THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Manufacturer
- Fiat
- Base model
- 2100
- Coachbuilt version
- Rocket Coupé
- Coachbuilder
- Francis Lombardi
- Production period
- 1959
- Body style
- Coupé
- Type
- One-off
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 2100 Rocket, a remarkable creation by Carrozzeria Francis Lombardi, made its debut at the 1959 Turin Motor Show. This one-off coupé, built on the Fiat 2100 chassis, epitomizes the bold, futuristic aesthetics of the late 1950s, a period heavily influenced by the space race and American design trends. The design of the Fiat 2100 Rocket was heavily inspired by the era’s fascination with space exploration. Its streamlined bodywork showcased a smooth, aerodynamic shape that was both visually striking and ahead of its time. The smooth, flowing lines of the Rocket hinted at speed and efficiency, characteristics that were highly desirable in automotive design during the 1950s. This sleek appearance was complemented by its pristine white exterior, which not only highlighted its elegant curves but also enhanced its futuristic appeal. White wall tires, a hallmark of luxury and high-performance vehicles of the era, were a standout feature of the Rocket. These tires, with their distinctive white sidewalls, added an extra touch of sophistication and style, perfectly matching the car’s overall aesthetic. The combination of the white walls and the streamlined body gave the Rocket an almost space-age look, aligning perfectly with the design trends of the time. Carrozzeria Francis Lombardi was renowned for its creativity and innovation, and the Fiat 2100 Rocket was a testament to their ability to blend artistry with automotive engineering. As a one-off vehicle, the Rocket was not just a car but a statement piece, showcasing the potential for future automotive design. The 1959 Turin Motor Show was the ideal stage for such an avant-garde creation, and the Fiat 2100 Rocket undoubtedly captivated attendees with its visionary design. Today, it remains a cherished example of 1950s automotive styling, reflecting the excitement and optimism of an era that looked toward the stars.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- One-off
- Mechanical platform
- Fiat 2100
Engine & performance
- Specification notes
- The design archive explicitly identifies the 1959 Fiat 2100 Rocket by Francis Lombardi. Only the Fiat 2100 basis is structured; chassis and donor specifications are not inferred.
Design & manufacture
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Francis Lombardi
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
41° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · legacy_preserved
- Date
- 1959
- Chassis
- General
Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.
The Fiat 2100 Rocket was a Francis Lombardi coupé project shown at the 1959 Turin Motor Show; independent secondary coverage describes it as a one-off, while the individual stylist remains unresolved. General · Unreviewed
- Date
- 1959
- Chassis
- General
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery
No publishable photographs are currently catalogued for this vehicle.
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 |
|---|---|
| CarStyling — 1959 Fiat 2100 Rocket (Francis Lombardi) carstyling.ru | Specialist design archive |











THE CONVERSATION
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