What exactly is a bikini?
10/25/2025
Of course, we don't mean the garment, but an automobile. After all, we're talking about intermediate throttle. But we actually came across the Bikini 500 Zagato from 1965 for the first time at the "Auto e Moto d'Epoca" classic car show in Bologna, which runs until Sunday (October 26, 2025).
According to the stand description, the Bikini is a car that was developed and built by Milanese engineer Luigi Piatta at Zagato. The engine came from a Fiat 500 Giardiniera, but it was fitted at the front with the help of Mini parts.
The bodywork is reminiscent of a mixture of Mini Moke and buggy, and was certainly intended for fresh air enthusiasts.
The car was shown as a prototype at the Turin Motor Show in 1965. The compact car did not cause too much of a stir at the time, at least the magazines in this country did not report on it.
The Bikini was not a commercial success either, as this single example was all that was produced.
If you are interested, you could buy it now in Bologna.
P.S. We will of course be reporting in detail on the Auto e Moto d'Epoca classic car fair in Bologna.
