The Expensive, Rare Lancia Kappa Coupé Hides A Surprising Secret

The Lancia Kappa wasn't a great success and the decision to make a very expensive coupé version pretty incomprehensible. It also has a very surprising engine which would appear entirely unsuited to powering a luxury car!
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[@Number27]

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[@philipcupid6660]

Yes I have seen quite a few in my time in Switzerland and they're interesting

[@EyesWideOpen61]

Stellantis has big plans for Lancia and will give the brand 10 years to reestablish itself

[@bartboosman953]

I'm on my second kappa coupé now. The first one was rear ended beyond repair at 475.000km while still in perfect condition. My second is now at 250.000. Multiple kappa owners have passed the 1M km. I have driven all engine combinations and have to admit that the V6/auto combo is not the most lively one. The V6 manual, very rare, is better in that respect. Also the 16V turbo engine (taken from the Delta Integrale) is a total mismatch for this car. IMO the 2.4-20V is a wonderful, durable and very capable engine and very well suited to this car. But hands down the best is the 2.0-20V turbo. Combined with the 'sports' manual gearbox and limited slip dif, this 225hp and very torquey engine makes for a very fast car! Surprisingly, the 20V turbo is also the most fuel efficient engine option, at legal speeds at least. Road holding at high speeds is excellent, the big Brembo brakes (standard on the 20VT) as well. It will cruise all day at 200-225km/h, topping out above 240, while at those speeds the noise level is still remarkably low. Actually there is hardly any difference between 80 and 180km/h. Fast as it may be, it never feels fast. The driving experience is more like in slow motion, very relaxed. Visibility all round, and driver comfort (especially with the excellent Poltrona Frau full leather interior option) is also very good. I quite like my 20VT kC and think the design has aged well.

[@stelianghile822]

Agree 👍

[@stelianghile822]

@pereldh5741 Agree 👍

[@arnoldrocheteau4497]

In Holland the Lancia Kappa saloons were known as the "Italian Mercedes" due to their high mileage capabilities!! loved by Dutch taxi drivers.

[@RUfromthe40s]

see they even compared it with the best brand in the world and capable of doing millions of kilometers, i knew it weren´t 2.000€ bad spent and could buy the two the four door and the 2.0L 24valves coupé, this in 2007

[@idokwatcher2062]

My friends grandma remarried to a rich Italian gentleman that bought a brand new Kappa in the 90's. They drove us kids from the neighborhood to the beach one time, it was incredibly luxurious and plush seating, nothing like we have ever experienced before.

[@michaelcope856]

I pride myself on recognising almost any European car produced in the last 40 years, so well done for showing me something I had no idea of. Great video.

[@henrikbunkenborg6743]

What a shame that this lovely brand has been reduced to nothing.

[@Lee_Pitcher]

Apparently Lancia is coming back to the UK next year. Not sure in what guise though. They won’t have their own brand specific dealerships from what I’ve been told

[@stelianghile822]

Agree. What nice vehicle ! The totally fault of Sergio Marchione that ruin the Lancia brand.

[@stelianghile822]

The Sergio Marchione former F.C.A. C.E.O ruin the Lancia brand.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Lancia should have merged with Maserati

[@TheAndre8900]

A truly heartbreaking end Lancia didn't deserve. At all.

[@bobibest89]

10 years ago my dad had a Kappa wagon. The ride quality was truly impressive. The design was also very stylish. Very stand out car.

[@giovannibel5386]

I just sold my Kappa Saloon 435 000 km. Never brake down. It is rare 2.0 20V with the same automatic gearbox you have on the video. We loved this car as a part of the family - thank you for the good review, good words. I can say it handled better than Audi A4 at the same year. How elegant, how beautiful. I can only agree with the "fake wood" comment, unfortunately I thought the same. If you scratch it you will see it is real. Lancia some how make possible a real wood to look like plastic. Proper Lancia :) Thank you again - it brought tears.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

This is gorgeous. I honestly didn't know this car even existed. I've certainly never seen one, and I have a sneaking suspicion that Jack drove 50% of all known coupe survivors when he filmed this. Very beautiful car, and I really, really want one. Bet I live the rest of my life and never see one though.

