TGR StaffFew things are more charming than a classic Italian beach car. Born in an era when the Mediterranean coastline was a playground for the international jet set, these cheerful, open-air machines never worried much about practicality. They were built for sunshine, seaside villages, and the occasional trip to a café where being seen mattered more than arriving on time.
Garage Italia understands that appeal. Now, the Milanese creative house founded by Lapo Elkann has introduced the Spiaggina M, an evolution of its electric beach car that adds a little more practicality without sacrificing the personality that makes these vehicles so appealing.
The biggest change is an additional 17 centimeters of length, concentrated at the rear of the vehicle. While that might not sound particularly dramatic, it makes a meaningful difference inside. The Spiaggina has offered four seats before, but the Spiaggina M gives rear passengers more room, turning the car from a charming leisure vehicle into something better suited to carrying four people comfortably. It’s a small change with considerable implications, particularly for boutique hotels, luxury resorts, and private estates looking for something more distinctive than the usual fleet of golf carts.
A New Chapter for the Italian Spiaggina
The Spiaggina M is part of Garage Italia’s ongoing Icon-e project, which focuses on restoring and electrifying classic Italian automobiles while preserving their original character.
Rather than reinventing the concept, Garage Italia has refined it. The longer rear section is carefully integrated into the existing silhouette, maintaining the compact proportions and playful appearance associated with these classic open-air cars.
The new proportions allow for more comfortable journeys, particularly when carrying multiple passengers. Garage Italia envisions the Spiaggina M serving a wider range of roles, from leisurely drives through the Italian countryside to guest transportation at exclusive hospitality properties.
The vehicle made its debut at Bordeaux Classic in Bordeaux, France, introducing the latest evolution of the Spiaggina to an audience of classic automotive enthusiasts.
Inspired by Italian Wine Country
While earlier Spiaggina interpretations emphasized carefree coastal motoring, the Spiaggina M takes much of its design inspiration from another celebrated Italian landscape: wine country.
The bodywork is finished in GIC-Barolo metallic, a rich shade that draws its character from the colors of the Italian countryside and its vineyards. Contrasting semi-gloss GIC-Tellina tubular elements provide visual definition and a lighter accent against the deeper body color.
Inside, the emphasis remains firmly on Italian craftsmanship. The soft top and cushions are upholstered in coordinating Mariaflora fabrics, while Bonacina 1889 seats in the Alabastro finish bring traditional woven craftsmanship into the automotive cabin. Their natural tones and tactile construction take inspiration from vineyard life and the grape harvest.
Sisal floor mats complete the interior, reinforcing the relaxed, outdoor-oriented character of the car. The result is something that feels closer to a piece of Italian resort furniture that happens to be drivable than a conventional automobile. In this case, that is very much a compliment.
Classic Character Meets Modern Convenience
Despite its nostalgic appearance, the Spiaggina M incorporates several modern conveniences intended to make it more useful in everyday settings. Keyless entry provides straightforward access, while dynamic power steering makes maneuvering easier, particularly in urban environments and around resort properties.
The vehicle also features off-road wheels, reflecting its intended use along vineyard roads, rural routes, and countryside destinations. Additional front lights, fitted with protective grilles, provide improved visibility while giving the Spiaggina M a slightly more adventurous appearance.
These additions are less about transforming the Spiaggina into a rugged off-road vehicle and more about expanding the places where owners might comfortably enjoy it. Its electric powertrain also fits naturally into Garage Italia’s broader philosophy of bringing historic automotive designs into the modern era. Garage Italia has not disclosed detailed performance specifications, battery capacity, driving range, pricing, or production availability in its announcement.
A Different Kind of Automotive Luxury
The Spiaggina M represents an interesting approach to the evolving luxury automotive market. While much of the industry continues to focus on horsepower, technology, and increasingly complicated features, Garage Italia is pursuing something decidedly simpler: making the journey itself part of the experience.
For a luxury hotel on the Italian Riviera, a vineyard estate in Tuscany, or a private coastal residence, a vehicle like the Spiaggina M offers something that conventional transportation rarely provides: a memorable sense of occasion.
It is also a continuation of an automotive tradition that deserves to survive. The original spirit of the Italian beach car was rooted in optimism, leisure, and a belief that even a short drive could be an adventure. With a little extra room and a few thoughtful upgrades, the Garage Italia Spiaggina M brings that philosophy into the electric age. And frankly, there are worse ways to spend an afternoon than driving through Italian wine country in an open-air car with three friends.
Garage Italia Spiaggina M: Quick Facts
- Manufacturer: Garage Italia
- Model: Spiaggina M
- Project: Icon-e electric classic vehicle program
- Powertrain: Electric
- Seating Capacity: Four passengers
- Body Modification: Rear extended by 17 centimeters
- Exterior Color: GIC-Barolo metallic
- Exterior Accents: Semi-gloss GIC-Tellina
- Seat Design: Bonacina 1889 Alabastro
- Interior Materials: Mariaflora upholstery and sisal floor mats
- Features: Keyless entry, dynamic power steering, off-road wheels, and additional grille-protected front lights
- Public Debut: Bordeaux Classic, Bordeaux, France
- Intended Uses: Leisure driving, private estates, boutique resorts, vineyard transportation, and exclusive guest transfers
- Price and Range: Not announced
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Garage Italia Spiaggina M?
The Spiaggina M is a bespoke electric reinterpretation of the classic Italian beach car, developed by Garage Italia as part of its Icon-e project. It combines vintage-inspired styling with modern electric propulsion and additional passenger space.
How many people can the Spiaggina M seat?
The Spiaggina M seats four people. Its redesigned rear section offers improved comfort and legroom for rear passengers compared with earlier configurations.
How much longer is the Spiaggina M?
The vehicle has been extended by 17 centimeters at the rear, providing additional interior space while preserving its recognizable compact silhouette.
Is the Garage Italia Spiaggina M fully electric?
Yes. The Spiaggina M is part of Garage Italia’s Icon-e electric vehicle program, which focuses on transforming classic Italian vehicles through electrification and bespoke restoration.
What is the driving range of the Spiaggina M?
Garage Italia has not released an official driving range, battery specification, or charging information for the Spiaggina M.
How much does the Garage Italia Spiaggina M cost?
Pricing has not been announced. Garage Italia specializes in bespoke automotive projects, and prospective customers can contact the company for additional information.
Where was the Spiaggina M unveiled?
The Garage Italia Spiaggina M debuted at Bordeaux Classic in Bordeaux, France.
Who owns Garage Italia?
Garage Italia was founded by Italian entrepreneur Lapo Elkann. The company specializes in bespoke design, automotive customization, and the electrification of classic vehicles.
For more information, visit Garage Italia.
