If you’re a fan of cars and cartoons, you might want to take a trip to Turin, Italy, where you can see a spectacular display of five one-off Fiat Topolinos dedicated to the world’s most famous mouse, Mickey. The colorful creations are part of a tribute to the 100th anniversary of Disney, and they are displayed along the North Ramp of the Lingotto complex, the former Fiat factory that is now a shopping center, hotel, and museum.
The History of Fiat Topolino and Mickey Mouse
The Fiat Topolino was a small car produced by Fiat from 1936 to 1955. It was one of the first cars designed for the mass market, and it was very popular in Italy and abroad. The name Topolino means “little mouse” in Italian, and it was also used to refer to Mickey Mouse in Italy. In fact, the Topolino car appeared in the Mickey Mouse series, and the two characters became synonymous in Italian culture.
Mickey Mouse debuted in the United States in 1928 and soon became a global icon of animation and entertainment. He was introduced to the Italian audience in the 1930s and quickly gained a huge following. Since then, Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters have been a significant influence on Italian culture, with merchandise, theme parks, and entertainment contributing to their enduring popularity.
The Collaboration between Fiat and Disney
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Disney, Fiat decided to create a special gift for the fans of both brands and the city of Turin. The automotive brand collaborated with Disney artist Giorgio Cavazzano and FIAT Centro Stile to design five theme-based versions of the new Fiat Topolino dedicated to Mickey Mouse. Each car has a distinct style and personality inspired by different artistic movements and ambiances.
The five Fiat Topolinos are:
- The Historical Topolino, designed by Giorgio Cavazzano, features a classic and elegant look, with a black and white color scheme, a red bow tie, and a Mickey Mouse logo on the hood.
- The Modern Topolino, designed by FIAT Centro Stile, showcases a contemporary and minimalist design with a white and silver color scheme, a geometric pattern, and a Mickey Mouse silhouette on the side.
- The Street Topolino, designed by FIAT Centro Stile, reflects an urban and edgy vibe with a black and yellow color scheme, a graffiti-style mural, and a Mickey Mouse ear on the roof.
- The Abstract Topolino, designed by FIAT Centro Stile, expresses a creative and playful mood with a multicolor color scheme, a collage of shapes, and a Mickey Mouse face on the front.
- The Pop Topolino, designed by FIAT Centro Stile, celebrates a fun and nostalgic spirit with a red and blue color scheme, a comic-style print, and a Mickey Mouse glove on the door.