Say you've got $40k desire to own and drive a Lancia. That buys a lot of Fulvia Coupe, not to mention 4-5 Fulvia Berlinas. It's also enough to get you into the Delta HF Integrale scene - even a later 16V car if we are not mistaken. And if you want something with direct ties to one of the most impressive innovations in powertrain engineering in the 1900s? You could find a very decent example of a Flaminia.

The Aurelia introduced the world to the V6 engine, and the Flaminia brought the technology into the next decade. The sliding pillar suspension found in the Aurelia was replaced with a double wishbone setup, while the braking system was upgraded to discs front and rear. And, for those who love idiosyncratic layouts, the rear discs were mounted on the rear-mounted transaxle, just like the drums in the Aurelia.

Year: 1961
Model: Lancia Flaminia Coupé
Engine: 2.5L V6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  52,526
Price: Auction
Location: Englewood, CO

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1961 Lancia Flaminia Coupé

This car is an incredible representation of the car that Lancia made so popular. A neatly done older restoration, walking around the car affords a close-up view of the build quality that made Lancia a world-class marque. Opening any of the moving panels rewards you, showing off a remarkably clean interior, engine bay and trunk – restored in the 1980’s to an original-like quality. Even exiting this car is pleasurable, as you notice the ease and authority of closing the doors. A repaint in 1985 is not without some wear, but it has held up well and compliments the patina in a presentable fashion. This car was a long-time resident of the dry, American southwest (Southern CA and NV). As such, this is a very solid and dry car; a piece for the true Lancia enthusiast.

Not only pretty, this is a running and driving example with some recent service by Classic Investments (new battery; oil changed; upper radiator hose replaced; carb removed, cleaned and tuned; NOS fuel pump installed and worn lines replaced; fuel tank cleaned and lined and spark plugs cleaned and adjusted). The engine was overhauled in 1984 while the car underwent paint service. Obviously well cared for, this car has just emerged from a 21 year residency in a large Lancia collection by a private individual and now awaits her next curator.

See attached vintage photo of this car with the Nevada plate! We have an extensive history file – in chronological order – going all the way back to 1973, which includes correspondence between owners and parts suppliers. (P.S. – be sure to also check out the photo of Brigitte Bardot posing with the Lancia Flaminia for the Venice Film Festival!)

Lancia only sold about 1,000 units per year of all Flaminia examples over the 13-year model run, so parts cars and parts salvaged from original cars are likely scarce. Finding parts is not as simple as ordering from a mail-order catalog. On the Aurelia, where values are much higher, the extra cost of business is justified, but it is probably pretty easy to start getting pinched on a Flaminia.

For those that are up to the challenge of maintaining a Flaminia properly, we think that the discount compared to an Aurelia could be worth it. It is likely a little bit duller to drive, and it does lack the history associated with being the first V6 car to market. For some, the discount will more-than compensate for that.

-Graham