Vehicle Description
To many, a list of the greatest car manufacturers of Italy may
struggle to reach past Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and perhaps
Maserati. But pose that same question to a full-blooded Petrol
Head, and Lancia would likely be the first word out of their mouth.
Founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia, the company that bore his name
went on to produce some of the most thoughtfully engineered and
stylish automobiles the world has seen. Standard Lancias were
generally more conservative than a comparable Alfa or Maserati,
however Lancia cars are often compared with the likes of
Mercedes-Benz for their level of build quality and engineering
excellence. In practice, Lancia combined the best of both worlds -
building automobiles that combined sophisticated engineering and
brisk performance wrapped in gorgeous, unmistakably Italian
bodywork. Their engineering prowess was reflected on the race track
and special stage, where they have enjoyed tremendous success. From
the 1960s to the 1990s, rallying was Lancia's venue of choice where
they hold a record ten World Constructor's Championships. Aside
from their quality, Lancia has always been known as a great
innovator, responsible for many important firsts such as
independent front suspension, the now ubiquitous V6 engine, and the
first production car designed to use radial tires; the latter two
debuting with the brilliant Aurelia. In 1957, the firm introduced
the Aurelia's equally outstaning replacement, the Flaminia. Offered
as a four-door Berlina as well as short-wheelbase Coupe and
Cabriolet, the Flaminia continued the theme of sophistication and
style set by the Aurelia, with four-wheel independent suspension,
four-wheel disc brakes mounted inboard at the rear, rear-mounted
transaxle, and that gorgeous all-alloy V6 up front. Aside from the
factory produced Berlina, a variety of the great Italian
coachbuilders lent their hand to the Flaminia; namely Pininfarina,
Carrozzeria Touring and Zagato. This 1962 Flaminia GT coupe is a
highly desirable 2.5 model with optional triple Weber carburetors
and gorgeous coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan,
distinguished by its quad headlamps and crisp, elegant lines. The
white main body is contrasted with a silver-painted roof with
matching silver wheels. This history of this handsome Lancia picks
up in 1974 when it was purchased by Jeff Cooper from a Giuliano
Verna Motors in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Period photos show him enjoying
the car in Lancia club events in the late 70s. In 1989, the
Flaminia was purchased by a well-known Lancia enthusiast and
unofficial marque ambassador, Tom Sheehan. Mr. Sheehan held a large
inventory of parts and was a trusted resource for fellow Lancia
owners in the USA. He purchased the car mid-restoration, after Mr.
Cooper ran out of funds to complete the project. The restoration
was completed and he retained the car until his death in 1994, when
the car passed through the hands of several other enthusiasts
before it found its way back to the late Walt Spak, a trusted
Lancia expert and longtime friend and associate of Mr. Sheehan, who
remembered the car fondly. Mr. Spak's engines have powered concours
winners from Pebble Beach to Amelia Island and beyond. Spak
embarked on a comprehensive and meticulous rebuild of all
mechanical systems (including the engine from the crankshaft up),
which he estimated at 950 man-hours and over $40,000 in parts and
machine work. Following Mr. Spak's time, it found a home in a
prominent collection of Italian cars, but the dealer who sold it
very quickly bought it back for his own use, as he was so very fond
of this elegant Lancia. Today, this gorgeous Lancia Flaminia is
presented in superlative condition as a well-restored car that has
enjoyed proper care and freshening through the years. The white
painted main body is subtly accented by the gray painted roof.
Paint condition is very good, with straight panels and excellent
gaps all around; a clear sign that this Superleggera Touring-bodied
car has been well cared for during its life. Along with the
high-quality paint, the exterior has recently been refreshed with
several new gaskets including for the front and back glass.
Brightwork, including the chrome bumpers and delicate alloy body
moldings is all very well-presented. The car rides on proper
Michelin X radials mounted to factory original steel wheels and
dressed with large-faced Lancia hubcaps - lending the car a clean,
Modern-design appearance. Opening the door reveals a recently
restored interior in fine condition. The tan hides on the seats and
door panels provide a subtle contrast to the white body color,
adding a rich and inviting appeal. The gray paint of the roof is
mirrored on the dash, which is fitted with original Jaeger dials
and original switchgear. The carpeting is very tidy, and the light
grey color ties in with the paint scheme quite nicely. The
carpeting is protected by a set of factory-correct fluted rubber
mats in light gray. Even the trunk retains the original Touring
Superleggera rubber mat. We particularly love the evocative
three-spoke wooden steering wheel with its charming character scars
courtesy of the previous owners who have cherished their time
driving this car over the years. Thanks to the efforts and
expertise of Walt Spak and its expert care since his work was done,
�this Lancia's 2.5 liter V6 runs beautifully, producing a healthy
150 horsepower in this triple-carb spec. Power is sent through a
sweet-shifting four-speed manual transaxle with overdrive. The
engine compartment very tidy and well-detailed with proper
wrinkle-finish valve covers, a correct original tri-carb air
cleaner, and correct hoses, fittings and clamps. Even the FIAMM air
horns are painted their signature bright red hue, just visible
through the grille. Included in the sale is a comprehensive history
binder that documents the extensive past restoration work,
including some recent freshening work that occurred in 2015. Also
included is a pouch containing rare, original Lancia-branded tools.
This rare and elegant Flaminia Touring Superleggera delivers not
only a wonderful driving experience, but it also offers the
opportunity for enjoyment on any number of exclusive tours and
events. Experienced enthusiasts and collectors know that the
Flaminia GT is one of the greatest Italian grand touring cars of
the era, and this exquisite example is certain to charm its next
keeper just as it has in the past.
