Rare Lamborghini Faena: Pietro Frua's Masterpiece

ONE-OFF - Even if you have heard about it before, we are sure that some of you might not be familiar with it. The Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua created the only four-door Lamborghini in existence in 1978. Known as the Frua Faena, this unique vehicle was built on a reinforced 1974 Espada Series II chassis (nr. 18224). The name Faena is derived from bullfighting; it signifies a series of passes performed by a matador using his sword and cape to demonstrate skill before the bull meets its end.

The Frua Faena, crafted by Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua in 1978, is the only four-door Lamborghini ever made. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

Pietro Frua took eight months to craft this four-door Lamborghini, stretching the standard Espada chassis by 178 mm (7 inches) to accommodate rear seats, resulting in a car that measured 4586 mm (18 feet) in length. This modification added 200 kg (440 pounds) to the total weight. 

The 1978 Lamborghini Frua was crafted based on an elongated chassis of the 1974 Lamborghini Espada 400GT. (Picture from: Hagerty)

The Frua Faena made its debut at the 57th Salone Internazionale dell’Automobile in Turin during the spring of 1978, and evoked a range of reactions. Some visitors were captivated by its design, while others were less impressed. However, automotive journalist Max Stoop noted, "Frua managed once more to put a four-door, elongated Berlina on a Gran Turismo chassis and to equip it with four comfortable seats without compromising the car's shape."

The Frua Faena measured 4586 mm (18 feet) in length, with the modifications adding 200 kg (440 pounds) to its total weight. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

It was shown again to the public at the 1980 Geneva Auto Show. The car's front lines were clean, featuring large headlights in twin pop-up units, but the rear design was less appealing, despite including a sliding sunroof. This feature contrasted with the unusual glass panel found on a specific Espada model.

The Frua Faena made its debut at the 57th Salone Internazionale dell’Automobile in Turin during the spring of 1978, and evoked a range of reactions. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

Despite being described as a four-door coupé, the Faena had many characteristics of a shooting-brake, or estate car. Like the Espada, its hatchback cargo compartment was open to the rear seat passengers. Unfortunately, the Frua Faena was not a commercial success. Although it was expertly built, Frua's hope for limited production did not materialize, making this show car the only one ever produced.

Although described as a four-door coupé, the Faena had many characteristics of a shooting-brake or estate car. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

After the Geneva Auto Show, the Faena was sold to Lambo-Motor AG in Basel, which then sold it to a German collector. This collector still owns the car, although it remains registered in Switzerland. In 1996, the Faena was displayed at the Pullicino Classics in London, where it was admired in very good condition despite not being restored.

The Frua Faena's hatchback cargo compartment was open to the rear seat passengers. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

The story of the Frua Faena is a testament to the innovative spirit and craftsmanship of Pietro Frua. It stands as a unique piece of automotive history, embodying the creativity and ambition of its creator. While it never saw mass production, the Faena remains a fascinating chapter in Lamborghini's storied legacy, a reminder of what can be achieved when vision and skill converge. | 8cppoBl6FrM |

For those lucky enough to see it in person, the Frua Faena is a striking example of automotive artistry, an enduring symbol of a bygone era in car design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PIETRO-FRUA.DE | OLDCONCEPTCARS | MYCARQUEST | LAMBOCARS | CARSTYLING.RU ]

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