It is one of the most anticipated car releases of the year, the hugely popular Fiat 500 has finally made an appearance Canada ahead of its year end release. Canada’s first Fiat 500 has brought $85,000 at a charity auction in Toronto. Chrysler Canada donated the car to the live auction at the 17th annual Venetian Ball, which benefits Villa Charities services for elderly Italian-Canadians.
The Fiat 500, a homage to the classic Fiat subcompact of the late 50's, was released March 2007 - exactly 50 years after the first Fiat 500 was presented. The design of the new 2007 Fiat 500 is based on the 2004 Fiat Trepiuno concept. This car features a distinctive retro-look just like the Volkswagen New Beetleand BMW MINI but is substantially cheaper than those cars, with a starting price of €10,500 upon its launch. It is coming to North America at the end of 2010.
“The enthusiastic bidding for this iconic vehicle, and the fact that it sold for $85,000, underscore the excitement and interest the Fiat 500 has generated since Fiat’s return to Canada was first announced,” said Ed Broadbear, Chrysler Canada’s vice-president of marketing.
The car is the first in a series of 500 limited-edition vehicles which will feature a unique Prima Edizione sequential badge according to its production order. The Fiat 500 will be introduced in North America at the end of 2010.