The classic Fiat 500, officially called the Nuova 500, debuted on July 4, 1957. Designed by Dante Giacosa, its compact size, rear-mounted engine, and affordable running costs helped put postwar Italy on wheels. Nearly 3.9 million were built before production ended in 1975.
| Model | Production years | Distinctive features |
|---|---|---|
| 500 N — Nuova | 1957–1960 | Original version, with a 479 cc engine, folding fabric roof, and rear-hinged doors. |
| 500 D | 1960–1965 | Larger 499 cc engine; retained the rear-hinged doors. |
| 500 F | 1965–1972 | Introduced conventional front-hinged doors; simple interior with a round speedometer. |
| 500 L — Lusso | 1968–1972 | More luxurious trim, chrome bumper guards, and a rectangular instrument panel. |
| 500 R — Rinnovata | 1972–1975 | Final version, with a larger 594 cc engine and simplified finishes. |
The Fiat Jolly transformed an everyday city car into a stylish seaside runabout. Built by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia, its open sides, woven seats, and removable sun canopy became symbols of La Dolce Vita—popular at Mediterranean resorts, private estates, and yacht harbors.
| Model | Original period | What makes it different |
|---|---|---|
| Fiat 500 Jolly by Ghia | 1958–1965* | The smaller, two-cylinder version, based on the classic 500. |
| Fiat 600 Jolly by Ghia | Introduced 1958; examples through the mid-1960s | Larger body and a water-cooled four-cylinder engine; early examples used a 633 cc engine. |
| Fiat 600 D Jolly by Ghia | Early–mid-1960s | A Jolly conversion of the updated 600 D; documented examples include a 1962 car. |
| Fiat 500 Giardiniera Jolly | 1960s | A longer, estate-based variation offering a more spacious interpretation of the Jolly. |
Electric conversions of the classic Fiat 500 were appearing by the mid-2010s. There isn’t one clearly documented “first”—these were independent projects rather than a Fiat factory program. One documented example was converted in 2016.
| Period | Development |
|---|---|
| Mid-2010s | Specialists converted vintage 500s by replacing their petrol engines with electric motors and battery packs. A documented 2016 conversion retained the original gearbox. |
| 2019 | JollyFiat brought electric power to the Jolly-style beach car, combining vintage design with a modern electric drivetrain. Not Available in all States |
| 2020s | More specialist projects and dedicated conversion kits appeared, allowing owners to electrify existing classic 500s while retaining their recognizable appearance. |
