Lancia Lambda VIII Garavini

The Lancia Lambda VIII Garavini is a remarkable example of automotive restoration and craftsmanship, originating from the Eighth Series of the legendary Lambda models. This particular long-chassis car is believed to have been first delivered to Argentina, where it spent years as a working taxi before being imported to the UK in 1990. Upon arrival, the car was in a state of disrepair, requiring extensive restoration after enduring years of heavy use. Soon after its import, the current owner undertook the challenging task of returning the Lambda to its former glory, determined to preserve its rare limousine coachwork. To achieve this, a team of experts was assembled, each specializing in different aspects of the car’s refurbishment. The restoration process began with the complete disassembly of the vehicle. The Lancia chassis was thoroughly refurbished, with a focus on ensuring the integrity of the suspension and its complex trapezium front configuration—one of the hallmarks of the Lambda’s innovative design. The engine, a tipo 79 2.6-litre V4, was entrusted to Paul Atkinson, a renowned engineer from Derby. Paul Atkinson not only meticulously rebuilt the engine but also rewired the entire vehicle, ensuring it was mechanically sound and electrically up to modern standards. As the restoration progressed, the origins of the car’s unique coachwork remained unclear until the door catch plates were sent off for replating. Once stripped of paint, the plates revealed the prestigious mark of Carrozzeria Garavini Torino, confirming the car’s coachbuilder and adding a layer of historical significance to the restoration. Thanks to the meticulous efforts of its restoration team, the Lancia Lambda VIII Garavini was brought up to concours-winning standards, becoming a shining example of both automotive history and expert craftsmanship. Today, this restored masterpiece stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Lancia’s engineering and design innovations.