Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C Convertible by Touring
s/n 826 134*1104, Engine no. 826 100*1411, Touring body no. 1197
Argent Auteuil (Silver) with Red Leather

Famous for their incredible craftsmanship, brilliant engineering solutions, and complete disregard for cost accounting with respect to those engineering solutions, pre-Fiat Lancias are, in many ways, in a class of their own. The Flaminia was the flagship during these years, with elegant and strong Superleggera bodies by Touring and sophisticated engineering features. Disc brakes, inboard at the rear, were standard, as was an all aluminum V6, descendant of one of the first V6 engines built. Rear suspension was of the de Dion type and a fully synchronized rear-mounted transaxle (Lancia’s first) was also part of the specification. The car is full of fascinating engineering details showing that at Lancia during this period, it was engineers, not accountants who made decision. A quick look in the engine compartment reveals an external oil cooler, as well as a neat set of thermostatically actuated mechanical blinds over the radiator. The Flaminia was available in a number of coupe, convertible, or sedan configurations, and this particular example is a very rare Touring bodied Convertible.

Lancias are interesting cars, often with interesting owners, whom together tell an interesting story. This particular car was ordered new by a French customer of Lancia, living in Djibouti, on the horn of Africa. The car was completed on December 10th, 1963, tested and controlled on the 18th of December, and then stored at the Lancia factory until the Spring of 1968! At that time, the owner, Mr. Guy Arnault, took delivery of the car briefly in Torino, Italy, and has been the only owner of this fantastic automobile between 1968 and 2008.

The car was finished in the current color scheme of silver with red leather, and equipped at the factory with the desirable 2.8 litre, three carburetor engine specifications. The car’s first registration in Italy was EE 45019. It can be supposed that Mr. Arnault retained the Lancia for use during brief stays while in Europe, as by 2008, he had only accumulated 15,050 kms. During 1991, the car was professionally painted in its original color, and re-trimmed in beautiful Pony red leather. In October of 1997 he drove the car to France, registering it there with the currently displayed plates of 8517 RK 36. It sat, largely unused, between 2000 and 2008, when sold to Autodrome of Paris, and onward to the current US owner in 2009, after a minor service to the brakes, fuel, and ignition systems.

Once in the US, the current owner embarked on a light mechanical restoration to ensure that the car was operating in top form, just as Lancia’s designers intended it to. The fuel pump was replaced, the carburetors were rebuilt, the front brake calipers rebuilt, and the soft lines and pads replaced. The brake servo was rebuilt, and the master cylinder was replaced. The fuel tank was boiled out, and the fuel level sender rebuilt. The driveline doughnuts were replaced, and four tie-rod ends were replaced. The shock absorbers were replaced, as were the external oil lines. In the interior, the gauges were refinished (and brought to 00,000 kms), the steering wheel refinished, and shoulder seat belts installed. The total for all the above work was just shy of $16,000.
Today the car remains in spectacular condition. The body is straight and solid, with excellent paint work. The interior leather is very nicely trimmed, and still appears fresh. The carpets, while showing virtually no wear, have some minor fitment issues which are not in keeping with show standards. The chrome is excellent throughout. The trunk is in beautiful condition. The engine bay displays evidence of the recent work performed, but also retains an original, unrestored appearance. The underside is solid, but unrestored, and therefore not detailed.

The car performs extremely well. It has the taut feel of an unrestored, low mileage car, with the benefit of much recent mechanical work performed to the various systems.

Included with the car is the original sales paperwork to Mr. Arnault from April of 1968, selected other receipts for work done in 1991, the jack, spare wheel, and lug wrench, and replacement rubber gaskets and seals for much of the car.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a low mileage and mechanically sound example with the most desirable engine specification. If driving a contemporary Maserati or Ferrari is like putting on a pair of flashy athletic shoes, then a Lancia is more like a tailored sport jacket. They are understated but sophisticated, and appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate the fine qualities of the car. This particular example is boast unique history, is accompanied by original documents, and is ready to enjoy.

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