1962 Lancia Flaminia Zagato 3C Sport – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021

Aluminum bodywork, triple carburetors, and a truncated Kamm tail defined the 1962 Lancia Flaminia Zagato Sport 3C. This was not simply a more powerful Flaminia, but a focused grand tourer shaped by aerodynamics and coachbuilding expertise. In the early 1960s, it stood at the intersection of advanced Italian engineering and competition-oriented design.

Technical Details

The 1962 Lancia Flaminia Zagato Sport 3C was built on the Flaminia platform developed by Lancia and clothed in lightweight aluminum bodywork by Zagato. Power came from Lancia’s 60-degree V6 engine, enlarged to 2,458 cc in the Sport 3C specification. The “3C” designation refers to the use of three twin-choke carburetors, which increased output to approximately 140 PS, depending on tuning and year.

The engine was mounted at the front, while the gearbox and differential were combined in a rear-mounted transaxle unit. This configuration, first introduced on the earlier Aurelia and continued on the Flaminia, improved weight distribution and handling balance. Drive was sent to the rear wheels. Suspension consisted of independent front suspension and a rear De Dion axle, a technically sophisticated layout designed to combine ride comfort with stable cornering behavior.

By 1962, the Flaminia range had adopted disc brakes, further enhancing braking performance. With a kerb weight lower than the standard steel-bodied Flaminia due to its aluminum coachwork, the Zagato Sport 3C achieved a top speed in the region of 190 km/h. Performance figures placed it firmly within the European high-performance GT segment of the early 1960s.

• Manufacturer: Lancia
• Model Name: Lancia Flaminia Zagato Sport 3C
• Year of Manufacturing: 1962

Design

The design of the Flaminia Zagato Sport 3C reflects Zagato’s competition-oriented philosophy. The body was constructed in aluminum and featured clean, aerodynamic lines. A low roofline, slim pillars, and a compact greenhouse gave the car a purposeful stance. One of the defining elements is the Kamm-style truncated rear end, intended to reduce aerodynamic drag while maintaining stability at speed.

The front end is characterized by a relatively small grille opening and integrated headlamps, creating a smooth and uncluttered surface. Compared with the more formal Pininfarina-bodied Flaminia Coupé and Cabriolet, the Zagato version appears more compact and performance-focused.

Inside, the cockpit emphasizes the driver. The dashboard houses clear round instruments, and seating is supportive rather than luxurious. The lightweight construction and tight packaging reflect the car’s dual role as both a refined road car and a machine suited to sporting use. The overall aesthetic prioritizes efficiency and aerodynamics over decorative elements.

Historical Significance

The Flaminia was introduced in 1957 as Lancia’s flagship model, replacing the Aurelia. While the Berlina and Pininfarina-bodied Coupé and Cabriolet emphasized comfort and executive presence, the Zagato Sport versions highlighted the platform’s sporting potential.

The Sport 3C, introduced in the early 1960s, represented the most powerful and technically developed iteration of the Flaminia up to that point. The adoption of triple carburetors and disc brakes reflected Lancia’s ongoing refinement of the model. Production numbers for the Zagato-bodied variants remained limited, reinforcing their exclusivity within the Flaminia family.

In a broader context, the 1962 Lancia Flaminia Zagato Sport 3C illustrates the continued collaboration between Italian manufacturers and independent coachbuilders. At a time when monocoque factory bodies were becoming dominant, the combination of a factory-engineered chassis with a specialized lightweight aluminum body preserved the Italian tradition of bespoke grand touring cars.

Quirks and Pop Culture

The Zagato-bodied Flaminia is often distinguished by its double-bubble roof on certain versions, although the Sport 3C typically featured a smoother roof profile than some earlier Zagato designs. The Kamm tail, however, became a visual signature and is frequently cited in discussions of early aerodynamic experimentation in road cars.

Compared with more widely recognized contemporaries from Ferrari or Maserati, the Flaminia Zagato Sport 3C maintained a lower public profile. This relative discretion has contributed to its appeal among collectors who value engineering innovation and subtle design over overt brand recognition. Surviving examples are regularly featured at major concours and historic events, where their combination of technical sophistication and coachbuilt exclusivity is appreciated.

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 1962 Lancia Flaminia Zagato Sport 3C combined advanced V6 engineering with lightweight aluminum coachwork and aerodynamic refinement. Its 2.5-litre triple-carburetor engine, rear transaxle layout, De Dion suspension, and disc brakes positioned it as a technically sophisticated grand tourer of its era. Styled by Zagato, it presented a focused and aerodynamic alternative to the more formal Flaminia variants. Today, the Flaminia Zagato Sport 3C stands as a clear example of how Italian engineering and coachbuilding traditions converged in the early 1960s to produce distinctive and technically ambitious GT cars.