A left hand-drive model first registered in France, this striking Zagato-bodied Lancia features the Milanese styling house's renowned double-bubble body form in which low overall lines and rounded streamlined shape are achieved by the simple but ingenious
A left hand-drive model first registered in France, this striking Zagato-bodied Lancia features the Milanese styling house's renowned double-bubble body form in which low overall lines and rounded streamlined shape are achieved by the simple but ingenious device of convex head-clearance roof bulges above each front seat.
Introduced at the 1956 Turin Motor Show and intended as a replacement for the Aurelia, the Flaminia retained its predecessor's 2.5-liter, overhead-valve, V6 engine and De Dion rear trans-axle with inboard brakes, though Lancia's traditional "sliding pillar" independent front suspension gave way to a more modern double-wishbone arrangement. Topping the range were the Zagato-bodied Sport and Supersport models, both sharing a shortened wheelbase and featuring disc brakes and increased power. A 2775cc engine was introduced for 1963, by which time the sportier Flaminias were capable of almost 130 mph.
One of only 150 Zagato Supersports made, this example of the last word in old-style Lancia design has been in its current ownership since May 1992. It has benefited from considerable expenditure during the last six years, receiving new paint, chrome, carpets, headlining, rubber seals, and tires. The brakes have been overhauled, a new clutch and shock absorbers fitted, and the engine serviced and tuned. According to its owner, the car "drives beautifully at present and is one of the prettiest you could ever wish to see. As a driver's car it is on the soft side and has a wonderful agility. The gearchange is crisp and delightful, and the engine torquey and rorty, being the ultimate 152-bhp version of the Flaminia V6."
Finished in metallic grey with red leather interior, this rare Italian thoroughbred is offered with sundry bills and original registration document.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1966 Lancia Flaminia Zagato SS |
| Years Produced: | 1959-1967 |
| Number Produced: | 150 |
| Original List Price: | $6,500 |
| SCM Valuation: | $40,000-$52,500 |
| Tune Up Cost: | $500-$1,000 |
| Distributor Caps: | $150-200 NOS |
| Chassis Number Location: | Plate on firewall |
| Engine Number Location: | Left side of engine block |
| Club Info: | American Lancia Club |
| Website: | http://www.americanlanciaclub.com |
The car described here sold at Brooks’ London sale on December 2, 1998 for $44,781, including commission. Most enthusiasts find the Zagato bodies designed in the late ’50s to early ’60s among the most attractive shapes on wheels. An enthusiast on a budget will have to pass on Zagato-bodied Astons, Ferraris and Maseratis, and often will look down the scale at the Fiat Abarths. In the middle, however, are the often-overlooked Lancia Flaminias. The triple-carb 3C Flaminia in either 2.5-liter or 2.8-liter configuration is a very strong GT car with a better chassis than the Zagato-bodied Ferrari, Maserati or Aston. The cars are well built, rare, beautiful and wildly underrated by the cash-in-fist buying public.
The last Supersports, such as this one, have the flattened double-bubble roofline and the larger taillamps. This combination is not as attractive as the earlier Flaminia Zagatos, but is offset by the 2.8-liter 3C power-plant that is easily the most desirable of all the engines fitted to various models of the Flaminia. If this car is as described, it not only falls into the low end of the SCM Price Guide, but also has the proper service history that, if missing, can turn a #2 example into a #3 very quickly.- Michael Duffey