1970 Francis Lombardi Grand Prix
Aviation pioneer turned automotive designer Carlo “Francis” Lombardi created one of Italy’s most charming small GTs with the 1970 Francis Lombardi Grand Prix. This diminutive coupe emerged from Giuseppe Rinaldi’s design studio at Carrozzeria Francis Lombardi, built around Fiat 850 mechanicals but featuring dramatically different styling. The Grand Prix utilized the 850’s rear-mounted 843cc inline-four engine producing up to 43 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission in rear-wheel-drive configuration.
Despite its modest powerplant, the Grand Prix achieved remarkable performance for its class, thanks to advanced aerodynamics influenced by Lombardi’s aviation background. Weighing only 625 kilograms, the car claimed a top speed approaching 99 mph. The steel unibody featured a distinctive Kamm tail, and most models had fixed headlights, with pop-up headlights appearing only on rare prototypes. Front suspension employed a transverse leaf spring with control arms, while the rear used coil-sprung semi-trailing arms. Production lasted from 1968 to 1972, with approximately 500 examples built across all variants. The Grand Prix earned the nickname “little Miura” for its supercar-inspired proportions and exotic appearance despite its economy car origins.
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