Hello from Australia!

[ozman]

Hi guys,

James from Australia here.

I've been into Lancias for many years and only just found this forum yesterday. I can't believe that I didn't find it years ago. I was glad to see that at least the Beta section is pretty active.

Anyway, at the moment I have a 78 HPE, a 79 HPE, a 63 Flavia Pininfarina coupe and a really rusty 72 Flavia sedan. All are projects in various states of repair. The 78 HPE is close to being back on the road - finally. All good fun.

James

[1,6 HF]

James,

Welcome to the forum! Interesting group of cars.

Although you'll prbably more HPE appreciators than actual owners, the Beta forum here is very active. Not surprisingly, the Flavia forum gets less traffic, but not because they aren't worthy of attention. Earlier in the year, while my Fulvia was in the shop, a friend lent me his PF Coupé--wonderful car; a real step up in class from my HF...

[ozman]

Thanks Ed,

Interesting comparison with the HF. I have never driven a Fulvia but they look awesome and would be fun for sure. The Flavia sedan would have been quite luxurious (more than the coupe I think) - electric windows all around, A/C, power steering (I think), velour seats, nice woodgrain type dash. It is a shame that our one is so rusty but it does run.

James

[1,6 HF]

James,

The differences between a Flavia Coupé and a Fulvia HF are pretty stark--far more so than a 'normale' Fulvia Coupé. The Flavia is all silkiness and finesse; the example I drove had its original leather interior. The car accelerates and steers very smoothly but rather leisurely; a grand touring car in the truest sense.

And a 'normale' Fulvia Coupé is much the same, just one notch down. On the other hand, a Fulvia HF, particularly the 1.6, is anything but refined and leisurely--all nervous energy.

If I had the resources, time, and space for another Lancia, a Flavia Coupé would be definitely be on my short list. In general I tend to gravitate towards coupés rather than berlinas, but the Flavia berlina is indeed a very more luxurious car, and I wish you luck in getting yours back on the road.