1959 Fiat Multipla Jolly – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021

No doors. No fixed roof. Wicker seats exposed to the sun. The 1959 Fiat Multipla Jolly was not designed for commuting or long-distance touring. It was built for coastal roads, hotel forecourts, and short journeys between marina and café—an interpretation of mobility shaped by leisure rather than necessity.

Technical Details:

The Fiat Multipla Jolly was based on the mechanical platform of the Fiat 600 Multipla, itself derived from the rear-engine Fiat 600. Power came from a 633 cc inline four-cylinder engine, mounted at the rear and producing approximately 21–25 horsepower, depending on specification.

The engine was water-cooled and used an overhead valve configuration. Fuel delivery was handled by a single carburetor, and power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout allowed the cabin floor to remain relatively flat and maximized usable interior space within compact dimensions.

The Multipla platform utilized a unitary body construction, contributing to rigidity and efficient packaging. Independent front suspension and rear independent suspension with coil springs provided basic ride comfort suitable for short urban or resort-area trips.

Braking was handled by hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. With modest power and lightweight construction, the Jolly variant was intended for low-speed operation rather than highway travel.

• Manufacturer: Fiat
• Model Name: Fiat Multipla Jolly
• Year of Manufacturing: 1959

Design:

The defining feature of the Fiat Multipla Jolly was its transformation from practical microvan to open-air leisure vehicle. The conversion was carried out by Carrozzeria Ghia, which removed conventional doors and replaced them with cut-down openings, often protected by decorative rope or chain elements.

The roof was eliminated and replaced with a lightweight fabric canopy supported by simple metal frames. This canopy offered minimal shade rather than full weather protection. The sides were fully open, enhancing ventilation in warm climates.

Seating was typically composed of woven wicker or rattan, emphasizing the car’s resort-oriented purpose. Bright paint colors and contrasting trim further distinguished the Jolly from standard Multipla variants.

Despite its playful appearance, the underlying structure retained the functional architecture of the Multipla. The short wheelbase and compact proportions allowed it to navigate narrow streets, particularly in Mediterranean towns.

Historical Significance:

The Fiat Multipla Jolly belongs to a niche category of mid-century European “beach cars.” These vehicles were often commissioned by hotels, resorts, and private estates as courtesy transport.

The Jolly was not produced in large numbers, making it rare even during its original production period. It served as a promotional and lifestyle-oriented vehicle rather than a volume seller.

The collaboration between Fiat and Ghia reflected a broader trend in postwar Europe, where coachbuilders adapted standard platforms into specialized leisure vehicles. The Jolly’s existence highlights the diversification of the automobile from purely utilitarian transport into a lifestyle accessory.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Fiat Multipla Jolly has appeared in numerous period photographs depicting Mediterranean coastal life. It became associated with luxury hotels, seaside promenades, and private villas.

One notable quirk is its vulnerability to weather. While charming in warm climates, the open design offered little protection against rain or cold, reinforcing its specialized purpose.

Today, surviving examples are highly valued among collectors, particularly due to their rarity and unique design. Restored Jolly models often appear at concours events, where their unconventional form stands in contrast to traditional passenger cars.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.

Conclusion:

The 1959 Fiat Multipla Jolly represents an unconventional chapter in Fiat’s history. Mechanically modest yet visually distinctive, it transformed a practical microvan into a symbol of leisure and mid-century optimism. Its legacy lies not in performance or innovation, but in demonstrating how automotive design can respond to lifestyle as readily as to necessity.