[@justinharvey-bennett9843]

It’s for sale by me!

[@peterkleinveld9705]

I've driven Thema, Kappa and Thesis (still own few of them) and i can conclude that the Kappa was hands down the best they made. The old Thema was rust prone and flexed a lot at later years. The Thesis although as a design a world apart was plagued by electronic gremlins. The Kappa none of that. Top quality.

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

I wonder if Lancia dismantled a Saab 9000 so see how the Swedes improved the Croma / Thema / Alfa 164 platform and bodyshell ?

[@dlevi67]

@@johnmoruzzi7236 I can tell you that they definitely dismantled an E34 5-series, as I saw it in the engineering and design offices of Fiat back then. No idea about the Saab. 🙂

[@onsmanneke9086]

Unfortunately I disagree with the quality statement. I've driven the saloon and the electrical system was a total disaster to the point that due to a short circuit, the car caught fire followed by a tree month repair! During its entire life this car was plagued by electrical problems: half the time some of the instruments didn't work. What a disappointment after 220.000 km in a 2.0 L Thema Turbo which ran without any problem.

[@peterkleinveld9705]

@@onsmanneke9086 I had it just they other way around, Thema full of issues, Kappa none.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@dlevi67 Any Honda Legends or Lexus LS400/Toyota Celsiors in the Fiat design and engineering offices? 🙂

[@TheEarlofK]

Great to see a Lancia Kappa Coupé on the channel, such a rare car and I think a very elegant design; hopefully, someone will come forward with a Saloon for comparison.

[@sainta2667]

Had 4 Kappa coupe's in my life , next to my Maserati's and Ferrari, as a daily, I was so in love with them,.. what a line .. they had so much class .. amazing smooth and comfortable.. Def one of the most good looking Lancia's ever made,.. a throwback to Lancia of old, had 2 of the Busso's but I actually preferred the 5 Cyl 2.4 L which were amazing engines. The Busso in the K Coupe was mostly to give it smoothness but you didn't feel the power in it that much, and you didn't need too. Miss my Kappa's Coupe.

[@michaelpielorz9283]

true, there is no need for the V6, ithink the 2,4ltr short shift is the best choice!

[@RUfromthe40s]

one of the best cars ever made ,i had the coupé version with 24 valves and bought for a 2.000€ amount a mint four door but only have it on my litle colection because it´s one of the best cars ever made

[@keefensera2004]

I do like that. Very much. I must admit I didn't know of its existence. I have always had a deep fondness for Lancia, ever since I bought a Delta, (don't get too excited, not an Integrale or even an HF turbo, but a 1.3 LX), many many years ago. The Delta replaced my Mk 2 Escort 1.1L, (which was my very first car), and although there were only a couple of years age difference between the two cars, there was a massive difference in the design and quality. It was like the design of the Delta was at least a decade newer than the Escort, (which it probably was). Being a regular at the local Lancia dealership parts department, and being on their mailing list, I was treated to tickets for launches at the motor show, evening events, (where a professional driver took us for a rather spirited drive around the country lanes in an Integeale 16V ), and other gifts. If only I had bought the Dedra I took a test drive in, which had a lovely interior finish, (similar to the Kappa). Great content as usual, and thanks for bringing back those very happy Lancia memories.

[@philiptownsend4026]

I had an HF Turbo. I loved it.

[@fredvallenet]

Nice find. The 2L turbo 205cv is probably faster, more fun and not as rare. The Coupé was also one the last production of Carrozzeria Maggiora (they also worked on the Pantera -:) before they went bankrupt.

[@gileshalliwell3591]

For me nothing beats an Italian V6! What a sound!! Love the rest of the car too…!

[@robhives6996]

There’s only about 3 of these known in the uk, super exclusive. My relative is looking to sell a 2.4 manual with ivory leather early next year.

