Pininfarina designed many Italian greats such as the Cisitalia 202, the Ferrari Daytona and the Alfa Romeo Spider. One of my favorites from this storied designer is the Lancia Gamma Coupe. Virtually unknown here in the US, this was Lancia's upscale offering from 1976 through 1984. This Gamma Coupe for sale in Switzerland has the larger 2.5 liter horizontally opposed four cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission and a low 33,000 miles on the clock.
Nice, well kept and rare car, good original condition, mechanically sound. Owned over 10 years by the current owner.
As it stands, this car is about $8,700. For those in the US that would be interested, you'd be looking at a $10,000 to $11,000 car at least, by the time you account for shipping and customs charges. I have yet to see one of these on US shores, but if this car had a 5-speed manual, it would be tempting. It's a lot of money when you consider other, more reliable options you can get at this price point, but for me, the styling of this seizes the day. For a car designed in the mid 1970s, the looks have held up well.
While the Volkswagen GTI gets the lion's share of praise for kicking off the hot hatchback craze, the Italians did a lot to popularize it. Fiat has brought their fair share of fast three doors to the market over the past few decades, but another oddity crept up a lot earlier than the tuned versions of the Ritmo, Punto and Cinquencento. In 1971, Autobianchi launched the A112 Abarth, a small hatchback based around Fiat 127 mechanicals and badged also as the Lancia Y10. These diminutive hatchbacks were never sold here and few survive in good nick to this day. This particular A112 Abarth was brought over to the US a few years ago by a Dutch gentleman and offers those stateside a rare opportunity to get into a vintage Abarth at a reasonable price.
Capri blue exterior, black Abarth front scooped hood, tan velour and vinyl interior, 5-Speed manual, twin two-barrel carburetor, 13" Campagnelo magnesium wheels, 43,000 original miles (69,000 km), two-spoke Abarth steering wheel. This A112 was imported to the States six years ago by a Dutchman in Texas. $13,500.
This same A112 Abarth was listed on eBay last year at $17,500. While the price has been reduced quite a bit, we're still a bit on the high side at $13,500. Just because a car is rare in the US doesn't automatically equate to added value. If you could snag this Abarth for around the same price of a similar vintage, well kept GTI, say, $8,000 to $10,000, I'd say it would be worth biting. At that price, you couldn't get much more Abarth bang for your buck.
This Lancia Lambda is the oldest car we've ever featured on CICFS. We're attracted to cars that are groundbreaking and this is one machine that does not disappoint. The Lambda was not only the first car to feature a front independent suspension, but also pioneered the concept of a load bearing monocoque structure. Another noteworthy feature was the Lambda's V4 engine, which had a narrow angle between the cylinder banks served by a single overhead camshaft. Any one piece of technology on this car would have been heady stuff for its day but combined made this car a technical tour de force. Built between 1922 and 1931, a little over 11,000 Lambdas were produced. This Lambda for sale in California is a later model Series 8 that has a replica body shell.
1928 Lancia Lambda 8th Series
With Casaro Mille Miglia Style Coachwork
s/n 20908, Engine no. 10842
Dark Red with Brown Leather
Lancia has long held an enviable reputation as a manufacturer of exceptional automobiles, both in terms of design and performance. As a manufacturer Vincenzo Lancia brought a unique combination of skills and experiences to the table. Involved with the automobile from its earliest days, Vincenzo Lancia by turns was a mechanic, a designer, a manufacturer and a stunningly fast race car driver.
His company produced a family of some of the most advanced and successful automobile designs ever seen. Cars that succeeded not only in their daring innovations but also due to their quality construction and rigorous engineering standards. The models Alfa, Lambda, Aprilia and Aurelia are all seen as important points in the development of the automobile, but perhaps none more so than the Lambda.
The Lambda can be seen as the first truly modern car where performance, safety, reliability and advanced manufacturing were seen as a single system. Boasting the first unit construction chassis, a compact V-4 aluminum engine, independent front suspension and a large, comfortable cockpit, there were few cars that could match the Lambda; a car that combined the comfort of a luxury car and the performance of a sports car.
