Carrozzeria Ghia created something truly special with its post-war Jollys, transforming humble, mass-produced economy cars into charming beach cruisers. With a fringed surrey top, wicker seats, open sides, and a cut-down windshield, the Jolly (Italian for “joker”) was disarmingly toylike, yet also completely at home at the most exclusive resorts, marinas, and private estates around the globe.

Although the Fiat 500 and 600 were the most common starting points for Ghia’s conversion process, approximately 50 examples of the Renault 4CV are also understood to have been given the Jolly treatment just before production of the model wound down mid-1961. Like the Fiats, the Renault was rear-engined, with a water-cooled inline-four producing a stated 21 horsepower. The three-speed manual transmission was operated via a floor shift. In addition to being substantially rarer than its Fiat-based counterparts, the Renault 4CV Jolly was also larger and more powerful, especially compared to the little 500. It is thus arguably more practical…although in the world of Jollys, practical is a relative term!

One of fewer than 20 examples known to survive, this 4CV Jolly has been fully restored in a lovely and appropriate coral, with white steel wheels offering a pop of contrast. In addition to its cosmetic restoration, which is complete with wicker seats and the signature fringed surrey top, the car benefits from an engine rebuild completed in 2024 at a cost of $12,000.

Seldom-seen, but instantly beloved by any who do catch a glimpse of it, the Renault 4CV Jolly is the sort of car that will find a welcome home in any collection—and will surely provide its next owner with years of cheerful service during warm-weather jaunts around town or to the beach.