[@josipdundic1554]

I had a Lancia kappa saloon 3.0 v6 with manual,it was a dream car,and nothing that Germans had in it's time wasnt even close to Lancia except with V8 engines.What marveles car iz was.

[@cliffordparry2862]

Had Four New Lancia's Inc a Gamma, the one that evaded me was the Monte, fab car.

[@Frenchie100]

0:56 You compare the 115.000 Kappas sold to the Thema's 335.000. The Thema was in production for 10 years, the Kappa only for 6. Given how much more upmarket & expensive it was (Thema 8.32 notwithstanding!), that's actually much better than I thought, given its reputation as a sales flop and the overall decline of executive car sales across the board you also touched on. The Coupé's 3.200 produced units certainly qualify as "rare" though, even for a hand built car! ;) I remember finding its design heavy-handed back in the day, but now, I appreciate the very conscious understatement Lancia was going for. I have high hopes for Lancia's iminent revival. Their slow death over the past years was a tragedy given their glorious past & reputation. Thank you for all these great videos! :)

[@michaelpielorz9283]

it is a big mistake to think the fun of driving depends only onhorsepower!!

[@Frenchie100]

@@michaelpielorz9283 ? did you mean to post this statement as a reply to my post? I didn't even mention horsepower.

[@gazzafloss]

Another lovely, relatively rare Italian luxury car from a time when they still made nice machinery. I'd never heard of this one, but living in the automotive backwaters of Australia I'd say it's one we'd never get here. Thank you Jack, keep "digging" these nice offerings up to show us.

[@lunabouch]

Thanks Jack for once again highlighting and driving an automobile we never saw here in the US. Amazing car and though Lancia were sold here in the only for a short period in the late 50’s and 60’s they are rarely seen.

[@mscd9676]

this kind of car I feel like would sell quite well if marketed right in the US

[@wizpin]

I remember someone in my street had a brown/copperish coupe back then. I used to look twice when I walked by.

[@evan937]

Would be nice to hear that Alfa Romeo V6 with an aftermarket exhaust. I love the little blue elephant emblem on the back! 🐘🗨😄

[@justinharvey-bennett9843]

It’s got a new Stainless steel exhaust on it !!

[@smhorse]

There was a Kappa which sat for years in the underground car park under the covered market at Kilburn High Road. I used to see it when I used the car park regularly between 2006 and 2008. It was a dark metallic red, LHD (as all Kappas are), and carried an M-prefix plate (1994/5 registration). It never seemed to be driven, so did have a coating of dust. It might still be sitting there today.

[@Lemma01]

"You won't see another one on the road... Or, anywhere.". Absolutely classic, Jack! Another niche shed light upon - thanks, mate. ❤

[@rovervitesse1985]

Such a beauty. If only they made it with the 5 pot mated to an automatic. Quality was superb. Its like the italian W124

[@simonbailey2151]

Always a delight to see one of these here on the continent, a rare beast indeed and a car that looks much better in real life than on a video.

[@martsteegh4122]

As far as I know there was no Kappa Coupé with the "standard" 5-cylinder 2.0 (20v) 150 hp, it started with the 2.4 (also 5-cylinder, 175 hp), the 4 cylinder 2.0 Turbo 16v (at first) and the 3.0 V6 (24v), the turbo and the V6 had the same amount of hp's (205, which in the mid 90's was considered quite a lot), until the turbo was replaced a bit later with a 5 cylinder 20v, still 2.0 with 225 hp, but it could easily be tuned to 250hp (I've seen 3 or 4 and they all had 250 hp). I've driven the Coupé once and it was the exact same car as Jack (down to the color, although I think that it had a leather interior) and it's nice enough, but I think if you really wanted to have fun you should have had the 5-cylinder 20v Turbo (it also only comes with a manual and I think that it would suit a fast coupé better than the 4-speed manual, (which was very common at the time, e.g. the "Top" Maserati Quattroporte of that time, the 3.2 V8 Evo (biturbo) also came only with a 4-speed manual (without flippers or any other way to change gears yourself, as far as I know manuals were only available in Italy). I've had a Kappa 2.4 LX (with 175 hp) sedan, LX was the most luxurious version and it was a very nice car (and also very spacious, I got a baby at the time and had no problem putting the stroller and all kind of other stuff in the back). I bought it for €1500 and drove it for 3 years and this 2.4 5 cylinder was very comfortable, plenty of room for 3 or 4 passengers and still fun to drive and quite fast. I had one repair of €300, got €750 for it when I bought my next car, a Peugeot 607 3.0 V6, which was a lot newer so it had sat-nav and you could connect your phone, but (although it looked a bit bigger, the boot was less big and less practical).

