Fiat 500 Spiaggina Boano

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat 500 Spiaggina by Carrozzeria Boano holds a place of great significance in automotive history, being one of the most important creations from the coachbuilder. It was specially designed at the request of l’avvocato Gianni Agnelli, the influential head of Fiat. Based on the popular Fiat 500, a small and affordable city car of the time, this version was transformed into a luxurious Spiaggina for exclusive use. Unlike traditional luxury vehicles, coachbuilders like Boano used smaller, more accessible cars for Spiaggina conversions, designed for short, leisurely trips. These cars often carried illustrious passengers and were reserved for special occasions, adding to their charm and exclusivity. The Fiat 500 Spiaggina Boano, likely the model featured in several magazines from that era, underwent significant modifications beyond just its aesthetics. To accommodate more space and ensure comfort for its distinguished guests, the car’s chassis was lengthened, offering greater roominess, even though it was intended for very short journeys. Comfort remained a top priority, as passengers would often make only minimal trips but in high style. Two units of this bespoke vehicle were built. One, famously owned by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, was later destroyed, making the surviving example even more valuable and rare. Carrozzeria Savio later acquired the rights to Boano’s Spiaggina design, producing a limited edition of this model under the name Fiat 500 Elegance. While the Fiat 500 Spiaggina by Boano had a brief yet glamorous life, its influence continued with the Fiat 500 Elegance. This marked a transition from Boano’s creation into a slightly more accessible, though still exclusive, vehicle. The legacy of the Fiat 500 Spiaggina, with its luxurious design and association with high-profile owners, remains a symbol of mid-20th-century Italian automotive elegance.