Rare classic vehicle model beloved by Hollywood greats wins award!

A rare 1960s Lancia Flaminia GT owned by Cumbrian gent, Chris Raeburn, has scooped the top award at the Lakeland Motor Museum’s popular end of year classic car meet.

The vehicle which came to the UK in 2014 and believed to be one of only three or four roadworthy Flaminia GTs in the country, was awarded the prestigious “Best of Boxing Day” Trophy by the museum on 26 December.

“Best of Boxing Day” Trophy by the museum on 26 December

The vehicle was one of approximately 150 cars and motorbikes which took part in the event, with the owner praised for the pristine condition in which the car has been maintained.

Chris Lowe, Curator at the Lakeland Motor Museum, said: “It’s magnificent to see such a rare vehicle being driven in all weathers and enjoying a run to our Museum on Boxing Day to be part of our event. Mr Raeburn was such a kind-hearted character, allowing youngsters to sit in the sumptuous red leather seats and enjoy the glorious interior – encouraging a whole new generation to enjoy a love of classic vehicles.”

Hand built by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan the car was first registered in Switzerland in 1965. The car employs a patented Superleggera (superlight) construction method, whereby an aluminium body is hand formed around a lightweight steel frame.

Mr Raeburn, purchased it in 2014, after trading in his Ferrari for the Lancia. A lifelong fan of the styling of Carrozzerria Touring bodied vehicles, Mr Raeburn has been searching for a vehicle of this calibre for many years.

The car engine is a 2.8 litre V6 with 3 carburettors and has a transaxle (– the gearbox is built into the rear axle.) The car’s top speed is around 130mph, it weighs just 1300kg, with 50/50 weight distribution and all-round disk brakes, inboard at the rear. It had a body off restoration in 1990 and has covered just 3,500 miles since.

Thanks to its lightweight construction, the Flaminia offers a fantastic drive, unlike some vehicles of its age.

The car’s high spec, luxurious interiors, which include interior lighting, steering rake adjustment and dual zone climate control were expensive and exotic in its day, making it beloved by Hollywood greats. Famous Flaminia owners have included the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Ernest Hemmingway, Sophia Loren and Bridget Bardot. In more recent history, Brad Pitt has been seen driving one in a coffee machine commercial.

The trophy was awarded at the museum’s Classic Drive and Ride in Day on Boxing Day which saw some of the biggest crowds from across the UK converge at the Cumbrian based museum to showcase and admire an array of vehicles covering over 100 years of motoring.

The next ‘Drive and Ride In’ event is Lakeland Motor Museum’s Spring Drive and Ride In event rally, in addition to the monthly first Saturday morning meeting of Lakeland Historic Car Club.

Anyone living in the LA/CA postcode can also apply for a local residents card which entitles them to discounted entry to the Museum throughout the year, including 50% winter discount from now until 1 May 2025.