Lancia’s many models were each destined for a particular niche in the marketplace. Early cars – such as the Lambda – were innovative ground-breakers. The Appia was an economy car, a people-mover. The Aurelia – like the Astura before it – was a luxury saloon. The Fulvia was a sporty sedan with racing chops. The Flaminia – as the successor to the Aurelia – was another well-appointed car aimed at elite owners. Within nearly every model, though, a sporty offshoot was available. The Appia Zagato GTE, the Aurelia B20, the Flaminia 3C – all of these could claim performance credentials above and beyond their kin. Here on eBay is a 1963 Flamina Sport Zagato 3C, offered by Gullwing Motorcars of Astoria, New York. This matching-numbers car is priced at $229,500, and it runs and drives well. Thanks to Araknid78, source for most of our great exotic-car tips!
The Flaminia was introduced in 1957 as a saloon; a coupe quickly followed. The V6 engine appeared first in the Aurelia, designed by Francesco de Virgilio under Vittorio Jano. Displacing 2.5 liters, three versions of the V6 were available to early Flaminia buyers – differentiated by carburetion. A single Solex gave way to dual Webers, then, in its final iteration, triple Webers – thus the “3C” designation. This engine is good for 140 hp – a number that seems unimpressive when stacked up against most American cars of the era, but thrilled buyers nonetheless. A rear-mounted, four-speed manual transaxle, shifted via a long gear lever, puts power to the rear wheels.
This car was sold by The Stable at some point; we pulled most of these photos from their ad, since Gullwing provides very few. This example’s original cream leather upholstery is a spectacular counterpoint to the silver exterior. While the driver’s seat is torn, I’ve seen worse… in fact, I’ve driven on worse, and for years. The large-diameter three-spoked steering wheel, Italianate interior handles, and elaborate, multi-function Jaeger gauges were hallmarks of the Lancia’s luxury aspirations. As plush as many British cabins can be, most are put to shame by the proportions and artistry we find inside Italian cars.
Three coachbuilders crafted Flaminia coupes for Lancia – Pininfarina, Touring, and Zagato. Of these, and partially thanks to the uprated engine, the Zagato Sport is by far the most desirable in the marketplace. Externally, this particular car is a standout in its alloy bodywork, despite its missing bumpers. Frenched tail lamps, the fluid lines of the car’s tail, the “double bubble” roof line – these are the elements that drive Lancia Zagato Sport prices well into six figures. This example failed to sell at $435,000 three years ago; this ’63 (with a 2.8-liter engine) made over $300k last year. No doubt a new owner will face a few cosmetic and mechanical repairs here, but that’s all part of caretaking a vintage Italian car.
You are on a roll, Michelle. Another timeless beauty that performs as well as it looks with a deign from a time of visions laid onto paper and hand formed clay models. Add the interior artists to the mix and we have a graceful athletic classic with its own soul and personality.
Kudos to your keen and obviously appreciative eye, Araknid.
I couldn’t have said anything Nevadahalfrack said any better myself. Michelle is on a roll. This is a beautiful Lancia. Unfortunately, I’ll never be in the market for something like this. But I sure do admire it. Beautiful car and I’m sure its a joy to drive too.
Yes, gentlemen, it’s time for the first vintage car auctions of the year – Scottsdale, Retromobile, Amelia… that’s why you are seeing this flush of exotics (though this Lancia is not at one of those headliners). I’ve just about had it with finery however… I feel a piece of construction equipment coming on….
Bring it on, Michelle!👍🏻
Never seen this car before. Beauty, love the shifter.
…for $230,000 grand and the seat is ripped? No thanks.
I drove a friend’s Flaminia sedan and as nice as the drive train was, it cried out for this much more sporty body.
Thanks for expanding my awareness of the brand.
A question rather than a comment on a beautiful Zagato sculpture… how is the parts availability for Lanca(s) driveline components? I find the amount a car is used is inversely proportional to its repairability.
Another great write-up Michelle. Thanks for the ackowledgement.
I too have never seen nor heard of these. A truly COOL vehicle. A friend had several Beta Coupes. One was a race car and one was a racecar for the street that we drove to Daytona for the 24 hours. (About a 1300 mile drive that we made in 14 hours driving time.) When we got to the track, there was a guy with a Stratos that was a competitor without his team. His team had had an accident on the way to the track. And he was having an issue with the car that he had just purchased and couldn’t read the Italian shop manual. Soon, since we also didn’t read Italian, but had lots of experience using an Italian shop manual for my buddy’s Beta Coupes. We were instantly his crew until his “real crew” showed up about 15 .minutes into the race. I’m sure that the Lancia world in Europe is not as sparce as it is here in the “good old USA”