1963 Lancia Flaminia 3C 2800 GTL Carrozzeria Touring

The coupé and convertible versions of the Lancia Flaminia were made in relatively small numbers and surviving examples in good condition are, therefore, quite rare. Lancia's Pinin Farina-styled Flaminia saloon had debuted at the 1956 Turin Motor Show.

Designed by newly recruited Antonio Fessia and intended as a replacement for the Aurelia, the Flaminia retained its predecessor's mechanical layout, though the form of unitary construction was changed and Lancia's traditional 'sliding pillar' independent front suspension, which had been used on every model since 1922, gave way to a more modern double wishbone and coil spring arrangement. Aurelia carryovers were the overhead-valve, 60-degree V6 engine and De Dion rear transaxle (with inboard brakes), although the former had been extensively reworked by Fessia, resulting in a much stronger power unit than that designed by his predecessor, Vittorio Jano. The short-wheelbase Flaminia Coupé appeared in 1958, followed by the Carrozzeria Touring-styled GT and GTL (2+2) Coupés and the Convertible. The latter trio shared a further-shortened (to 2,520mm) wheelbase with the Sport and Super Sport models, and all featured disc brakes and increased horsepower. Power was boosted further in 1961, giving the sportier Flaminias a top speed approaching 120mph, and a 2.8-litre engine introduced for 1963. Flaminia production - saloon excepted - ceased in 1967, by which time GTL output had amounted to only 300 cars.

Coming from Europe many decades ago, this lovely example is very well known in the Lancia community. The current vendor purchased this Flaminia GTL in 2014, the car has undergone extensive mechanical restoration work to ensure this Italian classic still leads the way on Australian roads. Having owned multiple A-grade European classic cars, the meticulous ownership has ensured that the Flaminia 3C is always maintained and up-to-date with its operation service procedures.

The 1963 Lancia has also had a back to metal repaint as well as the interior being re-upholstered.

Etched with fine shutlines, squat windscreens, jewel-like rear lights (very expensive) and a slim profile that emphasises the big cream steel wheels.Sitting in the armchair seats of the Coupé with its big manly wood-rimmed steering wheel, it is fascinating to drive with its strong, progressive brakes, flat cornering and unerringly civilised ride that somehow goes beyond the primitive lust for raw urge.

There is a deep and fruity warble from the triple Webers in the fixed-head 3C (they really do make a difference when properly set up, making the 3C gentlemanly brisk rather than aggressively fast.