The Fiat 500 Is Very Jolly

After a nearly 30-year breather, Fiat has returned to the U.S. with its adorable and retro-stylish 500 (say: Chin-kweh-chen-loe). And though it's small—about six inches shorter than a Mini Cooper—one glance at its sunny smile, hardcandy hues, and temperate fuel-economy numbers clearly indicates that it has the potential to be huge.

The Cinquecento has been Italy's default national car for more than 50 years. But the updated version arriving Stateside incorporates many decidedly American modifications: more power under the hood, more cush in the ride, and, notably, wider seats. And while convertible (Cabrio), sport (Abarth), and electric (EV) 500s will arrive within 18 months, one iteration we're not likely to see is a new Jolly.

Produced by famed coach builder Ghia in the 1950s and 60s, the Fiat 500 Jolly was a beach, golf-course, and yachting runabout—Aristotle Onassis kept one on deck—built on a derivative of the Cinquecento platform. Almost unconscionably cute, they came in period-appliance colors such as sky blue and coral, featured wicker seats, chrome trim, and a fringed surrey top, and boasted cosmetic improvements like cut-down windshields and doors. Fragile and made in limited numbers, these $1,800 micro-cars have become immensely collectible, with mint examples trading for up to $60,000. Jolly, indeed!

BRETT BERK