Lancia Flavia

Authors

Description

 
Flavia
Flavia Sedan (Mathijs Geert)
The Flavia sedan was introduced in 1960 with a wealth ofinnovative features. It was the first Italian car, and one of the first in the world, fitted with a four-cylinder horizontally opposed engine, front wheel drive and disc brakes.

The engine had a capacity of 1500cc, producing 78 bhp at 5200 rpm. The engine block and head were made from aluminum alloy, with interchangable cast iron cylinder liners. Timing was by two chain-driven camshafts, driving overhead valves via rods and rocker arms. Wheelbase of 2.65m, length 4.58m, weight in running order 1190 kg, top speed 148 km/hr.

The four-door, six seater sedan bodywork was of the stress-bearing type, completely isolated from vibration and noise as the mechanical components were connected to it by rubber dampers. Independent suspension on the front wheels with transverse leaf springs, rear suspension with rigid tubular frame, and servo-assisted braking with four disc brakes were featured.

Although a car in the medium bracket, the Flavia was extremely spacious and comfortable, with excellent stability and handling, even on snow. Unfortunately there were a number of problems limiting the car's longevity. The timing chain would sometimes jump, destroying the valves and pistons. The springs could break if the car was driven heavily laden, and the bodywork could rust badly.

The Flavia saloon received a new 1800cc, 86 bhp engine in 1963 and now could boast a top speed of 160 km/hr. Vignale cabriolet and Zagato Sport Coupe versions of the same car appeared; the latter developed 95 bhp, with a top speed of 180 km/hr.

Maintainer: Andrew Cliffe
 Last update: 1st April 2001