1967 Lancia Flaminia

The Lancia Flaminia came to market in 1957 as a successor to the Aurelia and would serve as a flagship to the marque. Introduced at the 1956 Torino Motor Show, the Flaminia incorporated some of the Aurelia's mechanical components including its overhead-valve V-6 engine, and De Dion rear axle with inboard brake. Produced through 1970, the coachbuilt bodies included a coupe and convertible from several prominent Italian coachbuilders, including Touring, Pininfarina, and Zagato. A four-door saloon was also available, though not as popular as the coupe. During its thirteen-year production lifespan, a total of 12,633 examples were built.

The 2,458cc (2.5-liter) engine produced 101 horsepower with a single carburetor and 138 horsepower with a triple carburetor setup. In 1962, displacement grew to 2,775cc (2.8 liters) and developed between 126 and 148 horsepower with a triple-barrel carburetor and 150 horsepower with a triple carburetor. The rear-mounted transaxle was a four-speed manual unit, and stopping power was initially by drum brakes or discs, while later models had discs only. The rear suspension retained the De Dion setup of its predecessor, while the front received double wishbones, coil springs, an anti-roll bar, and telescopic shock absorbers.

The saloon had a wheelbase size of 113 inches, a height of 58 inches, a width of 69 inches, and a length of 192 inches. The coupe had a 99-inch wheelbase, a length of 177 inches, a width of 65 inches, and stood 51 inches tall.

Pinin Farina created a design study named the Florida I in 1955, followed in 1957 by a two-door coupe with pillarless windows named the Florida II concept. Both were based on the Aurelia and both served as design inspiration for the Flaminia. The original two bodies of the Flaminia were developed by Pinin Farina, with the first being shown at the Turin Motor Show in April of 1956 and the second in Mary of 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show. The first Flaminia had a coil spring suspension and 'suicide' doors inspired by the Florida design study. The second example received a traditional door configuration.

Body Styles

Pinin Farina designed the Berlina (meaning saloon / sedan) and the Coupe. The Berlina was similar to the Florida I prototype while the Coupe had similarities to the Florida II prototype, but with a 2+2 layout. The Berlina was the only Flaminia body style to be built by Lancia, as all the others were built by independent coachbuilders. Additionally, it was the only body to last through the entire production period, with a total of 3,344 examples constructed with 599 fitted with the larger 2.8-liter engine with 128 horsepower, while the rest employed the 2.5-liter engine with 110 bhp.

Of the 5,236 examples of the Flaminia Coupe built, 4,151 had the 2.5-liter engine and 1,085 with the 2.8-liter unit. The front-end styling was the same as the Berlina but it rested on the shortened wheelbase relative to the Berlina. Most of the coupes rested on 175HR400 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 millimetric tires.

Carrozzeria Touring designed and built a coupe named the Flaminia GT, a 2+2 version of the GT on a slightly longer wheelbase named the Flaminia GTL, and a Flaminia Convertible. Production of the convertible lasted until 1964 and a total of 847 examples were built, including 180 with the 2.8-liter engine. Production of the GT and GTL lasted through 1965, with 1,718 examples of the GT and 300 of the GTL. 168 of the GTs and 297 of the GTLs had a 2.8-liter engine.

The Touring-built Flaminias were constructed from aluminum and wore unique four-round headlamps. Pininfarina's Flaminias had two round headlights.

Carrozzeria Zagato built a two-seater coupe on the same shorter wheelbase chassis as the GT, with aluminum coachwork, pop-out door handles, a rounded/curvaceous body, and the Milanese design house's renowned 'double bubble' roofline. The early examples had flush-covered headlights, while later examples had classic round ones. Zagato had a reputation for lightweight construction and aerodynamic bodies, and the coachwork created for the Flaminia was at least 95 kg lighter than the other bodies used on the Flaminia chassis. They were known as the Flaminia Sport and were built through 1964 when they were replaced by the Super Sport with the larger 2.8-liter, 150 hp engine. A limited-slip differential and servo-assisted disc brakes were standard, while three Weber 40 DCN 12 carburetors were optional. Along with the larger engine, the Super Sport was given a Kammback rear end and tear-shaped headlight casings.

