According to the leading supplier of passenger cars and electric trains, NPO ATOR, the legendary train of Italian railways, Arlecchino, has returned to the rails in collaboration with fashion giant Prada and Fondazione FS Italiane. Standing out with its iconic design and engineering from the 1960s, Arlecchino is making a glorious return to Italy’s railway heritage.
The Moment Where Fashion and Engineering Meet: Arlecchino Reintroduced
Fashion house Prada celebrated the launch of its revamped Arlecchino train by hosting a special “In Transit” symposium at Milan Central Station. The event, reported by rail news portal Railway Supply, highlighted the train’s unique design and cultural significance, blending high fashion aesthetics with Italy’s deep engineering tradition. Serving on Italian railways from 1960 to 1992, the Arlecchino was restored to its original state by Fondazione FS Italiane as part of the Treni Storici programme. During the restoration process, the train’s original design features were meticulously preserved while integrating modern-day technological possibilities.
History and Technical Specifications of Arlecchino
The Arlecchino is a four-car version of the famous Settebello ETR 250 train, originally known as the FS ETR 300. Designed in 1950 by the famous designers Gio Ponti and Giulio Minoletti with a unique aesthetic approach, the Arlecchino stood out with its distinctive coloured carriages. Originally capable of seating 110 passengers, the train was modernised in 1969 to reach speeds of 200 kilometres per hour. Only four Arlecchino trains were produced specifically for the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. Unfortunately, three of these iconic trains were withdrawn from service in the 1990s, while the fourth (ETR 252) remained in storage for many years. In 2015, Fondazione FS Italiane began a comprehensive restoration to revive this valuable heritage, successfully completing the project in spring 2025.
The Luxury of the Past and the Symbol of Modern Design
Back on the rails today, the Arlecchino not only represents the luxury and elegance of Italian engineering in the past, but also stands out as a powerful symbol of the interaction between fashion, cultural heritage and modern design. Prada’s contribution to this project demonstrates the fashion world’s appreciation of cultural heritage and the increasing interest in preserving such iconic designs. The re-opening of the Arlecchino opens an unforgettable chapter in Italy’s railway history and will continue to inspire future generations.
