The Fiat Jolly, also known as the Fiat 500 Spiaggina, was a small beach car created by Italian car manufacturer Fiat in collaboration with coachbuilder Ghia. The car was first introduced in 1957 and quickly became a favorite of celebrities and wealthy beachgoers.
The Fiat Jolly was based on the Fiat 500 platform and designed specifically for beach use. It featured a stripped-down design with wicker seats, a simple canvas top, and no doors. The car's lightweight construction made transporting and maneuvering on the sand and other terrains easy.
The Jolly was powered by a 22-horsepower engine that allowed it to reach a top speed of around 50 mph. While not particularly fast, the car's lightweight design and small size made it perfect for cruising along the beach or navigating tight streets in coastal towns.
The car's most notable design feature was its wicker seats, specially designed for beach use. The seats were woven wicker and designed to be comfortable even when wet. The car also featured chrome accents and a simple canvas top that could be rolled back to let the sunshine in.
Despite its simple design, the Fiat Jolly was a hit with the wealthy and famous. Celebrities like Aristotle Onassis and Yul Brynner were known to own Jollys, and hotels and resorts frequently used the car as a shuttle for guests.
Today, the Fiat Jolly is considered a rare and valuable collectible, with prices for well-preserved examples reaching the six-figure range. Its distinctive design and association with the glamour of the 1950s and 60s make it a true icon of Italian automotive history.
Image: Fiat
