Seeing Roger’s Lancia Fulvia post reminded me that I had these pictures. The Fulvia has always been one of my favorite designs (Must own one someday) and I was very pleasantly surprised to see this at the 2003 Franfurt Auto Show a decade ago…
Lancia had a very elegantly styled display that year at the show and this was the centerpiece. I thought it harkened back to the original very well and was really hoping it would make it into production someday. Now, a decade on, it seems very unlikely.
Great little rear end on the car.
The car is quite small, just like the original. Pictures in this kind of setting always seem to have trouble conveying the relative scale.
One last one for the road – I don’t quote recall exactly which curve of the car I was trying to admire. If only that lady would get out of the way…
Having recently had a real good look at one the same as the red one featured I prefer the earlier models, Lancia was one of the most innovative makers out there for decades, far better than Fiat who now owns the brand
Just the shear variety of Lancia coupes over the course of 1965-80 is incredible. Big traditional RWD ones (but with V6s), boxer-4- and V4-powered front-wheel drive ones, and a mid-engined model or two to round things out. It’s hard to find that level variety in whole automotive markets—that it was all from one company makes it all the more incredible.
Really, any company that made the Flavia and the Montecarlo is clearly after my heart—too bad they’re stuck in badge-engineering hell, although the minivan fans out there might get a kick out of the Lancia Voyager, and those who don’t share our enthusiasm for smaller European cars with smaller engines would be satisfied by one of the contemporary Themas (although I have to admit I’ve had thoughts about obtaining an old Ferrari-engined one).
Very interesting concept. Reminds me of a first-generation Mercedes SLK. It’s hard to look at the actual car though, my eyes go to that model. I’d take one if she came with it.
Oh, those are sunglases hanging off her belt, I thought they were handcuffs.
I seem to remember seeing this in C&D or some such when it came out, thought it very nice indeed. Seeing your excellent pics only reinforces that impression from a decade ago.
A beautiful car and a beautiful lady–perfect 🙂
Deloris!
Great from the side and back, but not so much from the front. The car, that is.
This concept still looks relatively up to date IMO
Eh, no thanks. The high belt line and the resulting stubby proportions kill it for me. Reminds me of the 05 Mustang — looks ok, until you compare it to the original.
I will admit, I’m surprised it’s a ten year old concept. Looks bloated and ill proportioned enough to be contemporary.
I think it is probably quite low (if those are 17″ wheels), there original can never be replicated. Pillars for one.
I don’t suppose you know how tall the model was Jim?
She was pretty tall but sadly the security looked fairly competent so I could not determine the exact specifications….
However the car has been documented elsewhere. It measures 52.5″ tall, which is only 1.5″ taller than the original which is 51″ tall.
Width is 65.5″ (new) vs 64″ (old)
Length is 154.5″ (new) vs 156.5″ (old)
Wheelbase is 89.5″ (new) vs 91.7″ (old)
Thanks Jim & also the research on the specs. I’m surprised by the wheelbase number – it must be the much-larger wheels that take up things like the rear overhang of the original car, which is shown to such great effect on the recently-posted car without the bumper.
If they made this as a variation of the 149 it would be great – swb with no pretence of a back seat yet it looks to still have decent luggage space
The rear end is the best part of this train wreck and it’s not great. It’s totally wrong in almost every way. Looks like a little kid drew a pic of dad’s car.
I like the headlamps.
I really rather like this little thing. In today’s world of staggeringly popular new 500s and MINIs, it seems like a bit of a mistake not producing this.
I wonder if Mr Marchionne will have a bash at Lancia once he’s finished with Alfa.
One can only hope.