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The Fiat Multipla Eden Roc by Pininfarina.
The Fiat 600 Eden Roc, crafted by the illustrious Pininfarina, stands as a unique and elegant embodiment of beachside luxury. Based on the innovative Fiat Multipla, a rear-engined, forward-control marvel unveiled at the 1956 Turin Motor Show, the Eden Roc reimagines the practicality of the Multipla with a flair for opulence and coastal charm. Pininfarina, known for their exceptional automotive designs, transformed the everyday practicality of the Multipla into a whimsical, open-air vehicle that exudes exclusivity and a carefree spirit. Henry Ford II, one of the most influential figures in the automotive industry, was immediately captivated by the Eden Roc’s allure, securing one of the first models on display at the Turin Motor Show. Another of these exclusive vehicles went to Gianni Agnelli, the legendary head of Fiat, further cementing the Eden Roc’s status as a symbol of luxurious leisure reserved for the elite. Nicknamed “Spiaggetta,” a term that evokes images of sun-soaked Italian beaches, these cars were a testament to the laid-back yet sophisticated lifestyle of the wealthy in the late 1950s. Designed with the Mediterranean coast in mind, the Fiat 600 Eden Roc is instantly recognizable by its open-air construction, which invites passengers to indulge in the sea breeze and sunshine. Its bespoke design includes a U-shaped bench that wraps around the rear passenger compartment, providing comfortable seating for four or five individuals. This unique seating arrangement, combined with the Multipla’s versatile platform, makes the Eden Roc not just a car, but an experience—one that blends practicality with a dash of glamour. The Eden Roc retains the engine and chassis of the standard Fiat 600, showcasing Pininfarina’s ability to transform an everyday car into something extraordinary without losing its inherent practicality. The result is a vehicle that perfectly balances form and function, offering both the utility of a small car and the charm of a luxury beach cruiser. From its inception, the Fiat 600 Eden Roc by Pininfarina has symbolized seaside sophistication, embodying the carefree elegance of coastal living and remaining an iconic piece of automotive history.
The birth of the Spiaggina (Spiaggia = Beach) takes place in the immediate post-war period at the initiative of some Italian coachbuilders which transformed small mass production cars in order to make them suitable for the needs of wealthy customers during the holiday period in the seaside resorts.
