Lancia Flaminia Sport by Zagato, 1959
Lancia Flaminia
Lancia Flaminia•
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Chassis No.: 824.00 1022
Engine No.: 823.00 1021
Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco
€571,200 EUR | Sold
- The holy grail of Flaminias; one of 99 first-series cars with covered headlamps
- Photo-documented Italian restoration, completed in 2004
- Legendary Lancia V-6 with stunning Zagato coachwork
- Includes FIVA and ASI paperwork
119 bhp, 2,458 cc DOHC V-6 engine with a single Solex carburettor, four-speed manual rear-mounted transaxle, front independent suspension, rear de Dion axle with leaf springs and Panhard rod, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,520 mm
119 hp, 2,458 cm³ V-6 engine with two overhead camshafts and a single Solex carburettor, four-speed manual transaxle, independent front suspension, rear de Dion axle with leaf springs and Panhard rod, and hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels. Wheelbase: 2,520 mm.
Although the post-war years at Lancia bore witness to some ground-breaking mechanical innovations, including front independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and the world’s first series-production V-6 engine, by 1955, the company’s fortunes had somewhat diminished. Recognising the need to breathe new life into their model line, the Turin-based automaker reconnected with Carrozzeria Pinin Farina to produce the Florida Saloon, an Aurelia-based concept car that debuted at the Turin Auto Salon later that year. Public reaction to the Florida was overwhelmingly positive, and Lancia soon approved a production version, which was eventually dubbed the “Flaminia”, and it replaced the Aurelia as the company’s flagship model.
The Flaminia was initially built only as a berlina, but a Pinin Farina coupé eventually became available, and it experienced immediate success. Three years later, at the Turin Salon, the company introduced two sportier versions with shortened wheelbases, the Flaminia GT and the Flaminia Sport. Whilst the prior car was a grand tourer built by Touring, of Milan, the Flaminia Sport was bodied by Zagato and included a number of the firm’s hallmark styling cues, such as a sinewy, curvaceous body, covered headlamps, a central bonnet scoop, and the signature double-bubble roof.
The Flaminia’s body was fashioned in lightweight alloy panels, and Zagato’s coachwork endowed the sporty Lancia chassis with improved aerodynamics and distinctive good looks. Just 99 examples of the first Flaminia Sport with covered headlamps were constructed before the design was modified, and these earliest Sports remain the rarest and perhaps most sought-after of the three versions that were built before production ended in 1967.
In 2003, this Lancia was acquired by the previous owner, who subjected it to an intense restoration that stressed originality above all else. As demonstrated by a compendium of invoices, the exhaustive refurbishment was performed by the well-regarded Carrozzeria Quality Cars in Padova, Italy, whose craftsmen learned their trade under the tutelage of the famous Dino Colognato.
The classic 2.5-litre Lancia V-6 was carefully refinished to match the sparkling engine compartment, whilst the body was painted in an authentic coat of blue paint, which was complemented by an interior of light blue leather and white piping, with darker blue carpeting. After the handsome Flaminia completed its restoration in late 2004, the owner sought to bolster its provenance with accreditation from the most prestigious sanctioning bodies, securing both a FIVA identity card and ASI paperwork.
This outstanding early Flaminia Sport is beautifully prepared for presentation at finer concours d’elegance, and it is certain to be welcomed at numerous world-class vintage events and tours, as it is a very rare and highly desirable example that combines the finest in Lancia chassis engineering with the peerless styling that Zagato was penning at the twilight of the 1950s. This Flaminia Sport would make an outstanding addition to any collection of Italian post-war sports cars, as it is a singularly breath-taking automotive statement, with its ground-breaking V-6 and exquisite coachbuilt lines.
Flaminias such as this lovely example are exceedingly smooth, easy, and comfortable to drive. This car is well ahead of its time, and it would be ideal for spirited touring, as well as concours showings. It is the perfect GT.
Although the post-war period at Lancia saw some remarkable innovations, such as independent front suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and the first series-production V-6 engine, the company’s fortunes were not at their brightest in 1955. Recognising the need to revitalise its range, the Turin-based manufacturer turned to Carrozzeria Pinin Farina to produce the Florida saloon, an Aurelia-based concept car unveiled at the Turin Motor Show later that year. The public response was enthusiastic, and Lancia launched a production version, named the “Flaminia”, which replaced the Aurelia as the marque’s flagship.
Initially, the Flaminia was produced only as a saloon, but it was soon joined by a Pininfarina coupé, which enjoyed immediate success. Three years later, at the Turin Motor Show, the manufacturer unveiled two sportier versions on a shorter chassis: the Flaminia GT and the Flaminia Sport. The former was a grand tourer built by Touring of Milan, while the Flaminia Sport was bodied by Zagato and featured several of the coachbuilder’s signature design elements, including a sleek, flowing profile, covered headlamps, a bonnet air intake and the famous double-bubble roof.
The Flaminia’s Zagato body was made from lightweight alloy panels, giving the sporty Lancia chassis improved aerodynamics and a distinctive, appealing style. Only 99 examples of the first Flaminia Sport, with covered headlamps, were built before the design was changed, making these earliest Sports the rarest and perhaps most sought-after of the three versions produced before production ended in 1967.
In 2003, this Lancia was purchased by its previous owner, who commissioned an extensive restoration with the utmost emphasis on authenticity. As evidenced by a file of invoices, the comprehensive work was carried out by the renowned Carrozzeria Quality Cars in Padua, Italy, where the craftsmen learned their trade under the tutelage of the celebrated Dino Colognato.
The classic 2.5-litre Lancia V-6 was carefully refinished to complement the immaculate engine bay, while the body was painted in an authentic shade of blue. The exterior was complemented by a light-blue leather interior with white piping and darker blue carpeting. After the beautiful Flaminia’s restoration was completed in late 2004, the owner sought to confirm its provenance through the most prestigious organisations, obtaining a FIVA identity card and ASI documentation.
This exceptional Flaminia Sport is beautifully prepared for presentation at the finest concours d’elegance and is sure to be welcomed at many world-class vintage events and rallies. It is a rare and highly desirable example, combining the finest Lancia chassis engineering with the incomparable styling Zagato was creating at the close of the 1950s. This Flaminia Sport would make an exceptional addition to any collection of post-war Italian sports cars, as it is a truly outstanding automotive statement, with its revolutionary V-6 and elegant lines.
Flaminias such as this one are exceptionally smooth, easy and comfortable to drive. This car was far ahead of its time and would be ideal for spirited touring as well as concours d’elegance. It is a GT in the truest sense.
https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mc14/lots/r114-1959-lancia-flaminia-sport-by-zagato/
Cost
2,361,656 AED
