Alright, let's be honest. When some classic car gets the electric powertrain treatment, it can be like replacing Grandma's homemade lasagna with a microwave dinner. You lose a certain something – usually the soul of the car.

Which is why I was ready to scoff when I saw yet another legendary machine – the adorable Fiat 500 Spiaggina – revived with an electric heart. But the moment I laid eyes on it… well, let's just say I’ve softened up a whole lot. Turns out, sometimes those electrons can be the perfect ingredient.

Forget the Fiat Topolino. This Italian masterpiece is the real "Toys for Boys" dream – albeit an expensive one. We're talking about a meticulously restored classic Fiat 500, transformed by the mad scientists at Aznom into the most charming and stylish thing to hit the beach since, well, Sophia Loren. The classic 500's noisy engine has been replaced with a 27-horsepower electric motor and an 11 kWh battery pack. That won't break any speed records, but at a top speed of a breezy 55 mph (89 km/h), who cares?

Besides, this thing is built for cruising, not racing. Think jaunts along the Amalfi Coast, not the dragstrip. And with an admittedly modest 56-mile (90 km) range, those jaunts better be short and sweet. But honestly, the Spiaggina E-Classic's electric bits feel more like a charming upgrade – not a soulless replacement. It's as if this quirky Fiat is basking in a second youth.

Visually, it's spot-on perfect. Imagine a gleaming turquoise paint job (other colors exist for less adventurous types), sparkling chrome, and a canvas awning instead of a roof. And check out those ribbons instead of doors – hilarious! Inside, it's vintage vibes with a hint of modernity. There's a little display smack in the center showing your speed and how many miles you have left before this glorified beach buggy runs dry.

Now, the price. Oof. Starting at around $48,000, it's not what you'd call a bargain beach cruiser. But consider this: every Spiaggina E-Classic is a labor of love. Aznom restores each little Fiat from the ground up, strengthening the chassis to handle those electric bits, before adding custom touches like oh-so-chic nautical leather interiors. For those with the funds, I bet it's worth every penny.

Quick internet search reveals that Aznom is not the only company trying to cash in on the trend of reviving classic Fiats and giving them new, electric souls. Garage Italia is another creator who decided to put out its own version of the classic Spiaggina and… boy oh boy. Frameless windshield, tartan seats and the compulsory ribbons instead of doors - and no seatbelts in sight! This 20 hp stylish cruiser comes with an even steeper price tag - $78,000 before any taxes are applied. That makes the Aznom’s Spiaggina look like a bargain, heck - it has a canvas roof and proper seats instead of the garden variety!

Well, what can I say? The summer is upon us, and those with extra cash burning holes in their trousers or purses are looking for a stylish summer vehicle. There’s hardly anything else out there that says “I’m cool and you know it” better than a classic 500 with its essential safety equipment removed. Who cares about safety when you’re driving this thing down the boulevard? All eyes on you, all eyes on you…

Yours truly,

Captain Electro