A tiny red 1998 Fiat Panda is bringing pure Italian car culture to the streets of New York. Known as Vagante, this mobile cafe operates directly from the trunk of Italy's most utilitarian automotive icon. Founder Asher von Stein fell in love with the classic vehicle during a 2022 trip across Sicily.
While exploring beyond typical tourist routes and attending a friend's wedding on the island, he marveled at how ubiquitous, functional, and deeply embedded the Panda was in everyday Italian life.
Inspired by Italy's distinct piazza culture and espresso traditions, the former engineer decided to merge both passions. In 2024, he returned to Italy to track down the ideal car, purchasing one in Castelnuovo within Piedmont's Monferrato area before shipping it stateside in October 2024. After outfitting the trunk with an espresso machine, grinder, and mini sink, Vagante debuted in the summer of 2025.
By bringing this four-wheeled Italian symbol to Brooklyn and Manhattan, the project honors the ritual of authentic coffee. Operating on a 2-day weekend schedule, the setup ditches traditional service counters. During the 60-second brewing process, patrons stand right by the hatchback to chat, recreating the warm community atmosphere found in classic Italian neighborhood bars. While serving 100% Arabica medium roast drinks – from espresso and macchiato to cappuccino – von Stein pairs the brews with local bakeries on Sundays. The result is a vibrant cultural bridge, celebrating accessible Italian design and authentic hospitality in America.
