Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 Lancia Flaminia Zagato Series I s/n 82400-1187, Engine No. M01. 82300*1819* White with Black Interior Thanks to their pedigreed racing histories and innovative and unconventional technical features, few cars captivate the motoring world as Lancias do. Zagato coachbuilders are responsible for the dramatic and masculine styling of the Aston Martin DB4GTZ, Fiat 8V Zagato, and Maserati A6G 2000 and many other cars of the era that now command into the millions of dollars. Zagato bodies tend to be made entirely of alloy and are thus much lighter than those bodies designed by Pinnin Farina and Bertone. This, together with their `swoopy` aerodynamic traits, made Zagato bodies an obvious choice for competition use. Indeed, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Fiat, Lancia, and Maserati all commissioned Zagato to build bodies for their racecars of the era. Because of their alloy construction, Zagato bodies were expensive, and were therefore rare, even when new. Lancias also tended to be quite rare because of the high prices that their advanced technology commanded. Thus, a Lancia with a body by Zagato is an extremely rare find, and today, they have finally become the sought after and valuable cars they deserve to be. In 1959, the Flaminia was the flagship of the Lancia line, and incorporated numerous sophisticated features, including an aluminum V6 and transaxle with inboard brakes for excellent weight distribution and low unsprung weight. While the sedan and PF coupes were more lushly furnished, the Zagato was the most sporting version of Lancia`s top-of-the-line model. This particular Series I Flaminia bodied by Zagato was competed in October of 1959, making it one of the very last Series I cars produced, and is equipped with open headlights as the later Series II cars were. It was sold new in Boston, where it remained for a short time before being acquired by the second owner, a Southern California resident. This car remained in Southern California with the same owner for 30 years. It was always in dry storage, and used very little, but has aged nonetheless. Although it was sitting for some years, the car was started regularly, and it currently runs and drives. It is best described as a car that would be an excellent platform for restoration or alternatively, it could be used for short trips as is. The current owner, a well known Italian car restorer, mounted fresh tires, restored the fuel tank, and installed a new fuel pump before showing the car at the Concorso Italiano this year. The previous owner replaced many of the front suspension bushings, all four shocks, and overhauled the brake system, although no records are available for this work. The car starts easily and runs strong with minimal smoke and excellent oil pressure. The suspension is compliant and fairly tight. The brake booster is not attached, but comes with the car. Surprisingly, the brakes are still very effective, and do not drag. The tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure and oil temperature gauges are all working. Second gear synchro is excellent when warm, although the pinion bearing makes noise under deceleration. The clutch operates as it should with correct free play and no slippage. It is very likely that the actual mileage is 46,000. Cosmetically, the car is ready for a full restoration. The white paint is a color change from chocolate brown and of poor quality. The panel fit is reasonably good, and there is no evidence that the car has ever suffered any accident damage. However, there is moderate corrosion to the aluminum body in areas where it is backed by the steel support frame, to the steel support sub frames themselves, and to the underside. Much of the chrome has been redone, and a brand new grille and grille mouth have been fitted. Still fitted are the original driving lights, which are nearly impossible to find. The window glass, including the windshield, is very good. New plastic side window wind deflectors have been fabricated, and a non-period mirror is fitted. The interior is also ready for restoration. All the factory gauges are present and in good condition. The door panels are poor quality vinyl, as is the headliner. All of the interior hardware appears to be present. The beautiful Lancia wood steering wheel can be refinished, is not splintered, and is still very sturdy. The seats, while very comfortable and well suited for this use, are not period correct units. There is basically no carpet left. A non-factory cigarette lighter is fitted. Contrary to the popular misconception, it is possible to acquire parts for these cars, and once restored, this car will be a wonderful diversification to any Italian car collection. It could, however, act as a characterful driver with only minimal mechanical attention.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

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