These sleek Lancia Gamma Coupes never sold in astounding figures, amounting to no more than 7,000 sales over their eight-year production run. On the one hand, it begs the question of why a manufacturer would bother with the engineering of a bespoke model when the market projections are so low (assuming that they predicted the market size accurately). On the other hand, we know that there exist benefits to the automakers outside of profits in a low-volume testbed like a flagship model.
Compared to past - and our favorite - Lancia flagships, the Gamma makes use of entirely new technologies. In place of a V6, we see a flat four, and in place of a rear-mounted transaxle, we see a front-mounted transaxle driving the front wheels. The result of this updated configuration is seen in the styling, which maintains a really low hood line coupled with a steep windshield rake. Ahead of its time in the 70s, it ushered in the best of 80s grand touring design.
Year: 1979
Model: Lancia Gamma Coupe
Engine: 2.5L H4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 51,810
Price: $29,500
Location: Cleveland, OH
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe
This Lancia Gamma is one of 6790 coupes built. It was sold new in Spain. Finished in white with a contrasting blue/beige interior, the car was repainted a year ago and looks very nice. The undercarriage is rust free. The interior is in perfect original condition. Engine is believed to be original to the car. It is in great running condition with a recent tune-up and major service being done. The car is a strong driver on the road with over $15,000 in recent work performed over the last 2 years. The car is running on new tires. New exhaust pipe. This Lancia Gamma Pininfarina is ready to have some fun, rare and highly collectible and very hard to find in the US.
Plenty of photos are provided to help assess the condition of this example. The underside appears to be especially clean, with the assurance from the seller that the undercarriage is rust free. Does rust exist elsewhere though? The engine was removed for a major service - what that entails, the seller does not specify, but it's a good sign at least. This could end up being a headache to find parts for, so the better the documentation and current condition, the more positive the ownership experience should turn out to be.
Wow, the price on this thing. The price of rarity, maybe? We can definitely see tucking one of these away with a Ferrari 400i and a Fiat 130 Coupe, and both of those run north of $30k, so at least it isn't price out of the range of its peers. And, where else are you going to find one this clean for sale? Unless you're really seeking the fastback variant, this could be the one to buy.