THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Manufacturer
- Fiat
- Base model
- 1300/1500 Coupé
- Coachbuilt version
- Francis Lombardi special body; Comm.308/309
- Coachbuilder
- Francis Lombardi
- Production period
- 1961
- Body style
- Coupé
- Type
- Limited
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Fiat 1500 Francis Lombardi is a distinctive coupé interpretation crafted by the renowned coachbuilder Francis Lombardi from Vercelli, Italy. Built on the Fiat 1500 chassis, this custom design was unveiled at the 1961 Turin Auto Salon, showcasing the unique vision and expertise of Lombardi’s workshop. The car’s design was based on a concept by the celebrated Italian designer Pietro Frua, known for his elegant and forward-thinking automotive styling. The Fiat 1500 Francis Lombardi Coupé stood out for its bold aesthetic, particularly the striking vertical twin headlights, a design feature that helped give the car a more aggressive and contemporary look compared to the standard Fiat 1500. This distinctive front end, combined with the car’s overall streamlined shape, made it an attention-grabber at its debut. Another hallmark of the car’s design was the extensive use of chrome detailing, which added a touch of luxury and refinement to its overall appearance. The careful placement of chrome accents on the grille, bumpers, and trim elements enhanced the car’s sophisticated and stylish appeal, reflecting the design trends of the early 1960s. The Fiat 1500 Francis Lombardi is a rare and beautiful example of Italian coachbuilding, where a mainstream car was transformed into a work of art that was both functional and visually striking. Its one-of-a-kind design, particularly the vertical headlights and chrome embellishments, made it a standout model at the Turin Auto Salon. Today, it remains a cherished classic, celebrated for both its craftsmanship and its connection to the legacy of Italian automotive design.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Limited
Design & manufacture
- Designer · Documented
- Pietro Frua
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Francis Lombardi
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 2 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Pietro Frua archive — 1961 Fiat 1300/1500 Lombardi Coupé Comm. 308/309 www.pietro-frua.de | Designer archive |
| Carrozzieri Italiani — Fiat 1500 Coupé Francis Lombardi www.carrozzieri-italiani.com | Exact vehicle editorial |













THE CONVERSATION
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