The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
As 1960s jet-setters partied down at sandy beaches all over the world, they were most often seen not in their Ferraris or Maseratis but behind the wheel of a Fiat Jolly.
The Fiat 500 Ghia Jolly, a beach car crafted by Carrozzeria Ghia from 1957 to 1966, embodies an iconic era of automotive design. Drawing inspiration from its larger counterpart, the Fiat 600 Jolly, this vehicle epitomizes a blend of style and functionality. Initially based on the mechanics of the Fiat Nuova 500 and later adapted to the Autobianchi base, it stands as one of Sergio Sartorelli’s pioneering projects. Sartorelli, assuming the technical helm of Ghia following Giovanni Savonuzzi’s departure, infused his vision into the Ghia Jolly. Despite its hefty price tag, nearly double that of a standard “500”, the Ghia Jolly swiftly attained cult status. A coveted possession among luminaries in finance, entertainment, and politics, it graced the yachts and estates of the elite. From Aristotle Onassis to Silvio Berlusconi, the allure of the Ghia Jolly transcended mere transportation; it symbolized luxury and sophistication. Marketwise, the Fiat 500 Jolly enjoyed stints in the United States from 1958 to 1962 and in Europe from 1957 to 1966. Even venturing as far as South Africa between 1958 and 1960, its global presence underscored its timeless appeal. However, the precise production figures remain elusive, lost in the annals of Ghia’s ownership transitions, ultimately culminating in Ford’s acquisition of the brand. Characteristic features of the Ghia Jolly included side protections and a minimalist windshield. Its open-air design eschewed traditional soft tops, favoring a sun protection awning supported by chrome tubing. Remarkably, the absence of doors lent it a distinctive charm. Only in the 1965 “economy” variant did unsightly chains mar its aesthetic. At launch, the Ghia Jolly dazzled in hues of pink, white, pale yellow, and sky blue. Underneath its stylish exterior lay the reliable mechanics of the original Fiat, boasting a time-honored air-cooled twin-cylinder engine. The introduction of an “economy” version in 1965 offered a more accessible option, featuring a standard bumper and seats wrapped in plastic cord within a tubular frame. Assembled within Ghia’s headquarters until 1966, the legacy of the Fiat 500 Jolly endures as a testament to automotive innovation and timeless elegance.
The birth of the Spiaggina (Spiaggia = Beach) takes place in the immediate post-war period at the initiative of some Italian coachbuilders which transformed small mass production cars in order to make them suitable for the needs of wealthy customers during the holiday period in the seaside resorts.
Designer Sergio Sartorelli was born in Alessandria in 1928; he took the degree in Mechanical Engineering at the “Politecnico” of Turin and soon became interested in cars.
Read part 1 The revolution by Savonuzzi The succession of prototypes made on behalf of Chrysler undoubtedly influenced the 1951 project by Piero Dusio,…
