In Turin, the Dante Giacosa Heritage Hub Exhibition is now open to the public, marking the 120th anniversary of one of Italy’s greatest automotive minds. From the iconic Fiat 500 Topolino to revolutionary prototypes, this event honors a legacy that helped shape the future of Fiat and everyday mobility.
A Celebration of Innovation and Vision
Hosted within the historical Officina 81 at the Mirafiori plant, the exhibition captures the essence of Dante Giacosa’s impact. Visitors will find ten cars on prominent display, vehicles that helped motorize Italy and inspired design for generations.
From the compact 500 Topolino to the groundbreaking 600 Multipla, each model stands as a monument to ingenuity. Giacosa’s approach was always human-centric, blending engineering logic with social understanding.
Discovering the Icons on Display
Among the ten stars of the show is the 1948 Fiat 500B “Topolino,” beloved for its charm and affordability. The Fiat Campagnola, launched in 1951, brings rugged adventure and versatility, while the 1956 600 Multipla rewrote the rules of space efficiency.
The 1957 Nuova 500 stands tall as a symbol of post-war rebirth. Its legacy is echoed by the 500 Giardiniera, a family-friendly evolution built for urban life. Then comes the Fiat 124, winner of the 1967 Car of the Year award. Known for its simplicity and global adaptability, it became a blueprint for emerging markets.
The Fiat 128 and Front-Wheel Drive Revolution
One of the standout vehicles is the Fiat 128, unveiled in 1969. Giacosa introduced the front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout here, now an industry standard. The result? Better interior space, balanced weight, and more affordable production. This car earned the title of Car of the Year in 1970.
Exploring Giacosa’s Technical Mastery
Giacosa’s brilliance was not just in style but in engineering foresight. His 600, introduced in 1955, utilized a rear-mounted 633 cc engine producing 21.5 hp. It reached 95 km/h, with a design focused on efficiency and simplicity.
The later 600D improved upon this with 767 cc and a top speed of 110 km/h. Over 4.9 million units were produced, with the architecture evolving into high-performance variants like the Abarth 1000 TC.
A Living Legacy at the Mille Miglia
A light blue 1955 Fiat 600 recently participated in the 2025 Mille Miglia, driven by an all-female crew. It finished the grueling event, reminding us that Giacosa’s designs weren’t just clever, they were resilient.
The exhibit also features the modern Abarth 600e and Fiat 600 Hybrid. These two models, present as support cars in the 2025 Mille Miglia, highlight how Giacosa’s vision continues through today’s electrified future.
A Humanistic Engineer Who Changed Mobility
Born in Rome in 1905 and trained as an engineer in Turin, Giacosa began his Fiat journey in 1928. Over four decades, he led the creation of nearly every major post-war Fiat model, from the compact 127 to the luxurious Fiat 130.
He registered 62 patents, taught at the Polytechnic of Turin, and wrote foundational works on internal combustion engines. His legacy blends academic precision with accessible innovation.
Why This Exhibition Matters Today
The Dante Giacosa Heritage Hub Exhibition isn’t just about old cars, it’s about timeless ideas. Giacosa believed that engineering should be simple, purposeful, and focused on people.
Each vehicle in the exhibit is a reminder of how one man’s ideas helped shape a nation’s streets and inspired millions.
Summary
The Heritage Hub in Turin has created more than just an exhibit, it has crafted a tribute to Dante Giacosa’s lasting influence. From the Topolino to the Fiat 128, every car reflects a moment of brilliance. His work remains a benchmark for functional design and continues to inspire the future of mobility.
Disclaimer: Details and descriptions refer to the temporary exhibition at the Heritage Hub in Turin, open until September 2025.
Source: Stellantis
