In the rich history of the automotive industry, there are models that have become more than just means of transportation; they are symbols of an era, witnesses of craftsmanship and icons of design. The Fiat 500, in its many variants, embodies the spirit of Italian ingenuity and style. Yet there is one version that can rightly be called a rare jewel: the Fiat 500 Francis Lombardi My Car. Produced between 1968 and 1971, this limited edition stands out not only for its exclusivity, but also for its unique features that distinguish it from the classic 500.
Design that defies time
The first thing you notice about the Fiat 500 Francis Lombardi My Car is the completely different front panel. With a steel grid that frames the Fiat logo and the text “My Car”, it radiates an unmistakable individuality. The chrome moldings along the sides and the special aluminum rims add an extra dimension of elegance. But it's not just the exterior that impresses; the interior also shows an extraordinary attention to detail. The contoured dashboard, covered in vinyl, together with the wooden steering wheel and gear knob, offer a classic look that is still admired today.
Technical innovation and performance
Under the hood of this small but nice car lies a 594cc two-cylinder engine, good for 18 hp. Although these figures may seem modest, it is the ratio between the weight of only 469 kg and the power that makes the Fiat 500 Francis Lombardi My Car a surprisingly agile and enjoyable car. With a four-speed gearbox and an odometer reading that bears witness to past adventures, this car offers a driving experience that is both authentic and unique.
A legacy of exclusivity
The exclusivity of the Fiat 500 Francis Lombardi My Car is not only determined by its limited production number. It is the combination of design, technical innovation, and the care with which each piece is crafted that sets it apart. At a time when cars are becoming increasingly similar, the My Car offers a refreshing change that bears witness to a period when individuality and craftsmanship went hand in hand.
A timeless classic
The Fiat 500 Francis Lombardi My Car is a piece of special history, a work of art on wheels that has stood the test of time. For the classic car enthusiast, owning such a rare example not only offers the pleasure of driving, but also the feeling of being part of an exclusive community of connoisseurs who appreciate the true value of such icons.
Now of course you want one too, we understand that. And you're in luck, because this copy is currently for sale at our good advertiser Hofman in Leek. A great company and definitely worth a visit, if not because of this special Fiat, but because of the hundreds of other classics that are for sale there. More information via www.hofman.nl.
Beautiful 850 coupe nose with grille, the nose resembles the 850 Abarth coupe A series, beautiful
I can only endorse R. Sanna's response. It is quite possible that this is an original Lombardi MyCar: I also see the chrome handbrake, for example. The clock shop in the console and the alloy wheels are home-made respectively. aftermarket and both not specifically Lombardi. For the record, this car has a 650cc engine with 21/22 hp and not a 594cc one. This engine, which was only supplied in the Fiat 126 at the time, suggests that the gearbox is probably synchronized as opposed to the originally supplied unsynchronized version.
Nevertheless, the car has a very charming appearance and is extremely suitable for making it original without too many major adjustments, which I believe benefits the value.
yes, too bad, a Lombardi My Car has a solid roof with a spoiler behind and next to the rear seat opening windows, the 594cc engine only came in a slightly tweaked version in the 126 with the introduction of the 500.
looks like a piece of home craftsmanship….
Although this red copy does not have all the correct Lombardi My Car accessories/parts installed, it could still be an original Lombardi. The response from Hanswithoutsurname is a case of “hearing the bell ringing but not knowing exactly where the clapper hangs”. The Lombardi My Car has indeed been available with the standard open Fiat roof and fixed rear windows.
The fact that the car may be registered as Lombardi on a Dutch license plate says nothing about its originality. To determine originality, the original Italian license plate number is really needed. On this basis, an estratto cronologico can be requested from the PRA in Italy. It contains the complete Italian history including the supplying manufacturer. If there is no estratto cronologico available with a history that can be traced back to, for example, Lombardi, Abarth, Giannini, Scioneri, etc., it can never be said with certainty whether or not it is an original copy.
AMK, as far as the rarity of the Lombardi My Car is concerned, that's not too bad. The Lombardi My Car was, as they say in Italy, a “Fuori series di series”, i.e. a smaller series production outside the regular series production. The fuori series were very popular in Italy, especially between 1960 and 1975. You will be surprised how many Lombardi My Cars are left.