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Davide puts the spot on Fiat 500 Custom Models - Part 10: 500 Giardiniera Jolly
- Year of manufacture: 1961
- Displacement: 499 cc
- Body type: Beach vehicle
- Derived from: Fiat 500 Giardiniera
- Manufacturer: Fiat Ghia Tuning
- Number of cars built: unknown
The 500 Giardiniera Jolly, built from 1961 onwards, was equipped with same mechanical system as the Giardiniera, i.e. the classic air-cooled, horizontally fitted two-cylinder engine. While this elongated model would not accommodate more passengers than the regular Giardiniera, the little “compartment” behind the rear seat proved very useful for transporting diving equipment, fishing rods, swimming accessories of all kinds and – why not – shopping bags with food and drinks for a picnic.
Since simplicity was part of the 500’s DNA, and Fiat’s simplification programme, which only provided for useful accessories, had almost arrived at it’s final climax, the 500 Giardiniera Jolly was born without shiny metal bells and whistles and even had the standard bumpers, which, by the way, better suited the car’s angular lines. What was kept, of course, were the wicker seats, the chrome-plated protection tubes and the popping pastel colours that had distinguished the Jolly family right from the outset: ocean blue, aquamarine green, coral red, white, sunshine yellow or any other colour of the customer's choice.
The colour of the bodywork was usually repeated on the dashboard, the steering wheel, the knobs and the coloured trims of the fabric roof, which was offered as an option for 15,000 lira.
Since the 500 was not only a means of transport, but also an instrument of collective seduction, it was bound to attract the interest of the great Italian car body makers. Among them was Ghia, one of the most advanced manufacturers of the so-called “spiaggine” models, which featured in the car pools of the rich, of actors and even members of royal families.
Since the 500 was not only a means of transport, but also an instrument of collective seduction, it was bound to attract the interest of the great Italian car body makers. Among them was Ghia, one of the most advanced manufacturers of the so-called “spiaggine” models, which featured in the car pools of the rich, of actors and even members of royal families.
More guides by Davide about the Fiat 500 custom models, one-offs and curiosities can be found here on our website!
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