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The jolly cars of FIAT
The FIAT 500 was introduced in 1957 as a successor to the Topolino (Italian for mouse). The designer was Dante Giacosa, a designer who would become an automotive legend for his contribution to the industry. The FIAT 500 was a two-seater, rear engine, utility car that was built as an economical means of transportation void of luxery items or sports-car intentions. It featured a 479cc overhead valve engine mated to a four speed gearbox. With 13 horsepower, the FIAT 500 never set any land speed records. It had a top speed of 85 km/h.
The succesful FIAT Topolino, with suicide wind catching doors
The FIAT 600 Jolly was introduced in 1957-1958. The coachwork is a concept by Ghia. Carrozzeria Ghia Spa. was established in 1915 in Turino, Italy and was noted for their famous Italian design and coachbuilding firms. The Jolly is noted for its canvas surrey top and wicker seats. The FIAT Jolly was marketed for resort areas and used for sight-seeing. This remarkeble funny car has a top speed of about 60 mph, just as much as the spin-off of the FIAT 500, 85 km/h
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The Jolly Fiat 500 with fringed canvas roof and wicker seats are seldom to see on the road today.
With a cost of nearly as double of a standard "500," they were made in a very limited production. It is believed that fewer than 100 exist today, each one being unique. 32 Jolly cars were used as taxis on the island of Catalina off the coast of Los Angeles in the USA in the years 1958-1962. Featuring wicker seats and the option of a fringed top to shield its occupants from the sun, these cars were originally made for use on large yachts of the wealthy. Aristoles Onassis and Jacky Kennedy owned one. The American version of the Jolly Fiat 500 Ghia
The original FIAT 600 Multipla were based on a FIAT 600's drivetrain. Model 1100 coil and wishbone independent front suspension, and sat 6 people in a footprint just 50 cm longer than the original Mini Cooper. The driver compartment was moved forward over the front axle. elimating the boot in effect but giving the body a very minivan-like "one-box" look. Behind the front seat the vehicle could be arranged with a flat floor area or a choice of one or two bench seats. Until the 1970's this car was widely used as a taxi in many parts of Italy, as well as in Poland, where a similar type was produced
In 1956 Pininfarina designed a remarkable open topped Multipla prototype called the "Marinella" with wooden slat wraparound bench in the rear. Later on re-designed in wicker seating. This Multipla was also marketed as a resort and sight-seeing car. A few has been produced. Nowadays it wil be one of the classic cars, just as the Jolly, who many would like to have to make a wonderful drive with.
FIAT Mulipla 600 produced in Poland as taxis, The FIAT Multpla Marinella designed by Pininfarina
Text © 2011 Albert Prins
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Source photo; Conceptcarz, Google Picture Gallery
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Ik ben Albert Prins