[@donaldtucker4914]

I've been interested in these for ages but finding one is virtually impossible. I've had the Rover 800 coupe in 2.0 and 2.7 forms and really enjoyed them. Visually more successful to my eyes but lacked body stiffness. I'm sad to say that these 'modern classics' are beginning to be priced off the roads, not by tax or even fuel costs as I'd expected, but by insurance costs. Essentially they are now mainly kept as weekend toys and with people's budgets under pressure as they are, it's this kind of thing that many people can no longer justify keeping. High rollers with very valuable cars can always find the money, but it's the good, sub £5000 cars from 1995 to 2005 that are under threat.

[@johanneswarn5488]

We had a Kappa 2,0 turbo estate for a long time when i was growing up. It was a fantastic car, the interior was such a nice place to be and the 210hp engine was punchy and strong. It never ever failed us and was always such a cool car. It was replaced by an Alfa 166.

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Never heard of this car before. Nice to see such a rare car with an even rarer engine.

[@stevenfernando1842]

I actually like the styling. Understated and elegant like a Lancia should be.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

too short wheelbase, if it had the wheelbase and size of a Fiat 130 Coupé 3200 it would have been a pretty car!

[@JustARandomFio]

@@Schlipperschlopper Drove an 82 Gamma Coupé for almost 2 decades and would have bought a [Pininfarina] successor in a heartbeat. When they announced a new Coupé I was so in hope, and then they presented this thing. Pininfarina's Peugeot 406 Coupé was way more friendly to the eye. Not classic enough for me but compared to the Kappa it was night and day. The Fiat 130 Coupé was a Beauty, too, btw.

[@smhorse]

The body does look a bit top-heavy, so that the wheels look too small for it. If you look at the Mercedes W160 S-class, the same thing is also apparent - a quite tall body, making the wheels look too small

[@Schlipperschlopper]

yes and dont forget the Ferrari 412i @@JustARandomFio

[@JustARandomFio]

@@smhorse Correct. Proportions just don't fit. Too short, too high, the back too short and bulky. At these times, Mercedes were pretty ugly, TBH. I preferred BMWs over Merc back then, way more classic and streamlined, and elegant. Look at the 98 7-Series as an example. The front, the line, the back... an eye candy. I would say the last truly beautiful top-end BMW before they started with all the abominations. Lancia lost it in the 80s, after the Delta/Beta/Montecarlo/Gamma Coupé period. N.B. The Gamma Sedan was the ugliest thing I've ever seen. Forget this one.

[@plindley]

love this channel nowhere else are we seeing obscure gems brought from the shadows. and kudos to those owners allowing jack to road test their precious items. jack shows respect by acknowledging the limitations of these vehicles be they inherent flaws or simply the age and the fact they belong to someone else

[@olumideiluyomade7613]

I owned an Alfa Romeo 164 Lusso for 4 years and that was my exposure to Busso engine. From where I stand, the Busso is a standard luxury engine - this was the only engine fitted for American spec and it did an awesome job. I really don't understand what you are seeking to establish or even prove here. Perhaps in Europe it is different, but Busso was used in luxury cars a lot more frequently than you imagine and it did it very well.

[@Tinker2006]

Great car, I had a 2l 16v Turbo Estate manual, you should try one, they are fantastic, the faster you go the more they grip. Lancia were the inventors of fast FWD cars Another great review, keep them coming.

