Cool and understated. That are the words which describe the Lancia 2000 Berlina perfectly. It was the last 'proper' Lancia before Fiat took over, and the top-of-the-range model in the Lancia line-up. The Lancia 2000 was introduced in 1971 as a revised / upgraded version of the outgoing Flavia. It was powered by a 1991 cc 4-cilinder boxer engine offering 115 bhp, which made it a fast saloon in the early seventies. It was exceptionally well build, and a real car for the connoisseur. A very conservative design that's dripping in charm and elegance. At its launch, it was double the price of a Ford Taunus 2000 and even more expensive than the relative opulent Rover 2000 TC. The Lancia 2000 was therefore bought by people who didn't let the vulgarity of price get in the way of good taste....

This example is rather special, as it only had 4 owners from new. It was delivered on the 15th of August 1973 in the Netherlands in the magificent colour combination of Beige Mirabello with a sumptuous interior in green velvet. And it had the optional rear curtains from new - a rather unique feature on saloon cars from this era. The car has been pampered and sparely used, and in 1985 it had only 16.000 km on the clocks when it was sold to a friend of the first owner with the promise to keep it in the same beautiful original condition. Which he did. The Lancia was sold again in 2014 to a Dutch Lancia collector with only 28.555 km. The car had been well maintained all its life, and was still in completely original condition. The actual owner bought the car in 2021 with 33.000 km and had it technically overhauled - all documented with invoices totaling over 12.000 EUR. He used it for some short and longer trips, bringing the total mileage of this beautiful Lancia to 36.259 km. This is the real mileage of the car, and even more surprisingly is the fact that the 2000 Berlina is mainly still in first paint apart from a front wing repaint as it had a small scratch. The interior is just a fantastic place to sit in, with plush velours seats and nice proper wood trim.

Driving the Lancia is a bit of a surprise : it is so easy to drive and extremely comfortable for a 50-years old car. The doors shut with a very un-italian clonk, but that was typically for Lancia's from this era : these cars were built to last and very well put together (and to be honest way above the quality level of other Italian cars from the early seventies). There is plenty of space inside, and the luggage compartment is simply huge. The engine runs great with the typical 4-cilinder boxer sound, and gearbox, steering and brakes have a very modern feeling. And finally a last cool thing about the Lancia 2000 Berlina : in the movie "Rush" it was rather enthusiastically driven by Niki Lauda in one of the most funny scenes in this 'Lauda vs Hunt" blockbuster.

If you are looking for a stylish and properly understated super saloon from the seventies, then this is definitely one to consider. This fantastic Lancia 2000 Berlina in very original condition is real value for money and a rare sight these days. It is very well documented and 100% ready to be enjoyed by a next custodian. A unique opportunity.