Vincenzo Lancia was considered to be the fastest driver in Italy during his ten year racing career with Fiat. While the company did enter competitions their purpose was more to demonstrate the soundness of Lancia’s designs than to win overall. The Lambda with its superlative handling and broad power band was quickly taken up by sporting customers and entered in numerous races and trials. The factory seldom entered cars under their own banner, but for 1937 and 1938 Mille Miglia teams of factory raced prepared Lambdas were entered.
In 1938 three new 8th Series 221 short wheel base chassis were prepared and entered in the Mille Miglia. With its separate frame construction, the three 8th Series cars were fitted with aluminum Carsaro bodies. After leading the event and within only 186 miles to the finish line Luigi Gismondi crashed handing the win to Alfa Romeo. The remaining two factory cars finished in 3rd and 9th place. None of the three original 1928 factory cars are known to still exist.
Originally commissioned from Donald Wright by Queens Counsel Lyton Morris, this car is built on a correct 8th Series 221 chassis, using original Lambda components throughout with the engine having been fitted with a 3 Litre “Wright” cylinder block. The replica Casaro aluminum body was built by Brian Hawke using projected images to produce accurate profiles of the original lines. It is considered to be one of the most accurate and correctly detailed examples produced. Well supported by Lancia clubs and specialty manufacturers worldwide, maintenance is not a problem.
Most cars of 1920’s feel distinctly old whereas a properly maintained Lambda, such as this car, feels like a “real” car, able to deal with modern traffic and not wear out its occupants on even the longest of drives. This example has proven its performance and reliability in the Mille Miglia and other tours along with daily use by the current owner. Handsome and elegant it is sure to find an appreciative audience wherever it goes. $398,500
A 1927 Series 7 Lambda roadster sold at Bonhams in 2011 for just over $202,000. That particular car was an untouched barn find in fairly rough condition. A few Series 8 Lambdas have also sold recently in the $80,000 to $140,000 range, but none of these had the coach built body. Vintage Lancias like these are never cheap, but they also attract a particular kind of buyer that is familiar with what is a rather obscure marque this side of the pond. The asking price of almost $400,000 seems a bit steep for today's classic car marketplace. If this car were to come up at auction, I'd suspect we might see $250,000 to about $275,000 exchange hands, but not a whole lot more.
Looking back on this Lambda makes me lament much of the current Lancia range, which consists mostly of rebadged Chryslers. While these cars might make money and spread out research and development costs for the company's parent, Fiat, it does nothing to honor the vision and ingenuity of Vincenzo Lancia.
With every passing year, a slew of interesting cars become available for import to the US that fall outside of the 25 year law set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I've had my eyes on the Lancia Thema for a while, but not just any Thema, the one with the 3.0 liter Ferrari V8 under the hood. Even though it was front-wheel drive, this is a piece of exotica revered by those in the know. This Thema for sale in Germany was imported to the country four years prior from Switzerland.
Car is in good condition with little mileage. Carpets in the front should be replaced. Injection lines slightly corroded. Just needs some TLC and movement as it sat for three years in the garage. Sensational engine is good for a lot of fun. In five years, this car will be vintage and guaranteed with high appreciation potential. One of the first of the "nicer" series, only 2300 pieces built. Poltrona Frau full leather interior with Alcantara roof. The car has no technical approval because it was never registered in Germany and was imported from Switzerland four years ago.
It's a risk buying a car of this caliber that has sat for a while and needs mechanical attention. At about $7,800 USD, you're looking at about a $10,000 car after importation and customs fees. If you can keep the repairs to around $2,000 to $3,000, I'd say it would be worth it. The exterior looks tidy and the interior leather and wood is well preserved. Sort the mechanicals and this would be a fantastic sleeper.
Mint condition Lancia Beta Zagato Spiders seem to be coming out of the woodwork as of late. We've featured a few here at CICFS this year, most recently this example owned by the President of Fiat Lancia Club's Arizona Chapter. Now comes along a red, two owner Zagato Spider that has been impossibly preserved, especially given these cars' propensity to rust away. For sale in Washington state, this could be one of the best examples of the breed left.
