The car that put Italians on the road after World War II lived many lives—as an urban runabout, a rural farm-to-market hauler and an Abarth-tuned sports car. The most whimsical variation came from Carrozzeria Ghia and was a regular sight on sunny beaches in the 1960s and 1970s.

With its open sides, striped surrey tops and wicker seats, the Jolly let its jet-setting occupants bask in warm, salty air between hotel lobbies and sandy beaches. The most pampered examples lived on yacht decks as tenders.

The 500 Jolly and its larger, earlier 600 Jolly big brother could only have come from Italy. The Mediterranean climate and fun-loving attitude pervasive in Fiat’s home country made the Jolly possible.

The red example here has been recently painted and shows in excellent condition. Its surrey roof features a white base and white fringe accented by red stripes running the length of the fabric. Inside, its red dashboard and steering wheel are set off by the obligatory wicker seats—individual up front and a bench for the second row.

Appropriate details such as period gear-shift instructions attached to a steering wheel spoke give the 500 Jolly an authentic feel. At the rear, its four-cylinder engine presents correctly but has not been detailed. Proper ‘Nuova 500’ and ‘Jolly’ script badges on the bottom-hinged undercover are correct.

Nostalgia for the simplistic 500 Jolly and its mid-century era remain strong, but this red example certainly stands out.