Renting a car typically isn't the most exciting part of a vacation. You land, head to the counter, pick up a standard vehicle and off you go. Ok, maybe you splurge on an upgrade. But still, it's a pretty mundane task. That is until Hertz Italy decided to change the game this summer. How? They're offering vintage cars with a modern twist.
The rental car company partnered with Garage Italia to offer a limited selection of fully restored, bespoke electric conversions of classic Italian cars for the summer. The first in the fleet, the iconic 1960's Fiat 500 Jolly "Spiaggina" has all the traditional details of the original automobile—hand-woven seats in natural rope, playful exterior colors and matching rims—with eco-friendly, high tech upgrades.
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"For Garage Italia it is a great opportunity to be able to launch together with Hertz a new business line linked to the Icon-e project," Enrico Vitali, CEO of Garage Italia, said in a statement. "In a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, aesthetic research and production craftsmanship meet technological innovation and electric redevelopment, in the name of sustainability and style."
The design house customized three versions of the same model, including one featuring the Italian flag and one in the classic blue, which made the model a cultural icon in Italy. Famous DJs Hannah Bronfman and Brendan Fallis recently shared photos from their recent trip to Puglia where they drove the third option that's yellow and black.
Available to rent now, the new launch is a further expansion of Hertz's Selezione Italia offering. It's through this unique programming that customers can choose "Made in Italy" iconic cars to turn their travels into Instagrammable moments. For example, there's an Alfa Romeo Giulia in lapis blue—inspired by lapis lazuli stone and complete with a full-on the fresco on the interior ceiling, inspired by the great works of Renaissance painters. The Abarth 124 Spider, Maserati Ghibli, and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio are all options as well.
"Selezione Italia is much more than a rental offer, it's a philosophy; it's the way we honor the relationship with our guests," said Massimiliano Archiapatti, General Manager of Hertz Italy in a statement. "We constantly seek new driving experiences for our customers, and with Garage Italia, we can offer our guests something unique."
Earlier this year Hertz launched a similar British Collection in the United Kingdom. Models through that offering included the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Jaguar F Pace, E Pace, XE and XF.
Hertz's Selezione Italia is available to book online and get a make-and-model guarantee—meaning that the car booked is the one you drive away with.