1979 Lancia Beta Zagato Spider. 34K miles from new. Always garaged. No rust. This stunning Zagato Spider is likely the finest original example in the country. The second owner bought this car in 1980 when it was almost new. He was Capt. Richard Jacobs, who commanded the destroyer-tender U.S.S. Puget Sound, which for a time was the Flag Ship of the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean and later supported Operation Desert Storm in the first Gulf War. We spoke to his widow who expressed that they had many fun times together in the car when the Captain was home in Washington State on leave.
New water pump, new timing belt and tensioner bearing, new fuel pump, and completely rebuilt ZF power steering rack. New shifter bushing kit installed. Gas tank removed and fully cleaned with new NOS sending unit and fuel filter. Fully recommissioned air conditioning system that blows cold. Thousands in receipts. Optional power windows work quite well. Repainted to an excellent standard many years ago. Original soft top in very nice condition. Completely original inside and in absolutely lovely preserved condition throughout. These are the known defects: the oil pressure needle does not work but the zero-pressure warning light does as it has had a new sending unit installed. The power antenna does not work but can be operated manually. Very slight patina to the driver's seat that shows more in photos than it does in person...the new owner can dye it back to perfection if they so choose. Very slight paint rub-through on one of the contour lines of the hood that generally does not show up in photos...and that's it.
This is another stunning example of nearly perfectly preserved Northwest car. The Pacific Northwest is absolutely the very best place in the country to find wonderfully original classic cars, with cloudy skies and moderate tempertures that keep paint lustorous and interiors cool. This car is destined to cross the receiving ramp at Concorso Italiano someday soon. We just attended the Concorso, and we saw not a single Zagato Spider on the field...underscoring the rarity of these cars today. Little over 3000 examples were ever imported. Today, there are probably only a few hundred still in existence...and probably only a few dozen worth owning. We believe that this car is likely the finest original example left. Expensive. Good luck.
The Zagato Spider owned by the Fiat Lancia Club Chapter President brought $6,400 last month. That was a white car and had double the mileage. This shade of red might be more desirable to Italian car enthusiasts and considering the mileage, I'd wager that this car might bring another $2,000 to $3,000 or so. These weren't the best Lancias, but these Spiders have their charm and they are becoming more and more scarce as the years pass.
It appears that the 65,000 mile Lancia Scorpion we featured here at CICFS in June is back up for sale. Bought by the current owner for use in the Woodward Dream Cruise, it is being offered for sale once again with no reserve. Located outside of Detriot, this is quite possibly one of the best Scorpions left in the US.
This is an outstanding Lancia Scorpion (Montecarlo in Europe) with low original 65,555 miles on it (Receipts that come with the car prove the accuracy of miles). This Lancia is just beautiful in every way. I bought it from Tempe Arizona for the summer to drive around and for the Woodward Dream Cruise and now selling it before winter comes. This Lancia Scorpion is always garaged. Car never seen snow or salt and it looks like it was never driven on wet pavement either. Car needs nothing! Buy it, drive it immediately and show it off. It drives perfect. Pulls straight and strong. The 5 speed manual transmission shifts perfectly with no synchro issues. Clutch is like new. Brakes work as they should. Engine pulls strong. Alignment is straight. Cars exterior looks great. No rust. Paint shines beautifully. Tires have lots of tread on them. Interior, seats, carpet, dash are all in an amazing shape. Engine bay and front trunk are tidy and clean. Removable roof tucks away and works awesome. Under Carriage and floors are all in clean solid shape. No rust!
I spent a few thousands dollars getting it ready for the summer with new head gaskets and all fluids flushed and replaced. I have all the documents and receipts dating back to 1977 including the recent work I have done on it. Original owner kept the car until 2005 since new. It's been babied all its life. This car has countless laminated records/receipts and even has Original Factory window sticker that came with the car. Car has books, receipts, service manuals, brochures, miscellaneous parts, original tool bag with tools, spare and jack.
