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.*
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