1962 Lancia Flaminia 2.5-Litre 3C Coupé

• Rare and desirable triple-carburettor 3C coupé
• Part of the vendor's private collection since 2018
• Engine overhauled upon acquisition
• Maintained in house

"Over many decades one has come to expect so much of a Lancia that one judges it inevitably by very high standards.

Representing the highest level in current Italian concept and workmanship, the Flaminia coupé has a strong and attractive character, underlined by impeccable road manners, which make it as rewarding to drive in this country (the UK) as in its native land." - Autocar, 1960.

The coupé and convertible versions of the Lancia Flaminia were made in relatively small numbers and surviving examples in good condition are, therefore, quite rare. Lancia's Pinin Farina-styled Flaminia saloon had debuted at the 1956 Turin Motor Show. Designed by newly recruited Antonio Fessia and intended as a replacement for the Aurelia, the Flaminia retained its predecessor's mechanical layout, though the form of unitary construction was changed and Lancia's traditional 'sliding pillar' independent front suspension, which had been used on every model since 1922, gave way to a more modern double wishbone and coil spring arrangement. Aurelia carry-overs were the overhead-valve, 60-degree V6 engine and De Dion rear transaxle (with inboard brakes). The former had been extensively reworked by Fessia, resulting in a much stronger power unit than that designed by his legendary predecessor, Vittorio Jano.

The short-wheelbase Flaminia coupé appeared in 1958, followed by the Touring-styled GT and GTL (2+2) coupés and the convertible. The latter trio shared a further shortened (to 99") wheelbase with the Sport and Super Sport models, and all featured disc brakes and increased power. The 2,458cc V6 produced 119bhp when installed in the more sporting Flaminias, with 140bhp available in the triple-carburettor '3C' models from 1961, which was further increased when the 2,775cc version arrived in 1963. Parts availability for these classic Lancias is excellent, with the UK's Omicron Engineering holding plentiful stocks. There are also marque specialists in Italy, Holland, and the USA, as well as an enthusiastic owners' club. These cars cost as much as an Aston Martin DB4 when new and were arguably much better engineered.

Beautifully finished in silver with a black leather interior, this Flaminia Coupé was purchased for the vendor's private collection in 2018; he then had the engine overhauled and a new clutch fitted. Since then, the Flaminia has remained in his collection and been looked after by his in-house mechanic. The car performed very well on a recent test drive and has a beautiful patina. It is being offered with Italian registration documents as well as a reproduction of the owner's manual.