[@luiscarlosvieira3966]

Lol... I noticed same on a a Fiat Punto HGT... more grip at high speed... in highway at 160-200 it behave amazingly on turns... better than at 120-140...

[@richardikin]

Thats a very nice looking car. Not Alfa pretty, but very nice. Engine sounds great too. I wouldn't mind a good drive in it.

[@shortsongs9394]

Always enjoyed your channel. Once I saw this Lancia Kappa coupe I subscribed. I have seen a Lancia coupe and wagon in Lisbon. Great looking car all these years later.

[@DustinDriver]

I think "funky" is the best adjective for this car. Amazing that it makes Busso noises. Love it!

[@marcelhandsome6042]

The saloon version was at the time very well-engineered! In Holland it was nicknamed the "Italian Mercedes" definitely better than an Audi A6 at the time! it's main rival! I think the UK missed out on a great large executive car and also the successor the Thesis. I'm going out on a limb here but I think the Lancia Kappa and Lancia Thesis were the best (non-German) large executive cars in the world! that would have been a close match for Mercedes & BMW if they came to the UK certainly better than Audi at the time.

[@James-ld2jc]

Another great video, Jack. You have hit a rich vein of content at the moment. I look forward to seeing these reviews. Never heard of the Kappa coupe before. It's a quirky car, to say the least. Thanks again for the great content

[@leonshackleford9585]

My Favourite Italian Cars of All Time LANCIA’s through FIAT Franchise & I been in a Lancia Kappa Replacement from Lancia Thema

[@JohnnyPaton]

That's only averaging about 1600 miles a year going by the MOT history. So despite the high miles it's quite pampered now. A lovely car tbh.

[@enricoallais5294]

Greetings from Turin, the K coupé has been a rare car to spot on Italian roads since new.

[@robsshedoftech6457]

Alfa 166 came with a 4 speed Sportronic auto gearbox - had both the 2.5 and 3.0 litre busso versions. Latter was best for little loss in mpg. Went very well and in sport mode, wailed as the gears were held higher up therev range. Some of the nicest drivers cars I've had. Had a Thema 16v turbo which was a blast!

[@stelianghile822]

Hi Jack ! Very nice vehicle. I own 1991 Thema 2.0 Turbo 16 Valve 20 years ago. Lancia make impressive vehicle The Kappa Coupe value goes up now big time !👍

[@Wilantonjakov]

I swear I have seen this road (7:50) a thousand times on various car review videos. Not just your channel but I mean every British car channel including Harry's Garage

[@MartinD-r1f]

Never even heard of it, given the last Lancia to come to Australia was the Beta. Fascinating thanks Jack 😊

[@philipmulville8218]

Hi Jack, others have said it, but might I add that I really enjoy your channel and the variety of very interesting cars you review. Brilliant stuff. Viva Italia 🇮🇹

[@marcelhandsome6042]

The general public forgets that LANCIA was the inventor pioneer of the following: the 1st full-production V6 engine, the 1st independent suspension, the 1st monocoque-type steel body, the 1st 5-speed gearbox, the 1st rally car etc... is it any wonder Top Gear programme once described Lancia as the "greatest car marque in automotive history!" What has Audi or BMW invented in comparison??

[@陳宣樺-j3z]

I’ve once interacted with kappa sedan,sitting position somehow is higher than normal car,otherwise it’s one of the sweetest car at it’s price range today

[@brentfairlie9159]

I never knew, until now, that the coupè existed. I really like it. Thanks for the review

[@cornishrider]

What a great car, my thought was 5 cylinder. A bit like mix of Alfa 166/Rover 800 Coupe/Peugeot 406 Coupe (interior) now that would be a good group test!

