To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Open Roads, Fall event, 11
- 20 November 2020.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $125,000
- A beautiful example of Fiat's quirky, charming beach car
- Desirable 600-based U.S.-delivery car: Larger headlamps,
speedometer in mph
- 633 cc OHV four-cylinder engine; four-speed transmission
- Meticulously restored by Theo's Microcars in Costa Mesa,
California
If the hard-working Fiat 500 and 600 instantly conjure the hustle
and bustle of a postwar European city center, their respective
Jolly variants evoke another mood entirely: With their removable
surrey tops, wicker seats, cut-down windshields, and open sides,
the Jolly concept was conceived with fun and frivolity in mind.
These cheerful little cars served as taxis and runabouts in resort
towns, as transportation on grand estates, and even as dockside
tenders for the yachting set.
A variety of Italian carrozzerias tried their hands at the
Fiat-based beach car concept, but the Ghia-built Jolly was by far
the most successful. Precise production numbers vary depending on
the source, but 600-700 of these cars are believed to have been
built between 1958 and 1966. While most were based on the
two-cylinder Fiat 500, examples like this used the Fiat 600-which
benefitted from a more powerful, 633 cubic-centimeter four-cylinder
engine-as starting point. With just 28 brake horsepower, the 600
Jolly was never intended for high-speed thrills, but the extra
output made it a better candidate for the United States market.
Such was the case for this example, which sports a mph speedometer
and larger American-market headlamps. Reportedly delivered new to
the San Diego area, this 600 Jolly has been treated to a total
restoration by the marque experts at Theo's Microcars in Costa
Mesa, California. Attention to detail abounds, from the fringed top
to the coco mats on the floor; the high quality of the restoration
is apparent in the chromework, intricate wicker seating surfaces,
proper cut-down glass windshield, and nicely detailed engine
compartment.
Riding on radial whitewall tires and accompanied by a jack, this
delightful and nicely restored 1959 Fiat 600 Jolly is as charming
today as it was when new. It remains a distinctive and eager
automotive companion for warm-weather adventures.To view this car
and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0620.