Lancia Flavia Sport Zagato 1.8

Lancia Flavia Sport Zagato 1.8 - 1963   Since I was a young classic car enthusiast, all Zagato designs have fascinated me. Although I have to admit that for many years 1 particular Zagato design disturbed me a bit. Indeed, the Flavia Zagato. Zagato's stylist Ercole Spada was well aware of the fact that he produced a polarising design: "Apart from those who adore it, there are only people who hate it!"   Shame on me that it took me so long before I saw the geniality of this Flavia Zagato design, but now... I am a great fan! The typical Zagato design elements from the past, as well as the future ones have been united in the outrageous Flavia Sport.   So, I have been watching these models for a little while now, seeing them appear on the classic car market, but many were in rather poor condition. Until recently my Italian friend Matteo pointed  this red 1.8 out to me .   Having resided for nearly 30 years in the very dry South of Italy (Puglia), chassis 815532-1119 is in remarkable very sound structural condition, with beautiful straight and light aluminium panels. Excellent presentation in original Rosso Arcoveggio combined with a very nice, still original black leather interior showing just a touch of charming patina. Not surprising, this Flavia Sport Zagato obtained the highest Targa D'Oro ASI classification.   This Flavia was always kept in an excellent mechanical condition, which allowed the long term last owner to regularly campaign his Flavia Zagato in several sporty classic car events.   The full alloy flat-four 1.8 engine produces just over 100 HP, transmitted to the road by the front wheels and allowing this light Coupé (just over 1.000 Kg) to reach 180 Km/h. The Flavia Zagato was originally fitted with 2 double Solex C35PII carburettors. For easier tuning, many Flavia owners however opted for the Nardi kit consisting in 1 double Weber 32 on a specially designed manifold. Also this Flavia Zagato has been fitted with this Weber carburettor, but the original Solex carbs + their manifolds come with the car.    Today, could you , as I was, also be tempted by this Flavia Zagato Coupé with, lets qualify it, a strong personality? Being from the highly esteemed Zagato brand, this truly special Flavia of which only 625 examples were produced, has, in my opinion, a great future.