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The Lancia Flavia Convertibile by Vignale.
The Lancia Flavia Convertibile has its roots in the introduction of the Flavia saloon in 1961, which continued Lancia’s tradition of innovative automotive engineering. Designed by Antonio Fessia and inspired by his Cemsa prototype of 1947, the Flavia saloon was notable for being Italy’s first series-production car to feature front-wheel drive. In 1962, the Lancia Flavia Convertibile by Vignale made its debut at the Turin Motor Show alongside the Zagato-designed lightweight two-door sport version. Based on the shorter-wheelbase Pininfarina-styled Coupé, the Convertibile featured a design by Giovanni Michelotti. The interior layout offered comfortable seating for four, with reclining leather or faux leather seats at the front. The dashboard, derived from the saloon, featured a simple yet comprehensive instrument panel, with a wooden insert adding a touch of elegance. The convertible top, available in various colors, could be replaced with an optional hardtop for added versatility. Mechanically, the Flavia Convertibile shared the same boxer engine as the Pininfarina Coupé, initially equipped with the “sport” version of the 1500cc four-cylinder engine. This engine, with its pair of Solex C35PII carburetors, delivered impressive power output for its time, complemented by a potent hydraulic braking system with four disc brakes. Production of the Lancia Flavia Convertibile Vignale spanned from 1963 to 1965, with only 835 units fitted with the 1.8-liter engine produced. An additional 43 units were equipped with fuel injection until the end of 1966. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti, the Flavia Convertibile represented the culmination of the collaboration between Lancia and Vignale, leaving a lasting impression as the last model to emerge from their partnership.
In the early months of 1968, Zagato, the coachbuilder from Milan, embarked on a new venture called the Competition. This project was commissioned by Cesare Fiorino and commenced with the Fulvia Sport chassis type 818.332 number 001890, concluding with number 001911.
The story of Carrozzeria Vignale represents one of the many somewhat forgotten success stories born against the backdrop of an Italy that was torn apart by the Second World War and which, starting from the end of the 1950s, was able to recover enough to know a real miracle. economical just a few years later.
