Vehicle Description
Vincenzo Lancia began his remarkable career working as a bookkeeper
for a bicycle company in Torino, Italy. There, Lancia developed his
natural engineering talent by designing and constructing his own
bikes. Soon, Lancia would move into the world of automobiles when
he took a job at FIAT. At age 19, young Vincenzo was FIAT's chief
inspector and test driver and was soon put to work driving the
factory racing cars, where he enjoyed considerable success.
However, when a severe crash ended his sporting aspirations, he
fell back on his engineering ability, and in 1906 he founded Lancia
& C. Fabbrica Automobili. From the first 1907 Tipo 51 to the
Flaminia and Fulvia of the early 70's, Lancia would develop a
reputation for exquisitely engineered automobiles that pushed the
boundaries of technology; often with little regard to cost or
complexity. It was Lancia that pioneered the use of independent
suspension, narrow V-angle engines, the V6, transaxle gearboxes and
even the first application of radial tires on a production car.
Lancias were built to a standard that enthusiasts compare to that
of an "Italian Mercedes-Benz." Vincenzo Lancia was quite daring
when it came to his technical solutions, but many of his early
factory-bodied cars came across as somewhat conservative in nature.
With style low on Vincenzo's priority list, dealers and customers
took it upon themselves to clothe his brilliant chassis in the
finest coachwork Italy had to offer. Thus started a tradition of
the great Italian Carrozzerie applying their talents to Lancia
platforms to create some of the most memorable sports and GT cars
of all time. In 1957, Lancia announced the replacement for the
flagship Aurelia which had been in production since 1950. The new
Flaminia continued the theme of technical sophistication and
exquisite build quality set by the Aurelia, now with new levels of
style and refinement to see it through the 1960s. The Flaminia was
powered by an aluminum, 2.5-liter V6 (later increased to 2.8L) and
equipped with independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes
mounted inboard at the rear, and a transaxle gearbox for balanced
handling. Lancia offered the Flaminia in numerous configurations,
including the luxurious Berlina and Coupe by Pininfarina, racy
Zagato-built Sport, and a sharp coupe and cabriolet pairing by
Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Sadly, the Flaminia would be one of
the last "proper" Lancias as Fiat's takeover in 1969 would spell
the end for the company's tradition of quality and technical
superiority. For a driver seeking a refined and rapid open GT car
in the early 1960s, one would be hard pressed to make a better
choice than the Lancia Flaminia GT. This handsome example is one of
approximately 180 built in highly desirable specification including
the 2.8 liter V6, triple carburetors, and crisp, beautiful
Superleggera open coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring. It is a lovely
car that is ideally suited to the task of effortless touring in
events and rallies. This car's Touring coachwork is crisp, properly
aligned and solid, while an inspection of the undercarriage shows
it to be remarkably clean with signs of regular care and
maintenance. The black paintwork is in fine condition, showing
quite well for its age with a deep gloss. There are some minor
touchups and blemishes found, though they do little to detract from
what is overall a lovely presentation. Brightwork and body trim are
in excellent original condition, appearing consistent and straight
with lightly care-worn plating in places. It rides on a set of
correct steel wheels, finished in original off-white and shod with
correct hubcaps and trim rings. Michelin X radial tires lend it the
proper stance and authentic handling characteristics. Red leather
upholstery on the seats and interior panels provides a striking
contrast against the black paintwork. The seats are in excellent
condition with an attractive, broken-in character like a favorite
pair of loafers. Floor coverings consist of a mix of light gray
carpet and correct fluted rubber mat. The dash, instruments, and
switchgear all appear to be in very well-preserved original
condition. The trunk retains its original lining materials inside
of the lid, and the original Carrozzeria Touring molded rubber mat
is in fantastic original condition. The centerpiece of this
Flaminia is the fabulous 2.8 liter, Tipo 826.100 engine which is
topped with a trio of Weber carburetors. In this form, the engine
produces a healthy 150 BHP, delivered with the character and
smoothness one expects from a Lancia V6. The engine compartment is
exceptionally clean and well detailed, with correct black
wrinkle-finish air cleaner housing and rocker covers, correct type
fuel hoses, and other details such as the Fiamm air horns and glass
washer bottle. The V6 runs well, with typical refinement and
performance from the engine and four-speed manual transaxle. This
lovely and mechanically excellent Flaminia convertible is a
well-detailed example in highly desirable specification, and will
surely reward its next owner on any number of rallies, events, and
tours. It presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the
most sophisticated and elegant Grand Touring cars of the 1960s.
