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A Quirky Little Car for the 1%, in the 1960s

The Fiat Jolly

By Rain Noe - October 19, 2021

in Cars

Hagerty Media covered a tiny car I've not seen before, at least in this modded state. The Fiat Jolly, which was based on a Fiat 500/600 circa 60 years ago, was modified by Ghia to look like this:

1959 Fiat Jolly Bonhams

With wicker seats, the open-air design and the giveaway parasol, you can tell this car's been modified for a sunny beach clime. (After a swim, it's better to climb into a seat made of wicker rather than leather.) As Hagerty reports, the clientele was pretty specific:

"The target audience for the Jolly was wealthy seaside dwellers, who would use the car for short errands or take it with them on a yacht to use for transportation while in port."

1968 Fiat Jolly RM Sotheby's

This being a car for the 1% of the 1950s and '60s, few were made (650), and very few survived the salty marine environment. Which is probably why these silly little vehicles fetch over $150k at auctions!

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Max McGurl

a year ago

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I saw one of these at a Audrian Museum in Newport RI. The seats were only temporarily attached to the car. They were designed to be taken out of the car and brought to the beach!

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- Daniel Weber
  
  Max McGurl
  
  a year ago
  
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  safety concerns aside, that's pretty darn cool
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no spec

a year ago

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I was wrong this is a mini moke from BMC

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no spec

a year ago

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seems like Patrick McGoohan should be getting driven to see number 2 in one of those

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Kevin Stohlmeyer

a year ago

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They made this model modded up until 1970.

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stephen knifton

a year ago

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Jerry Seinfeld featured one of these in a Comedians in Cars segment.

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