A beautifully presented Flaminia in a “ready to drive and enjoy” condition
A classic 1960’s GT car of the highest quality with a sublime Superleggera aluminium body by Touring of Milan
A rare car from new with survivors of this quality becoming vanishingly elusive
The Appeal
The Flaminia arrived in 1957 to replace the successful Aurelia and take its place at the top of the Lancia model range. Available as a saloon, a coupe and a convertible, Lancia outsourced the coachbuilding of the elegant coupes to Pininfarina, Zagato and Touring of Milan. Hand built in tiny numbers, the Flaminia Touring 2.5 3C has always been a rare sight. Not least in the UK where its original retail price got uncomfortably close to that of the Rolls Royce Silver Cloud.
Our example is a fastidiously cared for car in a fine, original condition. The current owner has been the car’s custodian for four years, and during that time, has undertaken an ongoing programme of maintenance and improvement. The result is a rare Italian thoroughbred that is ready to use, enjoy and cherish.
The History and Paperwork
Understood to be a car that has spent its life in Italy
Originally registered in January 1962
Not too much is known of our car’s early years
It was acquired in around 2009 by an acquaintance of the current owner
The current owner acquired it from his acquaintance in 2019
During his ownership a rolling programme of maintenance and improvements took place
The car is complete with some interesting original and provenance providing paperwork
These include the original Italian registration document
The current Certificato Di Proprieta (V5 equivalent) is present
A hard copy of the current Certificato di Revisione (MOT equivalent) is also on hand
This is valid until December 2023
The Interior
A highly original interior which has been carefully recommissioned to an excellent condition
A light an airy space thanks to large windows and a combination of materials and surfaces
The current owner has replaced the rubber under mats and the carpet over mats
The large dials, painted, body-coloured dash front and large, wood rimmed wheel all contribute to the 1960’s time-machine ambiance of the cabin. It has been carefully and thoughtfully renovated in here with care taken to retain the originality whilst maximising the condition. From here it is easy to imagine yourself cruising down the road between Rome and Ariminum from which this car takes its name – “the Flaminia.”
Our example retains its original coupe seats, a desirable but unusual feature. These are diminutive and heavily sculpted items which were often replaced by the bulkier, armchair-esque seats from the Berlina saloon. Our owner has had the original seat coverings renovated to present in the fine condition they are in today. Our example features the more practical rear, carpeted luggage shelf as opposed to the cramped rear seats that were also fitted to some examples.
Our owner has been busy in here. He has replaced the rubber under mats of the car as well as the grey carpet set which sits on top of these. The large, wooden steering wheel has been renovated as has the dashboard leather. The large and clear, white on black Veglia gauges have been checked for correct operation. All the other delightful cabin details from the large Bakelite knobs to the white painted dash panel all add to the charming period ambiance of this interior.
The Touring Milan coupe design allows for a surprisingly large boot will a low lip for easy loading. The boot floor is trimmed with the original “Superleggera” embossed rubber matting. This sits atop a wooden lidded aperture housing the spare wheel, jack and tool roll. Plenty of room in here for all the essential dolce vita supporting paraphernalia.
The Exterior
The aluminium Superleggera – or superlight - body, lovingly crafted by Touring of Milan presents in excellent condition
Bodywork appears straight and true, and all panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical
The steel wheels are capped with the correct, Lancia embossed chrome hub caps
This is a car that fascinates from every angle. It’s very ”of its period” with long and low bonnet and boot panels leading up to a generously glazed cabin. The gleaming white paintwork complements the car perfectly and the long bonnet and boot help to emphasise both the performance and GT credentials of this rare car.
Our current owner oversaw a professional respray of the car in his ownership and it appears to have been expertly undertaken. This paintwork combined with the bright chrome work of the bumpers, grill, wing mirrors and twin tail pipes really lend this car heaps of road presence and make it a car almost guaranteed to turn heads.
The steel wheels are finished in an off-white hue and are fitted with both chromed rim covers and the correct Lancia embossed chrome hub caps. The wheels are fitted with the factory correct radial type tyres in a 165 R400 configuration.
The only fault noted by the owner is a minor scratch on the front bumper which he describes as “almost invisible” and isn’t obvious from our photographs.
The Mechanics
The same attention to detail that exemplifies the rest of this car is evident under the bonnet
Powered by a Lancia built 2.5L V6 engine, based on the first production V6 of the Aurelia
Being a 3C model, our car has triple, twin choke Weber downdraft carburettors
At this period Lancia were renowned for their engineering prowess and the thought and consideration they put into their designs. It is reputed that even Enzo Ferrari was uncharacteristically generous about how well the Flaminia handled. Praise indeed!
These were range topping cars, remember, and in many ways were emblems of Italy’s world standing as car designers, engineers and builders. Given that, the mechanical specification of our car was generous for the period. Refinements included a De Dion rear suspension set up, a transaxle arrangement and disk brakes all round. Francesco De Virgilio’s V6 engine deign may have harked back to the 1950’s but it was renowned for its smoothness and linear power delivery. With the triple Webbers of our car, it was decently powerful, too, originally rated at around 138bhp.
Our owner has undertaken a programme of mechanical maintenance in his ownership. This had included a complete brake and transmission overhaul including new fluids. New gaskets and brake master cylinder. A full clutch and steering recommissioning, new spark plugs and new rear silencers.
Given this our owner reports that the car starts easily, even after it has been standing for somewhile, and is entirely useable as daily transport should you wish.
Summary
Superleggera coach-built cars, a unique technique where aluminium panels are shaped by hand over metal forms, have always been sought after and are inherently rare. With supply inevitably outstripped by demand this fine car remains one of very few still available and, hence, surely a recipe for an excellent investment.
All that “head” stuff aside, however, this is a “heart” car if ever there was one. It looks great from every angle, oozes class and sophistication and it is reported to run faultlessly. It is ready to be used and enjoyed and represents a very rare opportunity to own such a beautiful Italian automotive masterpiece.
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.
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].
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1962 Lancia Flaminia Touring 2.5 3C
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