Launched in 1955, the 600 was the first Fiat model to be built with a fully integrated chassis and frame while also featuring a rear-mounted engine. Its delightful styling was courtesy of Dante Giacosa, but the 600 wasn’t just a pretty car; it was capable of carrying four individuals despite its modest 3.2-metre length. The small car was available as a two-door fastback, or as a four-door Multipla, but a small number of cars were sent to Carrozzeria Ghia for the coveted “Jolly” conversion.

Unlike the humble two-door Fiat 600, the Jolly was marketed towards the rich and famous as a beach-going car for the summer months either in Mediterranean locations or in the United States. The different target market was in-part due to the immense cost of production, with a Jolly by Ghia costing twice as much as a standard 600.

This Fiat 600 D was first registered on 25 October 1962 and the following day was sent from Fiat Comerio to Carrozzeria Ghia, where the conversion took place. On 24 November 1964, this Jolly was sold to its first owner, the Italian fridge manufacturer Ignis, who used the car for three years as a promotional vehicle that toured Italy. Following the end of the tour, Ignis sold this Jolly back to Fiat Varese on 30 August 1967. Just over a week later, the Varese dealership received the order to gift this Jolly to its second owner, Ms Silvia Tunconi at the request of Gianni Agnelli, then president of Fiat. Ms Tunconi was Agnelli’s personal secretary at the time. On 9 November 1967, Ms Tunconi had relocated to Como, bringing the Jolly with her.

Ms Tunconi was said to be fanatical about her Fiat 600 D Jolly during her 46 years of ownership. The odometer reading of 10,687 km at the time of cataloguing reflects the fact this Jolly was used only on select occasions. In 2013, the Jolly was sold to the consigning owner. Offered for sale with the Fiat Jolly as part of its auction listing is a copy of the ACI Estratto Cronologico, ACI Foglio Complementare, previous Italian “libretto” registrations, along with the original user book, and Use & Maintenance manual.

This 1962 Fiat Jolly by Ghia presents an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable iterations of the delightful compact car. A gift from Gianni Agnelli himself, the history behind this vehicle is as charming as its physical appearance.