1961 | Lancia Flaminia Berlina

The Lancia Flaminia was a luxury car produced by the Italian automaker from 1957 until 1970. It was Lancia's flagship model at that time, replacing the Aurelia, available throughout its lifetime as saloon, coupé and cabriolet. The Flaminia coupé and cabriolet were coachbuilt cars with bodies from several prestigious Italian coachbuilders. Four ‘presidential’ stretched limousine Flaminias were produced by Pininfarina for use on state occasions. There were 12,633 Flaminias sold over 13 years. Coupés outsold the four-door saloon, an unusual occurrence otherwise seen at the time only in American compact and midsize models whose coupé versions were standard factory models that cost the same or less than the saloon, while the Flaminia coupés' coachbuilt bodies made them considerably more expensive than the limousine-like Berlina.

This striking flagship Berlina presented in Lancia Blue with grey trim was first registered in Italy on 30th June 1961, one of the last Lancia’s produced entirely at the Borgo San Paulo plant. Sold new for three million Lira to Rheem Safim Spa a manufacturing company where it remained until sold to noble woman Celeste Paternoster at her Lake Como address whom we believe was one of the company owners and who changed the use from private to driver (chauffeur driven) which we believe continued for much of its life in Italy. The car changed hands twice before 2009 when the car was treated to a restoration, much of which is seen in photographs in the history file, before becoming somewhat of a show car being used more sparely. A car that is largely very original and thus the mileage of just shy of 40,000 miles is believed to be correct. A Berlina in excellent order, now considered an older restoration but having clearly been well kept in its 60 years this is a rare opportunity to own such a luxury car and one that can truly and proudly wear the badge of Italian made. Supplied with PRA ownership report, UK V5 document, recent bills and invoices as well as all import documents, original Ministero Dei Transporti registration document, restoration photos and printed owner’s manuals. Boasting an MoT test certificate until July 2024 this is a genuine Rolls-Royce or Bentley alternative with far more style and rarity. Consigned by Mathew Priddy.