The Lombardi Motor Car Company, a prominent auto sales and service station in Derby, Connecticut was founded by John (Giovanni) Lombardi, Sr., an Italian immigrant born on September 20, 1872, who came to America in 1884.

Initially established in 1896 on Elizabeth Street, the business sold and repaired sporting goods and bicycles before moving to 67-71 Minerva Street in March 1902. John Lombardi was a pioneer in the automobile industry, manufacturing the Lombardi bicycle and building an automobile of his own design in 1898, for which he obtained a patent on a transmission which was a major improvement on those already in existence.. ​

The company later became a distributor for Nash and Lafayette automobiles and International trucks and for Rickenbacker Motor Cars. ​ After John Lombardi's death on September 9, 1935, his sons, John Lombardi, Jr., and William Lombardi, took over the business. ​ Additionally, Louis M. Ville, who later became the proprietor of the Excelsior Garage in Ansonia, worked for the Lombardi Motor Car Company as a mechanic after arriving in Derby in 1913. ​ The Lombardi family resided on Sentinel Hill, Derby. ​