Update 7/2/2018 – We were contacted by an individual claiming that this car is theirs and doesn’t belong to the individual that has listed it on eBay. While we can’t confirm that, we would encourage interested parties to proceed with extreme caution.
From 6/25/2018 – Based on the Fiat 850, this unusual Lombardi Grand Prix is languishing somewhere in Athens, Greece, with seemingly intact bodywork and a running engine. Not very many of these cars were made, and complications with plans for large-scale distribution kept it relatively obscure. However, if you’re a Fiat enthusiast tired of seeing 850 Spiders everywhere you look, this Lombardi could be worth shipping home. Find it here on eBay with bidding to just under £1K and no reserve.
Abarth did breathe upon a few of these cars, but I’m not certain this is one of them despite the seller referencing the famous tuning house in his listing title. The performance was likely not all that thrilling, considering its underpinnings are entirely 850-derived, but the bodywork certainly promised inspired performance. The same can be said for the cockpit, with its driver-focused gauges and three-spoke steering wheel. The seller says there is no rust to be found, and the floors do appear solid.
I believe this qualifies as a Series II car as it looks to have three-piece side windows and a louvered engine cover (although it should be painted black, not body colored). Despite being stored for 20 years, the Lombardi is said to run and all electronics still function. The car was marketed under a few different names and actually sold in the U.S. under the OTAS flag before the EPA halted its sales activities after attempting to subvert emissions requirements. Too bad, as the importers actually had hop-up kits available to improve performance.
It was also sold as a Giannini and later as a true Abarth model, as previously noted. Abarth actually addressed one of its failings which was a tendency to overheat – a feature that limited the appeal of the original models. As seen above, the completed car was a looker, and even featured all-steel bodywork with the exception of the rear panel. Unfortunately, plans for an order of 1,000 cars to sell in the U.K. never materialized, and with 100 or less sold in the U.S., the unusual Lombardi entered into automotive obscurity.
Had a Giannini version with the Abarth kit in it when living in Key West in the early ’70s. Autocrossed it in several south Florida series and won most of the events. Car weighs nothing and with the upgraded engine was initially a hand full to drive fast. Beautiful car but with no inner panel paint or undercoat quickly started to rust.
These are tiny, the OTAS version is called the grand prix, and the abarth version came with a 1300cc 124 push rod engine.
There was a lime green one running in vintage racing a couple of years ago but I am not sure if he still is.
Driving one is like driving an 850 coupe, a lot of fun but not really fast.
On my phone this link is not working. I have one with rust issues and would be bidding if truly an intact body. My engine is fresh and complete except for the proper side mirror.
Link does not work. I am interested.
link doesn’t work
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-Lombardi-Grand-Prix-Abarth-extremely-rare-barn-find/183291589295?hash=item2aad07b2af:g:2~QAAOSwQctbMB5C
If this car is advertised asbeing in athens or greece be very careful as the man is a scamer he has used about 6 names so be warned he seems all good but it cost me 7k i even went out there and meet him but nothing ever turns up
I was quite interested in the car and have imported cars from Greece before so that is not an obstacle. I reached out to my friends in Greece on the listing. They replied the car is a rust bucket and to avoid it. If you note there are no lower body shots, no under body-chassis shots, rust on the bolts holding the steering wheel which with a moldy wheel indicates a wet storage rather than dry.
Hi, very interested on who had access to this car to describe its rustbucket status,care to share?
PeteL please pm me.
Neil Goodchild.
I have been following the sale of the Fiat. It all seems to be too good to be true. That means it usually is.
So you had problems with this guy in the past.? I have messaged him re the car and had no replies.
Maybe best to leave well alone.
Would be an interesting project however .
The other warnings are the fact he is also listing some semi juicy cars all in the same state.
Edward
Edward or any one else interested about the car can you PM me please.? My details are with BarnFinds admin
Neil,
Can you PM me please?
Neil please pm me.
I’ve had my OTAS Grand Prix for 16 years. They are fun, great handling, and look awesome. Top speed is 90 mph, but don’t expect a lot of acceleration from 903cc (yes, I have the “big block” – the original engine was 817cc). Lombardi-specific parts are difficult to find, but all the Fiat 850 bits are available. There are about 35 cars known in the U.S., and nearly all owners are very willing to help others.
thnx 4 the unbroken link and:
ended @ 7,300 Lbs/$