Fiat 500 Jolly, 1959

Location: Santa Monica, California

$64,900 USD | Sold

Launched in 1957, the Fiat 500 was a rear-engine economy car. Enormously practical and popular, it was built until 1975, by which time nearly four million had been made. Body styles included a two-door coupe, three-door estate car and a panel van, but certainly the most fun of the line was the open Jolly runabout.

Intended for the resort trade, the Jolly was modified from a standard 500 by the Italian coachbuilder Ghia. This involved removing the roof and doors, and adding wicker seats and a fringed surrey top. About 700 were produced through 1965, and they were briefly sold in the United States.

Formerly in the Wayne Davis collection, this Fiat 500 Jolly looks like it has just emerged from a restoration shop, although 3,524 miles showing on the odometer implies some modest use. Body contours and paint are excellent, and the brightwork nearly so. The Jolly has exterior placed handrails that are similar to the bumpers in style and diameter. The engine compartment in the rear of the car and undercarriage are virtually spotless, and the wicker seats are all but indestructible. Only the floor mats show significant wear.

Its pink color signals that this car is made for fun, and the surrey top offers more shade than weather protection. This car is cute as a button. Consider carefully: it just may steal your heart.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca14/lots/r0151-1959-fiat-500-jolly/