With spring now on the horizon within the Northern Hemisphere, we’re wanting ahead to a different large yr of Speedhunting, which implies loads of recent automobile options in between occasion protection, store excursions, venture automobile updates and extra. Within the subsequent few days, Dino shall be bringing us his story on probably the most talked about vehicles at this yr’s Tokyo Auto Salon – Liberty Stroll’s extra-wide Countach. That received us fascinated about one other Lamborghini function automobile…
Effectively, sort of. You’re taking a look at Oemmedì Meccanica’s Fiat 500, which not solely seems to be nuts due to customized bodywork that makes it nearly as huge as it’s lengthy, nevertheless it goes nuts too due to its retrofitted underpinnings – a whole Lamborghini V12 powertrain scavenged from a Murciélago. It’s not arduous to see why this practice creation from Italy ranked as our largest function automobile story of 2014, and now that 10 years have handed, we thought it was one value revisiting.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-8](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-8-1200x800.jpg)
2014 Function
The automobile is outrageous, the execution flawless and the motive good. So to attempt to make sense of all of it, I’ll cope with these factors in that order. The primary being totally justified by the truth that that is in essence, a Lamborghini Murciélago. That’s proper, a correct, bonafide, kick ass supercar from a thoroughbred Italian producer. Except for some handmade bodywork that hardly covers the mid mounted 6.2-litre V12 engine, it is a Lamborghini. No actually, it’s. With 580hp.
Once I first confirmed this construct to a good friend, he made noises of disbelief, saying it was most likely not working a correct Lamborghini engine. Effectively, for some other naysayers on the market and for anyone else who has gas pumping via their veins, click on on the video and have a look. Then shut your eyes. It’s unbelievable, huh?
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-13](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-13-1200x800.jpg)
So what kind of madmen would create such a factor? Oemmedì Meccanica, that’s who. They’re a household run common upkeep and restoration workshop in the course of Italy. It’s roughly an hour’s drive south to Rome from right here and the encircling countryside feels dry and clear.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-30](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-30-1200x800.jpg)
The lazy late summer time air is laden with heat; my mouth is dry and my head feels slightly gradual and numb after travelling over 1,000 miles at present to get right here. However what I’ve discovered on this innocuous, hidden away industrial property is kind of presumably genius and insanity blended in equal portions. That is what snaps me again to #MaximumAttack mode.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-16](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-16-1200x800.jpg)
I realise shortly that I’m simply circling the Fiat probably not realizing the place to start out. Seeing footage is one factor however I’ll disappoint you now by saying it’s nothing in comparison with experiencing it within the metallic. You don’t simply determine to make use of some Lamborghini salvage sooner or later although; you don’t simply wander right into a bull ring and pull out a purple flag questioning what is going to occur subsequent. Oh no.
![Italy travel log sept 2013-3](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/11060006/Italy-travel-log-sept-2013-3-1200x750.jpg)
What you do is construct an entire line-up of road fighters earlier than taking up the heavyweight title; so neatly lined up in a single nook of the expansive workshop are what got here earlier than the Lamborghini-engined experiment. The purple automobile is an Abarth: the manufacturing facility/aftermarket tuner tackle issues. Air-cooled and unique save for a number of modifications, the five hundred is synonymous with Italy and it’s straightforward to see why it captured so many hearts throughout its manufacturing run. The silver automobile is step one on the mutant ladder although.
![Italy travel log sept 2013-4](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/11060006/Italy-travel-log-sept-2013-4-1200x750.jpg)
Beneath the 2 half electrically-operated deck lid is a Porsche flat-six. Right here you may see the additional girth beginning to kick in – huge arches on huge arches. Now the big air intakes on the forefront of the wings make sense. That is simply Oemmedì getting began although. You see the darkish gray to the correct? That’s hiding a Ferrari V8, and sure I did shoot it for a function so that you’ll see extra of it sooner or later. Proper now I must get again to the Lambofiat Murciéquento... Effectively, what would you name it?
