1971 OTAS 820 Grand Prix, Coachwork by Lombardi

1971 OTAS 820 Grand Prix
Coachwork by Lombardi
Chassis no. 0007
850cc OHV FIAT 4-Cylinder Engine
Weber Carburetor
55bhp at 6,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*Sold by original importer John Rich of Glendale, CA
*Current ownership for the past 45 years and fewer than 4800 miles since new
*Very original condition
*One of less than 200 examples ever produced

THE OTAS 820 GRAND PRIX

From the small town of Vercelli in Northern Italy, Carrozeria Francis Lombardi developed several custom-bodied specials built on Fiat drivetrains, the most well-known of which was the Lombardi Gran Prix. First shown in Geneva in March 1968, the striking design caused a stir with its flip up headlights and well-proportioned nearly all-steel body. A partnership for marketing this car abroad was struck between Lombardi and Franco Giannini, and the resulting firm was named OTAS for Officina Trasformazioni Automobili Sportive. Developed in 1967 and based around new Fiat 850 mechanicals, the diminutive sports car caught the attention of Glendale, California Fiat dealer and USA Abarth importer John Rich. By de-stroking the stock 850 engine down to 817cc, Rich knew he could bypass many of the onerous new emissions equipment regulations.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

It is unknown how many of the cars were imported to the US between the years of 1969 and 1971while OTAS was in business, with most sources putting the number between sixty-five and one hundred. Mr. Jack Buzzard of Yorba Linda, California was an enthusiast of the exotic Italian cars that came through Rich's dealership, and stopped by frequently when he worked nearby in the early 70's. In April of 1974, he purchased this 1971 820 Grand Prix, chassis number 0007, and he has owned the car since that day. He informs us that the mileage, under 4,800, is original, as is the vibrant yellow paint, tweed carpet, and black vinyl upholstery. The four-cylinder engine is mounted out back, along with the four-speed manual transmission. The engine runs the stock Fiat 850 bottom end, but the head has been cleaned up a bit according to the seller, producing a peak of 55 horsepower to push the cars approximately 1,450 pounds. Front disc brakes and rear drums handle the stopping duties, and steering is quick given the car's mere 81-inch wheelbase. Even with its small stature, the interior is comfortable for two, although luggage space is minimal, limited to a tiny space beside the spare wheel and bit of room behind the seats. An extensive history file accompanies the car, including original dealer documents, and photos from a Motor Trend photoshoot in which the car was featured and written about by journalist Matt Stone.