Fiat Looks Best When Artists Paint It

Art Basel is fast becoming a destination for automakers to show off their goods. Last year, Audi launched the 2011 Audi A8 to media and dealers at the event (complete with an event hosted by Lucy Liu of “Charlie’s Angels fame). This year, Fiat decided to make a splash with its Fiat 500 that goes on sale in early 2011.

According to the Chrysler media blog, Italian artists and two University of Miami art students painted and decorated the Fiat during the Exhibitalia event at Art Basel, made possible due to the support from FIAT North America, Ducati Miami and SEA Milano Airports. Curated by renowed art critic and director of Italy's Lu C.C.A. Center of Contemporary Arts Maurizio Vanni, the pavilion showcases more than 200 artworks, 40 artists and 150 yards of mobile walls, a platform for video art and a bar lounge.

OK, so apparently some people think the Fiat 500 is an attractive car even before young artists get a hold of it. It has won 60 international awards, including being named 2008 European Car of the Year and 2009 World Car Design of the Year. Time will tell what Americans think of the little city car that has a 1.4-liter engine and produces 101 horsepower and 98 lb. ft. of torque.