Sure It Is
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-24](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-24-1200x800.jpg)
I can see why the Fiat appeals: its form is just like the Mini and the Beetle – iconic and spanning all walks of life. Now I do know the historical past that lead so far although, I want to know extra about simply how Gianfranco Dini – the genuinely mild man who’s liable for the line-up – went about creating this factor.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-10](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-10-1200x800.jpg)
First up was sourcing the bottom automobile. Between 2001 and 2010, simply over 4,000 Murciélagos had been constructed. These are supercars, so are cosseted, however I suppose some find yourself getting broken and that salvage has to go someplace. Being within the automobile restoration and restore enterprise means the Oemmedì group can supply absolutely anything. Though the wheels aren’t sourced from a Murciélago – as an alternative I feel they’re from an earlier Diablo. All the things else has come from the later mannequin.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-11](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-11-1200x800.jpg)
Which implies all of the techniques ought to work collectively, proper? When you concentrate on it logically, what the fellows have performed is to strip the physique away, use the main organs and nervous system from the donor, lay all of it out after which construct a brand new construction to deal with all of it.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-2](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-2-1200x800.jpg)
There aren’t any aftermarket ECUs right here and even components from an entire bunch of various producers the place you need to mix wiring looms and fittings. All the things did must be made smaller although. So primarily what they did is carry the 4 corners nearer collectively. Now there’s not a lot left of what Fiat initially produced.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-17](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-17-1200x800.jpg)
So if that’s what they did, how they did it’s equally as ingenious. Right here you may see the entrance differential, as a result of the unique 4WD system has been retained, which implies two issues: there’s extra fabrication to accommodate within the preliminary construct, however all the pieces works because it ought to. Are you able to think about if this factor was two-wheel drive? How wild would that be? Given how central all the pieces is, I’d be actually intrigued to see simply how good it might be on monitor.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-5](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-5-1200x800.jpg)
As you noticed above, the beneath is as well-finished because the bodywork, and for me it’s the general design that actually makes it. Let’s face it, the top consequence might be so much much less pleasing to the attention than it’s. Have a look at the way in which the mesh runs into the rear wings; these final sections purely exist for aesthetics. The miniature rear diffuser may even be partly useful, though the Fiat has received sufficient energy to bend physics, so it doesn’t actually matter what the wind is doing anyway.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-15](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-15-1200x800.jpg)
Like I stated at the beginning, all the pieces about this construct is on the market. The additional huge arches curve away from the unique physique traces easily and violently too; it’s half freak, half art work.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-19](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-19-1200x800.jpg)
Within the background you may see the profile of an unique unmolested 500. See the place the arches are? The dimensions of metalwork that’s been customized made begins to turn into extra apparent now. What I actually admire is that Oemmedì have been ready to make use of sharp traces in addition to the Fiat’s extra natural curves. From this view you get to think about what it might appear like with the physique lifted off, so you may think about the drivetrain format. As a result of there’s a real V12 Lambo engine in there… I’m nonetheless not kidding.
That’s By no means Coming Out
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-29](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-29-1200x800.jpg)
See the field behind the motive force and passenger? That’s the highest of the engine. A correct Lamborghini V12 hides inside.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-33](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-33-1200x800.jpg)
As a result of the place else is it going to go? The rear home windows come out for upkeep checks, however whichever manner you have a look at it, the Fiat actually has been constructed across the working gear.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-32](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-32-1200x800.jpg)
See how the rear suspension towers nestle within the combine too? The gearbox is someplace close to the underside with the break up drive switch field off to at least one aspect. My mind can soak up all the weather however the thought that should have gone in to establishing the framework to hold all of it on? Then the method of bodily placing it collectively? Rattling.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-31](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-31-1200x800.jpg)
As if unbelievable working gear and fantastical bodywork isn’t sufficient, there are beautiful particulars just like the electrically operated deck lid and the excessive stage spoiler that sits above it full with brake gentle. No unhealthy wiring hanging down or messing up the traces. Bear in mind all the pieces you’re taking a look at on this image, other than the rear window, has been customized made.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-35](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-35-1200x800.jpg)
The OMP seats have had their frames modified to make them extra vertical. That alone should have taken hours after which the seats wanted retrimming, however then once more it was value it only for these further inches of leg room.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-36](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-36-1200x800.jpg)
Similar to the outside, the inside has been handcrafted, and similar to the working gear, it continues the theme of utilizing all Lamborghini {hardware}. So these dials, switches and steering column are all used to working collectively.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-34](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-34-1200x800.jpg)
The one function of the inside that immediately grabbed me was the centrally mounted rev counter within the steering wheel. Not solely is it totally functioning however the wheel rotates round it, because the counter stays stationary. How cool is that? I suppose after the remainder of the fabrication work, that was a fast job whereas the espresso machine warmed up within the morning.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-18](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-18-1200x800.jpg)
It’s all very effectively speaking about how superb it’s, however there’s actually just one approach to expertise it. From inside. I don’t converse any Italian and Gianfranco doesn’t converse any English, however when the top nods within the path of the passenger seat and eyebrows elevate in a questioning manner, I utterly perceive what’s being requested.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-22](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-22-1200x800.jpg)
And so it was that right here I’m being pushed via the Italian countryside, the solar blazing and breaking via the bushes, on this demonic creation. If I may pat myself on the again, I might additionally be capable to attain one financial institution of cylinders. That is unbelievable.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-28](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-28-1200x800.jpg)
The very first thing that strikes me is it’s not as loud as I anticipated. I can’t even work out why that’s. Possibly it’s as a result of I simply received out of the Ferrari V8-engined Fiat 500 I’ll present you one other time, however this one appears to be a wall of sound. A strong chunk of noise that carries throughout the panorama, slightly than a peaky, screaming sound, it’s there like a mountain.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-25](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-25-1200x800.jpg)
A couple of times the throttle is mashed and the velocity positive aspects so shortly, like an on/off change. As if there’s no acceleration, simply gradual and hyper quick. We see different site visitors on the street they usually stare as they cross, with good purpose. You’ll by no means see something like this wherever else on the earth. Reality.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-9](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-9-1200x800.jpg)
So am I justified in claiming that that is the wildest function automobile I’ve ever seen? I feel so. {Hardware} comprised of Lamborghini unobtanium, amazingly skillful physique mods, tastefully executed to the best of requirements utilizing an iconic and emotive base mannequin.
![Ommedi Fiat 500 Lamborghini-14](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/11060006/Ommedi-Fiat-500-Lamborghini-14-1200x800.jpg)
Expertise, ardour, velocity… I may go on. The place others couldn’t think about such a factor being performed, Oemmedì Meccanica did. When these others stated it couldn’t be performed, Oemmedì Meccanica did it.
Bryn Musselwhite
Instagram: brynmusselwhite