LOT 5
1965 Fiat 500F 'Jolly' Beach Car Conversion Chassis no. 1520214
Sold for US$28,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 5
1965 Fiat 500F 'Jolly' Beach Car Conversion
1965 Fiat 500F 'Jolly' Beach Car Conversion
Chassis no. 1520214
Chassis no. 1520214
652cc OHV Inline 2-Cylinder Engine (See Text)
Single Carburetor
24bhp at 4,000rpm
4-Speed Synchronized Manual Transmission
Wishbone Front, Trailing Arm Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*The perfect coastal resort cruiser
*High-quality, well detailed conversion
*Delightful and vivid livery
*Authentic wicker seats and surrey top
THE FIAT JOLLY
The eminently charming Fiat Jolly was the brainchild of Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli, who, while relaxing on the Island of Capri, envisioned a stylish small car he could use as a tender for his yacht, yet be infinitely more stylish than the taxis that populated the island. Sharing his thoughts with Ghia's Gigi Segre, the pair created a festive little cruiser based on the ubiquitous Fiat 500 that fit the bill perfectly. Lacking doors and equipped with waterproof wickerwork seats, the Jolly was only practical as leisure transport, thus confirming its owner's status as someone who could afford a car 'just for fun' (indeed, the Jolly was roughly twice the price of the base model it was derived from). Among the list of Jolly owners in the day are jet setters such as John Wayne, Grace Kelly, Henry Ford II, and even President Lyndon Johnson.
THE CAR OFFERED
Vividly presented in an appropriately 'beachy' bright red with a cream surrey top, this 1965 Fiat 500D 'Jolly' is a high-quality, thoroughly detailed conversion honoring the Ghia-built originals. This car had previously been enjoyed by a passionate and knowledgeable enthusiast in its natural environment in the South of France, before he brought it to California wine country to enjoy as a village runabout. This car is appointed with all the authentic Jolly touches, including the cut-down doors, chrome exterior grab-rails, surrey top, and of course, the iconic wicker seats. Painted steel wheels and whitewall tires round out the crisp and appealing package. This car has been meticulously maintained, and is updated with a larger, more powerful Fiat 126-spec 652cc 2-cylinder OHV engine, electric fuel pump, and more. The seller reports it to be an enjoyable car for nipping about, and for the purist, the original 500cc engine has been rebuilt and will accompany the sale.
As values of Ghia-built examples have soared, detailed conversions such as this allow enthusiasts to experience all the joys of the Fiat Jolly in a car that is virtually indistinguishable from the original. The ideal companion for a beach house or for use as a village runabout, this charming and well-sorted little Jolly will undoubtedly demonstrate your impeccable sense of style to all you pass.
Additional information
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