AN INCREDIBLY rare 1959 Lancia Flaminia with a unique ‘double bubble roof’ could be yours – but you’ll have to hurry.
The gorgeous classic is up for sale through famed auction house Sotheby’s but the model is so rare that it’s almost sure to be snapped up soon.
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One of just 99 ever made, it is a stunning example of the ‘Pre-series’ Sport model, with bodywork by independent Milan-based car company Zagato.
Named for the famous ‘Via Flaminia’, an ancient Roman road connecting Rome with the Adriatic coast, it was unveiled at the 1957 Turin Auto Show.
The model features covered headlights, which were outlawed in Italy part-way through the build cycle, leading to its scarcity.
Nearly all of the 99 were fitted with a single-carburetted 119 bhp engine, but this example is one of just five to feature a 150 bhp triple Weber version.
The car boasts Perspex windows, pop-out handles and a curvy, sleek body.
It’s ownership history takes it from Casciago, Italy in 1960, through Frosione and into Rome by 1988.
It was then lost track of for a while, before resurfacing in Florence in 2005 and undergoing a restoration.
It moved to Germany in 2009 and then to the UK in 2010 with the current owner.
The lucky enthusiast tuned the engine up to 180 bhp and made a number of other alterations, using period-correct, original Flaminia parts.
He and his wife toured the beautiful vehicle across the world, through Chile, Scotland, France, Switzerland and Italy.
It is finished in a tasteful light blue, with grey leather interior and racing seats.
There is even a trap door to a rear luggage compartment, which, according to the auctioneers, is large enough to accommodate the owner’s skis.
The listing stated: “With such inviting visual appeal, connoisseurs of Italian cars of this era regard the Flaminia Sport as one of the most enticing sports cars available.
“Considering this particular car’s further mechanical upgrades thoughtfully outfitted by its current custodian, this Flaminia would be a true joy to drive and offers the perfect combination of looks, performance, and Italian sophistication.”
The price is available upon request.
Slightly later and less rare models sell at around £515,000 but this is likely to fetch a somewhat larger amount.
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