[@garyallsopp6369]

My first car was a mk1 Fiat Strada; yes, it was deeply flawed, but there was a lot I liked and until it desolved in the rain it was mechanically reliable. It also left me with a taste for the unusual so this car hits the spot for me 😊

[@timwingham8952]

I'd never even heard of this car. Thank you - fascinating stuff - and from some angles (especially the rear three quarters) it reminds me of the Rover 75.

[@ronaldvermeulen9561]

I still have a mk3 Thema with the 3.0 Busso and 5 speed gearbox, but they changed the engine complete compared the the 3.0 in my Alfa 75. Altough only 175hp it is really smooth and pulls from 1000rpm in 5th gear.

[@federicomalignani4957]

Giacomo,I had this car from 1998 to 2000,Lancia blue,with the 5 cylinder 2000 20v turbo engine that,with 220 cv was the most powerful for the K. It was ugly but has been by far the best car I've ever had. With the 5 cylinder turbo was a very fast object. The back of the car,with the fins and those staggered surfaces is an horror masterpiece.

[@paulmclaughlin4092]

Great video Jack, I didn't even know Kappa Coupés existed. My OCD is being triggered by the left-handed transmission control button, though!

[@johang7498]

Italy's ... Rover 800 coupé? In many ways I would say they're quite similar: both of them comfortable luxury/quality coupé's, derived from a large saloon of a volume manufacturer. You can assume in both cases that manufacturer would've been beter off not making it, but for those few (usually somewhat older) people who still had an interest in the concept, they were a very pleasant surprise. The kappa coupé is a very appealing car in a strange way, it has a certain presence, but I think I would prefer it with the 2.4 engine.

[@emma.j.nation]

Came here to make the same comparison with the big Rover. As well as being a market competitor, the Lancia even has a hint of the Rover’s looks about it, too.

[@danieleregoli812]

I do agree with you as well, the Rover 800 coupé was a very similar concept. Always thought so. I loved both.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Absolutely! I would draw the comparison to the Honda Legend coupe version of the Rover.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I quite like the Kappa - it’s just doesn’t have the sheer beauty of the Gamma coupe. Nice interior though - that’s one area that I think modern Lancias always excelled at. Love the Alcantara trim!

[@davidcurry3999]

My dad had a Lancia Y10 back in the nineties and it was the Fila model. Way cooler than krappa. Anyway, he said it was 'too fast' on the motorway as it could creep up to an indicated 100mph if you weren't careful. Lol. Dads eh? .. gotta love 'em.

[@asier2001]

Owned one 5 cilinder with manual gearbox for many years... very confortable suspension, gorgeous leather seats, a bit sporty because of less weight than the buso model in the front... but... failures started: the engine (mechanical, electrical), gearbox... I've never spent so much money in the garage... It will last forever in my heart, but last years were a nightmare... regards

[@adampowell5376]

Thank you for making this video. I have learnt of the existence of the Lancia Kappa.

[@andybroer651]

Don't recall this model being available in the USA, doesn't really do much for me personally. Appreciate the video as I was not familiar with this Lancia.

[@mikesage9544]

Hello Jack. Thanks for another top vid on my favourite marque. The Busso most likely has different cams to that of an Alfa to calm its upper rev temperiment and to give more whollop in the low to medium rev range. A gentlemans express??? . I have one on side, with the 5 cly engine. Same color blue too. Take note, as of yesterday there is again action in that dieing Torino camp. I was bombarded with info last night. Beautiful design concept car. Winter greatings from the Forest of Blackness. Mike.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Very cool. That bussy sounds good in this car. Thank you for showcasing this car. So many I had no idea existed until you mentioned or it was mentioned in Gran Turismo. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@btbb3726]

Thanks! I don’t spend a great deal of time watching automotive videos but I’ll tell you that you produce some of the most interesting and watchable automotive videos. 👍🏻 You remind me of Dave Gahan (singer for Depeche Mode)? Any chance that the two of you are related? It would be interesting if he would be a guest on one of your videos. 🤷🏻‍♂️😜

[@Number27]

That's a very flattering and unusual comparison that i can say i've never had before!! Thank you ;)

[@wearetomorrowspast.5617]

Nice. A shame these didn't take off. When I saw the thumbnail I thought it was some ultra rare Rover. Cool vid, cheers.

