A Fiat 500-inspired boat has hit the ocean waves, and you could buy or rent one this summer.
No, we have checked our calendars carefully, and we can confirm that this is not a delayed April Fool’s Day joke.
In fact, the aquatic 500 is a collaboration between an Italian entrepreneur and Fiat, channelling all the charm of the diminutive city car into a practical watercraft.
Ready for sunbathing
Twenty-four-year old Antonio Pietro Maria Galasso has been the driving force behind the floating Fiat homage, known as the Car 500 Off-Shore. As the former owner of a 500 Cabriolet, Galasso is a true Fiat enthusiast.
“At first, they thought I was crazy. But now, with 60 units sold and 50 families employed, our Fiat 500 Car Off-Shore Dayboat speaks for itself,” says Antonio.
The exterior is a clear tribute to the original, with round LED headlights, rear-view mirrors and half wheelarches.
The interior design features a dashboard shaped like road-going version. Real leather covers the seats, with the rear bench replaced by a pair of reclining loungers for sunbathing.
The only Fiat with a built-in shower
Up to five passengers can be carried aboard the Car 500 Off-Shore, and there is even a small swimming platform to make a splash. Buyers can also specify marine-grade speakers, a multimedia player and a hand-held shower.
Two specifications are available: the Puglia Edition in turquoise paint or the Miami Edition in peach orange.
Engine options of up to 115hp are available, giving the potential for a breezy top speed of 24mph.
Small boat, big money
The majority of the Car 500 Off-Shore models will be used for rental, with the boats available to hire in both Amalfi, Italy and Miami, USA.
There are also tour packages available in Positano, Italy, including one aimed at those planning a wedding proposal.
A final punchline is the fairly substantial cost of owning your very own waterborne slice of the La Dolce Vita. Prices for the Car 500 Off-Shore start at £96,780 – more than five times the cost of a regular 500.
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