Radio, tape player, heater, fan blower, lights, signals, wipers and locks all work as they should. Car came with factory AC but missing compressor. Car has automatic choke to warm it up and it works beautifully. Car starts like a brand new one. No hesitation and no smoke. No accident history, car is solid, clean, straight, no visible rust and drives perfect. I will be surprised if you'll ever find a cleaner or better Scorpion in this original and unmodified shape.
There's a good amount of bidding interest in this Scorpion, and my guess is we'll probably wind up somewhere around the $10,000 to $12,000 mark by auction's end. Personally, these Scorpions, even in US trim, are much more appealing than their loosely related Bertone styled cousin, the Fiat X1/9. Pininfarina nailed it on this car, as those unfamiliar with this Lancia may take it for a 3/4th scale Ferrari. Little does anyone know just how accessible these mid-engined sports cars based on Beta mechanicals actually are.
With each passing year, a handful of cars forbidden to US enthusiasts become available due to the 25 year importation regulations set by the Department of Transportation, or, as I like to refer to the agency, the No Fun Club. As time goes on, we're seeing some interesting cars find their way to these shores. This Lancia Delta Integrale for sale in Toronto is calling the name of any American who ever dreamed of putting a six time World Rally Champion in their stable.
1987 Lancia Delta Integrale HF 2.0 16V Turbo with 30,800 original miles or 52,000 original km. Yes, “time capsule” with thirty thousand original miles or fifty two thoiusand original km since new! USA legal, titled as a 1987 Lancia Delta. It is more than 25 years old and is exempt from all EPA/DOT regulations and I have a clear Ontario title in my name. Six time World Rally Champion! Do I need to say more? If you ever wanted the greatest rally car of all time, here is your opportunity. This is from my private collection. You will never find such a low mileage, unmolested 2.0 16V Turbo HF anywhere! Here are some highlights:
-30,800 original miles/52,000 original km
-Stunning original paint!
-Absolutely no rust anywhere!
-Body is perfectly straight – never in any accidents or collision whatsoever!
-Fully serviced and can be driven anywhere as all systems work as they should!
-Stunning original interior, dash, carpets, floor mats, etc!
-Perfect crack-free original dash!
-Unused original spare tire, toolkit, compressor, etc!
-Stunning original car!
I stake my 100% positive feedback on the Integrale – it is stunning! Needs absolutely nothing and is ready to be enjoyed!
MOTOR:
-2.0 4-cylinder 16V intercooled turbo
-Full major service just done as follows:
-10W60 Lubro Moly Synthetic Oil
-New oil filter
-New NGK spark plugs
-New red silicone 8 MM wire set
-New distributor cap
-New ignition rotor
-New fuel filter
-No smoke, no leaks, no stories – runs like the day it left the factory!
UPGRADES:
-Short shifter by Delta Motorsports
-Air intake system
-Adjustable suspension
-Lowered springs
-Stainless steel brake hoses
-Grooved brake rotors
-Yellow urethane bushings
-15" OZ Racing wheels
-205/50 15 Pirelli P700Z tires
-Wicked stereo system with twin amps, subwoofers, etc. The stereo system alone is $3,000!
-I have the all original parts as well as the original factor wheels, so you get two sets!
TRANSMISSION:
-5-speed standard transmission
-The transmission and clutch are LIKE BRAND NEW - shifts perfectly in every gear!
Almost $23,000 is a big ask for what is essentially a 25 year old Italian subcompact, but, those who view it that way are missing the point. Consider the recent surge in prices of the E30 BMW M3, another competition marvel of the day. Suddenly this Lancia begins to seem reasonable. These are fast, capable machines that foreshadow Subaru's dominance in WRC and subsequent sales success with the Impreza WRX. With more Integrales finding their way to these shores, parts and service support will no doubt grow, making it just a bit easier to own one of these legendary rally machines.
