1965 Lancia Flavia Sport Zagato
A rare right-hand-drive example of the Lancia Flavia Sport Zagato — one of only 25 built in that configuration out of a total run of 576 aluminium-bodied coupés — this car was converted to road/rally specification in the early 1990s by marque specialist Richard Thorne, then subsequently rebuilt as a full circuit-racing car. It competed across approximately three seasons with the HSCC, including at Spa in 2004–2005, before suffering a catastrophic engine failure at the 2005 Spa 6 Hours. Following engine rebuilding and recommissioning by Lancia specialists Omnicron, it returned to competition at Croft in 2014 under the Classic Touring Car Club banner.
Ownership
- 2016-02-26Auction saleEstimate £20,000 – £25,000
- → 2002Unknown owner prior to 2002partial documentation
This owner had the car converted to road/rally specification by Richard Thorne in the early 1990s, after which it saw very little use for roughly a decade, as evidenced by MoT history records.
- 2002 →Private salePrevious owner (pre-2005 French-based owner)partial documentation
Commissioned Richard Thorne to rebuild the car as a dedicated circuit racer; used it in HSCC competition for around three seasons including Spa events in 2004–2005. Following engine failure at Spa in 2005, the car sat unrepaired in France until this owner sold it to fund other projects.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Brought the car back to the UK, had Omnicron carry out an engine rebuild and full recommission, and returned it to competition at Croft in 2014. Racing ceased after 2014 when a new race car was acquired for 2015–16; the car was serviced and recommissioned at end of 2015.
Competition
- 2004Spa circuit races 2004
HTP papers dated 2004 enabled the car to race at Spa during the 2004 season.
- 2005Spa 6 Hours 2005DNF — engine failure
A connecting rod broke through the engine block during the race, ending the car's competitive use for several years.
- 2014Classic Touring Car Club, pre-66Croft circuit race 2014
Car performed well on its return to competition following engine rebuild and recommission.
- 2014Classic Touring Car Club, pre-66Cadwell Park race 2014
One of two additional outings in the 2014 season following the Croft round.
- 2014Classic Touring Car Club, pre-66Brands Hatch race 2014
Third and final competitive outing of the 2014 season.
- —Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC)HSCC circuit races (multiple seasons)
Car competed over approximately three seasons with the HSCC; supporting race records and an FIA build specification are present with the car.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2002ModificationRichard Thorne
Comprehensively rebuilt as a dedicated circuit-racing car by Richard Thorne, incorporating a fully race-prepared engine, uprated suspension, and revised running gear.
Extensive invoices and documentation covering the scope of race preparation accompany the car.
- 2015Service
Full service and recommission carried out at the close of the 2015 season in preparation for planned 2016 use; safety equipment including seat harness and fire suppression system was brought up to date.
- —ModificationRichard Thorne
Converted from standard road specification to a road/rally configuration by marque specialist Richard Thorne.
Carried out in the early 1990s for the car's then-owner.
- —Engine rebuildOmnicron
Following catastrophic connecting-rod failure at Spa in 2005, a replacement block was sourced and the engine was fully rebuilt; the car was also comprehensively recommissioned. Subsequent dyno testing recorded 139 bhp at the flywheel and 140 lb-ft of torque.
Work carried out in the UK after the car was repatriated from France where it had sat awaiting repair.
- —Mechanical
Dynamo and voltage regulator rebuilt and a new electronic distributor fitted to address a charging fault that developed during the 2014 race season.
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