1956 Fiat Other

Convertible

I4

Manual

195403

Clear

Gasoline

They say no two Jollys are alike and every one has it's own story. The story behind this one is interesting. In the late 50's it found it's way to a ranch in Mexico as a gift, sent from Europe by an uncle of the present owner. It soon began the hard life of a family toy/farm cart. The owner had such fond memories of good times as a child in this car that he eventually went back to the farm where he grew up and reclaimed the very dilapidated Jolly and brought it to his home in Tucson. It's next chapter began when he brought it to our sister company, British Car Service, for a full restoration. And boy did it need it! The engine was seized up, the body was bent and rusted, brakes were locked up, many missing bits, a big job indeed. In a no-expense-spared multi-year project, BCS brought the Jolly back to it's original condition. Any bad body panels were replaced or rebuilt from scratch in steel, all mechanicals were completely overhauled to new specs, new seats made by a local wicker specialist, etc. No detail was overlooked and no corners were cut to get this little gem back to a real car. The restoration cost well over $45K and, like most restorations, if BCS had charged for every hour that actually went into the project it would have been closer to $60K. Please study the pictures carefully and you will see why! Being a 600, it actually drives quite nicely, able to keep up with city (or beach) traffic and is a blast to drive. Very light and nimble, and fun always inducing grins from driver and onlookers. Sadly, after the car was returned to it's owner it was parked in the garage and neglected for months at a time, until when they decided that maybe they would take the car for a drive the battery might be dead, the carburetor gummed up, etc. It was just too much of a machine for them, compared to the modern appliances that their new cars are today. “What, I have to pull one lever for choke if it's cold, pull another to start with nothing to keep me from starting it in gear, too primitive!” So it was decided to move the car to a more vintage-friendly owner. So here we are. Now, if the reader is a knowledgeable Jollyista, it will be apparent that this one is a bit different from the usual Jolly. Not that they are “usual” in any sense, but you get the idea. We have no concrete explanation as to the big difference, mainly the lack of the stiffening bars usually seen on Jollys. Instead the body bolsters outside the rear seats and the sills are a bit thicker than most Jollys to make up the stiffness usually provided by the bars. Since this is a very early Jolly, could it be a prototype? All we know is that it showed up in 1958 looking just like it does now. Fiat specialists have told us that the VIN is not on the list of Fiats sent to Ghia, but they also said the list is not a complete one, especially when it comes to early cars, before it was a regular system. If there is anyone who has knowledge of this configuration we would love to hear from you as we have not been able to find any credible information in this regard. Be all that as it may, what we are offering for sale today is a beautiful example of a rare classic. As the popular saying goes these days, “It is what it is.” And what it is is a very solid, correct, reliable and fun classic. Most Jollys are selling for a pile of $$$ these days, but due to the un-explained variations in this one, we are looking for less than half what other Jollys are bringing. Seems reasonable for a quality restored example. If you agree with that, please bid and bid often! BTW, the mileage shown is the mileage since the restoration, and the little seat cushions were added as a small concession to comfort, they are just attached by straps tied to the seat and are easily removed for authenticity's sake.If anyone wants a more detailed shot of any part of the car just ask, there isn't much to take pictures of on such a small car. Thanks for looking!And now for the standard bits,We encourage anyone who is interested in this car to inspect it in person if possible or have a professional check it out for you. The reserve is low, but as a matter of company policy we do NOT reveal it during the auction. Please don't ask. A deposit to Paypal or by check or money order of $500.00 will be due within 3 business days of close of auction with balance due in 7 days, payable by certified check or money order, personal checks by prior arrangement only and the car will be held until the check clears our bank. Since we are a dealer we are required to add 8.1% sales tax if the car sells to an AZ resident. Out of state buyers will be exempt if they meet certain criteria, to wit; the payment must be made from out of state and the car hauled out of AZ by a common carrier. We sell and ship cars to all parts of the country and will be glad to assist in the arrangements but transportation is the responsibility of the buyer. This auction is a legally binding contract to buy this vehicle. All vehicles are sold as-is unless otherwise specified. I have done my best to accurately describe this vehicle. It is up to the buyer or his agent to come see and further inspect the car before the end of the auction. The car is also for sale locally so we reserve the right to end the auction early should it sell prior to the end of auction. Customers with zero or negative feedback on eBay Motors please contact us prior to bidding. Otherwise, we reserve the right to cancel your bid. Understand this is only to protect the integrity of the auction. Winning bidder must contact the dealership within 24 hours of the auction close and the purchase transaction completed within 7 calendar days. We reserve the right to re-list or sell the vehicle in the event of a non-paying bidder.