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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Fiat 500 Maggiolina

1957Coachwork by Francis Lombardi

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1957
Body style
Cabriolet
Type
One-off
Production
1

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 500 Maggiolina, a cabriolet version of the iconic Fiat 500, was an offering by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Francis Lombardi. Introduced as a more stylish and open-air alternative to the standard Fiat 500, the Maggiolina became an attractive proposition for those looking for a small, fun, and affordable convertible. Its price tag of L. 640,000 reflected its status as a premium variant of the Fiat 500, providing an opportunity for buyers to enjoy the joy of open-air motoring without the need for a larger, more expensive car. The Fiat 500 Maggiolina was not the only model produced by Francis Lombardi using Fiat chassis. The coachbuilder also created a similar cabriolet version of the Fiat 600, further expanding its offerings in the small convertible segment. These bespoke creations, designed with attention to detail and craftsmanship, stood out in the automotive landscape of the time. They combined the charm and practicality of Fiat’s popular models with the sophistication and custom touches of a well-regarded coachbuilder, which made them highly desirable to those who sought individuality. The Fiat 500 Maggiolina is a prime example of how Italian coachbuilders, like Francis Lombardi, transformed mass-produced vehicles into unique and fashionable cars that appealed to a discerning clientele. With its compact size and convertible design, it perfectly embodied the spirit of Italian motoring in the 1960s, offering both style and fun in a small and efficient package.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
One-off
Mechanical platform
Fiat Nuova 500 mechanicals

Engine & performance

Specification notes
The historical source explicitly places the 1957 Maggiolina on Nuova 500 mechanicals. Only that donor/mechanical basis is structured; standard 500 body dimensions and performance are not inherited.

Design & manufacture

Manufacturer · Documented
Fiat
Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Francis Lombardi

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

The Francis Lombardi Fiat 500 Maggiolina was presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1957 on Nuova 500 mechanicals and remained a unique example. General · Unreviewed
Date
1957
Chassis
General

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Fiat 500 Maggiolina Francis Lombardi — Turin 1957 one-off corroboration vinsetvintage.fr Article / vins & vintage

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records
  1. Unassigned chassis · Event

    The Francis Lombardi Fiat 500 Maggiolina was presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1957 on Nuova 500 mechanicals and remained a unique example.

THE CONVERSATION

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