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1965 Fiat Jolly 500 news, pictures, and information

Designer: Ghia
Chassis Num: 136772
 
Sold for $53,900 at 2007 RM Auctions.
This 1965 Fiat Jolly 500 with coachwork by Ghia, was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions in Amelia Island, Florida. It was estimated to sell between $25,000 - $35,000 and offered without reserve. The car is powered by a 479cc air-cooled two-cylinder engine capable of producing 16.5 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.

The Jolly was introduced in 1957 and it had very little practical use. It was intended primarily for enjoyment and marketed towards playboys. It became popular with those wealthy individuals who had a yacht and were seeking a small vehicle that could be easily stowed on the vessel.

The car weighed only 1050 pounds and had a top speed of nearly 60 miles per hour. Gas mileage was exceptional, at around 52 mpg. The example shown is finished in Sky Blue and spent much of its early life in Connecticut. It changed hands during the 1970s when its owner lost the car in a tennis match.

The car has been treated to a recent restoration by the Carini Carrozzeria. The wicker seats are original and the engine registers just 11,310 miles since new.

At auction, the car was sold, netting a figure well above the estimated value. It found a new owner for the price of $53,900.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2007
The Fiat 500 was introduced in 1957 as a successor to the Topolino model. (Topolino means 'mouse'). The designer was named Dante Giacosa, an individual who would later become an automotive legend for his contributions to the industry. The 500 was a two-seater, rear engine, utility car that was built as an economical means of transportation void of luxury items or sports-car intentions. It featured a 479cc overhead valve engine mated to a four speed gearbox. With 13 horsepower the 500 never set any land speed records. It had a top speed of 85 km/h.

To help improve the performance of the 500, Carlo Abarth offered bolt-on aftermarket parts and accessories. These additions helped with increasing the horsepower and performance of the engine as well as improving the handling and making the vehicles more fun to drive and competitive on the streets.

In 1957, the 500 received 2 extra horsepower, bringing the total to 15. Wind-up windows were now standard.

From 1958 through 1960, Fiat offered a Sport version. These Sport versions offered a 21 horsepower engine, and a one piece roof. The standard 500 version had a fold-back sunroof.

In 1965, the 500F lost its suicide doors in favor of the more popular hinged doors. The horsepower rating was once again improved and now offered 19. The top speed was 95 km/h.

From 1969 through 1975, a Lux version was offered. This featured full carpeting and plastic revised dashboards.

In 1975 production of the Fiat 500 ceased. 3.6 million examples had been produced during its life span. In 2004, Fiat created a concept car that was similar in design and style to the Fiat 500. It was called the Fiat Trepiuno and featured front wheel drive.

The 500 endured a successful life span due to it economical size, excellent fuel economy, easy to repair, styling, competitive price, and city-friendly driving characteristics. Due to its small size, it was easy to navigate and drive in the small, Italian streets. Thanks to its short wheelbase and length, the vehicle could manuever easily into cramped parking spaces.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006
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Fiat 500

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Average Auction Sale: $53,900

 
Fiat: 1961-1970
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1100
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508
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60HP
850
8V
Balilla
Barchetta
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