SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 4, 2025 – In a heartfelt celebration of one of Italy’s most influential automotive minds, Stellantis Heritage has opened a captivating exhibition at the Heritage Hub in Turin, honoring the 120th anniversary of Dante Giacosa’s birth. This temporary tribute isn’t just a walk through technical achievement — it’s an emotional ride through Italy’s journey toward modern mobility, told through the vision of one extraordinary engineer.
A tribute where history and innovation meet
Set within the historic Mirafiori plant, the Heritage Hub transforms into a nostalgic time machine, displaying ten of Giacosa’s most iconic creations — from the endearing Fiat 500 “Topolino” to the revolutionary Fiat 128. More than a showcase of vintage vehicles, this exhibit invites visitors to witness how one man’s technical mastery helped reshape a nation still healing after World War II.
Alongside familiar classics, lesser-known gems like the Prototipo 100 — the original Fiat 600 prototype — add layers of discovery to the experience. These cars aren’t locked behind glass for admiration; they’re storytellers that speak of resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering belief in accessible mobility.
Designing dreams for the everyday driver
For Giacosa, engineering wasn’t just a matter of mechanics — it was about people. The Fiat 600 Multipla, for instance, wasn’t just the world’s first minivan; it was an answer to growing families and city streets that needed compact practicality. The Fiat 500 Nuova wasn’t just cute; it symbolized rebirth and freedom in postwar Italy.
Each model carries a spirit that feels deeply human:
- Fiat 500 “Topolino” (1936): Affordability meets charm in this fuel-efficient pioneer.
- Fiat Campagnola (1951): Italy’s rugged adventurer, loved by farmers and explorers alike.
- Fiat 124 (1966): Simplicity, performance, and a passport to global production.
What makes these cars stand out isn't just their looks or specs — it’s their relevance in people’s everyday lives. Even now, the designs feel grounded, logical, and emotional all at once.
Why the Fiat 600 still matters 70 years later
The exhibition also celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Fiat 600 — a model that redefined what an affordable family car could be. With clever features like fold-down seats for cargo, rear-hinged doors, and a rear-mounted engine that packed surprising power, it became the workhorse of postwar Italy.
Its impact went far beyond its price tag:
- 4.9 million units sold, both in Italy and abroad
- Legacy of engineering that powered future models like the Panda and Uno
- Race track credentials via the Abarth 850 and 1000 TC variants
And in a poetic nod to the past and future, a first-series Fiat 600 participated in the 2025 Mille Miglia alongside its modern heirs: the all-electric Abarth 600e and the hybrid Fiat 600, blending tradition with innovation.
A designer who led with heart and head
Dante Giacosa wasn’t your typical engineer. With roots in classical studies and a mind steeped in both mechanics and humanism, he believed good design meant solving real problems in the simplest way. His legacy spans across award-winning models, 62 patents, teaching roles, and even authorship of influential engineering texts.
His mantra? “Designing also means evaluating difficulties, identifying essential problems and solving them in the simplest and most complete way.” That clarity continues to shape automotive thinking even today.
A must-visit experience for car lovers and curious minds
Open through mid-September 2025, the exhibition offers a unique blend of nostalgia and education for anyone interested in how cars became such an integral part of our lives. Whether you're a design enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone who once rode in a Fiat 500 with your grandparents, this is a trip worth taking.
Learn more and book tickets through the Stellantis Heritage Hub’s official website and immerse yourself in the story of how one man helped Italy — and the world — move forward.
Mini FAQ: Visiting the Giacosa Exhibition
Where is the exhibition?
At the Heritage Hub in the historic Officina 81 building, Via Plava, Turin, Italy.
How long is it running?
Until mid-September 2025.
What’s the highlight?
Ten iconic Giacosa-designed cars, including the 500 “Topolino”, 600 Multipla, and Fiat 128.
Is it suitable for families?
Absolutely! The exhibition is designed to be engaging and educational for all ages.
Are tickets required?
Yes, standard admission tickets can be reserved online.
Learn more and book your visit at stellantisheritage.