(August 20, 2011) Fiat will offer upscale Gucci editions of its 500 coupe and cabriolet in the U.S. starting in December. Fiat isn't saying what the price will be yet. The base 500 coupe and convertible start at $16,000 and $20,000 with shipping.

Fiat officials say "the new Fiat 500 by Gucci limited-edition models represent the perfect combination of craftsmanship and style, and bring together two of Italy’s most respected brands.

"In the year that sees the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and Gucci’s 90th anniversary, these special editions of the Fiat 500 and 500 Cabrio have been customized by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with Fiat's Centro Stile."

The Gucci models will come in classic black or pearl white and have the signature Gucci green-red-green stripe on the coupe's beltline or the cabrio's fabric roof. The stripe's also on the seat belt and seats — in leather apropos of their Italian heritage. The models get their own retro wheels with the interlocked Gucci G's logo on the hubcaps and Gucci-green brake calipers.

"With Gucci as our design partner, we've amplified the Italian style of our Fiat 500," said Laura Soave, head of the Fiat brand in North America, in a statement. She sees "appeal to North American customers who appreciate Italian style just as much as modern technology, value and fuel efficiency."

Fittingly, Fiat will first show the 2012 "Fiat 500 by Gucci" U.S. models on Sept. 8 during New York's Fashion Week, the designer trade show and party extravaganza.

The special 500s were customized by House of Gucci creative director Frida Giannini and Fiat design. "Traveling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921.

There'll also be a "500 by Gucci" collection of travel accessories, small leather goods, tracksuits, bomber jackets, driver gloves, sunglasses and a watch for sale at Gucci stores and its website.