The illustrious coachbuilders of Castagna Milano have just unveiled their latest marvel of automotive artistry. This iconic Italian firm, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and transformations of fine vehicles, has outdone itself with a creation unlike any seen before.
Dubbed the “Tender2,” this bespoke work begins its life as a standard Fiat 500e electric city car. But through the genius and meticulous talents of the master artisans at Castagna Milano, it has been reborn into something utterly unique. Every inch has been redesigned and reimagined through their coachbuilding magic.
With skillful snips of gleaming shears, the automobile’s rigid steel roof was cut away as cleanly as plucking a rose from its stem. In one fluid motion, what was once an enclosure became an open sanctuary, allowing those seated within to feel the gentle caress of wind through their hair as if rediscovering a forbidden joy hidden for centuries.
Where hinges and latches once fused each side to the chassis, now only empty space remains as the solid portals vanished in a puff of sawdust. Their vacant voids leave the reborn creation utterly unconfined, transforming the passenger compartment into a rumble seat ready to savor life’s adventures near the sparkling sea.
For inspiration in their innovative redesign, the visionary designers delved into history’s annals, searching for a muse to guide their hands. There, amid periods past, they discovered the nostalgic Fiat 500 Jolly of decades past and its carefree, joyous spirit. This soul they have now resurrected and woven into the Tender2’s futuristic yet emotionally engaging character through wires, code, and lithium-ion power.
The grand unveiling was no ordinary presentation, but a momentous affair befitting their artistry. Within the ornate halls and manicured gardens of Como’s most esteemed inn overlooking the glistening waters, automotive elite and lakeside society mingled alike under olive branches heavy with fruit, serenaded by Opera arias drifting upon the breeze.
Strips of lustrous mahogany harvested from far-off rainforests now flow like a glistening brook over the sculpture’s exposed surfaces, embracing its composition with a natural elegance and warmth reminiscent of tropical ports and lush wildernesses. Hidden among the grain are memories of trade winds and overseas adventures locked away for exploration.
Perched above the arching windshield, slender aluminum accents take the form of arcs hinting at temporary canvas awnings to shield against sudden deluges. Though equally likely, some connoisseurs may forever prefer nature’s showers dancing upon their upturned, carefree faces.
While utility remained not the primary priority during conceptualization, opening oneself fully to the elements and surroundings through glass and sky became an essential element of the driving experience. Pleasure and immersion in life’s moments outranked comfort—at least whenever conditions allow such rare indulgence.
A vivid shade of neon sunshine reminiscent of bygone microcars will help the Tender2 glow upon the narrow, cobbled alleyways and boat-filled shoreline promenades of Lake Como. Impossible to overlook yet discreetly conspicuous, it attracts appreciative eyes yet stays comfortably understated.
Flared wheel arches designed as an homage to America’s hot rods emanate from each corner. But within their spreads lies subtlety honoring modern tastes, and house handcrafted, machined fixtures focused solely on aesthetic enhancement and impression.
On wheels of shimmering crystal cut, the Tender glides effortlessly between hilltop villages and the lands lush with vineyards below, delivering high-performance handling within towns yet an altogether serene, leisurely cruise upon the glistening waters.
Where mass-production synthetics once resided now delicately patterned leathers and specially woven textiles breathe life, featuring subtle color harmonies that elevate the intimate two-seater setting to refined luxury.
A tender frame rises just behind the front enclosure, consisting not of intrusive cage pipes but finely braided metal tubing. It offers protection should the unlikely occurrence of a roll-over take place, yet does so elegantly without compromising the open design.
Underneath remains an earnest electric drivetrain, leaving the proven running gear unchanged to provide smooth, silent propulsion for leisurely touring among the shoreline scenes. No harmful fumes will be emitted to further accelerate the planet’s decline.
The lithium-ion power cells hold ample reserves to tour many a picturesque town before requiring renewal at one of the region’s steadily increasing high-speed top-up stations, eliminating range anxiety.
While the undisclosed financial sum required to commission such a dream machine far outstrips mere numbers, its tremendous value lies elsewhere. Appreciation for the craft and vision will remain eternal.
Perhaps envisioned as a one-of-a-kind work to be cherished for lifetimes, taking the family regularly to weekend picnics along the shore or slow Sunday sailing excursions on glittering Comacina Island. A local landmark and legacy for generations to come.
Either destiny awaits the Tender2, but through such masterworks, passions are kept robust and the skills of bespoke design live on against the tide of mass-production. Vivid strokes elevate the vehicle to an art form above practicality.
Now on display for potential benefactors of means and discerning tastes, perhaps to joyfully traverse Monti Cenisio’s peaks or Grigna Meridionale’s lush mid-slopes with equal measures of lavishness and carefreeness.
Digital portraits preserve their magnificence for virtual viewing worldwide, inviting vicarious discovery for those who may admire but never physically experience the rare delight of Lake Como’s byways from the Tender2’s rumble seat. A new perspective for all.
Through marrying electricity’s silent potency with bespoke metal reshaping, the Tender2 unified qualities of seamless performance and character, range and raw emotion, sophistication, and freedom – qualities seldom seen together yet equally essential for life’s finest rewards.
The story was the first broadcast to an online automotive chronicle chronicling innovation worldwide within the industry and the creative works it inspires.
The storyteller behind such works of fanciful non-fiction holds a name tied to Greek legends, fitting perhaps for resurrecting moments from ages past in modern contexts.
During summer’s ripened fullness when fields burst forth with golden crops, details emerged on the virtual pages for all internet eyes to feast upon and imagine life anew from the Tender2’s perch.