05 Sep 08 13:27
Fiat 500 Tender Two
Milan-based coachbuilder Castagna has created a posh beach-buggy based on the Fiat 500.
The 500 Tender Two - using the name for vehicles used by yacht-owners to travel from their boats when in harbour - is in the spirit of the original Ghia-built Fiat 500 Jolly.
The doors, tailgate and roof of the 500 have been removed, while the side sills have been raised and reinforced to maintain structural rigidity. A removable canvas hood with retro red and white stripes offers some shelter and sun-shade, and the interior and cargo bay is finished in teak with wicker and blue upholstery.
The smartest thing about the Tender, however, is its powertrain: it's been converted into an EV by Swiss firm MES-DEA. It can do up to 80mph, and has a range of 86 miles between battery recharges (it can be recharged in just four hours). Who said electricity and water don't mix?
