A Lombardi Grand Prix based on the Fiat 850 Special. A new version is being developed with Hillman Sport Imp underpan, engine and running gear.

Lombardi Grand Prix

Imp components for the Lombardi Grand Prix

Jim Tosen, Feb. 1969:
I hear an interesting undertaking is afoot at the Queensway H.Q. of F. Demetriou Ltd., importers of those pretty Fiat based specials with bodies by Vignale and Francis Lombardi. They are planning to Anglicize the Lombardi Grand Prix by removing the works of the Fiat 850 special and replacing them with the floor pan and running gear of a Hillman Imp Sport. Dimensionally the Imp and Fiat coupé are very much alike (the Imp has a 5 cm longer wheelbase) so it will not be necessary to make any substancial changes to the racy little Lombardi body.

So far Rootes have agreed to supply two sets of works, and two platforms and an engine have already been sent to Lombardi in Turin. From these he will build one complete fully trimmed car and a platdorm and body minus trim and mechanical components. This will be sent back for Paul Emery Cars to finish off and trim before the two methods of manufacture are compared to see which is the most satisfactory and economical. Either way it is expected to work out about £200 cheaper than the Fiat based car which brings it down to about £1.250 the price including, as with all Demetriou cars, the first year's full comprehensive insurance.

The standard car will be to normal Imp Sport specification, but all the usual Emery goodies up to full race standard will be offered as options, and a possible race entry is being considered.

Literature

Jim Tosen's Motoring plus. - Motor 1969, week ending March 1. - p.22