Zagato built 99 'preseries', 344 Sports, and 150 Supersports.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback Coupe (2.8 Liter) by Zagato
Chassis number: 826.232.002121

Many automotive enthusiasts search their entire lives for the 'perfect' drive. Given their long-standing tradition of naming their production cars after Roman roads, Lancia would hope that the Via Flaminia would certainly be a memorable experience for all.

Lancia's Flaminia would be a successor to the Aurelia and would begin production in 1957. Designed by Antonio Fessia, the Flaminia would retain the same basic structure as the Aurelia. However, there would be some important differences between the two. The Flaminia would return to a more conventional front suspension arrangement, while the first model would be made available with either drum or disc brakes.

The world's first V6 engine had been introduced with the Aurelia. This same basic engine would be used as a basis for the Flaminia, but with some important evolutions. Most notably, the bore would be increased while the stroke would be decreased. The first example of the 2.5-liter engine would be capable of producing 100 hp.

Production of the Flaminia would begin in 1957, the same year in which it made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The Flaminia would come with custom-built coachwork making the car a much more exclusive car in Lancia's line. The first factory-built sedan, or Berlina, would be designed by none other than Pinin Farina. The famous coachbuilder would also design a four-seat coupe. Carrozzeria Touring would fashion a two-seat convertible and a two-seat coupe.

Then there was the Sport built by Zagato. The first Sport version would have a single-carburetor, 2.5-liter engine. Production of the Sport would begin in 1959 after first being shown to the public in 1958. This first version of the Sport would see small revisions to the front of the car. Still, over a three-year period, just 205 examples would be sold.

In 1962, the Sport would get a boost, literally. A three-carburetor version would be introduced, and the power output would increase from 119 to 140 horsepower. There would end up being 174 examples of this Flaminia that would be sold in just one year. The following year, 1963, the engine would be enlarged to 2.8 liters. Known as the Sport 3C 2.8, there would be just 33 that would be sold before Lancia developed its final and most desirable iteration of the Sport.

In 1964, Lancia would unveil its latest example of the Flaminia Sport. Called appropriately the 'Super Sport', the last evolution of the Flaminia Sport, the engine would be similar. However, the addition of larger Weber 40 DCN 12 carburetors would boost power output to 152 horsepower.

But while the engine's increased power would certainly deserve the title of Super Sport, it would be the revised body styling from Zagato that would help to define the whole package. Zagato had many moments when its touch of genius created a truly beautiful piece of automotive art. Complete with the recessed, tear-drop headlights, simple and elegant flowing lines, and Kamm tail, the last example of the Super Sport design by Zagato would be an absolute stroke of beauty. Still, because of the custom, coach-built body, every single one of the 187 examples of the Super Sport ever built is an absolute piece of automotive history.

One such piece of Flaminia history is being offered for sale at the RM Auctions in Amelia Island in March of 2013. Chassis 826.232.002121 is presented in period-correct Newmarket Grey and has a striking red leather interior.

Supposedly to have come to California early on in its history, the Super Sport was to be found in California until the 1970s, when it to be owned by a collector that coveted the car dearly for a period of more than three decades. Well maintained and kept in a climate-controlled environment, the car still presented quite well, even after years and years.

In 2008, the Flaminia Super Sport would undergo a complete restoration whereby the body and the mechanical components of the car would be entirely redone. Completing restoration, the car would make an appearance at the 30th Anniversary Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance event. This would be a very rare opportunity to behold this car and it would not be overlooked. Causing more than one admirer to stop and take in its lovely lines, it was clear why the Flaminia Super Sport was one of the most sought-after and elegant Lancias to grace the open road en route to that perfect driving experience.

Heading to auction, the 1967 Lancia Flaminia Super Sport by Zagato would be drawing estimates ranging from $220,000 to $280,000.

Sources:

'Lot No. 178: 1967 Lancia Flaminia Super Sport by Carrozzeria Zagato', (http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1057737). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1057737. Retrieved 7 March 2013.

'1967 Lancia Flaminia News, Pictures and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z17173/Lancia-Flaminia.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z17173/Lancia-Flaminia.aspx. Retrieved 7 March 2013.

