Few cars that Fiat produced had the "cuteness" of the Jolly. With coachwork by Ghia, the Fiat Jolly 500 was introduced in 1957, and had no real practical use, except for that of pure enjoyment.
In 1958 Fiat shipped a number of Fiat 600s to the Italian design house Ghia for conversion into the Jolly. Featuring wicker seats and the option of a fringed top to shield its occupants from the Mediterranean sun, these cars were originally made for use on large yachts of the wealthy (Aristotle Onassis owned one).
The car was designed as a luxury vehicle for wealthy Europeans and the US market.
With a cost of nearly double that of a standard "600", they were made in a very limited production. It is believed that fewer than 100 exist today. 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.

Many wealthy playboys, such as Fiat chief Gianni Agnelli, would load these cars on their yachts and use them as beach cars when they went on vacation. Weighing in at a mere 1,050 pounds, the Jolly could actually accomplish speeds of 59 mph, while achieving gas mileage of 52 mpg, thus acting as an ideal shore dingy.