1959 FIAT 500

This 1959 Fiat 500 Jolly is an absolutely stunning, Ghia-designed beach buggy that is ready to turn heads! The story behind what is perhaps the most iconic classic Fiats, the Fiat Jolly, requires the examination of the histories behind two of Europes most famous automotive companies, Fiat and Ghia. With history dating back to the late 19th Century, Fiat S.p.A. (then known as Societa Anonimo Fabbrica Italiana di Automobili Torino) was founded by Giovanni Agnelli in 1899. By the 1920s and 30, Fiat garnered a reputation for both its production passenger cars as well as some of its racing cars, sporting a variety of Fiat-built engines ranging from modest 4-cylinders all the way up to sporty supercharged 8-cylinders and beefy V-12s. Following the end of World War II that largely stopped automobile production, and abruptly halting the momentum of the worlds growing automotive industry, Fiat emerged as Italys largest industrial firm. Around the same time, Fiats reputation became synonymous with small, economy-focused automobiles, something that hasnt really changed for the last 80 years. Founded in Turin in 1916, Carrozzeria Ghia & Gariglio was the brainchild of visionary founders Giacinto Ghia and Giovanni Gariglio. Mr. Ghia started his professional career as an apprentice coach builder when coach builders were building horse carriages. As the motor age began to take hold, Ghia transitioned from an apprentice, to a mechanic, and then to a test driver, where he suffered a significant injury that led to Ghia and Gariglio founding their firm. Initially Ghia was tapped to produce lightweight aluminum bodies for Alfa Romeos race cars. In 1921, Ghia and Gariglios company signed a contract to produce some sportier bodies for another Italian firm, Fiat. During World War II, Carrozzeria Ghias facilities were destroyed and the company was forced to rebuild after the War. It was during this time that Giacinto Ghia unexpectedly fell ill, and passed away, many attributing his illness and demise to the stress from the destruction of his facility. After Ghias death, the firm changed hands a few times but by the 1950s the company had recovered and reestablished itself as one of the most prominent automobile design firms in Italy and across the world. Automobile manufacturers from around the world, including Germanys Volkswagen, Swedens Volvo, and even Americas Chrysler partnered with Carrozzeria Ghia to design some of the most elegant automobiles ever produced. However, Ghias relationship with Italy-based Fiat remained in tact, and while Ghia assisted with the design of some of Fiats more conventional automobiles, it also contributed to perhaps the most novel, most unusual Fiat the Italian firm ever sold, the Fiat Jolly. Reportedly, Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli commissioned the Ghia built Fiat as a sporty and chic beach buggy that was small and light enough to fit onto the stern of his yacht Agneta and could ferry him and his guests to and from the beach. Known for their wicker basket-weave seats, door-less fully open sides, and cute fringed Surrey tops, the Jolly became a status symbol among the Worlds elites, such as President Lyndon B. Johnson and Aristotle Onassis. The bespoke Fiat Jolly is known for its very low production, with estimates of less than 450 produced during its 3 year production run. Additionally, due to their use in and near humid, saltwater environments, their survival rate was quite low with some estimating only about 100 remain in existence today. Powering this particular 59 Fiat Jolly is a rear-mounted Air-Cooled 479cc Two-Cylinder engine fed by a single barrel Weber carburetor that together were said to have created 21 horsepower when new. The 479CC air cooled engine is mated to a 4 speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheel and makes this little Fiat a really fun car to take for a drive. A 12 volt electrical system provides improved startup abilities and makes the exterior lighting more reliable. Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires accented with chrome wheel covers, this 1959 Fiat has a truly upscale 50s look, whether youre cruising to the beach or parked at the local car show. The front trunk is well-detailed as well, housing the fuel tank and even a spare tire. This 59 Jolly is topped with a Red and Eggshell striped Surrey top accented with fringes around the border that gives this little yacht buggy the feel and look of the ultimate beach car. The chrome trim and brightwork around the exterior of this Fiat Jolly shows particularly well and further elevates the car from nearly every angle. A drivers side chrome mirror is also a welcome addition since it makes an already easy car to park, even easier. The Ghia-designed body on this Jolly is in wonderful condition as it has been repainted in an eye-popping Coral Red paint that completes the gorgeous exterior appearance of this adorable 50s microcar. The interior of this 1959 Fiat 500 Jolly is absolutely incredible! The front and rear wicker-wrapped seats are in fantastic condition and are sure to fend off damage from any wet swimsuits or sand remnants left behind from a beach excursion. The floor is covered with tan carpeting along with Fiat-branded protective floor mats that not only look great but also add to the beach buggy look. While a bit scarce in terms of amentities, the red painted dash and red steering wheel are in excellent condition on this bespoke automobile. The dash is equipped with a 70 MPH speedometer with integrated indicator lights for lights, dynamo operation, fuel, and oil pressure, a chrome center-dash mounted rearview mirror, AM radio, and wicker wrapped grab bar. Whether youre looking to have the cutest car at your next beach excursion or youre adding to your collection of high-end classic cars, this 1959 Fiat 500 Jolly would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!