Lombardi Grand Prix

Lombardi Grand Prix
Overview
ManufacturerCarrozzeria Francis Lombardi
Production1968–1972
AssemblyVercelli, Italy
DesignerGiuseppe Rinaldi
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style
LayoutRear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Powertrain
Engine
  • 817 cc I4 (OTAS 820)
  • 843 cc Fiat 100.GB.000 I4
  • 903 cc Fiat 100.GBC.000 I4 (Abarth GP)
  • 982 cc Tigre I4 (Giannini/OTAS)
  • 1280 cc Fiat 124 I4 (Scorpione)
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 2,030 mm (79.9 in)[1]
  • 2,045 mm (80.5 in) (Scorpione)
Length
  • 3,595 mm (141.5 in)
  • 3,610 mm (142.1 in) (Scorpione)
Width
  • 1,485 mm (58.5 in)
  • 1,495 mm (58.9 in) (Scorpione)
Height
  • 1,065 mm (41.9 in)
  • 1,050 mm (41.3 in) (Scorpione)
Curb weight630–750 kg (1,390–1,650 lb)

The Lombardi Grand Prix is a small, rear-engined sports car on Fiat 850 underpinnings. It was developed by the Carrozzeria Francis Lombardi with an in-house design by Giuseppe Rinaldi. The car was built from 1968 until 1972 and was also marketed as the OTAS 820, as a Giannini, and as the Abarth Grand Prix and Scorpione. It was first shown in March 1968, at the Geneva Motor Show.[2] The design had a Kammback rear and a very low nose with flip-up headlights, and a large single windshield wiper. The pop-up headlights were electrically powered.[3] The bodywork was all steel, except the rear panel.[4] The design was originally shown as a prototype based on the front-wheel drive Autobianchi A112, and was adapted by Lombardi for the 850 sedan's floorpan.[5] At Turin 1969 a targa version was also shown; called the "Monza", this open model has a rollover bar. At least two were built but it is unknown whether any were sold.[6]

  1. ^ Braunschweig, Robert; et al., eds. (12 March 1970), Automobil Revue '70 (in German and French), vol. 65, Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG, p. 368
  2. ^ Maselko, Robert (10 July 2012). "OTAS/Lombardi Grand Prix Cars In Pennsylvania". My Car Quest. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
  3. ^ "Catalogue Salon de l'Auto 68". Europe Auto (in French). No. 16. Paris. 1968. p. 64.
  4. ^ Schruf, Werner (1970). "Scharfe Zwillinge" [Sharp twins]. Auto, Motor und Sport (in German) (22): 117.
  5. ^ Lawrence, Mike (1991). A to Z of Sports Cars. Bideford, Devon: Bay View Books. p. 248. ISBN 1-870979-81-8.
  6. ^ "Lombardi Grand Prix". Lombardi Grand Prix Pagina. Retrieved 20 February 2014.