1962 Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato 3C Historical Context and Production
Introduction
Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato 3C 1962: The CHF Million Casino Masterpiece .The Lancia Flaminia, introduced in 1957, succeeded the Aurelia as Lancia’s flagship model, representing the pinnacle of engineering for its time. The Flaminia Sport Zagato, launched in 1958, stands as an emblematic example of the synergy between Lancia’s technical prowess and Carrozzeria Zagato’s design ingenuity, offering a unique blend of technical sophistication and avant-garde design.
3C Model Production
- Production Years: The 3C series was manufactured from 1961 to 1962, marking the last significant evolution of the Flaminia model before adjustments for the 1960s market.
- Units Produced: Of the 599 Flaminia Sport Zagatos built, only 174 units are of the 3C variant, conferring an exceptional rarity and collector status to this model.
- Price at the Time: Zagato models were sold at significantly higher prices compared to standard versions, due to the artisanal manufacturing costs and exclusive design. Zagato vehicles were often two to three times more expensive than their standard counterparts, reflecting their rarity and complex craftsmanship.
Design and Technical Characteristics
The Flaminia Sport Zagato
The Sport Zagato variant is distinguished by a radically innovative design. The 1962 model, or second series, retains the core design elements while incorporating adjustments to meet new safety standards and functional requirements.
Exterior Design
- Headlights: The 1962 model features round, straight headlights, a modification made to comply with new road safety regulations. This visual adjustment was designed to preserve the vehicle’s aesthetic while enhancing regulatory compliance.
- Bodywork: The hand-crafted aluminum body ensures both lightness and rigidity. The use of aluminum significantly reduces weight while optimizing the vehicle’s mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
- Double Bubble Roof: This iconic aerodynamic feature improves the drag coefficient and enhances interior comfort by reducing head pressure on occupants and increasing visibility. It also serves as a stylistic signature of Zagato, allowing better airflow management around the vehicle.
Design and Construction
Bodywork and Materials
- Material: High-quality aluminum, hand-shaped by Zagato artisans, optimizes the material’s properties for a perfect combination of lightness and rigidity.
- Total Weight: Approximately 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs), which enhances dynamic performance and fuel efficiency.
- Dimensions:
- Double Bubble Roof: The double bubble roof, a distinctive feature of Zagato, contributes to improved aerodynamics by reducing drag and optimizing passenger comfort.
Aerodynamic Design
- Drag Coefficient (Cd): Although specific Cd values are not always available, the design has been meticulously optimized to minimize aerodynamic drag, enhancing high-speed stability and fuel efficiency.
- Headlights: The 2nd series model integrates round, straight headlights to meet safety requirements while preserving the model’s aesthetic integrity, essential for maintaining Zagato’s brand image.
Engine and Performance
Engine
- Type: 60-degree V6, 2.5 liters (2,457 cm³), with a head valve architecture.
- Configuration: 12-valve engine (3 valves per cylinder) that optimizes thermal performance and high-speed responsiveness.
- Carburetors: Three Weber 40 DCOE carburetors, replacing the previous Solex carburetors, are designated ‘3C’ for ‘tre carburatori’. This configuration enhances power and engine response.
- Power: Approximately 150 horsepower at 5,500 rpm (RPM), with a specific power output of 61 horsepower per liter, which is remarkable for its time.
- Torque: Approximately 204 Nm at 4,500 rpm (RPM), providing smooth acceleration and a responsive low-end torque.
Performance
- Top Speed: Approximately 180 km/h (112 mph), placing the Flaminia Sport Zagato among the highest-performing grand tourers of its era.
- Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in about 8 seconds, offering exceptional performance for the 1960s.
Transmission
- Type: 4-speed transaxle gearbox, located at the rear to optimize weight distribution and improve handling.
- Transmission Ratio: Gears are specifically calibrated to balance sporty performance with touring comfort, ensuring smooth and responsive driving.
Chassis and Suspension
Chassis
- Configuration: Rigid steel chassis designed to support sporty driving demands while providing exceptional driving comfort.
Suspension
- Front: Independent suspension with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, allowing precise vibration management and stable driving.
- Rear: Rigid axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, designed to endure the demands of sporty driving while ensuring adequate comfort.
Brakes
- Front: Vented disc brakes, providing superior stopping power and effective speed management.
- Rear: Drum brakes, which were common at the time but adequate for the vehicle’s performance requirements.
Equipment and Interior
Equipment
- Wheels: 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels, fitted with 185/70 tires for optimal traction and distinctive styling.
- Dashboard: Equipped with a tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure gauge, and other analog instruments for precise performance monitoring.
Interior
- Seats: High-quality leather seats, designed to provide extended comfort and effective support for the driver and passenger during sporty driving.
- Finish: Luxurious interior finishing with refined materials, reflecting the vehicle’s exclusive grand touring status.
Legacy and Value
Historical Impact
- Innovation: The Flaminia Sport Zagato 3C is celebrated for its innovative approach to aerodynamic design and performance. It represents the zenith of the collaboration between Lancia and Zagato at the time.
Collectible Value
- Rarity: With only 174 units produced, the 3C model is extremely rare. Well-preserved and restored examples can fetch significant values in the classic car market.
- Current Prices: Prices can vary considerably based on condition, history, and authenticity, but examples in excellent condition can command several hundred thousand euros.
Production and Legacy
Collector Appeal
Today, the Flaminia Sport Zagato 3C is highly sought after by collectors. Its rarity, unique design, and exceptional performance make it a valuable piece for classic car enthusiasts.
