1964 Lancia Flavia Coupé — Elegance by Pininfarina
1964 Lancia Flavia Coupé — Elegance by Pininfarina
The Lancia Flavia Coupé is one of the most elegant Italian cars of the 1960s, yet it remains surprisingly underrated. Produced from 1962 to 1970, the Flavia was Lancia’s mid-range model, positioned above the compact Fulvia and below the flagship Flaminia. But while the Fulvia and Flaminia get most of the glory, the Flavia Coupé — especially the version bodied by Pininfarina — is a masterpiece of restrained Italian design.
The Flavia was launched as a saloon in 1960, but the car you see here is the Coupé version, introduced in 1962 with bodywork by Pininfarina. It featured clean, flowing lines with a delicate grille, elegant proportions, and just enough chrome to catch the light without being flashy. It is Italian design at its most sophisticated.
Under the Bonnet
The Flavia was ahead of its time in one significant way: it was one of the first Italian cars to feature front-wheel drive, designed by the legendary Antonio Fessia.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L flat-four (boxer) |
| Power | 92 hp at 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 102 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm |
| Top Speed | ~170 km/h (106 mph) |
| 0–100 km/h | ~12 seconds |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Designer | Pininfarina |
The flat-four boxer engine gave the Flavia a low centre of gravity — a key advantage for handling — and the front-wheel-drive layout provided excellent traction. The engine was smooth and refined, pushing the car to a respectable 170 km/h.
The Coupé also featured disc brakes on all four wheels and independent suspension, giving it handling that was well above average for its class.
Pininfarina’s Touch
The Flavia Coupé was designed and built by Pininfarina at their Grugliasco plant near Turin. The collaboration between Lancia and Pininfarina produced some of the most beautiful cars of the era, and the Flavia Coupé is a prime example.
The styling is subtle compared to some of its contemporaries. There are no dramatic tailfins or aggressive lines. Instead, the Flavia Coupé relies on perfect proportions, a delicate chrome grille, and a gracefully sloping roofline. The rear three-quarter view is particularly lovely, with a gentle Kamm tail and clean surfaces.
Inside, the cabin was typically Lancia: beautifully appointed with high-quality materials, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and elegantly simple instrumentation. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats offered decent space for two adults — a genuine 2+2.
Lancia also offered a more powerful Flavia Coupé 1.8 Sport with twin carburettors producing 100 hp, and a rare Flavia Coupé 2000 with a 2.0L engine.
Lancia in South Africa
Lancia has a fascinating history in South Africa. The brand was imported into SA from the 1950s and developed a loyal following among discerning buyers who appreciated Lancia’s engineering sophistication and style.
The Flavia was sold through official Lancia importers in South Africa, and a number of Coupés found their way to SA buyers. The Flavia was particularly well-suited to South African conditions — its front-wheel drive and robust flat-four engine handled SA’s varied roads with ease, while Pininfarina’s elegant bodywork was perfect for the country club set.
Lancia had a strong presence in South African motorsport as well, with the Fulvia HF and Stratos achieving notable success in local rallies. The Lancia Motor Club of South Africa keeps the brand’s legacy alive today, with regular events and a passionate community of owners.
Flavia Coupés are rare in South Africa today, but they are highly prized by collectors who understand their significance. A well-maintained example is a ticket to an exclusive club of Italian car enthusiasts who value engineering sophistication over flashy displays.
Legacy
The Flavia Coupé remained in production until 1970, with approximately 30,000 Coupés built (out of a total Flavia production of around 100,000). It was succeeded by the Lancia 2000 Coupé, which continued the same formula.
Today, the Flavia Coupé is one of the more affordable classic Italian coupes, offering Pininfarina design and Lancia engineering at a fraction of the price of a Ferrari or Maserati of the same era. Good examples can be found for $15,000–$30,000, making them one of the best-value Italian classics on the market.
For those in the know, the Flavia Coupé represents the perfect combination of Italian elegance, engineering innovation, and everyday usability. It is a car that rewards the discerning enthusiast who values substance over show.
Sources:
- Wikipedia — Lancia Flavia
- Lancia Motor Club (UK) — Flavia Register
- Classic Driver — Lancia Flavia Coupé
- Pininfarina — Lancia Flavia Coupé
Lancia is one of those brands that true car enthusiasts hold in high regard, but the general public often overlooks. Have you ever owned a Lancia, or is there another underrated Italian classic you love? Share your thoughts in the comments!