Lombardi History
Carlo Francesco Lombardi founded the Italian aircraft factory Avia in 1938. At the close of World War II, he created Carrozzeria Lombardi. The company produced vehicles that were based on various Fiat chassis, such as the popular 850. The true passion was in creating specialty vehicles. The most famous of his creations was the Lombardi Grand Prix.
The Lombardi Grand Prix, introduced in 1968, were powered by a Fiat 850 (843 cc), four-cylinder engine. The total output from the overhead-valve engine was 34 horsepower. For America, the OTAS 820 Grand Prix was available. OTAS was an Italian tuner that specialized in modifying and enhancing the performance of vehicles. Using a smaller but powerful 817 cc four-cylinder engine, the vehicle was quick and nimble. In total, several hundred of these rear-engine, 52 horsepower vehicles made their way to the United States.
Most Lombardi GP's featured the Fiat 850's four-speed synchromesh gearbox. The suspension was based on the 850 and was comprised of transverse leaf spring and 14-millimeter anti-roll bar up front with trailing arms, coil-over springs and a 16-millimeter anti-roll bar in the rear.
In 1972, produced of the Grand Prix's ceased. Lombardi continued to create vehicles although with limited success. In 1976, his exotic, mid-engined, two seater, dubbed the FL1, put Lombardi out of business.
The Lombardi Grand Prix, introduced in 1968, were powered by a Fiat 850 (843 cc), four-cylinder engine. The total output from the overhead-valve engine was 34 horsepower. For America, the OTAS 820 Grand Prix was available. OTAS was an Italian tuner that specialized in modifying and enhancing the performance of vehicles. Using a smaller but powerful 817 cc four-cylinder engine, the vehicle was quick and nimble. In total, several hundred of these rear-engine, 52 horsepower vehicles made their way to the United States.
Most Lombardi GP's featured the Fiat 850's four-speed synchromesh gearbox. The suspension was based on the 850 and was comprised of transverse leaf spring and 14-millimeter anti-roll bar up front with trailing arms, coil-over springs and a 16-millimeter anti-roll bar in the rear.
In 1972, produced of the Grand Prix's ceased. Lombardi continued to create vehicles although with limited success. In 1976, his exotic, mid-engined, two seater, dubbed the FL1, put Lombardi out of business.