1965 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupé

Background:
The Lancia Flavia was a bold and sophisticated offering from the Turin-based manufacturer, launched in 1961 as the company’s flagship executive car. Produced until 1971, the Flavia featured a front-wheel drive layout, unequal-length wishbone front suspension, and Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels — quite advanced for its time. The Flavia's distinctive design, coupled with the smooth and innovative flat-four ‘boxer’ engine, cemented its place in automotive history.

Designed by Pininfarina, the two-door coupé quickly became a design icon and is now highly prized by collectors, particularly in rare right-hand drive form. The Flavia was also notable for its advanced mechanicals, including a mechanical fuel-injection system akin to that used by contemporary Porsche 911s.

Though production numbers were modest, with just over 105,000 units built, many examples have fallen victim to the ravages of time and rust. Consequently, finding an example like this — in such good condition, with a sound chassis and running engine — is becoming increasingly rare.

The Car:

We are pleased to offer this charming Lancia Flavia Pininfarina coupé (type 815.431), a right-hand drive model built in Italy and assembled by Daihatsu South Africa. The build date of this car, according to its chassis number, places it in April/May of 1968, making it a late example of the first series. The car is equipped with the 1.8-litre flat-four engine, delivering 101bhp, paired with a smooth manual transmission. The car was imported to the UK a couple of years ago and is now registered with a UK V5.

Having spent much of its life in the dry climate of South Africa, the car remains largely free of rust and has been carefully recommissioned to ensure it runs and drives smoothly. The engine has recently been overhauled, with a new fuel pressure regulator and gauge installed to ensure the Kugelfischer mechanical fuel-injection system operates correctly. The brakes have also been attended to, with all new parts sourced from a Lancia specialist.

Finished in its original Capri Blue, the Flavia’s bodywork is a mix of good presentation and age-related imperfections. While it presents well from a distance, there are areas of lacquer damage, scuffs and scratches, as well as the beginnings of rust bubbling up beneath the paint — particularly on the doors and boot lid. The panel gaps are generally good, though the boot lid alignment is slightly off. The chrome trim shows a little pitting but remains in decent condition, and the left rear tail light lens is cracked, with faded indicator lenses.

The car sits on its original 15" steel wheels which, while showing some surface rust, are in reasonable condition. The Pirelli P6000 tyres, though still offering good tread depth, are over 20 years old and may benefit from replacement.

The interior of the Flavia has survived remarkably well, with the original tan vinyl upholstery showing some light patina, especially on the front seats. There is slight sagging on the seat bases but no significant damage to the vinyl. The dash however, suffered from sun damage and has been recently retrimmed in tan leather, restoring its former beauty. The wood veneer trim on the dashboard and steering wheel is in excellent condition, adding a touch of luxury to the interior.

The carpets, likely original are in good order with minor staining under the driver’s seat. The headlining is still taut and tidy, though the sun visors, which have been retained with the car, could benefit from retrimming. The instrument dials are the original Veglia units and the car also features a Jaeger clock in the central dash, all in good working order.

The Flavia’s engine bay is in reasonable condition, with signs of recent work, including a new battery and spark plugs. The engine runs smoothly, having been recently recommissioned, and benefits from a new fuel pressure regulator and gauge to ensure the fuel-injection system operates properly. The brakes have also been fully refurbished. The cold start system either was not fitted on an SA built car or has been removed, the vendor advises that it is a fairly poor starter from cold.

Underneath, the exhaust and some fixings show some rust, but the chassis and floor pans remain solid and well-coated with underseal. The boot, while generally tidy, has some frayed linings and a later section of carpet added. The spare wheel well shows some rust but is not holed, though the spare wheel itself is missing. The vendor advises that the fuel tank has developed a pin-hole leak which will need attending to.

Sadly, the car’s full history has been misplaced by the previous owner in South Africa, however recent parts purchases are documented digitally.

The Lancia Flavia, particularly in Pininfarina Coupé form, remains one of the marque’s finest achievements, offering both style and mechanical sophistication. As a right-hand drive example, this car is an even rarer find, especially in its current solid, running condition.

Given the upward trajectory of values for contemporary Lancia models, this well-maintained Flavia offers excellent potential for added value with some elbow grease.

Summary
A rare right-hand drive Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupé, presenting a great foundation for restoration with a solid chassis, running engine, and original interior. A true piece of automotive history from an iconic marque.

Location: West Sussex

Seller: Private

Photos: Professional