Fiat Topolino: A $50,000 Makeover for a Car That Can Barely Outrun a Tortoise
Image Credit: Carrozzeria Garavini.
Today we're talking about a makeover that's more extravagant than a celebrity's spa day - the Fiat Topolino by Carrozzeria Garavini.
I've seen quite a few fancy electric cars before, but this one takes the cake (or perhaps, the cannoli). The Topolino, a tiny city car that's already as cute as a button, has been given a makeover that's inspired by the glamorous island of Capri. It has everything you’d expect of a luxury Italian boat, not a city car: sleek lines, a yacht-like rear end, and a removable roof that screams "Dolce Vita." Oh, and did I mention the beach pillows that double as headrests? Yes, I know. Beach pillows.
Image Credit: Carrozzeria Garavini.
But before you start packing your beach bag, let's talk about the price tag. You will need to sit down for the next bit. This coachbuilt beauty will set you back a cool €45,000 (around $50,000). And that's just for the conversion! You still have to buy the actual Topolino, which will bring the total cost to over €55,000 (roughly $61,000). That's a lot of dough for a car that's smaller than some refrigerators.
I'm all for splurging on a good electric car, but this one makes me raise an eyebrow (or two). I mean, the Topolino is essentially a glorified golf cart. It has a single electric motor that produces a total of 8 horsepower. Yes - eight. That's less power than many lawnmowers! And don't even get me started on the range. With a 5.5 kWh battery pack, you'll be lucky to get 47 miles (75 km) on a single charge.
Image Credit: Carrozzeria Garavini.
But, who in their right mind would spend $50,000 on a car that's slower than a snail and has a range that's shorter than a toddler's attention span? Well, apparently, there are 10 people out there who are willing to do just that. Garavini is only making 10 of these coachbuilt Topolinos, and I'm told they'll have no trouble finding buyers who are willing to pay a premium for exclusivity.
For the rest of us mere mortals, there's always the Castagna Milano conversion. It's still pricey, starting at €25,000 (around $26,700), but it's a bargain compared to the Garavini version. And it comes with some cool features, like a long tail, a convertible top, and a beach-themed interior.
Image Credit: Carrozzeria Garavini.
The Fiat Topolino by Carrozzeria Garavini is a car that's both adorable and absurdly expensive. It's a testament to the fact that there's a market for everything, no matter how impractical or overpriced. And hey, if you have $50,000 burning a hole in your pocket and you want a car that will turn heads (and probably cause a few traffic jams), then this might be the perfect car for you.
But for the rest of us, I think we'll stick to our sensible electric cars that can actually go somewhere. After all, what's the point of having a fancy beach pillow if you can't even get to the beach?