Best known for their wonderfully engineered small cars in the 1960s, Lancia's flagship at the time, the Flaminia, tends to be overshadowed a bit by its smaller siblings. These were impressive cars for the time. Introduced in 1957 as a replacement for the Aurelia, the Flaminia was available in a variety of flavors with styling by a number of coach builders in differing body styles. This Zagato Super Sport was powered by a 2.8 liter V6 with triple carburetors and was strictly a two seater, with a unique pass through panel into the trunk. For sale in Ontario, Canada, this Super Sport has been restored and is a stunning example of rather restrained styling from the house of Zagato.
Designed by Vittoro Jano the Flaminia continued the tradition of being named after Roman roads and the namesake Flaminia road leads from Rome to Rimini. It was one of the first production cars to ever be fitted with a V6 engine. In total, there were only about 110 of these cars ever built. The ultimate configuration for Lancia was the Zagato model with double bubble roof, 3 carbs set-up, and tear drop headlight and was produced from 1957 through 1970. Zagato produced the Sport two-seater body styles which were by far the most rare due to their higher manufacturing costs, in part because the bodies were created from aluminum with the trademark Zagato 'double bubble' and the pop-out handles.
This stunning Zagato body coupe is finished in its correct color of Newmarket Grey with red leather interior. After spending some time during the 1970’s in the state of California, this car was purchased by a large collector who loved the car so much that he retained it for almost 31 years. It spent that time in a fully climate controlled environment and was used enough to be exercised and meticulously maintained both mechanically and cosmetically. To this day, slide into the subtle red leather bucket seats which comfortably hold you in place, the drivers door closes with a solid feel, a twist of the key and the triple carb’d 2.8L V6 comes to life. It has a feel that can only come from a special car and garners looks and adoration wherever shown. Over the last 3 decades of single family ownership, it was seldom put on display at all until 2009 when it made its first appearance at a public event, the 30th Anniversary Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. This is a truly special automobile. From the triple carb V6, to the famous double bubble roof and tear drop headlights; it is a car which has only recently started to get the attention it deserves from collectors. The aluminum Zagato body cars were a rare sight even in 1967 due to their high costs, which makes them that much more unique today and the type of automobile that can always be looked upon as a work of art. This example is a beautifully restored car, equally at home on the show field or driving the twisty coastal highways.
With only 150 Super Sports ever made, these coupes are a very rare sight with a collectibility factor similar to many Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis of the period. As such, these are not cheap cars to restore and even less so to own. The last Super Sport we featured was offered at over a quarter million dollars. This example which appears unblemished and ready to enjoy is priced right in the middle of the market and given the right audience, should find a buyer in short order.
We feature a broad range of vehicles here at CICFS, most of which are exotics. But the Italians have a way of bringing style to even the most basic of vehicles. While it doesn't have a lot of flair, the Lancia Y10 has a handsome, purposeful look to it. Its beauty is in its simplicity. As a child, I remember seeing these cars all over the streets of Portugal, as they appealed to folks wanting a little bit of luxury with their basic motoring formula. Sold under the Autobianchi nameplate in Italy, France and Japan, the Y10 had a ten year production run from 1985 through 1995.
This particular Y10 for sale in The Netherlands has only 21,000 miles on the clock. It is the Touring model, which has a 1.0 liter, 56 horsepower engine along with an Alcantara interior. All Y10s, save for a few special editions, had their tailgates painted black, lest anyone think this car had a rear end shunt.
Nice and rare Lancia Y10. Car has got luxury alcantra seats and a 5 speed gearbox. The car has only done 35.000 km. Car has traces of use but it is well maintained. Interior is very nice. Engine runs well. Very rare Touring edition, there are only a few left all over the world of these. Tax free! Comes with original Lancia seat covers.
For just under $1,700 USD, this is one of the cheapest cars we've featured on this site. At this price, it would be attractive to ship this car stateside. While not as safe as some modern cars like the Fiat 500 and MINI Cooper, you'd certainly be the only one on the block with a car like this. Not only an economical proposition, this Y10 offers a bit more comfort than some of the superminis of its time and would be an instant conversation starter at the next Fiat Lancia Unlimited club meet.
