Lancia

Introduced in 1961, the Lancia Flavia was developed under engineer Antonio Fessia to bridge the gap between the smaller Appia and prestigious Flaminia. Technically advanced, it combined front-wheel drive with a compact aluminium flat-four engine and disc brakes on all four wheels, unusual features for its time. The original 1.5-litre engine was later joined by more powerful 1.8-litre versions, including a fuel-injected model. Alongside the four-door Berlina, Lancia offered several distinctive derivatives: an elegant Pininfarina Coupé, a Vignale Convertible and the lightweight Zagato Sport. Engine capacity and performance steadily increased during production, while the Flavia established the engineering philosophy that would characterise several subsequent Lancias.

1963

1964

Introduced in May 1967, the Series II Flavia featured a rebodied Berlina with substantially revised styling and a new interior. The Vignale Convertible and Zagato Sport were discontinued, while the Coupé temporarily disappeared. It returned with completely new bodywork at the 1969 Geneva Motor Show. Initially retaining the existing 1.5- and 1.8-litre flat-four engines, the range gained a 2.0-litre version in 1969. After Fiat took control of the company in 1971, the Flavia was discontinued and replaced by the Lancia 2000.

Introduced in 1971, the Lancia 2000 was a direct evolution of the Flavia and the last model independently developed by Lancia engineers before Fiat’s takeover. Although ready by 1969, its high production costs delayed its launch. The saloon retained the Flavia’s central body structure and drivetrain but received modernised front and rear styling. The Pininfarina-built Coupé similarly evolved from the Series II Flavia Coupé, gaining a wider grille, revised bumpers and a cleaner, squared-off rear end.