Lot details Registration No: AAS 718 Chassis No: 813002957 Mot Expiry: April 2008
The Flaminia was launched in 1956 as replacement for the Aurelia saloon at the top of the Lancia range. Named after the Via Flaminia Roman road leading from Rome to Rimini, the Flaminia's styling was by Pininfarina, the bodystyle having been previewed by the Florida prototype shown at the 1956 Turin show, although the suicide doors of the Florida did not make production. Hand built at Lancia's Borgo Sao Paolo factory (and the last model to be made there), the Berlina (as the saloon version was named) featured a 2458cc version of the Aurelia's Jano designed V6 engine (the world's first V6) and featured a new independent front suspension system by double wishbones. Still with a De Dion rear transaxle and with the unusual feature of twin windscreen wipers on both the inside and outside of the rear screen (!), the Flaminia was a true Lancia with a wonderful combination of precise handling which belied its external size married to a very comfortable ride. Being very costly the Flaminia was very exclusive and as well as being staple transport for Italian dignitaries examples were owned by luminaries such as Sofia Loren and Brigitte Bardot. Only 3,344 Berlina's were built before the 2.5 litre engine was replaced by a 2.8 litre unit in 1963.
Due to the limited numbers produced and its high initial cost, survivors are few and far between, especially in the UK. Just such a survivor however is the black 1960 left hand drive Berlina on offer here. Showing an unwarranted 6,708 km on the odometer, this particular example has red cloth upholstery which in conjunction with the flag mast mounted on the front wing leads the vendor to believe that it may be an ex-Vatican car, although there is no documentary evidence to support this. Imported into the UK in 2001 we are told that "extensive work has been carried out by Lancia specialists Omicron Engineering". Described by the vendor as "good" with regard to engine, electrics, transmission, interior, chassis and wheels/tyres, the paintwork and bodywork are rated as "fair". This rare and imposing car will be sold with MOT until April 2008 and tax until May 2008.
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