A Fiat 500 Jolly has been hailed as the perfect vehicle for handling Rome’s streets. The car, spotted by a writer during a recent visit, dates back to 1957 when Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli commissioned Carrozzeria Ghia to design a vehicle he could load onto his yacht and use on vacations. Agnelli’s vision was for a car that could effortlessly transition from seaside leisure to city exploration.
Ghia created a unique convertible by removing the roof, offering an optional awning-like canvas top, chopping the windshield, and stripping the interior. The result was a beachside ride with custom bodywork, no doors or side windows, and wicker seats. Ghia built a few hundred Jollys based on the Fiat 500 and the larger 600, blending practicality with whimsical design.
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The Jolly gained popularity among celebrities like Grace Kelly, Lyndon B. Johnson, Aristotle Onassis, and Elvis Presley. Today, original Jollys command high prices, though cheaper aftermarket conversions are available. The writer noted that the spotted Jolly appeared to be a custom job, featuring a full windshield and leather seats, deviating from the original wicker seating.
A two-door G500, also spotted in Rome, offers a different appeal with its V8 power and compact size. Its short wheelbase (SWB) makes parking easier in tight spaces, a significant advantage in Rome’s narrow streets. I’m not usually a big fan of two-door G-wagens, but this late-’90s G500’s blue paint and clear glass really tickled my fancy. The G-Class provides a commanding driving position and excellent visibility, though it can’t match the Jolly’s open-air joy. Still, the G-Class remains a practical and stylish choice for handling Rome’s ancient roads.
