Highlights
- One of only 1,601 made
- Comprehensive restoration in 2001/2
- Engine rebuild in 2012/13
- Just 15,000 Km since rebuild
The Appeal
Lancia is one of those manufacturers that perfectly encapsulates the romance and glamour of the Italian Riviera in the 60s. This remarkably pretty convertible, assembled by Carrozzeria Vignale from a Michelotti design, was only built from 1962 to 1967 and remains a highly prized and very collectible classic.
This example has been carefully and extensively restored and kept in excellent condition by its current and previous owners. With its evocative 1,800cc boxer engine and gorgeous styling, it’s the perfect classic convertible, whether you’re catching rays on the Amalfi coast or touring the Highlands.
The History and Paperwork
- Revisione (Italian MOT equivalent) to 2 May 2024
- Registration documentation
- Import documentation
- Invoices for engine rebuild and maintenance
- Matching numbers vehicle
- Restored by the previous owner in 2001/2002
- Complete body, interior, chassis and mechanical rebuild (documented)
- Bare metal respray
- Never used following restoration and dry stored
- Purchased from Autosmeeing Soest BV, Netherlands on 9 December 2011 by the current owner
- Engine completely overhauled and rebuilt by Automania in Bologna (documented)
- Approximately 15,000 Km covered since engine rebuild
- Vehicle now dry stored in Italy and only used for occasional shows and sight-seeing
- A number of spares and accessories included
The Interior
- Completely refinished in 2001/2002
- Tan leather upholstery
- Complementary beige carpets
With its exquisitely styled interior and beautiful detailing, the Vignale is a fantastic place to spend time. The upholstery has been exceptionally well finished, with the material on the seats and door cards presenting very well. There are a few light marks showing some wear on the front seats, but the rear bench almost looks as if it has never been used.
Likewise, the carpets are in very good order, showing no signs of staining, notable damage or threading. At the back, the boot is trimmed out in blue/grey carpet and contains a full-size spare with its vinyl cover, as well as a toolkit. Again, it all looks to be in very good order.
Back in the main cabin, the dashboard is faced with a wood veneered panel which shows no signs of damage, warping or splitting. The instrument cluster is extremely attractive, with a very smart horizontal speedometer contrasted with a more traditional rev counter. They peep out from behind a large, and very lovely, wood-rimmed wheel with the usual three-spoke layout. all of the driving controls look to be in excellent condition, with a little light patina in places, but certainly no damage or significant wear.
The Exterior
- Superb Grigio Metallic (692) paintwork
- Beige mohair soft-top
- Period correct 15” steel wheels
As part of the restoration process, significant amounts of bodywork were undertaken, as can be seen from the photographic record. The car was subject to a full bare-metal respray, and the quality of the work really does show. Even though it was completed some 20 years ago, the fact that the car has spent all of that time in dry storage, only being brought out for the occasional trip, has preserved it very well indeed.
The Grigio Metallic paint appears to be very well applied and has a lovely, deep shine. It works very well with the beige mohair soft-top that has been fitted, which itself looks in very fine fettle, with no evidence of rips, UV damage or significant wear. The roof operates manually and fits very well, with no evidence of stretching or sagging.
As for the bodywork itself, it seems to be in very fine condition, with no sign of damage or corrosion we could see. There will be the odd minor blemish, as you’d expect from a car of this vintage, but generally it is superb. Very much the same can be said for the brightwork and external trim, which is all present and correct, wearing an attractive shine and looking exceptionally good. Other than a minor ding on the rear bumper, there are no issues to note.
It’s riding on original specification 15” steel wheels. They are painted a complementary shade of cream and finished with polished lips and hub caps that present very well, with no signs of corrosion or damage. All the wheels are shod in tyres that look to have a nice level of tread.
Looking underneath, it's clear how extensive the restoration of this vehicle was, and how well it’s been looked after since. The underside is extremely clean and tidy, with absolutely no sign of corrosion or damage that we could see.
The Mechanics
- Charismatic 1,800cc boxer engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Extensive engine rebuild in 2012/2013
Popping the bonnet, you’re immediately struck by how clean and tidy the engine bay of this little cabriolet is. It’s in very nice condition, with no sign of any leaks, overheating or other issues that we could see.
Having had a complete mechanical overhaul when it was restored in 2001/2002, the current owner had the engine rebuilt again in 2012/2013. This included rebuilding the carburettor, a new radiator, new cams and new pistons. They also had a full stainless exhaust system fitted.
To make sure it handles in the way a Lancia should, the front-wheel drive Flavia was fitted with disc brakes all round and independent front suspension with unequal length wishbones.
Unsurprisingly, we’re informed by the owner that the car drives perfectly, with excellent braking, gear shift and handling characteristics. They report that there are no leaks, no smoke when running and that there are no unusual sounds of vibrations.
Summary
Lancia have long had a reputation for building pretty cars, but the elegant design of the Vignale cabriolet really is show-stopping. But as well as being particularly good looking, it features that characterful boxer engine to add a burbling soundtrack to proceedings.
With such a fine record of restoration and maintenance, and the fact the car has been carefully stored and lavished with love over the years, we think this enchanting little open top is the perfect acquisition for anyone searching for their own slice of ‘la dolce vita’.
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