Driving experience – agile and spacious

Thanks to its platform, shorter than the saloon’s, and the boxer engine that lends it a lower centre of gravity, the Gamma Coupé is a real surprise, especially considering its generous size. The 2.5 L i.e flat-four (engine code “830A4.000”), linear and progressive, really compliments the build of this car. It has a top speed of 195 km/h, against the 181 of the 2 L version, while also boasting a definitely more impressive pickup.
Easy to handle, especially in tight-driving conditions, it reminds of more compact coupés of its time, with a narrower interior. On the other hand, this is a rather comfortable four-seat, (homologated for 5), with plenty of leg space for its passengers, as well as space in the boot. Brovarone’s genius is just as clear when we observe the car’s profile: streamlined, with an almost slender outline that seems to be hovering a few centimetres above the pavement. This car skilfully hides a roomy interior that can accommodate a family, more spacious than that of many saloons of the time. And to think that its heir is the 1996 K Coupé. Make of that what you will.

Documented jobs –  Passione Classica’s Lancia Gamma Coupé 2.5 I.E.

The 2.5 L i.e. produced in 1981 were a little over 500, even fewer the ones with this colour combination: an elegant champagne hue for the body, beige interior, and dark brown carpets. This Italian coupé was exported to Germany and later found thanks to an acquaintance’s heads-up. I was looking for a Series 2 2.5 L i.e, exactly of this wonderful colour, which I believe is one of the best suited for this model.
The restoration was long and lasted about three years between hitches, setbacks, looking for spare pieces, and various tests. Amongst those who contributed to this project, a special mention goes to the Italian Lancia Gamma Club, whose members were always helpful and ready to share useful tips.
The car had already been repainted but, while it might have looked all right at a first glance, the colour chosen for the body was a beige metallic paint consistent with the model but wrong for this specific unit. I then discovered that the shade of this colour could vary depending on the production period—due to agreements between Lancia and its suppliers that changed over the years, and paint supply was no exception. The original colour came to light while disassembling this Gamma, decidedly lighter than what had been picked for the first restoration. That’s why, as you can see from the pictures, I resolved to repaint this Gamma Coupé to respect its authenticity.
Body work aside, the mechanical aspect was undoubtedly the most expensive part of the restoration, as it forced the technicians to do some overtime, an Passione Classica to pay for some unplanned expenses (see pictures) that amounted to about 16.000 euros—spare parts included (invoices available as usual)—obviously in addition to the cost of the car. The engine, for instance, was completely disassembled and inspected. The 2.5 produced are already very few, even fewer are the ones that can boast full documentation, complete with invoices and pictures of the process. That’s why one must be wary of cars for sale at bargain prices that often have little to no proof of the jobs that have been performed, apart from the occasional oil change. Restoring a vintage car is expensive and it’s normal that its value increases with every operation. This 2.5 i.e. Gamma Coupé has therefore indisputable historical charm, and represents a divide between generations of Lancia aficionados. Italian engineering and Pininfarina’s and Brovarone’s signature together become a true masterpiece, perhaps one of the most beautiful of its time.