What type of real-world car is Luigi in Pixar’s Cars?

Luigi in Pixar’s Cars is a Fiat 500.

Luigi owns Luigi’s Casa Della Tires in Radiator Springs and is one of the town’s most enthusiastic residents. His compact Italian design reflects his pride in Italian cars and motorsport. He is especially excited by Ferrari racing, and his tire shop is decorated with Italian-themed details.

Luigi’s design is based on the classic Fiat 500, a small Italian car produced in several generations. The original Fiat 500, introduced in 1957, became an important symbol of affordable postwar transportation in Italy. Pixar’s character exaggerates the car’s cheerful shape and expressive personality.

Luigi is voiced by Tony Shalhoub. His assistant Guido is a small forklift, not another Fiat 500. The two work together at the tire shop and share a memorable interest in fast pit stops and Ferrari racing.