Following on to the mint Lancia Fulvia 1.3S Coupe we featured on Sunday, here is that car's four door counterpart, the Berlina. With a 1.1 liter version of the narrow angle V4 engine, front-wheel drive and four wheel disc brakes, this was a revolutionary little sedan that is revered for it's exquisite engineering. This example for sale in California is one of but a handful of Fulvia Berlinas that reside here in the US.
1965 Lanica Fulvia 2C Berlina. s/n 818.100 057748. White with Light Blue and White interior. Famous for their incredible craftsmanship, brilliant engineering solutions, and complete disregard for cost accounting with respect to those engineering solutions, pre-FiatLancias are, in many ways, in a class of their own. Few cars are as thoughtfully engineered or built, which helps to explain why Lancia encountered a great deal of financial trouble.
This particular car was imported from Europe to Washington State in the mid-1970’s. It was purchased by Mr.Burke from a wrecking yard in 1975. “I bought the Fulvia from a wrecking yard in Puyallup (near Tacoma). I wish I had taken a picture of it "as found," it was crammed between two other cars, couldn't get the doors open, couldn't open the hood, couldn't get underneath it to see if it was rusted. It looked just fine, what was it doing there? Turns out it was an abandoned car, not wrecked at all. The car had belonged to a serviceman who had imported it from Europe, had a seriously bad wheel bearing and ran on three cylinders, so he just parked it and left it, probably at Fort Lewis."
The Lancia was sold in 1992 to Mr. Gill who drove it from Washington State to San Francisco. The car was then sold to Zach Georgopoulos, also in San Francisco in 1995. The car eventually made its way down to Southern Californian where it changed hands a few times before being purchased by the current owner in 2008.
Cosmetically this example is best described as a nice, straight, presentable driver. The panel match is good throughout, with no obvious signs of major repairs. All the original emblems and badges are present. Much of the exterior chrome and stainless trim is free of hazing, pitting. The paint is of reasonable quality and very presentable. There are a handful of minor paint imperfections throughout the car which are consistent with a “driver quality” car. The car sits on nice painted white wheels and chrome hubcaps with Kumho tires.
The interior is in very nice condition with excellent two-tone cloth seats, as well as door panels, original type steering wheel sourced in Italy. The black carpet was installed in southern California in 2006 and remains in nice condition. The door panels are very nice and probably retaining the original knobs and window cranks. The interior makes a strong overall impression.
Mechanically, the car is in great condition and has been overseen by Lancia expert Jaan Hjorth. This work consisted of a new brake master cylinder, new shifter bushings, emergency brake repair, carburetor service, routine fluid changes as well as a rebuilt starter in November 2011. Second gear syncro is very nice both warm and cold. The brakes are effective and the suspension tight and compliant.
With the car comes the spare wheel with tire (looks to be original), car cover, workshop manual, original type horn, (not connected), and a binder with recent work orders that the current owner compiled during his ownership. The car is currently registered in California with a clear title. Please note that the European plates do not accompany this car in the sale.
The car is an absolute joy to drive, and reminds why Lancia has such a devoted following. Every aspect of the car’s performance embodies the quality feel that is lacking even from more exotic Italian machines from the same period. By comparison, any other car feels crude. The engine makes good power and noise, and runs as it should. The chassis is quiet and composed. The transaxle shifts beautifully, and the rebuilt brake master cylinder ensures confidence while braking. The overall feel of this particular Fulvia Berlina is a wonderfully coherent, well maintained car that exudes quality.
Please do not email asking what the reserve is. The car is for sale locally, so the seller has the right to end the auction early. Seller can help make shipping arraignments worldwide.
There is no telling what the reserve price is, but if I had to guess, it's probably somewhere between $12,000 to $15,000. The coupe we featured was listed at $17,500, so it will be interesting to see if collectors value the rarity of the four door over the coupe. For those in the market for a vintage Italian sedan who feel that an Alfa Romeo Giulia is just too common, this car could be just the ticket.
