Highlights

Rare lightweight Zagato body, penned by Ercole Spada
Highly original and never restored
Recently serviced and reportedly driving well
Desirable 1800cc boxer engine

The Appeal

Throughout their long and esteemed history, Italian carrozzeria Zagato can always be counted upon to design and build cars that are staunchly out of the ordinary. Penned by the great Ercole Spada, their interpretation of the Lancia Flavia may be their most unconventional creation to date.

With bodywork handmade from the lightweight peraluman alloy assuring a low centre of gravity and Lancia’s powerful horizontally opposed four cylinder engine driving the front wheels, the Flavia Sport Zagato excelled in competition. Seldom do we see these wonderful, bizarre cars today, so we’re delighted to offer this beautiful 1965 example.

Featuring the later 1800cc variant of that fine boxer engine and presented in unrestored original condition, this is a fantastic example. In excellent condition for its age, both cosmetically and under the bonnet, this Lancia represents a once in a lifetime opportunity, so don’t hesitate in adding it to your collection.

The History and Paperwork

Original lightweight Zagato body from 1965
The vendor informs us that the original owner requested a “racing body” with flush rear window and doors
Italian home market supplied car
The odometer displays 08,132 kilometres although the vendor informs us that the car has actually covered around 90,000 kilometres
The vendor states that the car has never been restored
Reportedly garage stored for its entire life
Retains its original registration and unrestored original number plates
Apparently recently serviced and ready to drive

The Interior

We’re informed that the interior is entirely original
Retains its period correct Autovox radio
In great condition for its age with some attractive patina

The vendor assures us that this Lancia’s interior is entirely original and so, there is of course plenty of patina that it’s accrued over the last 58 years.

The leather upholstery continues to present really well, with just some creasing, cracking and the odd small hole. Overall, it looks to be well hydrated and the seats remain in eminently usable condition. All the carpeting and rubber matting looks in good order, with some wear as you’d expect to see. The headlining remains well supported and exhibits some nice patination.

The dashboard has survived really nicely, with just a few small marks and the odd area where the finish has worn away slightly. The vendor points out the great condition of all the instrumentation and we note the car retains a period correct Autovox radio. Inside the boot, all seems in very good, original order with the rubber matting still in place along with a spare wheel on the right-hand side.

This interior is a great place to be and we adore the tactile original controls. Few examples purport to be this original, making this an exemplary reference vehicle.

The Exterior

Ercole Spada coachwork built by Zagato
The vendor informs us that the original owner requested a “racing body” with flush rear window and doors
Attractive black paintwork
Handmade lightweight body fashioned from peraluman
Reportedly original and unrestored
In very good overall condition with no obvious corrosion or notable damage

Spare a moment to take in that curious Zagato styling. Quite something isn’t it?

As well as being immensely sculptural, the Zagato bodywork also served a practical purpose. The peraluman alloy was quite resistant to corrosion and it also made the car very light. Those Spada lines made the Flavia aerodynamic too and it proved a strong performer in spite of its fairly modest horsepower.

The vendor informs us that the bodywork has been carefully preserved over the years and so there’s no obvious corrosion to the coachwork or underside. The paintwork presents well for its age, with plenty of small blemishes but nothing especially noticeable. The car is really straight with no major dents to be seen.

The vendor says that all the chromework is original and it's certainly in really nice condition still. We enjoy the modernist model script on the rear and the remainder of the badging and trims look in good condition. All the lights seem in nice shape, as does the glass although we noticed what looks like a chip in the centre of the windscreen. The steel wheels are complete with their beauty rings and Lancia hubcaps. They’re shod with Michelin tyres which look to be in good condition.

The Mechanics

1800cc four cylinder boxer engine
Manual gearbox driving the front wheels

The vendor informs us that a recent service encompassed the following work:

New spark plugs
New oil and filter
New fuel filter
Replacement of the brake hoses and fuel hoses
Brake master cylinder overhauled
Rebuilt front callipers
New central exhaust section

This 1965 example features the later and desirable 1800cc variant of Lancia’s flat-four, with improved performance over its lower capacity predecessors. The vendor informs us that the car runs really well and drives brilliantly following its recent service. All presents quite well under the bonnet considering the car’s age and there’s no evidence of excessive leaks or anything appearing out of place. There are reportedly no mechanical issues to speak of.

Summary

It goes without saying that this is a rare and special car. Few surviving examples can claim to be anywhere near the original, making this a true collector’s item.

If you think you’re the right person to take on this Lancia’s continued preservation, be sure not to miss this excellent opportunity.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

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Shipping and transfer

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