Kelpie‘s Land Tender, hand built in Italy
Specs & Power:
- Small-but-mighty 499cc (0.5L) 2-cylinder rear-mounted engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Top speed ~50mph
- Open-air design, door-free, wicker-seat build
- Lightweight and nimble, and super fun to drive
🇮🇹 Crafted in Italy: Lineage & Artistry
Sourced and restored in collaboration with Hampton Jolly’s, the premier stewards of these beach-loving icons in the US- Sirenetta begins her journey in Italy, built from the classic Fiat 500 chassis crafted at Turin’s storied Stellantis factory- where legendary models like the Fiat 500 and Fiat 600 have been produced for over half a century.
These factories follow a tradition of precision and passion: each Jolly body is carefully coach-built by artisans at Ghia, stripped down to its essentials, reinforced, rewired and finished with a canopy and wicker seats that echo the original 1958 “Spiaggina” beach buggy ethos.
It’s more than nostalgia- it’s intentional design. With fewer than 650 originals ever made, each Jolly is rare, joyful, and wholly Italian. That simplicity; open-air freedom, minimal body, and masterful restoration is why these little cars remain incredibly special and highly collectible.
An Italian Icon Under Ferrari’s Family Tree
Fiat’s legacy includes world-class marques- Ferrari itself became part of the Fiat family in 1969 (before spinning off in 2016), meaning our Sirenetta shares bloodlines with the greatest sports cars ever built. That commitment to heritage, craftsmanship, and elegance runs through every inch of these tiny vehicles- from the curvature of the chassis to the finish on the wicker seats.
Why She Speaks to Us
For me, sailing Kelpie through the Mediterranean was one of the most enchanting chapters of my life; that stretch of coastline left its imprint on me. And now, where Kelpie is our muse at sea, Sirenetta is her echo on land- lighthearted, timeless and full of charm. You feel the warm Italian sun, the salt breeze, the soundtrack of café chatter and suddenly the Hamptons turn into Capri in your rear-view mirror.
Sirenetta instantly transports me back to those sun-dappled Sicilian coves and waterfront piazzas. She is our bridge- our keeper of ambiance, guardian of the dream, and now a part of the Kelpie family.
In Essence
Sirenetta is more than a vessel- she is tailored for the Hamptons: East Hampton roads, Southampton lanes, Montauk’s coastal loops- they were made for this kind of liberated joyride. She makes coming ashore feel like continuing the voyage, not ending it.
We’re proud to partner with Hampton Jollys in sharing these rare machines with a community that understands the art of slowing down- and styling up.
Falling for her too?
I get it. I’ll personally introduce you to Hampton Jolly’s and stay involved throughout, helping guide the process from the first inquiry to your first joyride. Of course, if you do fall for one of these beauties, don’t be surprised if your first stop is the Breakwater Yacht Club- and don’t be shy if we invite you aboard Kelpie for a celebratory toast, as we believe a proper arrival deserves a proper welcome.
Xx Capt. Shannon