20 DAYS UNTIL SCOTTSDALE: BMW ISETTA & FIAT JOLLY
This 1956 BMW Isetta Convertible is one of more than 140 vehicles from the Ron Pratte Collection crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in January.
Originally conjured in 1953 by Italy’s Iso Works (maker of kitchen appliances), German automaker BMW licensed the manufacturing rights to the Isetta in 1955. Though 1955 and early ’56 Isettas were woefully underpowered by their single cylinder, 247-cc BMW R25 motorcycle engines, this 1956 Isetta 300 features the more powerful 298-cc single cylinder engine and is fully capable of 45 mph cruising around town or to the country club.
Expertly restored to showroom stock condition, this example is “loaded” with electric windshield wiper, electric windshield defroster and heater, white wall tires, driver-side sun visor, pedal pads and steering/gearshift boots. Built on the more desirable fixed side-glass body configuration, the entire fabric roof folds back and down for open air motoring on sunny days.
This 1956 BMW Isetta Convertile (Lot #2093) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.
1959 Fiat Jolly
In the late ’50s and early ’60s, Fiat commissioned Carrozzeria Ghia to build a small number of custom bodies for the Jolly roadster on the diminutive 600 chassis. This sporty little vehicle, with its wicker seats and fringed top, was the car of choice for wealthy European playboys and their supermodel girlfriends in the Riviera resort communities such as St. Tropez and Monte Carlo.
Jollys were rare even in their heyday, and fewer than 100 are believed to exist today. Seldom offered, this is a finely maintained example. The wicker seats have been painstakingly renewed, with all other mechanical and cosmetic elements in excellent condition. The vanity license plate MNKY CAR reflects use on Monkey Island, Grand Lake, “The Oklahoma Riviera.” A Fiat Jolly is both an interesting and unique collectible automobile as well as a toy that can be used and enjoyed.
This 1959 Fiat Jolly (Lot #2070) will cross the auction block in Scottsdale on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Ron Pratte’s prestigious collection of automobilia will kick off the 44th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. and running through Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. Pratte’s vehicles first cross the block at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with lot numbers 2000 through 2109 and will continue with lot numbers 2500 through 2530 on Saturday, Jan. 17.