The Lancia Gamma replaced the Flavia as the company's flagship model and was launched at the 1976 Geneva Salon.

Both the Saloon (Berlina) and Coupé were styled by Aldo Brovarone of Pininfarina.

Power for the Gamma was provided by an all-alloy flat-four unit of either 2.0 or 2.5-litres capacity.

The engine's inherent lack of height gave Brovarone free rein to create rakish looking bodies with low bonnet lines and steeply angled windscreens.

The car's underpinnings were similar to that of its smaller sibling, the Beta - disc brakes all round and all independent suspension by MacPherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bars.

Changes were relatively few during the six years of production and largely confined to the facelift model of 1980 that comprised: a move from carburettors to fuel injection for the engines; a new radiator grille and 15-inch `sunburst' alloy wheels.

At the same time the interior was upgraded and treated to new instrumentation and lighting.

While the Gamma ...