Fiat Topolino, agile and fun among the beaches of Forte

With a range of around seventy kilometers per charge, the Fiat Topolino is best shipped to the beach or transported on a trailer. Once you arrive at your destination, amidst crowded beaches and elusive parking, the Stellantis electric car proves to be a true all-rounder, as we verified during the ANSA Motori test, conducted among the villas and pine forests of Versilia. Easy to park anywhere, agile and quick, the charming quadricycle zips between the scooters, turns in a flash, and silently whisks you almost to your beach umbrella. While the narrow, winding roads of the Ligurian Riviera are its bread and butter, and the polished streets of Capri are its natural habitat, it's among the super-rich of Forte dei Marmi that it knows how to show off with nonchalance, especially in the exclusive Vilebrequin version, created by the Italian carmaker in collaboration with the renowned French swimwear brand. White and blue, a hood that's a pleasure to roll up to let air into the cabin (which lacks climate control), and those boat ropes in place of doors instantly make you want to put on your swimsuit and head to the beach. In the luxurious pergola-covered shelters of the Versilia beach resorts, it fits right in among supercars and limousines: it's a delightful object, a collector's item in some ways, considering that only 200 were ever made, designed to stand out without boasting about bad taste.

Offered for €13,490, this special version snubs large cars and won't worry about getting stuck if its wheels hit sand: it weighs just 487 kg. So, just ask the lifeguard on duty for a push to move it without too much effort and get it out of any impasse. Its many small details of style, color, and functionality are both pleasing to look at and to use. From the vintage roof rack to the boat-style teak floor mats, from the cute stickers to the keychain featuring the fashion house's signature turtle, not to mention the handy onboard shower, perfect for washing your feet and removing sand before climbing aboard or, on a sunny day, for dousing your head before getting behind the wheel in the open air. The seats, embroidered with the Vilebrequin logo, are comfortable and pair well with the chrome door sills. There's a handy hook for your beach bag, and an elegant, spacious pocket with two snaps. The zippered hood opens and rolls up in a flash, and if desired, it can be left open only at the front to enjoy a breath of fresh air while driving. Despite all this thoughtfulness, some small oversights are disappointing, such as the lack of a second latch for the tether, which allows you to attach it while leaving the cabin free. This is useful for sitting in the car and chatting with friends standing outside without the roof dangling. Despite the high purchase price, the USB-connected fan must be purchased from the accessories list. Finally, a thumbs down goes to the exposed welds on the metal roof elements: an unexpected flaw in style for such a cool object. Our suggestion is to visit your trusted upholsterer and have it wrapped in custom fabric, making this very special Topolino even more exclusive. It was handcrafted by a team in Turin over three weeks of work. Driven along the streets of Versilia, the Vilebrequin brings a smile to the driver's face, thanks to its agility, practicality, and style, and to those who see it pass by, thanks to its cheerful personality, inspired by the dolce vita. With its headlights always on, it has a snappy 8.2 hp electric motor that instantly takes it to a self-limited top speed of 45 km/h. The steering allows it to spin around even among… bar tables. A croissant at Principe, an aperitif at the Riviera Lounge, a bit of shopping downtown during these sales, and then you're spoiled for choice when it comes to the beach: this Topolino is chic, and with its two-tone bodywork, it looks good with… any shade of beach umbrella. To buy the Fiat Topolino Vilebrequin, you'll need €13,490. A significant sum for an electric quadricycle, comparable to that of a real car, but less—some beach snobs would point out—than the cost of a seasonal "tent" in the front rows of some of Forte dei Marmi's most exclusive clubs. A small "madness," but one that's accessible to many, perhaps by taking advantage of the financial leasing offered by Stellantis Financial Services Italia, which includes an initial upfront payment of €4,537, a 24-month term with 23 installments of €99 each (zero interest rate, 1.27% APR), and a redemption value of €6,835.