[@lindsayrouse8870]

Lovely to see a K coupe on your channel. I had the pleasure of owning a 3.0 coupe, a 20vt coupe and a 3.0 sedan back in the early 2000s. The sedan was the more accomplished car I felt. The 20vt had a manual box but didn't have the same vicious boost the fiat 20vt coupe had. But lovely cars and really underrated. Of course we didn't get them in the uk so few opportuni

[@lindsayrouse8870]

Few opportunities for anyone here to enjoy them. The base coupe was a 2.4 na 5 pot.... The sedan and sw had the 2.0 na 5 cylinder.

[@stefansworld3351]

Saab 900/9000/99 brake pedal, because of the co development of the original Thema. Originally used on the Saab👍🏽

[@groover1984]

The good thing is that most people don't like the Kappa coupe. Because that's where the luck begins for us enthusiasts for whom this is a work of art on wheels. That intermediate space between disgust and admiration is actually the right measure for KC, a car that is different from all angles, and when you see it in person, you understand the uniqueness and proportions of the bodywork. Most people won't even like the Maserati Quattroporte IV, 90' Ghibli, 3200GT and Thesis. In my opinion, only people with refined taste and eye can see the beauty and perfection of this unique Ital design. This also applies to music, style of clothing, behavior and culture of life in general.

[@martinrichardhorrocks9869]

I have seen several of these in the flesh and it is not possible to overlook that the proportions are just wrong. Short wheel base and long overhangs never work out (also make for tricky low speed manouevres, especially with heavy C pillars) and K Coupé is no exception. The actual lines are just too bland at the front and too fussy at the rear, neither matching the other. Only my opinion, though as one of my favourte Lancias is the Flavia Zagato, I think I can appreciate the unconventional. Kappa coupé was designed and built in house btw, Ital Design had no part in it.

[@groover1984]

@@martinrichardhorrocks9869 That's like saying Dali's paintings are ugly. For those of us who own it, it's very attractive, that short wheelbase. And especially the rear part and the roof that goes down, fantasy... I didn't even say it was made by Ital Design, but Ital design at all.

[@martinrichardhorrocks9869]

@@groover1984 Big fan of Dali, and also SWB but not the latter when saddled with big overhangs. SWB is useful in rally cars but a strange way to go for a mid.sized full 4 seat luxury coupé. I think that possibly more people would have bought the K Coupé had it looked right. Sorry if your reference to Ital design was a typo for Italian design.

[@MilanStojakov]

In the flesh, it's a very beautiful car.

[@ciaranburke3243]

At the start I tought what the hell is that, by the end I really liked it, very well sorted lancia, busso sounds nice when revved on the fly by, well done again jack another gem 👍

[@nigelcharlton-wright1747]

Interesting styling, much better looking than the previous Lancia, although the Beta was the last beautiful car that was built by Lancia, but why are the wheels so small? They should about the same size as a Rover 75's.

[@robertharris7027]

It is an interesting car. Odd looking from the side (short wheel base, lomg overhang at the front, small wheels), it is quite nice from front and rear. And to be honest, I would like to have a little bit of this Busso-sound in my Merc CLK320. Just a little...

[@staxalot8587]

Could you get a hold of a Lancia Beta HPE? I’d love to see that.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Especially a Volumex!

[@Elvis-dt4qs]

Or a Coupe

[@jgg02]

I really like when you find these unusual italian cars. Good one!

[@reggiedixon2]

My heart always sinks when an interesting car has an automatic gearbox.

[@davekennedy6315]

Loving these reviews though! Like Jayemm you bring us the weird and wonderful of car-kind!

[@Oberon_Boost]

You have to try a turbo 16 valves version of Lampredi engine in this body. You will some impressive feeling from this mixt.

