Launched in 1961, the Flavia saloon maintained Lancia’s enviable reputation for advanced and innovative automotive engineering.

Designed by Antonio Fessia and inspired by his Cemsa prototype of 1947, the Flavia was Italy’s first series-production car to employ front-wheel drive.

Carried well forward of the front wheels, the engine was a 1,488cc, overhead-valve, horizontally-opposed four; suspension was independent at the front and by beam axle at the rear, and there were dual-circuit, servo-assisted disc brakes all round.

The saloon was joined by the shorter-wheelbase Pininfarina-styled Coupé in 1962, the latter providing the basis for a convertible version by Vignale, while Zagato designed an outlandish-looking light weight two-door sport version.

An attractive four-seater sports car, the Convertible enjoyed the stability, comfort, and handling virtues common to the rest of the range.

In 1963 the range was updated with a 1,800cc engine, which when installed in the Coupé and Conve...