Fiat and Smeg collaborate on unique fridge

Produced in collaboration with Italia Independent, the 'Smeg 500' fridge recently made its world preview at the 'Colette' concept store in Paris.

The latest addition to the 'Fiat 500 Design Collection' that includes a sofa, table and console table, the Smeg 500 fridge is the latest item inspired by the Fiat mini car that has become a design icon in its own right.

To create the fridge, Fiat and Smeg merged forms from the front end of a classic post-War Fiat Nuova 500, with the bonnet serving as the main door. Beneath this are two sliding doors (like the ice cream fridges in you milk bar) to keep the contents of the 100-litre unit cold.

Three removable racks, a dedicated shelf for cans, adjustable thermostat and auto defrost are other features, while the front end's lights light up for that extra special touch.

Fiat and Smeg came together for the first time in the 1950s, the era of mass motoring. The result of that first meeting was an agreement that led Fiat to expand its production to include refrigerators, thanks to the invaluable contribution of Smeg.

Australian imports of the Smeg 500 fridge are unconfirmed at this stage. More information can be found at www.fiat500design.com

Smeg 500 - refrigerator with temperature regulated compartment
_ Colours available: white (Smeg 500B), green (Smeg 500V) and red (Smeg 500R).
_ Energy class: A+
_ Total net capacity: 100 litres
_ Opening/closing with 2 sliding doors
_ 3 removable racks
_ 1 dedicated shelf for cans
_ Adjustable thermostat
_ Automatic defrosting
_ Energy consumption: 115 kWh/year
_ Climate class: ST
_ Sound level: 42 dB
_ Rated power 70 W
_ Dimensions (cm): 83H × 125W ×80D (max. height with bonnet open to 80 is 150)