[@jameslewis8227]

I lived in Italy for eighteen years, starting in the mid-1990s. I can’t recall ever seeing the coupé version of this car. Given the fact that it had the Busso V6, and consequently would have been expensive to run and register, plus the natural Italian aversion to paying taxes of any kind, it doesn’t surprise me that I never saw one on the road. P.S. Mr. Number 27, I can tell you have Italian heritage by the way you cross the lines in the middle of the road… It makes me chuckle every time I notice it.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

Lovely looking car the Kappa....I was never keen on track suits they made tho😂, cracking stuff as always Jack buddy 👏

[@SLAmey-mu9hd]

I'm sticking my neck out here perhaps, but in my opinion your reviews and presentation are the best I've come across on the interwebs. Keep up the sterling work Jack, we're all loving it 💪🏼😎

[@timgosling6189]

I was just thinking this car really reminds me of my original Walter de Silva model 166 3.0 Lusso, and when I checked the 166 was indeed based on the Kappa platform. I had the 4-speed auto as it was going to be often stuck in traffic and that was definitely the weak point in the driving experience. It was fine for refinement but the steps between the gears were too much. I wonder what a manual Kappa Coupe would be like?

[@yellowrat77]

The design cues respectively pay homage to the Pinninfarina designed Flaminia Coupe of the late 1950's. Albeit I would categorize the Kappa as institutional industrial design and the Flaminia as sublime artistic expression utilizing centuries of acquired skills in the artisan metalworking (and upholstery) trades.

[@baheh1801]

My goodness i almost scrolled right by because i thought it was a rover at first. What a mad looking car.

[@broomad]

Love this car - it has so much character and reminds me of my old 164 but more luxurious 🙂

[@carlmichael5592]

The Peugeot 406 Coupe was probably the perfect competitor for this Kappa at the time, and I fear the Peugeot would have eaten it for breakfast (what with its superior chassis engineering). Similar 3.0 V6 engines too.

[@martinlagrange8821]

It (sort of) answers the question of what a 166/164 coupe might have been like...as it essentially is a 164 under there. Which is no bad thing....

[@johnnygeorgopoulos4072]

I think it's a great looking car, I just looked at the full range of body/door options, and while I think the sedan looks the best, I definitely wouldn't turn down the wagon and think the wagon is definitely better looking than the coupe.

[@italianduded1161]

ahahahahahahahha even the Kappa coupé XD the 20v turbo (also the 3200 v6 of course) vers is very interesting and cool (in my opinion). People get interested more nowadays then before 😅

[@markdoyle6414]

Never heard of one of those before, these videos are brilliant.

[@georgebettiol8338]

I don't consider the Lancia Kappa to be the first 'luxury car' to use the Busso V6 and auto. Previous to the Lancia was the Alfa 164 which was available in Australia with 3.0 Busso V6 auto, and marketed as a luxury sedan equipped with a host of luxury extras. The 'low rent' twin spark 2.0 litre Alfa 164 was not sold in Australia. Having said that, lets not forget the large 'luxury executive' Alfa 6 introduced in 1979, a car that wasn't offered in Australia, was originally the vehicle that hosted the Alfa V6 Busso in 2.5 litre form.

[@benfearnhead9851]

I love the design apart from one thing - the rear wheels look too small somehow. Love Lancia ❤

[@henriquemagalhaes3062]

The pinnacle of lancis for me just brilliant

[@grayfool]

I'd truly forgotten about the Cappa. I think I did see one, a saloon, once. Nice one Jack.

[@georgforster1]

had two of them. a 2,4 five cylinder and that 3,0 six - took always about a year or two to spot another one on the road (15 years ago in germany). nice and rare. the high quality "Poltrona Frau" leather interior was a must as the alcantara always looks dirty. thank you for presenting this forgotten car.

[@MH-fb5kr]

Reminds me a bit of my 1998 Acura 2.2 CL… a car I loved until it met an unfortunate demise.

[@snakehandler87]

Love coupes like these

[@Liplip40]

Exactly the engine I expected to see in there. That short wheelbase and small wheel openings don’t do the styling any favors.