The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Fiat 124 Rondine Pininfarina designed by Tom Tjaarda.
The Fiat 124 Rondine prototype stands as a unique testament to automotive innovation, conceived by the visionary minds at Pininfarina under the creative direction of Tom Tjaarda. Crafted as a one-off masterpiece, it represents the elusive “missing link” in the evolution of the Fiat 124 Spider, intertwining elements of the legendary Chevrolet Corvette Rondine prototype with the distinctive design language of Fiat. Born in 1964 from Sergio Pininfarina’s directive to Tom Tjaarda, then a young American designer who had recently made waves with the Chevrolet Corvette Rondine, the Fiat 124 Rondine aimed to translate the allure of its predecessor into a captivating spider variant for Fiat. However, the endeavor proved more challenging than anticipated, as the compact dimensions of the Fiat 124 necessitated a reimagining of the design proportions originally conceived for the Rondine. Despite these challenges, Tjaarda and his team embarked on the task with zeal, crafting designs and scale models that exuded undeniable charm and appeal. Yet, Sergio Pininfarina ultimately deemed the project too extravagant for a Fiat vehicle, urging a shift towards a more simplistic and cost-effective design approach. Thus, the Rondine prototype, while bearing echoes of the Corvette Rondine in its aggressive front fascia and assertive rear profile, ultimately gave way to a more traditional design ethos to align with Fiat’s production goals. This decision proved fortuitous, as it allowed the Fiat 124 Spider to flourish for two decades as a mainstream production model, rather than being confined to a niche market segment. Nevertheless, Tjaarda remained steadfast in his belief in the validity of the “Rondine style” applied to the Fiat spider. Notably, the Rondine’s distinctive color, reminiscent of Tjaarda’s earlier “Sportwagon” model, further underscores the continuity of his design philosophy and the significance of this prototype in his illustrious career. In retrospect, while the Fiat 124 Rondine prototype may never have reached mass production, its legacy endures as a symbol of creative exploration and the enduring influence of iconic design cues in automotive history.
Chassis
Discover the remarkable journey of Tom Tjaarda and his role in designing the Fiat 124 Sport Spider. Learn how his work on the 1964 Fiat 124 Rondine prototype bridged the gap from the Corvette Rondine to the iconic Fiat roadster.
Presented at the “Super Car Parade 2019” at Parco del Valentino, exhibited at Circolo del Design di Torino, the one-off “124 Tjaarda Targa“, by…
