1960 Lancia Flaminia

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 Lancias venue of choice where they hold a record ten World Constructors 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 Aurelias equally outstanding 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.In 1959 the Sport was added to the lineup which featured a lightweight aluminum body designed and built by Zagato in Milan. The curvaceous lines initially included covered headlights the prominent Zagato double bubble roof and pop-out door handles. A 2.5-liter V-6 was at first only available in single Solex carburetor 118 bhp guise and later in three-carburetor or 3C specification good for an estimated 138 bhp. After the first 99 examples were built road legislation changes in Italy prohibited the production of vehicles with covered headlights which prompted a second series of the Sport featuring open headlights and a revised dashboard. Over the years the Flaminia Sport Zagato was gradually upgraded with a three-carburetor engine setup and later a 2.8-liter engine. In 1964 the Super Sport with revised styling replaced the Sport. Production ceased in 1967 by which time 593 Flaminias were clothed by Zagato making any Zagato-built Flaminia a notable collectors piece.The Flaminia Sport offered here chassis 824.001337 was sold new to Giovanni Tavella S.p.A. a Milan-based company owned by Enrico Tavella Luca Zagatos uncle. According to the original Italian libretto and ACI road registration records Giovanni Tavella S.p.A. retained the Flaminia until 1983 at which point ownership was transferred directly to Luca Zagato. Under his ownership the Lancia was restored with much of the work reportedly carried out by Zagatos workshop in Terrazzano di Rho. It is believed that also at this time the original engine was exchanged for the current unit. The Lancia would remain within the Zagato familys ownership until 2020 when it was sold to the current owner a connoisseur with a passion for finely engineered sports and GT cars. This cars dark silver paint color is perfectly suited to the crisp Zagato lines. Bodywork and paint are in fine order with good crisp shut lines and clean reflections. 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 shod with correct hubcaps and trim rings. and a set of proper Carello headlamps lights the way. The interior is particularly appealing trimmed in black leather upholstery piped in gray on the seats with black carpet bound in light gray as well as gray trim to the door panels and luggage area. Plenty of chrome trim and accents create a real sense of occasion when sliding behind the wheel. The dash instruments and switchgear all appear to be in very well-preserved original condition. The two-passenger cabin is exemplary Italian: Simple elegant and finely detailed with a perfectly judged luster. The centerpiece of this Flaminia is the fabulous 2.5 liter V6. The engine compartment is tidy and well detailed with proper wrinkle-finish valve covers a correct original air cleaner and correct hoses fittings and clamps. This Lancia Flaminia is first and foremost a drivers car the V6 is strong and runs great the chassis is solid and tight and the driving experience is sublime.In addition to important original registration documents the original sales documentation including the receipt of a deposit and the subsequent balance is also on file verifying its unique ownership history tied to the Zagato family. The Flaminia is also accompanied by an owners manual and jack. These exceedingly rare cars very seldom come onto the market; this is a great opportunity for a discerning collector to acquire one of Zagatos most accomplished creations. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7650-1960-lancia-flaminia-sport-zagato/