Vintage 80s Alitalia Classic 500 Aviator Sunglasses Gold Red Brown Gradient 58mm

Custom sun lenses available

We can change the sun lens colour/tint on request. Please message us BEFORE you place your order with the colour you want, and we will fit it for you. Extra cost: $25.

About this item

An original pair of Alitalia "Classic 500" aviator sunglasses from the 1980s, made in Italy. The frame has a pale gold metal outer rim with a translucent red inner rim around each lens, a flat top brow bar marked "CLASSIC 500" and the line's signature short vertical centre post between the brow bar and the bridge. The lenses are an amber-brown gradient, darker at the top and fading lighter toward the bottom. Clear plastic saddle nose pads sit on the bridge, and the thin gold temples have black ribbed grip sleeves near the hinges with the small "A" logo on the end pieces and clear plastic temple tips.

Brand heritage

In the early 1980s the Italian national airline Alitalia launched its own line of sports and aviator sunglasses, made in Italy and sold under the Alitalia name. Models such as the Classic 500, Sport 550 and Professional 560 have since become sought-after collector pieces, helped by Kanye West wearing Alitalia aviators in the late 2000s.

Why this one is special

• Genuine Alitalia Classic 500, the model name engraved on the brow bar
• Rare gold and red colourway with warm brown gradient lenses
• Large 58 mm lenses with the classic 1980s pilot shape
• Made in Italy, a true piece of aviation and eyewear history

Specifications

• Brand / model: Alitalia Classic 500
• Markings: "CLASSIC 500" on the brow bar; "Alitalia" and "58" on the right temple; "G214" and "Made in Italy" on the left temple
• Lens width: 58 mm
• Frame front width: approx. 140 mm
• Temple length: approx. 134 mm
• Frame: gold-tone metal with translucent red inner rims, double bridge with centre post, black ribbed temple grips
• Lenses: brown / amber gradient
• Made in: Italy
• Era: 1980s

Condition

Vintage, pre-owned with light signs of age and use: light marks on the metal frame and rims, small surface marks on the lenses, and age-related yellowing of the clear nose pads and temple tips. Hinges open and close properly. Please check all photos carefully as they are part of the description.

What's included

The sunglasses only. No case, box or papers.

Shipping & Returns

Free shipping with DHL from Cairo, Egypt.
30-day returns, buyer pays return shipping.