Hemmings Find of the Day – 1965 Lancia Flaminia Zagato Super Sport

Published by Mike on August 27, 2012

The hard work’s done, it seems. While this 1965 Lancia Flaminia Zagato Super Sport for sale on Hemmings.com runs and drives, thanks to a recent mechanical refurbishment, it falls squarely into the driveable dream category, with fading paint and a complete yet rough interior. One could without much difficulty restore it, but why not enjoy it as is for a while before tearing it down? From the seller’s description:

This particular Flaminia Super Sport bodied by Zagato was built in 1965, is the most advanced of the Flaminia line, and was fitted at the factory with the desirable triple carburetor set up known as “3C”, and the updated 2.8 liter engine, enlarged from the 2.5 liter cars built during the first and second series of production. In total, less that 600 Zagato bodied Flaminias were built during the three production series.
This particular example spent many years in the care of a diehard Lancia enthusiast who cultivated a collection of several Lancias from the Flaminia era and earlier. At the end of his tenure the car received a major, post-storage service to the tune of approximately $15,000. The work was all mechanical, and included a complete brake system hydraulic service inclusive of the brake lines and caliper seals, a cooling system service inclusive of hoses and the restoration of the radiator, a fuel system service complete with boiling out the gas tank and rebuilt of the carburetors, among other smaller works.
The resulting car, while not cosmetically restored, is absolutely road ready. It starts easily, and runs and drives exceptionally well. The engine has a smooth idle and very good power, the driveline is free of vibrations, the transaxle smooth shifting, the suspension compliant, and brakes effective, stopping the car straight and in an appropriate distance.
Although generally solid, original in equipment, and quite complete, the cosmetic nature of the car is unrestored. The paint, which appears to be in the original color, is older. The chrome should be redone, but save for a few dings in the bumpers, is in excellent restorable condition. The upholstery appears to be original, but also justifies replacement. Key items such as the emblems, switchgear, door and window handles, factory wood steering wheel, and gauges all remain in place, taking considerable guess work out of the restoration.