New Lancia joined the family. Been looking for a "usable classic", something a bit more contemporary than the 1950s models. Looked at a Flavia 2000 in Wisconsin about 6 years ago and was tempted, but paused a couple of days and it was snatched up by another fan. Found this one in Los Angeles, and jumped quickly. It turned out to be quite a nice car.
There are essentially three versions of the Flavia -
1) the original coupe which is quite charming, from 1963. Looks like a mini-250GTE.
2) the Flavia 2000 from 1969-1970, updated styling, more refinement, better ventilation, but still "Lancia like" in its quality.
3) 2000 coupe from 1971-72, similar but with some changes - some good, some not. Bosch injection instead of Kugelfischer, 5 spd, power steering. Dash now in wood, air scoop gone, and chrome strip around front nose.
Of these three, the best in looks is the first one, but for me the second one is the most interesting. I like the extra refinement and additional (good) ventilation, better mechanicals, 2 liter. The one I got has 4spd, no power steering and the Kugelfischer injection (a mechanical system similar to Spica on the Alfa Romeo of the period). While I thought the power steering was desirable, actually the simplicity of the direct steering is good, and once moving a bit, its just fine. And the Kugelfischer system is getting better and better with more use. Its actually pretty neat, and works well.
The car itself is a bit of a conundrum: it appears to have been in something like family hands up until about 2017, when it was refurbished, with new fluids, etc. It probably got its repaint then; additional mech'l refurbishing was done over the next few years, mostly in 2020, and mostly botched. I was told it sat on a dealers lot (but don't know where) for some time, but have no info, and the previous owner isn't helping. So its a bit of a dead end.
What is clear is that the car is largely unmolested, and quite original. There is no sign that a screwdriver has ever been in the interior - its that untouched. Just lovely.... Found the original PF badging (where the period radio is located) stuck in a map pocket, with its brackets, untouched for 50 years.
The engine bay has some loose wiring that needs to be cleaned up, a newish brake booster, but is largely untouched.
Things we cleaned up (Giovanni and Charlie at Autosprint) included correct fuel pump (high pressure), all the filters and gas lines, flushing the brake lines and getting them working, alignment (got new tie rods in LA before getting here), and all the fluids replaced....new tubes and XAS tires to be fitted, DeCarbon shocks on order, etc.
All in all, its a lovely cruiser. Its not the most pure Lancia, and not necessarily the quality of the older ones, but it is a modern (!) take on the theme. At 40-80 mph, its delightful. Did a 1000 mile road trip in the back woods, no problem, and kept up with some faster cars. Drove 150 miles in 90deg temps, and was rested enough to go for a hike upon arrival. For current lifestyle and location, that's a pretty good fit.
There are essentially three versions of the Flavia -
1) the original coupe which is quite charming, from 1963. Looks like a mini-250GTE.
2) the Flavia 2000 from 1969-1970, updated styling, more refinement, better ventilation, but still "Lancia like" in its quality.
3) 2000 coupe from 1971-72, similar but with some changes - some good, some not. Bosch injection instead of Kugelfischer, 5 spd, power steering. Dash now in wood, air scoop gone, and chrome strip around front nose.
Of these three, the best in looks is the first one, but for me the second one is the most interesting. I like the extra refinement and additional (good) ventilation, better mechanicals, 2 liter. The one I got has 4spd, no power steering and the Kugelfischer injection (a mechanical system similar to Spica on the Alfa Romeo of the period). While I thought the power steering was desirable, actually the simplicity of the direct steering is good, and once moving a bit, its just fine. And the Kugelfischer system is getting better and better with more use. Its actually pretty neat, and works well.
The car itself is a bit of a conundrum: it appears to have been in something like family hands up until about 2017, when it was refurbished, with new fluids, etc. It probably got its repaint then; additional mech'l refurbishing was done over the next few years, mostly in 2020, and mostly botched. I was told it sat on a dealers lot (but don't know where) for some time, but have no info, and the previous owner isn't helping. So its a bit of a dead end.
What is clear is that the car is largely unmolested, and quite original. There is no sign that a screwdriver has ever been in the interior - its that untouched. Just lovely.... Found the original PF badging (where the period radio is located) stuck in a map pocket, with its brackets, untouched for 50 years.
The engine bay has some loose wiring that needs to be cleaned up, a newish brake booster, but is largely untouched.
Things we cleaned up (Giovanni and Charlie at Autosprint) included correct fuel pump (high pressure), all the filters and gas lines, flushing the brake lines and getting them working, alignment (got new tie rods in LA before getting here), and all the fluids replaced....new tubes and XAS tires to be fitted, DeCarbon shocks on order, etc.
All in all, its a lovely cruiser. Its not the most pure Lancia, and not necessarily the quality of the older ones, but it is a modern (!) take on the theme. At 40-80 mph, its delightful. Did a 1000 mile road trip in the back woods, no problem, and kept up with some faster cars. Drove 150 miles in 90deg temps, and was rested enough to go for a hike upon arrival. For current lifestyle and location, that's a pretty good fit.
