Stripes!

My wife and I are debating whether her new 500 should have a black stripe.
The exterior spec is:

1.4 Sport
Bossa Nova White
Black check roof
Chrome trim
Black 5 on bonnet
Rubbing strip with a space for a badge (check one)
16" 5 O-Spoke wheels
Red calipers

My view is the black stripe will be OTT with the roof, bonnet and badge. Also the black stripe obscures some the lines (such as the bonnet and crease below the window) which is part of the retro appeal to me.

Another thing is the stripe is separated at the bonnet join. If it is anything other than a perfect fit it will stand out out (to me) and it is a Fiat after all (ducks for cover!)

Finally I haven't seen a single white 500 in all the marketing blurb and test drives (and many are white) with the big stripe. If they have one it is the Italian stripe which is more subtle and doesn't extend to the bonnet which says something to me.

We ordered it yesterday but already my wife is having second thoughts, mainly because my 18 year old son thinks it would look good, which worries me even more as he likes Corsas with spoilers

I know one of the appeals of the 500 is everyone can look different but just wondered if there were any views?

I've not seen a white 500 with the black stripe, only with a red stripe. I quite like the red stripe on the white, see the photos, it's very retro! I don't know how good it will look with the black stripe, may look a bit mono-tone? A little 5 on the bonnet would be nice though!

OTT in my opinion but then i saw my first 500 today which was a red sport with a white stripe on it and I must admit that after looking on the fiat website I prefer the car just plain i think it shows all the lines so well, maybe I am not the person to offer an opinion as I don't like clutter on cars and if your son likes corsas that look like they have been covered in superglue and ramraided halfords I would ignore his advice

Oh and if you're worried about sticker quality / application have a look at your dealers red Sport demonstrator with the white stripe

We can do any graphics you want and are doing rolls of stripes (such as red/white/green) that will be considerably cheaper than the £120odd that Fiat will be charging. BUT the good thing is, you will be able to buy different ones, mock them onto your car to see what they look like and then send back the ones you decide not to use and as long as they are in perfect condition we will give you a full refund. Bit like buying wallpaper! Easy I hope!

If you want specific logo or design made up for your car, send it to us and we can give a quote for it. We did our own vehicle :-)

baldrick - This is the closest I've found... the black stripe on a silver (Breakbeat Grey) 500. In my opinion it doesn't look great...

Someones never been wallpaper shopping with Mrs Elvin then have they????

Too busy imho. Especially with the check roof and the number on the bonnet. I would even remove the number!

in my oppinion dont have the black stripe its too bulky i think. either have red lines or the italian stripes. they look so nice espesh if the car is white i think

The Italian stripes on a white car look odd as the white on the body & the white on the strip are slightly different colours.

IMHO, white looks best with stripes. Red certainly doesn't. The breakbeat grey one was ok. They all seem to suffer from big gaps round the wings mirrors and it doesn't look quite right.

Thanks, that really helps. The wife was wavering so hopefully this will convince her though I may need your assistance again!

I like the Pasodoble Red with the White stripes, looks smart in 'real life', I've even decided to order mine with them on.

Si

I ordered my 500 on Saturday - white with Italian stripes - but am having second thoughts.
I really like the retro look and subtle lines of the 500 and maybe the stripes detract from this? I am thinking of ditching the stripes and just having the flag badges and chrome rear view mirrors instead to give a little interest but not overwhelm the basic style of the car. Any thoughts? I just can't make up my mind!

I agree, the flag badges are going on mine, the stripes are, lets say an aqquired taste