The father of the Jolly was Fiat’s chairman Gianni Agnelli, who wanted a small car to carry aboard his 82-foot ketch, the Agneta, during port stops in the Mediterranean Sea. As it was small and light, it could easily be lowered over the side for local transportation. The first Jollys, which were intended for the resort trade, were built on the two-cylinder Fiat 500 platform and then modified by the Italian coachbuilder Ghia. This involved removing the roof and doors and adding wicker seats and a fringed surrey top. A version based on the larger 600 soon followed. Production estimates vary, but probably no more than 400 were built, of all types, between 1958 and 1969. They were briefly sold in the United States and remain rare here.

This Fiat Jolly 500 is reported to be one of very few Jollys built specifically for the United States market and is recognizable by its larger headlights, and is stated to run with a 427-cc, two-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission. It is a California-based micro car that a couple used as their beach car. It is finished in red with a vibrant red and white striped surrey top with the car’s signature wicker seating. Brightly finished handrails, color-keyed steel wheels and whitewall tires add to the distinctive style. These desirable Fiats are a great deal of fun to drive and this example is stated to be very original in presentation and has its original emblems and carpets.