Leave your Ferraris and Lamborghinis at home this summer! If you’re looking for the ultimate way to arrive at Club 55 or Les Palmiers this summer, you need one of these chic Riviera beach buggies. So much cooler than a supercar, these fun summer vehicles are extremely popular all along the Côte d’Azur but especially in St Tropez where they are often seen parked behind the luxury charter yachts in the harbour.
Here are three of the best:
Fiat Jolly
Based on the 1958 Fiat 600, these fabulous little cars look absolutely fantastic with their wicker seats and fringed sun awnings! Originally built for some of the most prestigious yachts and hotels in the world, these cars are extremely rare. It is estimated less than 100 exist. There are lots of copies but the originals are the ultimate in beach auto chic!
Mini Moke
Another great looking and fun little classic and a lot easier to find than the Fiat Jolly! The Mini Moke is of course based on the legendary Mini and it is just as nimble. Fabulous fun to blast around the roads above Pampelonne! Built between 1964 and 1993, there are always lots of these great little cars on the market. A very common sight in front of Sénéquier on the old port of St Tropez.
Citroen Mehari
A quirky French version of the Mini Moke. The Mehari is a plastic bodied beach buggy based on the marvellous Citroen 2CV. These cars are legendary on the Côte d’Azur. Over 140,000 were built so they are relatively easy to find. The 4×4 version is particularly sought after and is very rare!
