Description
Lancia Y Unica 1. 2 8v AS NEW. 3410 Miles.
Che fine ha fatto la tua Lancia, dove sei finita?
Where are you Lancia, where have you gone?
Photographing this car I was struck by how many astonishing design choices were made on it to create something truly and wonderfully, unique. It also saddened me greatly as the Lancia that created this magnificient Ypsilon is now part of the ‘Euro-Leyland’ group that is Stellantis, and the once heralded Lancia brand is pretty much on life support, like too many of the brands on it’s roster.
There are many words that are often used to describe classic cars and most are often used not quite accurately. In the case of this car the words ‘Like new’ and ‘time-warp’ truly do apply. Indeed there few superlatives that wouldn’t apply regarding it’s condition. This is principally because with 3410 miles and always stored inside, it effectively is new.
Another oft-used statement about unique and preserved cars is ‘find another’… Well, I’d say again that this statement is completely appropriate for this car - not only is it appropriately the Unica limited edition model, but there cannot be many, if any, in virtually factory-new condition. The car doesn’t even seem like a half year old car, never mind a 22 years old one, it has so little sign of any wear or use, and is very difficult to fault. As expected it is also mechanically perfect and also has very efficient factory AC. Somehow the factory new smell has transcended the intervening 22 years since it left the Lancia factory too…
Whilst it’s definitely a car of Lancia as a part of the FIAT group, it has enormous individuality and quirkiness and is a very different product to the related FIAT group products of the time. That being said it doesn’t require any specific servicing due to it’s close relationship to the other then contemporary FIAT products.
There is really nothing that can be described as a negative about the condition of the car, not even a stone-chip to mention. There might be some dust to brush off and some wear to the floormats (though a brand new set is also included), but even saying that would be pushing it.
If you would like to revisit 2003 and the then quirky world of Lancia with it’s remarkable Ypsilon, with virtually no sign of any time having passed since then, this is your opportunity. This Ypsilon should really be in a museum but is also a perfectly usable alternative to a contemporary new car with extraordinary attention to detail and independent design.
Given the now perilous state of the Lancia brand, that such a staggering example of it’s history has been so uniquely preserved, is a fitting nod to the once mighty style and individuality of the company. I defy you to see and drive it, and not be instantly and completely innamorati.
Lancia, ci manchi tanto.
