Lot 258: 1960 Lancia Flaminia Zagato Sports

The Lancia Flaminia was, during the 1960s, the firm's top of the range Grand Touring model, representing a worthy successor to the Aurelia which it had replaced and indeed from which it had inherited many design features. The new model featured unequal-length wishbone independent front suspension, a de Dion axle with inboard brakes at the rear, a transaxle type gearbox (pre-dating the Ferrari 275GTBs similar layout by some time) and a superb 2,458cc V6 engine derived from that of the Aurelia. In 1961 engine power was boosted from 102 to 110bhp and in 1962 its capacity was increased to 2.8 litres, power rising to 146bhp and maximum speed to 130mph. A three carburettor high performance option was also available. A variety of coachbuilt bodies were available on the Flaminia chassis but easily the most desirable are those by Zagato, of which this is a beautiful example. Despite a UK price tag of £3,850 (twice that of an E-Type and enough then to buy a detached house) the sleek and elegantly sporting Zagato Super Sport wooed the motoring public when unveiled. A number of famous luminaries of the day owned examples, including Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni whose Zagato featured with him in the classic film 'La Dolce Vita'. Other owners included Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot, whilst racing drivers Peter Collins, Lance Macklin, Paul Frere and even the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio purchased examples. Enzo Ferrari is quoted as describing the Flaminia Zagato as one of the best handling cars ever built. This beautiful 1960 Flaminia Zagato was the subject of a rebuild and rebody to precise Zagato specification by ex-Zagato employees. Its most present owner, a policeman, has always had a passion for Lancia cars but unfortunately not the budget to buy the great ones. This stunning example is in excellent condition and because of its parentage (built from a Flaminia PF Coupe) can qualify for an HTP document which would allow it to compete in many European races and rallies. The fact that its original Black Plate is TORINO adds a really nice touch to the overall appearance. A beautiful car and extremely useable. It has 69,000km showing on the speedometer and comes with original license plate and Italian Logbook.