Disney, according to the Italians.
Abstraction characterizes the paintwork of the fourth Mini Artcar, paying homage to Disney creativity and the way in which classic stylistic devices are taken up by abstract graphic elements and symbols. Finally, car number five plays with the means of street art; the graffiti is intended to illuminate the cheerful urban side of the cartoon character Mickey Mouse.
And what happens to the five individual pieces in five styles after their initial unveiling? The special Topolinos will be spared a life in a sterile car or art museum. They will be shown to the public at the place where they were created, on the north ramp of the Lingotto building. "Visitors to the shopping center will be able to walk along the ramp and admire the five unique Fiat Topolino cars as they reach La Pista 500," is the carmakers' plan.
The Walt Disney Company, celebrating its centennial anniversary, shares a rich history with Fiat, as both Mickey Mouse and the Fiat Topolino gained popularity in Turin, Italy. This historical connection led Fiat to commission five special versions of the Topolino to celebrate Disney's milestone.
As a tribute to Disney's innovative spirit, Fiat collaborated with renowned Disney illustrator Giorgio Cavazzano to create one of the unique Topolino models, symbolizing the strong bond between the two brands.
Source: www.ntv.de
