To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 6 - 7 March 2020.
Estimate:
$60,000 - $80,000
- The iconic high-society beach car
- Finished in a charming color combination
- Equipped with driver mirror and windshield washer
When it came to versatility, few automakers of the 1950s and 1960s
could compete with Italian manufacturer Fiat. The tiny 500 and 600
models were some of the most popular automobiles in Europe, as they
were ideal for economy-minded clients still rebuilding after World
War II, yet they still had a stylish and almost universal appeal.
Their charming appearance led them to be used as the basis for
numerous special variations produced by both the Fiat factory and
private coachbuilders, and they were enjoyed all over the
world.
While the Multipla was all about practicality, the Jolly was meant
for all-out fun. It was the brainchild of Fiat chairman Gianni
Agnelli, who desired a small car that could be carried aboard his
82-foot ketch, Agneta, and be easily lowered over the side for
local transportation at various Mediterranean ports of call.
Agnelli's yacht tender, an open-air 500 with wicker seats, cut-out
doors, and a fringed surrey top, proved so popular that it was put
into limited production by Italian coachbuilder Ghia. It was the
accessory to have at the world's most fashionable resorts.
The majority of Jollys were built on the 500 chassis. The
four-cylinder 600 versions are considerably rarer, particularly in
the United States, and they are fiercely sought after by Fiat
enthusiasts. This charming 1962 Jolly is finished in a lovely coral
shade with a matching fringed surrey top. It is equipped with a
driver side-view mirror and windshield washer. The Fiat rides on
whitewall tires mounted on steel wheels with factory wheel covers;
a spare is housed in the front trunk. The Jolly is powered by a
rear-mounted four-cylinder engine fueled by a Weber carburetor; the
engine is paired to a manual transmission. Wicker seats provide a
stylish yet comfortable touch to this iconic beach car.
Nearly 60 years later, the Jolly remains the automotive accessory
to be seen in.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.