Italian stunners

Italian design house Stola has recreated two famous models - and they couldn't be more different

Auto Express Car Reviews

Panda Jolly fun car harks back to Fifties

18th August 2006

First up is the remake of a proposed land speed record car from the Fifties. It was designed by famous architect Carlo Mollino, but never made it beyond the drawing board.

However, visitors to the Museum of Modern Art in Turin will be able to see the full-sized streamlined racer in all its glory. It measures more than five metres in length, and faithfully replicates Mollino's plans.

Stola's other project is an ultra-rare Panda. Fiat's in-house team originally designed the Jolly convertible - a cheeky Mini Moke-style beach car with no doors or roof, colour-coded wheels and rope-upholstered seats.

It harks back to the Fiat 500-based fun car from 1956, and the more recent Marrakech concept from the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. Stola did the bodywork on this reincarnation, while the interior was styled by furniture designer Paola Lenti.

The Jolly is currently in Capri, where it is used as a courtesy car, but only lucky VIPs will get a ride in it.