1959 Lancia Flaminia Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021
When Lancia replaced the Aurelia at the end of the 1950s, it did so with a car that combined advanced engineering and restrained elegance. The 1959 Lancia Flaminia Cabriolet translated this formula into open-air form, pairing a V6 engine with coachbuilt refinement. It represents Lancia’s vision of a technically sophisticated grand tourer for the late 1950s.
Technical Details
The 1959 Lancia Flaminia Cabriolet was part of the broader Flaminia range introduced in 1957 as the successor to the Aurelia. Manufactured by Lancia, the Flaminia retained and further developed the company’s engineering philosophy. Power came from a front-mounted V6 engine derived from the Aurelia unit. In 1959, the standard displacement was 2,458 cc, producing approximately 102–110 PS depending on specification and carburetion.
The engine featured aluminum construction and a 60-degree V-angle layout. As in the Aurelia, Lancia employed a rear-mounted transaxle combining gearbox and differential, improving weight distribution and balance. The drivetrain followed a rear-wheel-drive configuration. A four-speed manual transmission was standard, and braking was handled by drum brakes on early models, with disc brakes introduced in later evolutions of the Flaminia series.
Suspension was independent at the front, while the rear used a De Dion axle layout, a technically sophisticated solution intended to provide stable handling and ride comfort. With a kerb weight of around 1,400 kilograms and a top speed in the region of 170–180 km/h, the Flaminia Cabriolet offered performance appropriate for a luxury grand tourer rather than a pure sports car.
- Manufacturer: Lancia
- Model Name: Lancia Flaminia Cabriolet
- Year of Manufacturing: 1959
Design
The Flaminia Cabriolet was styled and built by Pininfarina, and its design reflects a deliberate move toward clean, modern lines. Compared with the earlier Aurelia, the Flaminia adopted more restrained surfaces and a broader, lower stance. The front end is defined by a wide horizontal grille and understated chrome detailing, while the proportions emphasize length and composure.
As a cabriolet, the car featured a well-integrated folding soft top that preserved the purity of the body lines when raised. The absence of excessive ornamentation gives the car a formal, almost architectural quality. The side profile is characterized by a straight beltline and gently curved rear wings, avoiding the flamboyant tailfins seen on some contemporaries.
Inside, the cabin combined Italian craftsmanship with technical clarity. The dashboard housed clearly arranged round instruments, and materials were selected to convey quality without ostentation. Seating was designed for comfort over long distances, reinforcing the car’s grand touring character. The overall design expressed balance and maturity rather than overt sportiness.
Historical Significance
The Lancia Flaminia was introduced as the company’s new flagship model, replacing the Aurelia and signaling Lancia’s continued commitment to advanced engineering. In addition to the Pininfarina Cabriolet, the Flaminia range included a Berlina sedan and coupé variants bodied by Touring and Zagato, each offering distinct interpretations of the same technical platform.
The 1959 Cabriolet occupies a central position in this lineup. It embodied Lancia’s traditional emphasis on innovation—such as the rear transaxle and De Dion rear axle—while aligning with late-1950s expectations for luxury and comfort. During this period, Lancia was still an independent manufacturer with a strong engineering identity, prior to its acquisition by Fiat in 1969.
The Flaminia also served as an official state vehicle in Italy, reinforcing its status as a symbol of refinement and technical competence. As the brand’s top-tier offering, it demonstrated that Lancia could compete in the European executive and grand touring segments alongside established rivals.
Quirks and Pop Culture
The Flaminia Cabriolet is often associated with Italian elegance of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its understated appearance contrasts with more aggressively styled contemporaries, which has contributed to its reputation as a connoisseur’s choice.
Within the broader Flaminia family, the more radical Zagato Sport variants gained motorsport recognition, but the Pininfarina Cabriolet retained a quieter prestige. Its technical layout—particularly the rear transaxle—continues to attract attention from historians interested in Lancia’s engineering continuity from the Aurelia era.
Today, surviving examples of the 1959 Lancia Flaminia Cabriolet appear at major concours events and historic gatherings, appreciated for their blend of technical sophistication and balanced design.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.
Conclusion
The 1959 Lancia Flaminia Cabriolet stands as a refined grand tourer that combined advanced mechanical solutions with restrained Italian styling. Powered by a 2.5-litre V6 and featuring a rear-mounted transaxle with De Dion rear suspension, it continued Lancia’s tradition of engineering innovation. Designed by Pininfarina, its clean proportions and carefully executed details reinforced its status as a flagship model. As part of Lancia’s late-1950s evolution, the Flaminia Cabriolet remains a significant example of how technical ambition and design restraint could coexist in a luxury open car.