Wikipedia contributors, 'Lancia Flaminia', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 February 2013, 06:55 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lancia_Flaminia&oldid=540527647 accessed 7 March 2013

by Jeremy McMullen

Fastback Coupe (2.8 Liter) by Zagato
Chassis number: 826.232.002121

The Flaminia was part of the Lancia Aurelia designed by Vittorio Jano. The Flaminia continued the tradition of being named after Roman Roads and named after Via Flaminia, the road which leads from Rome to Rimini. This was one of the first cars to ever be fitted with a V6 engine.

In total, there were only about 110 of these cars ever built. The current owner of this Flaminia Zagato Super Sport has owned the car for nearly three decades. The car has been completely rebuilt and returned to its original color of 'Newmarket Grey.' The car has the ultimate configuration of a Zagato double bubble roof, three carbs set-up, and teardrop headlights.

Fastback Coupe (2.8 Liter) by Zagato
Chassis number: 826.232.002130
Engine number: 826.200.2135

This 1967 Lancia Flaminia Super Sport is a late production car and is powered by a 2,775cc SOHC 60-degree V-6 engine with three Weber carburetors and producing 152 horsepower at 5,600 RPM. It has a four-speed manual transaxle, four-wheel servo-assisted hydraulic disc brakes with the rear-mounted inboard, and an independent front suspension with double wishbones and coil springs. The rear suspension uses a deDion axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and a Panhard Rod.

This left-hand-drive Lancia was first registered in 1968 and spent much of its earliest years in the United Kingdom before being imported to France in 1983. The car remained in the care of one French owner for two decades, who repainted the car red and drove it regularly through 2003. The next owner was Alain Toillon of Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in central France.

The current owner purchased the vehicle in early 2015 and had it shipped to his home in Southern California. Soon after its arrival, the car was given a complete restoration, including a bare-metal repaint in the original color of Grigio Newmarket.

by Dan Vaughan

The Lancia Flaminia was produced from 1957 through 1970, with a total of 12,633 examples being produced. The vehicle was used as a replacement for the Aurelia and was offered in a variety of body styles, including sedan, limousine, cabriolet, and coupe. Coachbuilders, such as Pininfarina, Touring, and Zagato, were also given the opportunity to create custom examples for specific clients. All body styles were custom coach-built except for the sedan.

As the years progressed, so did the mechanical components. The V6 engine came in various sizes, and horsepower ranged from 100 to 152. They were mounted longitudinally and mated to a four-speed rear-mounted transaxle which sent power to the rear wheels. Drum brakes were standard, but disc brakes became standard after the first 500 examples. The suspension comprised double wishbones and coil springs with an anti-roll bar in the front. In the rear was a De Dion setup.

Though the vehicle was produced for a relatively long time, only a small number were produced. Being mostly coach built, these were very exclusive automobiles, with many having distinct features or characteristics, making them unique. Pininfarina produced the Coupe body styles. The front was almost identical to the Berlina but with rounded headlights angled upward. In total, 5236 coupes were created, with production lasting until 1967. Zagato produced the Sport two-seater body styles. The bodies were created from aluminum with the trademark Zagato 'double bubble' and pop-out handles. In 1964 the Sport was replaced by the Super Sport, which increased the horsepower to 152 through the upgraded 2.8L engine. The Sport was produced until 1967, with 344 examples created. There were 150 examples of the Super Sport.

Touring was responsible for creating the GT, GTL, and Convertible. The GT was a coupe body style. The convertible could be purchased with the optional hardtop. The GTL was introduced in 1962 and sat atop a slightly larger wheelbase. It came in a 2+2 configuration. The Touring examples were distinguished by their four-round headlights. The Convertible version was produced until 1964, with 847 examples produced. The GT and GTL were produced until 1965, with 1718 GTs and 300 GTLs constructed.

Pininfarina created four limousines of the Lancia Flaminia for royalty. Production took about six months and provided seating for seven. Officially, the name was 335 due to the 335 cm wheelbase. It was also called Presidenziale or Quirinale.

by Dan Vaughan