Driving Experience
Driving the Flaminia Sport Zagato is often described as a “magical” experience. The combination of Lancia’s advanced technology and Zagato’s aerodynamic bodywork creates a unique driving dynamic, offering a blend of comfort and performance unmatched by many contemporaries.
Limited Production
Out of the 599 Flaminia Sport Zagatos produced between 1958 and 1967, only 174 units are of the 3C variant, reinforcing its collector status and value in the classic car market.
Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato 3C Pre-Series
Introduction
In the golden age of automotive design during the 1950s and 1960s, Lancia distinguished itself through collaborations with Italy’s most prestigious coachbuilders. This synergy produced some of the most coveted vehicles in automotive history, known for their pioneering design and exceptional engineering. Among these, the Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato 3C, particularly the pre-series models, stands out as an exemplar of refined automotive excellence. First showcased at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show and later revealed in its Sport Zagato form at the 1958 London Motor Show, the pre-series Flaminia Sport Zagato represents a rare intersection of design innovation and high-performance engineering.
Pre-Series Overview
Design Evolution
The pre-series Flaminia Sport Zagato, introduced at the London Motor Show in 1958, was an evolution of the standard Flaminia coupé. It featured a significantly shortened wheelbase of 2.52 meters, as opposed to the 2.87 meters of the saloon variant. This modification aimed to enhance the vehicle’s agility and handling dynamics, aligning it more closely with competitive requirements and driver preferences for sporty, responsive handling.
Aesthetically, the pre-series models are distinguished by their distinctive headlamp fairings and the iconic “double bubble” roof. The double bubble design was both a stylistic signature and a functional element, designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency and increase headroom, thereby accommodating helmet use for competitive driving. The use of handcrafted aluminum body panels ensured a reduction in weight and an increase in structural rigidity, aligning with Zagato’s renowned approach to lightweight and aerodynamic design.
Mechanical Specifications
Engine and Performance:
The pre-series Flaminia Sport Zagato was initially equipped with a 2.5-liter V6 engine, featuring a triple Weber 40 DCOE carburetor setup—designated ‘3C’ for ‘tre carburatori’. This engine configuration, optimized for performance, produced approximately 140 horsepower, a significant output for its time. The 2.5-liter engine displacement later evolved to 2.8 liters in subsequent series, reflecting the model’s continuous development and refinement.
Performance Metrics:
- Power Output: Approximately 140 hp (104 kW) at 5,500 rpm, with an estimated specific power of 56 hp per liter.
- Torque: Approximately 195 Nm (144 lb-ft) at 4,500 rpm, providing robust low-end and mid-range performance.
- Top Speed: Approximately 180 km/h (112 mph), placing it among the higher echelons of its class.
Transmission and Dynamics:
The pre-series models were equipped with a rear-mounted transaxle gearbox, which played a crucial role in achieving optimal weight distribution. This setup enhanced both handling and driving dynamics, aligning with the vehicle’s sporty design ethos.
Chassis Number 1011: A Case Study
The specific chassis number 1011 is a notable example of the pre-series Flaminia Sport Zagato. Originally fitted with a 2.5-liter engine and triple Weber carburetors, this model was tailored for competition use. The car also featured perspex side and rear windows and racing seats, reflecting its focus on performance and weight reduction.
In 2010, the owner undertook significant upgrades, including the installation of a 2.8-liter engine with 40 mm Weber carburetors and a transmission sourced from the Flaminia Supersport. Further refinements were performed by Jim Stokes Engineering, a distinguished British firm known for its meticulous restoration of historic racing cars. These modifications elevated the engine’s output to approximately 182 horsepower and delivered a nearly flat torque curve of 259 Nm from 2,550 to 5,000 rpm, significantly enhancing the vehicle’s performance and driving experience.
Legacy and Collectibility
The pre-series Flaminia Sport Zagato, particularly the 99 units produced, is highly revered for its rarity and historical significance. These models encapsulate the pinnacle of Lancia’s collaboration with Zagato, showcasing a fusion of cutting-edge design and high-performance engineering.
Collectibility:
- Rarity: With only 99 pre-series models produced, their scarcity adds to their appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.
- Market Value: The value of these vehicles, especially well-maintained or restored examples like chassis number 1011, can reach several hundreds of thousands of euros, reflecting their status as coveted collector’s items.
Historical Impact:
The Flaminia Sport Zagato pre-series models are celebrated for their innovation in aerodynamic design and their contribution to Lancia’s legacy of high-performance vehicles. Their blend of technical sophistication, unique design elements, and competitive pedigree ensures their place as iconic artifacts in the history of automotive design.
The Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato 3C pre-series represents a landmark achievement in Italian automotive engineering and design. Its unique combination of aesthetic elegance, advanced technology, and performance-oriented features underscores its significance as a collector’s masterpiece. The legacy of the pre-series models, particularly exemplified by chassis number 1011, continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors, solidifying its status as a quintessential example of mid-20th century automotive excellence.
Conclusion
Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato 3C 1962: The CHF Million Casino Masterpiece.The 1962 Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato 3C is a masterpiece of automotive engineering and design. Its artisanal craftsmanship, high-performance engine, and advanced aerodynamic features make it an iconic grand touring car. With only 174 units produced, each 3C model is a precious collector’s item, offering a rare combination of style, performance, and technical sophistication. Its legacy endures, captivating automotive enthusiasts worldwide.