1984 Sbarro Windy

The 1984 Sbarro Windy was a whimsical and minimalist beach buggy, conceived by Swiss designer Franco Sbarro as a fun, back-to-basics leisure vehicle. Built by the renowned coachbuilder Sbarro, this tiny machine drew inspiration from iconic utility beach cars like the Citroën Méhari and Mini Moke, but with a quirky Swiss twist. Despite its playful looks, the Windy was a one-off creation that never made it into production—perhaps unsurprisingly, given Switzerland’s lack of beaches.

At the heart of the Windy was a humble 220cc Piaggio Vespa single-cylinder engine, producing just 12 horsepower. Yet thanks to its ultra-lightweight polyester body and minimalistic construction—tipping the scales at just 330 kg (727 lbs)—it was capable of reaching 80 km/h (50 mph), even across sandy terrain. Power was delivered through four forward and four reverse gears, enabling surprisingly nimble maneuvering, whether on Alpine trails or up the sidewalks of the Croisette in Cannes.

Visually, the Windy had a toy-like charm. It measured only 2.5 meters in length, featured no doors or roof, and was entirely open to the elements. Its rear design was inspired by Sbarro’s earlier Windhound concept from 1978. Despite its compact footprint, the Windy could accommodate four people, and it didn’t skimp on comfort—offering luxurious leather seats and even a cassette radio. Braking was handled by front disc brakes and rear drums, adequate for the car’s light weight and modest speed.

Franco Sbarro himself was photographed behind the wheel at motor shows, emphasizing the Windy’s adult-sized proportions despite its almost toy-like appeal. A drawing in the Unicorn catalog, where the Windy was listed for sale, even compared it to Sbarro’s miniature replicas like the 328, 540K, and Testarossa. It’s unclear whether any additional units were ever built, but one example was exhibited at the Centre Espera in Pontarlier, hinting that it remained in Sbarro’s personal collection.

In summary, the Sbarro Windy was a curious blend of toy-like design and grown-up whimsy—a featherweight, leather-trimmed buggy made for fun rather than speed. It was an eccentric footnote in automotive history, offering a glimpse of what a Vespa-powered, Swiss-built beach car could be, had it been born in a country with an actual coastline.