1963 FIAT 500 Jolly Beach Car
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Ghia
Chassis no. 273192

Ghia's stylish Jolly beach car, a concept as redolent of La Dolce Vita Italy as the immortal Vespa scooter. This novel and quintessentially Italian idea transformed humble saloons such as FIAT's 500 and 600 from basic transport into conspicuous indicators of wealth. A 'beach buggy' before that genre was popularised by scores of Volkswagen-based specials, the Jolly found favour as courtesy transport for patrons of luxury hotels or for use ashore after one had docked one's yacht on the Italian of French Riviera. Lacking doors and equipped with 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'.

This is an original Jolly beach car, as confirmed by the original Italian registration papers, FIAT certification and Registro FIAT Italiano on file, both of which show that the Jolly was built in period by Carrozzeria Ghia. It is one of only a handful based on the Economica model. The car was purchased directly from the FIAT factory in 1963 as a gift for Mrs Klier Mariannein by her husband in celebration of their daughter's birth, and remained in the same family until its restoration started in 2017.

This is a very special little car, having just come out of a two-year full restoration by classic Porsche specialists Classic Fabrications of Honiton, Devon, and is presented today in concours condition. The car has only one registered keeper and has covered only some 63,000 kilometres from new. It has all the Italian authenticity documentation and has matching chassis and engine numbers. A full photographic record of the restoration is available.

The rarest variant, this Jolly is finished in its original colour of Avorio Chiaro with new wicker seats and factory floor mats, complimented by a navy blue and white striped Surrey top, and is utterly charming in its understated original colour combination. A very rare opportunity to purchase a genuine Jolly beach car in outstanding condition and ready to be enjoyed by its new owner.