1964 Sunbeam Venezia Superleggera RI-40

Highlights

A rare Sunbeam Venezia Superleggera RI-40, one of only 250 believed to have been built
Registered as new in Italy and sold in Florence
Recently restored, with photographic documentation
Registered with the Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) with CRS
Included in the International Touring Superleggera Register

The Attractions

A truly unique Anglo-Italian car. The result of a collaboration between the Rootes Group and Carrozzeria Touring, the Venezia was one of the last cars to come off the production line of the Milanese coachbuilder before it went bankrupt in 1966. It became famous as the first car to arrive in St. Mark's Square in Venice - delivered on a typical Serenissima cargo boat. It was a remarkable advertising idea, which gave the model's launch a great echo and was widely picked up by the press at the time.

Based on the Hillman Minx, the Venezia sported a pleasing Italian-style aesthetic using Rootes components - the Spectre's engine (an inline four-cylinder of 1592cm³), the instrumentation taken straight from the parts store and the unmistakable Humber grille. It was undoubtedly very attractive, with first-class design and a comfortable cabin, cleverly combining the two marques.

Unfortunately, the Venezia was never sold in the UK market - and in any case its high price would probably have been a stumbling block in the thrifty UK. According to most sources, fewer than 30 examples are believed to survive - a very small number - out of a total production run of 250 cars.

This particular example was clearly very carefully maintained by its lucky owners, one of whom had been a BMW workshop owner. The car recently received a restoration, documented by photos in the seller's possession. Now clad in an elegant blue livery, this extraordinary survivor is sure to attract many admiring glances.

History and Documentation

Originally registered in Florence in 1964
Had two previous owners before the current owner
Registered with the Italian Automotoclub Storico Italiano
The vehicle overhaul has expired and will be renewed before the sale
All documentation is present and up to date, except the maintenance manual, a photocopy of which is available with all technical data
Currently shows 07,667 km on a five-digit odometer

Condition

The car has been repainted from white to a deep blue, while the original red interior has been retained
The car is in very good shape, with light signs of wear and tear
Some damage on the badges
The chrome has a slight patina in places
Alignment of the body panels appears to be correct, no uneven spaces
Wheels in good condition with slight wear on the marks
Underbody appears to be in good condition for the car's age
Original red interior
Some slight signs of wear, especially on the badges and steering wheel
Some scratches can be seen on the upholstery in places
Original Vivi radio is still present
Headliner is clean and in good condition
The carpets were recently replaced by the owner

Mechanics

Inline four-cylinder engine of 1592cm³
Manual gearbox
The engine compartment is in good order
The owner has removed the cylinder heads and replaced the rings
No mechanical problems have been reported.

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