UTAC | Millbrook, Bedford Viewing: Tues 24th June from 12pm Auction: Wed 25th June from 9am Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JQ1981 Lancia Gamma Coupé No ReserveRegistration No: VMX 503X Chassis No: 830ACO* 003360* MOT: Exempt Rare UK Market, right-hand drive model On offer in 'project' form, having been previously disassembled for mild restoration work 2. 5 Litre, 5-speed manual transmission model 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 Saloons were built at Lancia's Chivasso factory, the Coupés were manufactured on Pininfarina's prestigious premises at the rate of up to 10 per day. Some 6, 789 examples were built by the time production ceased in 1984. An unusual yet attractive piece of 1980’s Italian history, this example of Lancia’s Gamma Coupé was first registered on the 28th August 1981 and has been in the ownership of four keepers prior to the vendor becoming its custodian in 2020. Part of his large private collection which includes several interesting project vehicles, the Gamma has had several trim parts removed ready for tidying up, and there is evidence that the offside sill was subject to some welding although the job does not look to have been completed. The vendor informs us that the Lancia will be presenting in running condition for the sale, although during the consignment visit it would not start which was put down to a dirty carburettor and stale petrol. Today, ‘VMX 503X’ is now in need of a new owner who can dedicate a small amount of time to tidying up, although upon inspection the presence of the original interior which appears to be complete and correct and a replacement and unfitted exhaust system is very positive indeed. Supplied complete with the UK V5C, this rare machine now has somewhat of a cult following due to its quirky yet very stylish design (both mechanically and cosmetically) and the appearance of one on the BBC’s Top Gear some years ago. ** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply** Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.