Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 108
1972 Lancia 2000 Berlina Chassis no. 820210004423
Sold for US$8,960 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 108
1972 Lancia 2000 Berlina
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1972 Lancia 2000 Berlina
Chassis no. 820210004423
Chassis no. 820210004423
1,991cc, 4-Cylinder Boxer Engine
Twin-Choke Solex C36 Carburetor
114hp at 5,650rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension by Wishbones, Rear, by Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*A crisply styled and innovative 70s saloon car
*Charming presentation in pewter over green velour upholstery
*Lancia's flagship of the early 70s
*Excellent condition throughout
*Advanced 4-cylinder boxer engine, front-drive, and disc brakes
*Sporty 'La Dolce Vita' motoring with room for the family
THE LANCIA 2000
Lancia were always at the forefront of innovation and in the true Italian tradition of extracting the maximum amount of power from even the most modest engine sizes, a ruse that was from the earliest days dictated by the country's displacement-based taxation policies. The pioneering Flavia made its debut in 1960, as one of the first series production cars to have both front wheel drive combined with a horizontally opposed engine. As was customary among Italian manufacturer of the era, the platform was designed from the onset to accommodate various body styles, and the Flavia could be had as a four-door berlina, 2-door coupe, cabriolet, or a lightweight Sport coupe. The crisp and tidy saloon was designed in-house by Piero Castagnero, while Pininfarina, Vignale, and Zagato contributed to the design and production of two-door models.
In 1971, the Flavia saloon underwent a significant redesign and was re-named the Lancia 2000. Both visually and on the spec sheet, the new 2000 was essentially a freshened Flavia, but Lancia said the body was entirely new – though in reality it essentially just redesigned front and rear clips. As evident by its name, the flat four displaced 2 liters, and was initially paired with the existing 4-speed manual gearbox, though a 5-speed came later. The punchy little engine produced 114 bhp, ensuring appropriately Italianate performance from the mid-sized 2000. The 2000 also offered high levels of equipment and comfort to occupants, balancing luxury with driver-focused enjoyment in a way that Lancia seemed to master like no other.
THE CAR OFFERED
The 1972 Lancia 2000 Berlina offered here is an outstanding example of a model rarely seen on our shores, particularly in such fine condition. Presented in a warm Pewter color with fantastic green corduroy velour seats and door cards, it is a wonderful display of 1970s Italian luxury and style. Renowned in its day for being exceptionally well-built, it is considered by many to be the last "true" Lancia, and is a worthy marque flagship, even as Fiat ownership (and their accountants) loomed over Lancia's heritage.
This car was acquired by the consignor outside of Rome, Italy in 2020. The previous owner, an Italian doctor, had a modest collection of Alfa Romeos and Lancias which he personally tended in his spare time. It is said the good Doctor performed the mechanical restoration on this car himself, and the consignor reports it is a most wonderful driver. Following his acquisition, the consignor enjoyed the car on the roads in and around Salerno, and it naturally attracted much admiration from the locals.
Presented in excellent order, this Lancia has been very well maintained in current ownership, evident throughout the car, particularly in the interior where the corduroy velour upholstery is beautifully preserved. Grey carpets accent the seats, and the wood-trimmed dash and steering wheel add a bit of traditional elegance. The original owner's manual resides in the glovebox, and there is even a set of original privacy curtains in the rear window, presumably when you wish to read Corriere delle Sera in peace as your driver slices through Milanese traffic...
The 2000 represents the last of a great line of traditional Lancia luxury sedan – unique cars that blend understated elegance with unparalleled mechanical sophistication. This outstanding and rare example is certain to please the discerning collector, and it offers a unique opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the best Lancia had to offer in the 1970s.
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