Let's take a quick inventory of the flat-engined sports coupe market. Porsche is still plugging along with the 911 and its flat six, and there is the Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ pair with their flat fours. In both examples, power is routed to the rear wheels, whether through a transaxle in the rear-engined Porsche, or a driveshaft and differential in the Japanese twins.
But, a flat four powering a long, low front wheel drive sports coupe is no longer available. In the case of the Flavia, the reasons for the format are not readily apparent. There is, of course, the benefit of lowering the vehicles center of mass by situating the cylinder heads low to the ground in the flat format, but the byproduct of this is the added mass of an additional cylinder head. Interestingly, the camshaft count does not multiply, as the flat four in the Flavia is of a pushrod design, locating its single camshaft in the engine block.
Year: 1963
Model: Lancia Flavia Coupe
Engine: 1,488cc flat four
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 60,587
Price: Auction
Location: Millstone Township, NJ
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe
This spectacular 1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe was purchased in Italy roughly 4 years ago from a gentlemen in north Italy where he participated in the 1995 Vintage Montecarlo. The car is rust free, very solid, had a 1.5 liter engine with a 4 gear box and mechanically sound. There are a lot of new parts in the steering compartment. This car is ready for vintage racing, or a cruise on the road with a little bit of work. All lights are working properly including brake lights. Paint is in fair condition for possibly original. Brakes are brand new. Roll cage is for it's era. Speedometer needs some attention. Car sells with Italian papers and customs form. For more information on this car please contact Franco at (917)-596-4331. Good luck!!
This particular car has been outfitted for use in Vintage Montecarlo events, though the last event took place in 1995. Fortunately, given the nature of vintage events, this vehicle should be ready to go - once you're stuck in an era, there isn't a real reason to update. The interior is stripped out, but the floors look to be cleaned up and the dash appears to be in great shape.
We like the way that this Pininfarina coupe sits on its relatively large alloy wheels. The hoodline is low, the dash sits far back from the front axle, and the roofline is interesting. Our admiration for the car extends to its innovative FWD and aluminum flat four engine. If the price on this car stays reasonable, it could make for a great car to take on vintage events.
-Graham