Lancia had a tradition of naming its models after Roman roads, and the Flaminia was no exception. The Via Flaminia is a country road from Rome to Rimini and still exists today. This 1958 Lancia Flaminia was spotted by Rick C and is for sale here on craigslist in Phoenix, Arizona for $3200.
At first glance under the hood, you might think that this Lancia has a late model American V-6 engine swap…but you’d be wrong! One of the world’s first production V-6’s is under there, and you can tell it’s where it belongs when you see the lovely script on the valve covers. In this particular case, if it’s the original engine, it will be of 2.5 L displacement and would have put out a little over 100 horsepower when new.
This Lancia’s technical sophistication didn’t end at the engine, either. A four-speed transaxle, unusually mounted in the rear, delivered the engine’s torque to the wheels. When I saw this rear view I was momentarily thrilled as I thought I had another source for the rear license plate light for my Triumph Italia (mine is horribly pitted), but a closer examination showed that while undoubtedly related, the angle is wrong…so my search continues. Even so, these aren’t that common, with less than 4,000 produced. For those interested in such things, the coveted California black plate is present in the rear.
While there is a lot of hyperbole in the ad, we can see from the interior pictures that it’s in pretty decent shape. That plush front bench looks inviting to me, and I’m guessing from the stalk that it’s a 4-on-the-tree shifter, which I’ve always wanted to try.
The rear seat looks inviting as well, with sufficient legroom for normal adults. But if that isn’t large enough for you, four special stretched versions of the Flaminia were produced in the early 1960’s for use by Italian governmental officials and state visitors; all four are still around, although with a wheelbase of almost 132 inches, they wouldn’t have been as maneuverable as a regular Flaminia!
The seller checks the normal boxes for a barn find by stating that there’s rust in the lower body and, of course, that the car is “99% complete.” I still wonder how that one percent is measured… Does that one percent matter to you? Would you like to drive this down a Roman road? Let us know below!
I have worked on a few flaminia’s and they are wonderfully driving cars, and do so with style and grace. Their engineering is excellent and in my opinion without equal during this time period. The gear box is a work of art, and though the mounting is similar to an alfa gtv6, in the lancia though it shift well and with precision . Having said that they are not the easiest car to work on and require many special tools, which are no longer available and have to be made. Parts prices can be breath taking, the distributor cap cost in excess of 500 bucks, and I wish there was a good picture of it because it is unique.
Lovely cars but the 3500 bucks is just the tip of the ice burg.
Kevin Harper
BIF motors
Bestill my heart. I would sell my soul for a two door. For a four door, the asking is not excessive. At least all the trim seems present.
Yet another car ad that neglects to include a photo of the steering wheel/dashboard. Puzzling.
Interesting car, and for anyone searching for classic cars take heed: The annual auction frenzy is gearing up here in AZ. The main Phoenix area newspaper (AZ Republic) and craigslist will be loaded with classic car ads for the next few weeks. Also, any E-Bay listing out of a zip code that is AZ specific might be worth watching.
The missing 1% is usually identified by the buyer. When the buyer complains about missing pieces, the seller responds: THAT’S the 1% missing.
I love Lancia’s. Wish I had space.
That grill looks so similar to the Triumph Italia. Wonder if it was produced in the same Vignale shop?
It’s a Pininfarina. Look up the Florida II. It was Battista’s favourite car and was present at his funeral.
Bob, the grille material for the Italia matches the Maserati 3500 and is a staggered grid (think of the way bricks are laid). I’ve attached a photo of my car.
Now that is a gorgeous car, Jamie ! Love it.
Thanks, Ricky, I’ve had it since 1987 :-)
Jamie, thanks for comment. I meant the surround. I have #184, partially restored.
Love this site&daily mail.
i think i see more then the asking price in parts but i do hope this does not parted out. a PI then an offer to the seller and the new owner should be very happy. great find
The seller is correct that a Lancia can be worth over $1 million….to someone….if perfect…..and the right model. Unfortunately this is not the right model for anywhere near that money. For that you would need an Aurelia Spider America, one of which sold recently for over $1.8 million. Certain other Lancias are also very big money cars now, but they are all the most sporting models, as usual.
But I agree with Jim, there is definitely more than the asking in parts value here, but the car is too good to part out. If the lower body rust isn’t bad it will be worth keeping whole and making good again. With the rise in value of the sporting models this car will follow them up in value, altho at a great distance.
The Lancia Aurelia V6 was the first production V6 engine, and the rest is history. Designed by de Virgilio, it had 6 throws on the crankshaft, which made it smoother running but more expensive. But the expense never bothered Lancia too much because they were converned with making high quality, sporting cars mainly, even the sedans.
Unfortunately it all ended when they had to be absorbed by Fiat for financial reasons, after which Lancias became mainly rebadged Fiats. That’s why a real Lancia like this will always have value—it’s the real thing.
I said it once and I’ll say it again….Nothing drives and handles like a Lancia Flaminia!! It just feels right. Even Enzo Ferrari was noted for saying how well they handled.
IMHO, Flaminia’s are extremely under-valued and it just a matter of time before these cars start fetching some serious cash. Parts are hard to come by and yes they rust like crazy but after you drive one, you too will be obsessed.
I also love Lancias, was in the Lancia club.I like this car,but lower rust is something to inspect before purchasing. The seats look like leather,the condition of them is unbeliveable. Black plates give hope that the rust isnt that bad.Im not into 4 doors but still a nice car at a resonable price,someone should save it,just not me.
Jay Leno Who?
This is a better description than the last time this Lancia was offered, but the old ad read “bill of sale only”. Since the current ad states clear title, I wonder i that’s still the case…