Source: lotar.com

Posted: 11 Dec 2009

Sir Francis Bacon once said: \"There is no beauty that haft not strangeness in its proportions.\" The Lancia Flavia Sport 1.8 completely embraces this defined beauty. It debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1960. The unconventional 2+2 coupe carried all aluminum coachwork by Carozzeria Zagato, one of Italy’s most important and influential design studios. This “break-the-mold” sportscar was designed with a front wheel drive horizontally mounted and water cooled flat four with dual weber carburetors bringing total output to 105hp. Coupled with a lightweight aerodynamic body, the car proved an excellent competitor in rally and endurance racing in the small-displacement classes during the period. Of 626 produced from 1963-67 (this is #413), there are literally only a handful left. This car is in a very presentable state. It was originally silver and is now a two tone. Although the paint is not of concourse quality it looks nice and I believe color sanded and buffed. If you look hard, there are a few miniscule dings to the body and some small areas of corrosion under the paint. Body panel fit is excellent for a hand made car. Chrome is beautiful. The interior was recently retrimmed with new vinyl and wool carpets. Headliner is original and in good condiiton, as are the door cards and dash. Instruments function except the speedo and tach. It runs and drives well but needs brake work immediately. A full set of new brake pads to install comes with the car. The engine doesn’t smoke or leak and oil pressure is good. Glass is fine. Stainless hubcaps are present and nice. The car was originally delivered to France and has spent five years garaged in Scotland before coming to California 2 years ago. I have a history of ownership. The pan is in good condition although the undercoat has begun to flake off. With some minor work this car could be an excellent driver or potential concourse restoration candidate. It is a complete and highly unusual example. In it’s day, the Flavia Sport sold for twice as much as a Jaguar XKE and was marketed to a wealthy and exclusive clientele. Like all Zagato bodied cars today, it is appreciating faster than gold. Also pictured is a rally-prepped version.