LOT 124

1972 FIAT 500 Jolly Beach Car Registration no. HWD 978L Chassis no. 3083717 Engine no. 3409133

Estimate: £40,000 - £50,000

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Lot 124

1972 FIAT 500 Jolly Beach Car

Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|7 September 2024, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1972 FIAT 500 Jolly Beach Car
Registration no. HWD 978L
Chassis no. 3083717
Engine no. 3409133

• Believed the only right-hand drive example ordered
• Restored to factory specification in Norfolk 2017-2019
• Offered from long-term dehumidified storage
• Serviced and with a fresh MoT

The idea of the Jolly is said to have come from FIAT boss Gianni Agnelli, who wanted a beach car that could be kept on his yacht. As redolent of La Dolce Vita Italy as the immortal Vespa scooter, the 'beach car' is most famously embodied by Ghia's 'Jolly'. A novel and quintessentially Italian concept, the Jolly transformed humble saloons such as FIAT's 500 and 600 from basic transport into conspicuous indicators of wealth. The Jolly found favour as courtesy transport for patrons of luxury hotels and golf courses, or for use ashore after one had docked one's yacht on the Italian or French Riviera. Lacking doors and equipped with wickerwork seats, it was only practical as leisure transport, thus confirming its owner's status as someone who could afford a car 'just for fun'.

This Jolly has been fully restored to original factory specification and is believed to be the only right-hand drive example ordered. The car was extensively restored in Norfolk between circa 2017 and 2019 by Mr P E Styles and various FIAT specialists, who helped over the years. The Jolly has been in long-term dehumidified storage and is offered fully serviced and with a fresh MoT. According to our vendor, the car drives as it should and is in showroom condition: inside and out, top to bottom. Offered with a V5C document. It should be noted that the engine is not fully run-in.

Saleroom notices

Like many FIAT 500/600s of this type we are unable to determine whether this example was originally configured as a Jolly.

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