1963 LANCIA FLAMINIA 3B PININFARINA COUPE 2.8 - LHD

This Lancia Flaminia Pininfarina Coupe is a superb and rare example of the marque’s flagship GT car of its era, which has been gradually refurbished over the last seven years and now presents in excellent condition with a very strong engine. Under the bonnet is a characterful 2.8-litre Lancia V6, fed by a triple-barrel Solex carburettor to produce around 136bhp, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 109,467km (68,020 miles), which is not warranted, but which is believed to be correct.

Carrying over much of the design of the Florida II concept car - a favourite of Battista Farina himself - the Flaminia Coupe by Pininfarina was an elegant three-box shape that set the tone for many other 1960s designs. This is understood to be one of just 1,085 examples of the 2.8-litre coupe, making it an exceptionally rare classic.

First registered in Italy in 1963, and with the vendor retaining a copy of the original ownership log from its early life, the car was imported to the UK in 2009, and was re-registered in February that year. For the next four years, it was maintained and stored by Omicron Engineering on behalf of a Japanese owner in the US who visited occasionally to take part in the annual Tour Auto rally in Europe, in which it competed several times.

In 2013, it was acquired by the current vendor, who has since invested in bringing the bodywork and paint up to a superb standard, commissioned a full re-trim of the interior, and has had the mechanical systems overhauled. As further evidence of its impressive condition, it was featured in Classic & Sports Car magazine in September 2020 as an exemplar of the breed, when Martin Buckley pitched it against its predecessor, the Aurelia B20.

Its bodywork presents superbly, with no known prior damage, and with impressive shut lines all around the car. The paintwork was renewed in December 2019, with all stages well documented in photographs, and it is now in excellent condition with a deep and glossy finish across all the panels. The front and rear bumpers were re-chromed, as well as the rear registration plate surround, and the brightwork now looks wonderful. Its wheels are finished with polished Lancia hubcaps, and the badging is present and correct throughout.

Inside, this Flaminia looks every inch the sumptuous 1960s GT car, with buttery tan leather that was fitted in 2014. The leather still looks superb, with no damage or discolouration, and only minimal signs of use. Its rear seats are just as plush as those at the front, giving this Pininfarina coupe genuine potential to be used as a fun family classic for weekend jaunts or car shows. Two large Jaeger instrument dials sit ahead of the driver, and the steering wheel is likely to be original with its handsome patina.

The last scheduled maintenance was carried out in March 2020 at 108,533km by renowned Lancia specialist Thornley Kelham. As well as a service, this comprised a replacement clutch, repairs to the front and rear indicators, a new washer pump and fluid bag, resealing of the steering box, and repairs to the horn contacts. The parking brake was also attended to, and a new gear linkage connecting bush and gaiter were fitted.

In addition to annual services throughout the vendor’s ownership, the car’s throttle pedal mechanism has been refurbished, its oil cooler pipes and coolant hoses have been renewed, and the Waxoyl treatment to the underside has been refreshed. In 2014, the car was also fitted with electronic ignition, and a stainless steel exhaust system.

The last MOT test was carried out on 26 May 2020 at 108,441 km, which resulted in a first-time pass with zero advisories or defects. Its tyres were renewed in April 2018, and have covered around 4,123km since then, so remain in excellent condition.

Accompanying the car is a copy of the original Italian registration certificate and ownership log, as well as the Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) certificate and a good deal of service history and other old documents. Copies of the owner’s handbook and workshop manual are also included.

This Lancia Flaminia 3B Pininfarina Coupe is a striking example of a handsome Italian classic, from the golden era of elegant grand tourers. The vendor reports that it has a particularly strong and well-sorted V6 engine, and that it drives superbly. It has toured both the south west region of the UK and northern Spain in the last two years without fault. Indeed, when Martin Buckley drove the car for the recent magazine feature, he commented that there were “no rattles or squeaks” and that it rode “with a sophisticated assurance that speaks of many unseen and expensive refinements”. It has been fastidiously maintained by the vendor, who has also invested in cosmetic and mechanical improvements to bring this 1960s Lancia up to a superb standard.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.