My car. I have since had seatbelts fitted.
An award winner at the Goodwood Festival in 2017, I have photos of Sir Sterling Moss presenting it to the then owner.
A story stranger than fiction - I found an old Maryland USA Title Document in the history file and wrote to the then Registered Owner. An amazing story unfolded from there.
It turned out that the car was discovered, engineless and vandalised in a building in Maryland by a guy researching the Estate of a local recluse.It had been there for nearly 30 years (and thus presumably was laid up when not very old, hence its amazing corrosion-free condition). He took the car in part payment for his fees and set about looking for a suitable engine, presumably an American V8. Meanwhile, his wife, researching documents, found an envelope entitled 'Lancia'. Inside was a bill for $460 dated 27 years earlier for 'repairs to Lancia engine'.
After some digging, our man knocked on a door near where the workshop once was and was greeted by a lady who turned out to be the daughter of the workshop owner. When he asked her if she knew what might have happened to the engine she said ' hang on, I'll go and get my dad'. A sprightly 93 year old appeared and confirmed that he had rebuilt the engine but never got paid. When asked if he knew where the engine might be he said ' I do, its out the back'. he then revealed the engine, perfectly preserved and seemingly ready to re-install.' Can I buy it?' 'No, but pay me the $460 and you can have it. How about that! The car then ended up in Mexico and was comprehensively restored to its current exquisite condition. Imported to the UK in 2012, I have owned it for 3 years now. Jack commented that it was down on power. We have since discovered a foul in the throttle linkage preventing full throttle. This plus a carb overhaul it is now exactly as it should be.
Happy Days.
HP
