Vehicle Description
1981 Lancia Zagato
Lancia is renowned in the automotive world for introducing cars
with numerous innovations. These include the Theta of 1913, which
was the first European production car to feature a complete
electrical system as standard equipment. Lancia's first car
adopting a monocoque chassis - the Lambda produced from 1922 to
1931 - featured 'Sliding Pillar' independent front suspension that
incorporated the spring and hydraulic damper into a single unit (a
feature that would be employed in subsequent Lancias, up to the
Appia that was replaced in 1963). In 1948, the first 5-speed
gearbox was fitted to a production car (Series 3 Ardea). Lancia
premiered the first full-production V6 engine, in the 1950 Aurelia,
after earlier industry-leading experiments with V8 and V12 engine
configurations. It was also the first manufacturer to produce a V4
engine. Other innovations involved the use of independent
suspension in production cars (in an era where live axles were
common practice for both the front and rear axles of a car), and
rear transaxles, which were first fitted to the Aurelia and
Flaminia range.
The innovation continues with this silver sportster wrapped also in
plenty of pizazz, drips Italian design, owned by Fiat, and the one
of a kind two top targa, with a liftoff roof, and a convertible
back, both with a common B pillar. If you are looking for a seldom
seen Italian coach builder designed (Zagato Corp.) sports car that
handles like OJ Simpson at an airport, then this may be your moon
hitting your eye like a big pizza pie...amore?
Exterior
The Zagato a cabriolet, but it is really a two-top targa, with the
lift out roof and convertible back leaving the car open except for
a wide roll-bar across the top. As a package, it is one of a kind,
and that is the quality that symbolizes Fiat's new American
direction as a sports-car-only corporation. This beauty bathed in
silver shows a few patches in the bodywork, particularly near the
wheel wells, that have some peeling paint. Minor areas where rust
has started are seen mainly where trim meet body, however these are
slight. Paint is in good condition overall, retaining its shine.
Blackening around door handles is slightly chipped off. Gaps are
good, glass is clean, and bumpers are black and not faded. The
removable roof of this car has a few crazing areas, but is solid,
as is the rear convertible canvas top, showing with a clear rear
window. True magnesium wheels are all around and are wrapped in
Pirelli rubber.
Interior
Smooth black vinyl covers the door panels and presents nicely.
Inside wide low back buckets with tuck and roll inserts and smooth
bolsters show slight wear but are very soft and supple. A rear 2
plus 2 bench is in back and can take full advantage of airflow when
the rear portion of the top is retracted. Square and rectangle
design for the dash, and instruments which make use of plenty of
toggles and pushbuttons. A/C is seen, and an AM/FM Cassette radio
is now installed. A long stemmed 5-speed transmission shifter is
sitting proudly in the center between the buckets. Black carpet in
good condition floods the floors.
Drivetrain
With 39,882 original miles on this engine, an inline 4-cylinder
108hp flat twin cam, naturally aspirated with Bosch L-Jetronic
system feeding it, and DOHC. This mini mill is attached to a
5-speed manual transmission which throws power to the front
wheels.
Undercarriage
Amidst plenty of undercoating, there are some cracks within the
undercarriage, possibly due to rust, or the heavy undercoating
cracking, but with the undercoating one cannot tell. A hole in the
drivers floorpan is seen, and some surface rust on the usual
suspects. Also, a muffler on the rear driver's side has rust
through. Suspension is all independent, and disc brakes are all
around.
Drive-Ability
This car fired right up, and it was off to the test track both tops
down. Plenty of airflow here, and she accelerated with ease,
handled well, and shifted smoothly. Braking was quick and the car
remained straight under heavy braking. Keeping in mind this car
produces 108hp, acceleration was still snappy. The A/C as well as
the radio are inoperable, a charging gauge and the gas gauge
consigner states are not accurate. Heater and fan do work, as well
as all lights and signals.
Italian cars were always known for their sexy designs, and this one
with its dual opening top, and 5 speed, along with the small
buckets, and snappy engine, I can say abbondanza!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.