The 1963 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C stands as one of the most sophisticated examples of Italian engineering from the golden era of grand touring. As one of only 180 convertibles produced over a limited two-year run, this car represents an incredible level of exclusivity and mechanical pedigree. Its history is as storied as its design, having been built in December 1963 but remaining unsold until 1968, when it was first registered in Turin. Since then, it has traveled from Italy to France and eventually to the United States, receiving meticulous care and over $52,000 in recent refinements to ensure it remains in peak competition form.
Touring Superleggera Artistry in Aluminum
The exterior of this Flaminia showcases the genius of Carrozzeria Touring, utilizing their world-renowned Superleggera construction technique. This method involves hand-forming an aluminum skin over a delicate steel lattice, resulting in a silhouette that is both lightweight and exceptionally elegant. Finished in its original factory shade of Argento Auteuil, the bodywork features iconic details such as quad headlights with amber bulbs, a functional hood scoop, and a recently replaced black convertible top. Wraparound chrome bumpers and polished trim rings on the 400mm steel wheels provide a high-contrast brilliance that emphasizes the car’s aristocratic presence.
Pony Red Leather and Jaeger Precision
Inside the cabin, the bucket seats are upholstered in striking “Pony Red” leather, a theme that extends to the door panels, rear bulkhead, and convertible top boot. The interior recently received fresh seat foam and color-matching dyes to maintain a supple, showroom-quality feel. Gray carpets provide a muted foundation for the body-colored dashboard, which is topped with a glare-reducing black pad. A wood-rimmed steering wheel sits before a suite of rebuilt Jaeger instrumentation, including a 220-km/h speedometer and a tachometer with an integrated clock. The environment is a masterclass in mid-century luxury, designed for effortless transcontinental travel.
Triple Weber V-6 and Transaxle Balance
Mechanical performance is anchored by a 2.8-liter V-6 engine, an alloy-construction masterpiece equipped with triple Weber downdraft carburetors. This advanced powerplant delivers its output through a rear-mounted four-speed manual transaxle, a layout that provides near-perfect weight distribution. The engine produces 146 hp / 148 PS and 165 lb-ft / 224 Nm of torque. Recent intensive work under current ownership includes a complete clutch assembly replacement, a balanced driveline, and a comprehensive overhaul of the four-wheel disc braking system. These updates ensure that the driving dynamics are as crisp and responsive as they were in the sixties.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.8L Triple-Carbureted V-6 |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual Transaxle |
| Bodywork | Touring Superleggera Aluminum |
| Brakes | 4-Wheel Disc (Inboard Rear) |
| Tires | Michelin X (Mounted 2024) |
| Production | 1 of 180 Examples |
A Connoisseur Choice Among European Rivals
The 1963 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C occupies a unique space in the market, often compared to the Maserati 3500 GT or the Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider. However, the Lancia is frequently cited for its superior build quality and advanced engineering solutions, such as the de Dion rear axle and transaxle gearbox. While the Maserati may offer more outright power, the Flaminia provides a level of balanced refinement that was unmatched in its day. As a Lancia Classiche certified example with documented provenance, it is a blue-chip investment that appeals to those who appreciate the technical artistry of the Turin-based marque.
Investment Pedigree and Mechanical Sortedness
Acquiring this Flaminia means taking stewardship of a vehicle that has been expertly sorted by some of the industry’s best specialists. The inclusion of the Certificato Di Origine and original registration documents from 1968 provides a transparent history that is vital for long-term valuation. With its recently balanced driveline, rebuilt gauges, and fresh Michelin rubber, this car is prepared for immediate entry into high-level touring events or regional concours. It is a rare opportunity to own a hand-built Italian convertible that has been maintained to a standard that respects both its heritage and its future on the road.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
