1965 Lancia Flavia Convertible
One of only 40 right-hand drive examples
2018 full restoration by Marque experts
Supplied with detachable factory hard-top
Potent 1.8 litre model designed by Giovanni Michelotti

MODEL HISTORY

Lancia’s advanced Flavia model was launched in 1961 and built upon their enviable reputation for sporty, reliable and innovative engineering; it was Italy’s first series production front-wheel drive motor car. The initial 1.5 litre overhead-valve, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine was mounted ahead of the front wheels which, combined with the independent front suspension and beam axle at the rear provided great road holding while the dual-circuit, servo assisted all-round disc brakes gave the Lancia Flavia exceptional braking performance. In 1963 engine capacity was increased to 1.8 litres taking the top speed over 100 mph and the larger engine displacement gave the car more torque at the bottom end, making the Flavia convertible a potent sports car for its generation.

By 1964 the Pininfarina-styled coupe entered production on a shorter chassis but this was soon followed by the announcement of the highly attractive four-seater convertible version by Vignale. By this time prolific coachwork designer Giovanni Michelotti had taken over design responsibilities at Vignale and the Flavia was one of his first creations for the Italian Carozzeria. At the time the design was cutting edge but today the bodywork appears elegant and timeless. Vignale would build 1601 Lancia Flavia Convertibles but only 40 of these are believed to be right-hand drive examples.

THIS MOTOR CAR

This highly sought-after right-hand drive 1.8l car is superbly finished in dark Lancia blue with new hide interior trim and is supplied with its rare detachable hard top in contrasting silver metallico and the original handbook. The car has been the subject of a restoration completed by marque experts Thornley Kelham, Gloucestershire in 2018.

The restoration bills in the history file detail over £45,000 of work carried out both mechanically and cosmetically. Today the car drives perfectly, the punchy 1.8L engine is smooth and responsive through the rev-range and has a delightfully eager feel while the renovated braking and suspension systems give the car fantastic road-holding and now feels just as tight as when the car left the factory half a century ago.

A genuine, rare 4-seat convertible, the Flavia Vignale displays all of Lancia’s renowned engineering excellence, comes complete with factory hardtop, and is ready to be driven and enjoyed over the summer. Available for sale from The Classic Motor Hub.