In the early 1970s, Lancia was about to embark on its three decade long rally domination with the Fulvia Coupe. This small, front-wheel drive wonder took home the WRC championship for Lancia in 1972 and would pass the baton to the Stratos that would go on to win the next three out of a total of 16 manufacturers titles for the company. Sharing a lot of the technology of the Fulvia was this car, the Flavia. What looks like a rather upright, sedate four-door hides a lot of technology underneath, including four-wheel disc brakes, fuel injection, air conditioning and a 5-speed manual gearbox. It might not be the flashiest Italian classic you can buy, but it is an amazing example of what this once proud company was capable of in terms of engineering.

Year: 1971
Model: Flavia 2000 IE
Engine: 2.0 liter flat-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 85,000 mi
Price: No reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1971 Lancia Flavia 2000 IE

LANCIA FLAVIA 2000 IE iniezione electronica

"THE LAST REAL LANCIA"

The 2000 sedan kept the central part of the body (roof, doors, interior) and the entire drivetrain (except for some improvements to the fuel injection) of its predecessor, the second series of the Flavia.

The most important changes were made to the front and rear of the body where the designers reinterpreted the styling in a more modern idiom. In particular, the tail was squared and simplified, and the nose lost its separate air intake and headlamp nacelles. The mechanics retained most of the Flavia's specifications including the front-wheel drive, boxer engine, independent suspension and disc brakes all around, with vacuum-assist and split-circuits (called "Superduplex" by Lancia).

The 2000 used the 1991 cc 4-cylinder boxer engine, available in either carbureted form (115 hp) or with fuel-injection (126 hp). The latter abandoned the previously used Kugelfisher mechanical system in favor of a more reliable Bosch D-type electronic system. The transmission (produced by ZF) was a 4-speed manual-type for the 2000 equipped with a carburetor, and a manual 5-speed for the fuel-injected 2000. Since the 2000 was given a flagship role for Lancia (following in the footsteps of the prestigious Flaminia), the 2000 was given a high standard of finishes (fine wood for the dashboard and velvet or leather upholstery) and standard or optional equipment including hydraulically operated power steering (also manufactured by ZF), air conditioning, electric windows and sun blinds.

Because of the 2000s high production costs, Fiat was not in favor of putting the model into production, despite it being ready for production in 1969, which delayed its launch. But in the absence of any other new Lancia flagship models being ready, the 2000 was nonetheless launched in 1971. The 2000 was considered by many fans of the marque to be "the last real Lancia" due to the high build quality that the later models (Beta and Gamma) lacked. It was produced until 1974 with a total of 14,319 examples being made

Transmission: 5-speed manual ZF

Borletti air conditioning working (very cold)

Incredible original condition

All works

Power steering

Power windows (4)

Velvet interior

Runs and drives excellent

Any questions; 3054017469 Vladimir

Lancias of this period are few and far between in this country, as they were not officially imported stateside until the late 1970s. Similar vintage Fulvias in this kind of condition are bringing in the $20,000 to $30,000 range currently, so a sedan like this will probably fall a bit short of that, as they are less well known and sought after. At this price, such exclusivity is quite hard to find.

-Paul