Lombardi VW 1600 SS: Forgotten Wedge-Shaped Icon

ONE-OFF - In the world of sports cars, some vehicles gain legendary status, while others remain as fascinating, one-off projects. The Lombardi VW 1600 Super Sport is a prime example of the latter. Unveiled by Francis Lombardi at the 1970 Turin Motor Show, this unique sports car, captured the imagination of car enthusiasts with its bold design and innovative features. Despite its promising introduction, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS never saw mass production. Still, its story continues to captivate those who appreciate automotive history and innovation.

The Lombardi VW 1600 SS was a two-seater sports car that attracted attention not only for its performance but also for its striking appearance. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

The Lombardi VW 1600 SS was a two-seater sports car that drew attention not only for its performance but also for its eye-catching appearance. The car was built on the iconic VW Beetle platform, but Lombardi reimagined it as a sleek, wedge-shaped coupé that looked radically different from the original. One of its most distinctive features was its angular, wedge-like design, which set it apart from other cars of its time. The rear of the car was elevated, accommodating the rear-mounted flat-four-cylinder engine that produced an impressive 85 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. This engine, known for its reliability and simplicity, provided the Lombardi VW 1600 SS with the power it needed to compete in the sports car market.

Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS debuted at the 1970 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Beyond its engine, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS had several other design elements that made it stand out. The pop-up headlights were one of the most striking features. Unlike traditional headlights, these rotated in a manner reminiscent of the Opel GT, adding a futuristic touch to the car’s aesthetic. Another unusual feature was the positioning of the fuel filler cap, which was located near the windshield and extended outward, a design choice rarely seen in other vehicles. The car also had a curved shoulder line, contributing to its streamlined, dynamic look. Lombardi even integrated a safety arc into the body, adding a layer of protection while maintaining the car’s sleek silhouette.

Among the various design elements that made Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS stand out, the pop-up headlights were particularly striking. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Measuring 3.93 meters in length, 1.65 meters in width, and standing only 1.125 meters high, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS was compact yet aggressive in its appearance. It was strictly a two-seater, emphasizing the car's focus on performance and style over practicality. Despite its small size, the vehicle gave off a powerful presence, and its sharp lines hinted at its capability on the road. The compact design, combined with its relatively lightweight body, allowed the car to take full advantage of the engine’s power, promising an exhilarating driving experience.

Measuring 3.93 meters in length, 1.65 meters in width, and standing just 1.125 meters high, Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS was compact yet had an aggressive appearance. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

However, despite its promising attributes, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS never reached series production. While the car had a lot to offer in terms of style, performance, and innovation, Lombardi faced significant challenges in bringing it to market. The main issue was the cost of production, which Lombardi could not reduce to a competitive level. 

Aside from accommodating two people, the cabin of Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS featured a sporty interior with a three-spoke steering wheel and a driver-focused dashboard. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Sports car enthusiasts had other options at the time, and without the ability to lower costs, Lombardi was unable to secure a place for the VW 1600 SS in a highly competitive market. As a result, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS remained a one-off, a unique piece of automotive history that never had the chance to fully realize its potential.

Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS powered by a rear-mounted flat-four-cylinder engine that produced an impressive 85 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

The whereabouts of the Lombardi VW 1600 SS remain a mystery. No one seems to know what happened to the car after its appearance at the 1970 Turin Motor Show. It’s possible that the vehicle is tucked away in a private collection or has been lost to time, but its legacy lives on through the stories and photos that have surfaced over the years. While it may never have achieved mass production, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS serves as a reminder of the creativity and ambition that defined the automotive industry during that era.

Though it only existed as a prototype, the Lombardi VW 1600 Super Sport is still celebrated by automotive enthusiasts today. It stands as a symbol of what could have been—a sports car with striking design, capable performance, and innovative features that might have left a lasting mark on the industry. Its story, while brief, is a testament to the creativity and boldness of its creator, Francis Lombardi, and the enduring fascination with rare and unique cars.

Francis Lombardi's Volkswagen 1600 SS featured a curved shoulder line that contributed to its streamlined, dynamic look, with an elevated rear to accommodate the rear-mounted flat-four-cylinder engine. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

In the end, the Lombardi VW 1600 SS is a car that leaves us wondering what might have been if circumstances had been different. Its bold design and engineering choices made it stand out in its time, and it continues to inspire admiration even decades later. Though it never reached the production line, its place in automotive history is secure, a rare gem from a bygone era that remains a source of fascination for car lovers around the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZWISCHENGAS | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | CARSTYLING.RU | STORY-CARS | COACHBUILD | ALLCARINDEX ]

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