Fiat is giving its tiny Topolino low-speed electric vehicle a more distinctive character with two one-off creations unveiled in Italy. Designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro and Lapo Elkann, the Top L and Top J transform the affordable model beyond its straightforward micromobility role.
Fiat’s Small U.S. Footprint
Fiat has a much stronger presence overseas, but the brand’s U.S. sales have fallen significantly, from 43,772 units in 2012 to just 1,321 units last year.
The automaker continues to target American buyers with the 500e and, more recently, the Topolino. The small low-speed electric vehicle starts at $13,995 before destination charges and is designed primarily for short-distance transportation rather than highway driving.
Despite its affordable price and limited purpose, Giugiaro and Elkann have given the Topolino a more distinctive identity with two unique creations unveiled at Salone Auto Torino in Italy.
Top L Takes Inspiration From a Porsche
The sportier of the two designs is the Top L, with the “L” standing for Love. It features an open-top, two-seat cabin inspired by the spirit of actor James Dean’s Porsche 550, which was nicknamed “Little Bastard.”
The Top L is finished in matte aquamarine and features matching leather upholstery along with Alcantara inserts inside the cabin.
Despite its sporty appearance, the standard U.S.-market Topolino has a top speed of just 19 mph and is restricted to private property. Fiat’s low-speed vehicle conversion kit raises the top speed to 25 mph and allows access to certain public roads.
Its intended role is therefore closer to that of a golf cart than a conventional car.
Top J Focuses on Utility
The Top J, with “J” standing for Joy, takes a different approach. It emphasizes utility with a back-to-back four-seat configuration.
Its blue-and-green livery draws inspiration from the 1950s Ferrari 166 MM once owned by Elkann’s grandfather, Gianni Agnelli. The Top J also features a fabric canopy and a terry-cloth and leather interior.
Two Different Takes on the Topolino
The two creations stand out in part because of the people behind them. Giugiaro is a car designer and the son of Giorgetto Giugiaro, who designed iconic models including the DeLorean DMC-12, BMW M1 and Hyundai Pony, which inspired the Ioniq 5.
Elkann is an Italian entrepreneur and the brother of Stellantis Chairman John Elkann. Both chose to rework an affordable vehicle rather than focus on more conventional high-end automotive projects.
No Production Plans Announced
Fiat’s press release did not provide any production plans or information about whether the two designs will be offered for sale. For now, the Top L and Top J are one-off design studies demonstrating how an affordable vehicle can inspire distinctive ideas.
With Jeep and Ram central to Stellantis’ U.S. business, the standard Fiat Topolino could represent a potential lifeline for Fiat while targeting a completely different demographic. Companies such as Waev and Chip Motors are also targeting the low-speed vehicle market.
For Fiat, the Topolino remains a small entry in that market, while these two one-off creations provide a different interpretation of what the tiny electric vehicle can become.
