About the Selene Project
The Selene Project was born from the union between a childhood passion and the desire to transform a classic into something much more than what it appears. The name Selene was chosen inspired by the character in the movie Underworld, which, just like this car, carries a nature that goes beyond what the eyes can see — strong, discreet and, at the same time, surprising.
The Fiat 147, with its simple look, compact proportions and charismatic lines, has always caught my attention since I was a child. It looked like a toy, something that arouses fascination and fun. Since then, the desire to transform this little classic into a real “tamed asphalt monster”, maintaining its original appearance, but with soul and performance far beyond what is expected.
The right car, at the right time
Finding the right car was not an easy task. The classic car market is becoming increasingly challenging, especially when looking for a car in good structural condition, intact and that can serve as the basis for a project of this size.
During this journey, several alternatives and reflections emerged. The Chevrolet Chevette was even considered a possibility — I did research, mockups and technical analyses, considering its robustness and flexibility for adaptations. But the truth is that my heart was always set on the Fiat 147. The Chevette was just an engineering curiosity along the way, not a real change of focus.
And finally, in the last week of May 2025, after much searching, I managed to acquire the ideal car: a Fiat 147 year 1979, 1300 engine, all original, directly from Belo Horizonte, faced more than 1800 km to my city to begin his transformation journey, where officially Selene Project comes to life.
Challenges and path taken
The path to this point has been full of adjustments and learning. Initially, the project envisaged the installation of more modern engines, such as the Fire 1.4 EVO with Dualogic transmission. Later, we evaluated the Fire 1.0 and even considered other platforms, always dealing with legal limitations, technical feasibility, costs and the difficult task of balancing modernization without losing the soul of the car.
Every decision — whether in the engine, braking systems, suspension, electronics or finish — follows a principle: preserving the essence of the classic, while delivering comfort, performance, safety and discreetly embedded technology.
What you will find here
This site exists to document every step of this project: from finding the right car, through disassembly, restoration, mechanical upgrades, adjustments, and the entire journey to completion.
Here you will find stories, technical solutions, records of each phase and, who knows, answers to those questions that always come up during meetings:
“What did you do to the engine?” — “How did you adapt it?” — “Will it fit in the 147’s trunk?” — “Is it difficult to do?”
Thus, in addition to recording the trajectory of the Selene, this space serves as a reference point for other enthusiasts who dream of doing something similar.
Project philosophy
Selene is a celebration of the past with an eye on the future. The proposal is clear: a modern restoration that respects the history of the car and automotive culture, preserving its identity, while integrating technologies, comfort and performance that make it fully functional today.
Here, what meets the eye is only part of the story.
