Lombardi Grand Prix 850 classic cars for sale

History of the Lombardi Grand Prix 850

The Lombardi Grand Prix 850 emerged from the expertise of Carrozzeria Francis Lombardi, founded in 1947 and known for its collaborations with Fiat platforms. The Grand Prix debuted in 1968 and stayed in production until 1972, with approximately 500 units built. Its elegant steel unibody construction and unique aerodynamic lines were the work of Giuseppe Rinaldi, reflecting the Italian penchant for compact yet purposeful sports cars.

The Grand Prix was motivated by a rear-mounted inline-four, originally taken from the Fiat 850 with 843 cm³ and 43 hp, and sported advanced features such as pop-up headlights and a long, low bonnet. Derived from the Fiat 850’s mechanicals, Lombardi tailored the car for spirited, personal motoring—appealing particularly to enthusiasts of compact Italian performance cars.

Model History

The Grand Prix 850 was the flagship of Lombardi’s range, capitalising on Fiat’s proven underpinnings to build a more exclusive sports version. The car had no direct predecessor, but followed Lombardi’s tradition of coachbuilt Fiats. Throughout its short production run, the Grand Prix saw variations in engine specification: the standard 843 cm³ engine, a reduced 817 cm³ for the US market to comply with emissions, a 903 cm³ version (notably with Abarth tuning, delivering 51 hp), and a potent 1280 cm³ variant in the Scorpione, which used a Fiat 124 engine for up to 74 hp. O.T.A.S. also produced a version with a 982 cm³ Giannini Tigre twin-cam engine. Series 2 vehicles were distinguished by features like the ten-slot rear panel.

Highlights and Special Features

Distinctive even among Italian sports cars of its era, the Grand Prix 850 features an unmistakable Kamm tail, pop-up headlights, and fibreglass details on the dashboard and rear panel. The aerodynamic body and rear engine configuration underpin the car’s engaging handling and notable top speed for its class. With less than 500 built, each example boasts collector appeal, especially in combination with optional features such as lightweight alloy wheels, series-specific touches, or rare interior finishes.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Several rare Grand Prix derivatives enhance the desirability of this model among collectors. The Scorpione (Abarth 1300) variant, equipped with a 1280 cm³ Fiat 124 engine producing 74 hp, stands out for its increased performance and scarcity. The O.T.A.S. version with the Giannini Tigre 982 cm³ twin-cam engine represents another unique collaboration, appealing particularly to those seeking mechanical exclusivity. Series 2 cars, identifiable by a ten-slot rear panel and optional lightweight alloy wheels, are also particularly sought after for their distinguishing features.

Engine, Handling, and Dynamics

The Grand Prix 850 delivers a lively driving experience, courtesy of its light weight, rear-mounted engine, and precise chassis layout. The 843 cm³ unit offers brisk acceleration for the period, and larger engine variants with Abarth or Scorpione specification raise performance significantly. A four-speed manual transmits power to the rear wheels, while the aerodynamic silhouette and Kamm tail aid stability at higher speeds. Suspension design with independent front and semi-independent rear contributes to responsive and engaging cornering. Models fitted with the Abarth 903 cm³ (51 hp) or the 1280 cm³ Scorpione engines offer the most compelling performance packages, combining increased power with the car’s inherent nimbleness.

Design, Interior, and Exterior Features

Giuseppe Rinaldi’s design combines a long, sharply defined front with a fastback Kamm tail. Pop-up headlights add sophistication, while extended fibreglass elements—such as the dashboard and rear panel—signal advanced thinking for the late 1960s. Interiors often feature black faux leather and minimalist sport instrument clusters. Accessories like optional alloy wheels or distinctive bulged bonnets set certain examples apart. Door windows are manually operated, underlining the pure sports orientation, and rare paint finishes further heighten the car’s individual charm.

Other Unique Characteristics

The Grand Prix 850’s rarity is enhanced by its origins in the Italian ‘coachbuilt’ tradition, produced at a scale low enough that each car exhibits small differences in detail execution. Lombardi’s focus on Fiat-based specialty vehicles is especially evident here, with careful integration of mechanical reliability and bespoke bodywork.

Summary

The Lombardi Grand Prix 850 distils the flair of Italian coachbuilding into a compact, rear-engined sports car with true rarity. With fewer than 500 units ever built, every example represents a singular chapter in Italian automotive history. Its combination of steel unibody, clever aerodynamics, inventive use of Fiat engines, and expressive design cues make it a unique prospect for enthusiasts seeking substance and exclusivity from the 1960s-70s sports car era.