Italian coachbuilder Castagna Milano presented the new generation of their Tender2 model based on the fully electric Fiat 500e. The chopped body of the roofless and doorless urban EV is infused with wood, wide fender extensions, and an exposed two-seater cabin effectively converting it into a pickup.
The Milanese company presented the original Tender2 in 2008, based on the combustion-powered 500. The unconventional styling is inspired by the cute Fiat 500 Jolly produced by Ghia between 1958 and 1972. The new version was launched at the Mandarin Hotel in Lake Como, Italy.
More: Channel Your Inner Child With This 1972 Fiat 500 Jolly
The highlight of the EV is the lack of doors, roof, pillars, and tailgate, with shiny Sapelli mahogany wood covering the cut-out areas similar to a Riva boat. The aluminum inserts on the top of the windshield suggest that there might be a canvas roof included in the package, something that would come in handy under the burning sun of the Mediterranean country. Still, the Tender2 is not intended to be a weather-sealed vehicle, with the sides and the rear always remaining exposed.
The yellow shade chosen for the exterior looks similar to the one used in the Abarth 500e, and is weirdly combined with a slightly different yellow tone for the fender and side sill extensions. The latter feature custom-made aluminum outlets which likely serve cosmetic purposes. The 17-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels are carried over from the flagship La Prima trim of the 500e.
Inside, Castagna Milano deleted the rear bench, creating a generously-sized cargo space that is open for activities. The front seats were replaced by new ones from BMW, with integrated seatbelts. A separation was added behind them, featuring roll bars for protection in the case of a rollover accident. Finally, the coachbuilder added new materials for the upholstery (including eco-leather and nautical fabric) combining three different shades (black, brown, and cream). Alongside the soft carpets and the yacht-inspired wood, this spec gives a more premium ambiance to the little 500e.
The company doesn’t mention any mechanical updates which likely means that the electric powertrain of the Fiat 500e remains stock. The model comes fitted with a single front-mounted electric motor producing 117 hp (87 kW / 118 PS), and a 42 kWh battery which is good for a WLTP range of 321 km (199 miles).
Castagna Milano didn’t announce the cost of the Tender2 but such a conversion certainly doesn’t come cheap. It is not clear if the model will remain a one-off or if the coachbuilder will make more of them, something that likely depends on customer demand. We asked the company for more information on the build and will update this story accordingly.
