Nardi Crosley 750 Frua

Vehicle Overview

The Nardi Crosley 750 Frua is a remarkable example of post-war Italian coachbuilding, featuring a body designed by the renowned Pietro Frua. This particular barchetta, designated chassis #953-1, is one of the few Crosley-powered sports cars hand-built by Enrico Nardi in his Turin workshop. The car’s origins are a fascinating blend of Italian craftsmanship and American racing ambition. In March 1953, #953-1 was shipped to the United States, where it was received by Nardi’s American importer, Stanley Arnolt, a prominent figure in the automotive world. Shortly after its arrival, the car was showcased at the prestigious International Motorsport Show in New York City. Its striking design earned it immediate recognition, as it won an award for best design at the event, underscoring Frua’s mastery of sleek, aerodynamic lines combined with Nardi’s engineering finesse. Arnolt, who was both a businessman and an enthusiastic amateur racer, began racing the Nardi Crosley 750 Frua across the Midwest from 1953 to 1955. During this period, the car gained widespread attention, even being featured in the pages of *Road & Track*, a significant achievement for any automobile of the time. It was also exhibited at the Henry Ford Museum, a testament to its historical and cultural significance. After its initial racing career in the 1950s, the car continued to compete as an H-Mod racer into the 1960s, before eventually being placed into storage. It remained dormant for some time until it was later revived for the vintage racing circuit, where it once again took to the track, reminding enthusiasts of its heritage and unique blend of American power and Italian design. Today, the Nardi Crosley 750 Frua stands as a rare and cherished piece of automotive history.