There is no other country in the world where there is as much love for cars as in Italy. The passion for the most powerful, fastest and most beautiful cars is greatest there. Fortunately, Duco shares the same love for Italian cars that clearly distinguish themselves; they are really special cars. If you come across the Lancia Gamma Coupé in traffic, an enthusiast will continue to stare at it with admiration. It's almost a status symbol, and no matter how you look at it, the shape is perfect, stylish and unique. It is one of the most beautiful designs, with beautiful lines, in a very elegant compartment.
Driven by passion
Stories about cars are often fascinating, especially if you have a special bond with a certain classic or vintage car, then you would like to tell about it. The treasures in Duco's garage have now grown into an impressive collection. He has several Lancias, including a red Beta Spider and a Fulvia 1.3 from the third series. The striking Lancia Gamma Coupé is available in different colors, including white, light blue and dark blue. All this proves that he is a true lover of Lancias, and it is logical that his love for them shines through. Duco would like to share his enthusiasm by telling about the history of these various classics, which all radiate timelessness. Passion is what matters in the world of cars and hobbies.
The boy's dream
Duco says: “The year is 1978, my mother drives a metallic green FIAT X1/9, a two-seater with one major problem: Wodan, our Airedale Terrier, sits next to my mother and watches. But seeing around the dog is not easy, which almost led to an accident. A dog should be able to sit in the back, so it was time for another car! In Leonard Lang's warehouse I found a poster of the Lancia Beta Spider. Of course I told my father, who wanted to see the Lancia in real life. And that was possible at Gremi in Wassenaar.”
Instantly in love!
Duco continues: “In addition to the gray Spider, a Lancia Gamma Coupé Twin Targa (with 2 removable Targa roofs) was shining at Gremi. My father first bought a red Lancia Beta Spider, which was later replaced by a white one. Would the desire for a Lancia Gamma Coupé be a lasting desire? Many years later, in 2019, my boyhood dream came true when I found and bought one in St. Dié de Vosges, and in 2022 I even added a red Beta Spider. Lancia has a great reputation when it comes to cars that touch people's hearts. There can be no doubt about its beauty. Do you understand my crush?”
Lancia: a matter of experience
Lancia itself says: “It may seem like a myth that every Lancia is a collector's item. But it is certain that Lancia has contributed to automotive history. Experience shows that Lancias are very desirable cars. Driving a Lancia is an unforgettable experience, and the Lancia Gamma Coupé combines elegance and sportiness in a daring way.”
Collector's item
Duco emphasizes: “For me, this classic is an exclusive car, not a fable, but a collector's item, together with my other Lancias. Other enthusiasts know where to find me, and it remains impressive that there are still so many Lancia owners who share the same passion. My Italian artwork attracts a lot of attention and admiration from other road users. You almost feel a connection with other Lancia drivers, a small greeting when passing always gives a good feeling.”
Need advice?
FEHAC used to provide advice to classic car and vintage car owners:
- You drive a vehicle with outdated driving characteristics.
- Understand the possibilities and limitations.
- Drive with common sense and understanding of other road users.
It is clear that Duco does not need this advice. His powerful, beautiful Lancia Gamma Coupé can keep up safely in traffic.
If you also love the stories associated with classic cars on two or four wheels, then Auto Motor Klassiek a positive influence on your mood. They have contributions almost daily on their FREE website, and if subscribes you can enjoy monthly reading pleasure even more.
Perhaps interesting for Duco (or someone else) here are three forgotten Lancias in the shed. An HPE, and two Beta coupes in rust-free condition and one with damage.
Sorry to read it so late.
Pete.
This was on a black and white photo in a car Yearbook of 197x with the caption: “More beautiful in real life than in the photo”. Indeed!
I have never forgotten it and my first own car was a Bèta 2.0 Berliner.
Unfortunately, that purchase was accompanied by the introduction of the MOT; no chance! ;(
That's right, we were a Lancia dealer in Nijmegen from 1966 to 1983, but those models you mention from the range were never produced, otherwise they are very nice cars. Even though they had some mistakes with the engine in the beginning, the customers were satisfied, especially with the models and driving qualities. Gr.Stef Hartogs By the way, I still have a nice gamma 5-door 2.5i and a Fulvia coupe 1.3 third series, both from the first owner
Dear Dirk de Jong,
The story about the Lancia Gamma Coupe is nice but there are disturbing errors:
Gremi in Groningen was an importer of motorcycles and car brands such as Goggomobil, Glas, Zastava and Lada. Definitely not a Lancia dealer in Wassenaar.
The following companies were Lancia dealers/importers in Wassenaar from 1957: vd Marel, Lancia Import Nederland, Itola, Menken and Franke.
I think it is a dream of yours to have seen a Lancia Gamma Coupe with a twin-targa roof in the showroom in Wassenaar, because that version of the Gamma never went into production. It remained with a Pininfarina prototype: The Lancia Gamma Spider T-Roof. See the attachment with a photo of the Gamma Coupe that went into production and the other Gamma prototypes that Pininfarina developed between 1978 and 1984.
It's a shame indeed about the error you mention. The writer got the name Gremi from me and quoted it as such. It did not concern the dealer but the importer where the Gamma Spider/Targa/T-roof was in the showroom. Admittedly, I was only 16 years old and we didn't have cameras in our pockets yet. I don't know whether it was the prototype that was there or one of the 4 built by Pininfarina or a otherwise modified coupe, of which there was certainly 1. On the net I just saw the photos of only 5 (grey, grey, azure blue, medium blue and beige). The two grays are distinguished by, among other things, the rims. Fortunately, I am not a Gamma Guru, but it was an “event” for me. Kind regards, Duco
Good taste Duco!