Fiat 750 Spider Francis Lombardi

The Fiat 750 Spider by Carrozzeria Francis Lombardi was a one-off prototype first exhibited at the 1959 Turin Motor Show. Built on the mechanical foundation of the Fiat 600, it featured a reworked 750 cc engine layout, consistent with several contemporaneous special-bodied Fiat variants. The vehicle’s purpose was to explore the feasibility of an open two-seater with minimal weight and simplified body construction, targeting the lower-cost sports car market segment. The bodywork was designed and constructed entirely by Francis Lombardi of Vercelli, a coachbuilder better known for its production of special series cars, taxis, and ceremonial vehicles based on Fiat chassis. The Spider’s exterior was marked by a compact footprint and low body height, with an open cabin configuration. It employed conventional steel construction with minimal ornamentation. Notable design elements included the recessed round headlamps, a narrow front grille, and a single-piece wraparound bumper with integrated overriders. The side profile was defined by a continuous beltline and an open-top layout without provision for a convertible roof. The interior followed a simplified configuration with two seats, exposed door cutouts, and basic instrumentation. Weight-saving was evident throughout, with minimal trim and utilitarian finishes. The mechanicals remained close to the Fiat 600/750 standard, including a rear-mounted inline four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox, and swing-axle rear suspension. The prototype remained a one-off and was not advanced into production. No other units were manufactured. The design did not proceed beyond the show circuit, and there is no indication of further development or customer delivery. As with other concept cars of the era, the 750 Spider was built primarily for promotional and styling demonstration purposes.