Italian automaker Fiat has announced a new collaboration with the Lupin the Third anime series, including the release of three original short stories and three Lupin III-themed limited edition Fiat 500 and 600 models for real-life drivers.
Announced on the Fiat Japan website, the upcoming collaboration will celebrate Fiat’s long-standing legacy as the getaway vehicle of master thief Arsène Lupin III while promoting the latest Fiat 500, Fiat 500e and Fiat 600e models. The collaboration will include the release of limited edition Lupin III-themed Fiat models, as well as the launch of an original Lupin III short story featuring brand new illustrations. The Fiat x Lupin III collaboration will be rolled out in three “volumes” between September 2024 and February 2025, with a limited edition Fiat 500 model released simultaneously with a corresponding volume of the original Fiat x Lupin III short story.
Real-life car version of Lupin III comes with all-new franchise stories
The launch campaign, or Fiat x Lupin III Volume 1, will run from September 10 to October 6, 2024, featuring a custom Fiat 500/500c and the first part of a special short story about Lupin III. The 500/500c and the first seven chapters of the short story have been released on the Fiat Japan website. The car itself is a white Fiat 500/500c – a classic model similar to Lupin III’s original yellow Fiat 500. The Fiat 500/500c is making a comeback after being discontinued in some countries. The custom car will feature a Fiat x Lupin III emblem on the passenger side door, a Team Lupin sticker on the left rear window, and custom Lupin III seat covers, floor mats, cupholders, and side seat ornaments. In addition, when you buy a new Fiat 500/500c, you will also receive a miniature model of a yellow Fiat 500.
The first episode of the original Lupin III story introduces the Lupin Gang’s latest target, the world’s largest emerald, the “Goddess of Smile.” The emerald is located in the heavily guarded Museo Magnifico in Turin, Italy, which has never been successfully penetrated. While Lupin’s classic yellow Fiat 500 is being repaired after a high-speed car chase, he must team up with a brand new white Fiat 500/500c, an ideal vehicle for speed, agility, and “cool looks” to navigate the narrow winding streets of Turin.
To celebrate the launch of the new Fiat model, a special “Launch Fair” will be held at Japanese Fiat retailers, as well as a new car giveaway contest, with entries now open on the Fiat Japan website. 20 participants will also win a limited edition Lupin III transparent case. The Lupin III Fiat 500/500c will be available for purchase from September 10 to October 6 at Japanese Fiat retailers, with prices ranging from 2,590,000 to 3,440,000 yen (approximately $18,229-$24,211). The release date for Fiat x Lupin III Volume 2, which will feature the latest Fiat 500e and a continuation of the original story, has yet to be announced.
Lupin III is now available to stream on Crunchyroll and Prime Video.
Source: Fiat Japan
