Topless Beach Car! 1969 Michelotti Shellette

Everything sounds better in Italian, and spiaggetta (literally “little beach” aka beach car) instantly sounds like fun. This 1969 Michelotti Shellette wraps Fiat mechanicals in a whimsical open body, and this project-level specimen seeks a new owner with an eye for its restoration potential. Spiaggetti and other beach cars became a popular frivolous accessory of the super-rich in the 1950s and ’60s, shuttling royalty and various movers and shakers between palatial coastal villas and nearby strands or mega-yachts. Today, restored beach cars make a retro alternative to gussied-up golf carts for a similar purpose.

Nothing says “casual and temporary” like wicker, originally covered with varnish or shellac for modest weather resistance. Beach life is hard on any vehicle, and this Shellette near Santa Barbara, California beat the odds by surviving to date.

The listing skips this ride’s early days, but the rear-engine sand bug lingered in Texas before making its way to California, according to the seller. It’s easy to imagine terminally intoxicated paperclip or salted pork barons weaving their way to the villa after a day on the motor yacht, regaling tipsy passengers with tales of their humble days at private school, winning their trophy spouse with witty expressions of adoration, and sneaking a polo horse into the headmaster’s office.

An air-cooled flat inline four cylinder Fiat 850 powertrain should be simple to rebuild or replace. Running condition escaped the listing, so assume the worst. Carrozzeria Michelotti normally designed for others, and affixed its name to this Shellette in a partnership with yacht designer Phillip Schell that totaled 80 units, of which “12-15” survive, according to the seller. Careful not to spill petrol on the hot exhaust manifold when you top off.

Wicker seats for four have disintegrated, and the seller reports an estimate of $2650 to recreate them along with the dashboard. RMSothebys saw a 1970 Shellette fetch about $67,000 in 2016. This car’s simple design should make for a relatively easy restoration, but the $25,000 asking price demands detailed calculations by those seeking a profit. That said, if you want a Shellette to one-up your neighbor’s Fiat Jolly, curating its restoration requires mere front-pocket money.

The forward boot holds a spare tire and room for a magnum of Champagne and some Grey Poupon. The original blue color shows some residual shine, and rust appears prevalent and manageable. Check out more details and pictures here on Craigslist. Are you ready to go topless with this Italian cutie?