Italian Artistry and the Electric Boogaloo: Castagna Milano Reinvents the Fiat 500e!
So, what do you do when you've got a perfectly functional, fully electric Fiat 500e? Well, if you're the same folks who brought us the original Tender2 back in '08, you take a big ol' saw to the roof and doors, that's what! Welcome to the artistic madness of Castagna Milano, where your conventional automotive norms are about as welcome as a skunk at a garden party.
Picture this. It's an electric Fiat 500e, a convertible even, but missing its doors and roof in the pursuit of that classic Fiat 500 Jolly charm. Heck, they've even given it the rustic Italian treatment with wide fender extensions, an exposed two-seater cabin, and a sprinkle of wood here and there - yep, real wood! Imagine turning up to Lake Como in this little beauty, eh?
The Tender2 may have been born from a nostalgia-infused dream, but it's a vision rooted firmly in 21st-century tech. This stripped-down, quirky beauty debuted at the Mandarin Hotel, no less, right at the heart of Lake Como. It must have been quite a sight with the Italian sun gleaming off the Sapelli mahogany wood fittings - yes, like a posh Italian Riva boat. I mean, who needs doors or a roof when you've got sunshine and a gentle breeze, right?
Now, just before you plan on grabbing your sunscreen, there's a tantalizing hint that there might be a canvas roof tucked somewhere in the package. Yes, you heard right, your very own convertible, Italian style. But don't expect any protection from a sudden downpour. Like a naughty pup with a bag of flour, this beauty will always remain exposed, weather-be-damned.
And then there's the color - an audacious yellow that could give even a sunflower an inferiority complex. A slightly different hue adorns the fender and side sill extensions. They've also thrown in custom-made aluminum outlets, 'cause, you know, why not?
The 17-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels, poached from the flagship La Prima trim of the 500e, anchor this electric steed. And inside? Oh, they've gone all-out Italian. The rear bench? Out! Instead, they've opened up a cargo space that's just crying out for a picnic hamper and a good bottle of Chianti. Front seats? Replaced by snazzy numbers from BMW, complete with integrated seatbelts.
Despite all this madness, they didn't mess with the mechanics - that department belongs to Abarth. It still boasts the Fiat 500e's original electric powertrain - a front-mounted electric motor delivering 117 horsepower, backed by a 42 kWh battery, with a decent range of 199 miles.
Here's the kicker, though - Castagna Milano hasn't yet coughed up the price tag for this Italian job. Cheap, it certainly isn't. But will they make more? Well, like any good cliffhanger, we'll just have to wait and see. One thing's for sure - you won't be short of conversation at the charging station.
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
