“Gérard Oury and Michèle Morgan – a story as clear as day!”
When it was unveiled in 1957, the Flaminia succeeded the iconic Aurelia and epitomised the pinnacle of Lancia’s craftsmanship. A true showcase of the Turin-based brand’s technology, it featured the famous V6 engine designed by Francesco De Virgilio and boasted a sophisticated design. Its stability at high speeds and mechanical refinement quickly made it one of the finest European grand tourers of its era. To give its new flagship a sportier edge, Lancia turned to Zagato. The Milan-based coachbuilder then entrusted the project to a young designer with a promising future: Ercole Spada. Unveiled in 1958, the Flaminia Sport Zagato immediately stood out for its low, sleek and aerodynamic silhouette. Its famous double-bubble roof became one of Zagato’s most iconic signatures, whilst its perfect proportions lent it a timeless elegance.
Lighter and more powerful than the other models in the Flaminia range, it appealed to a clientele of discerning enthusiasts seeking a GT that was as refined as it was exclusive. Exclusivity, indeed… only 205 examples of the first series were produced: 99 units with fairing-covered headlights, and 106 with exposed headlights, like our example. These early production runs are also recognisable by their 2.5-litre V6 engine, which was later upgraded to a 2.8-litre unit.
The story of our particular example begins in mid-1960, in the window of the Lancia dealership in Paris. Gérard Oury, the great French film director and screenwriter (Le Corniaud, Rabbi Jacob, La Grande Vadrouille, L’As des As, to name but a few…) and at the time a Lancia owner (first a navy blue B20, then a grey B24 Spider), fell under the spell of the beautiful Flaminia. It was already painted in this pale blue shade at the time, paired with its turquoise blue upholstery (which appears to be original even today). Registered as 72 KD 75, it remained in Gérard Oury’s possession for just over a year; he had recently married the actress Michèle Morgan. Legend has it that it was she who did most of the driving in the beautiful Lancia…
Following this prestigious period, our Flaminia passed through the hands of two owners in Paris’s 14th arrondissement: first Madame Fleury (from 1961 to 1969), then Monsieur Charton from 1969 to 1970. A curiosity amongst curiosities, this Zagato appeared in 1965 in the film *Le Corniaud*, directed by Gérard Oury, who had sold his car a few years earlier! According to research carried out by the previous owner, the second owner was in fact Gérard Oury’s secretary, which explains this mysterious appearance! In 1970, the Flaminia was bought by a car enthusiast from the Nièvre region, who kept it until 1986. It then passed into the hands of a Lancia enthusiast, who traced its entire history and kept it until 1996. He managed to get back in touch with Gérard Oury, who recounted his story with the car in a simply marvellous recording… In 1996, it became part of the collection of a connoisseur of refined Italian cars, who kept it until 2019, when it was purchased by the current owner, himself a great connoisseur of exceptional Italian cars…
Today, the car has a patina that suits it perfectly, and runs beautifully! Its upholstery still features some original elements, and its paintwork, which was repainted in the 1980s, is still in fine condition. We would simply note a slight amount of corrosion on the lower parts of the doors, as well as on part of the chassis (condition report available on request). A very substantial batch of parts is to be collected in the Paris region, including the original front end (replaced during the restoration), an engine, a gearbox, and an absolutely impressive collection of dashboard components! Offered at a highly attractive estimate, this Flaminia is undoubtedly one of the examples with the clearest provenance and most indisputable authenticity…