Underrated: Why I Love Nobody's Favorite Lancia

Work on the Gamma began shortly after Fiat's takeover of an ailing Lancia in late 1969. The firm needed new models quickly, and precedence was given to the smaller Beta, which came out in 1972 and was intended as Lancia's volume seller for the Seventies. #lancia #classiccars #history
Launched in 1976, the Gamma was to be the brand's new flagship, replacing the Flavia 2000 sedan and coupè, whose production ended two years prior.
The styling for both sedan and coupè versions of the Gamma was done by famed design house Pininfarina, whose relationship with Lancia went back to the 1930s. The great Leonardo Fioravanti penned the sedan's striking fastback look, directly inspired by his 1967 aerodynamic study for the British Motor Corporation.
Although its Cd figure of 0.37 compared favorably with the era's competitors, the Gamma's fastback design never enjoyed the near-universal admiration usually bestowed upon its coupé sibling.
Penned by the great Aldo Brovarone, the Gamma Coupé was, and arguably still is, one of the classiest, most elegant cars ever created.
Nearly five decades on, the few surviving Gammas make for a delightfully left-field classic that exudes charm and sophistication. The unorthodox design choices that put off many potential buyers back then now give the Gamma a unique "character," and fixes have long been developed for all its foibles.
My articles on Medium: / membership
MY BOOKS:
Lancia Gamma Berlina & Coupé 1976 - 1984
ENGLISH: www.amazon.com/dp/B09TN45L8Q
ITALIAN: www.amazon.it/dp/B09YVJRKH6
Six Appeal - The Story Of The Alfa 6
www.amazon.com/dp/1793931046
Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 - La Storia 1979-1987 (ITALIAN)
www.amazon.it/dp/B0BHT3PCC7
Alfa Romeo Giulietta - The Story 1977 - 1985
ENGLISH: www.amazon.com/dp/1983393746
ITALIAN: www.amazon.it/dp/B098GVJ7RK
Alfa Romeo Arna - The Full Story 1980 - 1987 www.amazon.com/dp/1656632500

[@tetchuma]

Lancia had the most stunning and beautiful cars

[@arthurdardalis]

Gamma coupe, just drop dead gorgeous!!

[@dino2400]

I had two Gamma Coupes. 2x 2500 Carb version. The plan was to cannibalise one and have all the needed spare parts (also the rare ones - headlights for example) to keep one car running. Eventually I kept both - both too good to cannibalise. One was grey with black & white leather, the other dark blue with same black & white leather. The engine of the grey one was rebuild after the famous blown cylinder head, the engine of the blue one was fantastic. It was smooth and vibration-free like a turbine. I had incredible fun with both cars. Together with Ferrari 400, Fiat 130 Coupe (also had this one) and the RR Camargue the 4 magnificent angular Pininfarina designs of the seventies/eighties.

[@sofiab.6004]

My father had a brand new coupe in 1978. Stunning car...first time in my life I saw a tachometer needle on the 200km/h mark. Its muted elegance is timeless. Althought I'm a big Alfa fan, that Lancia was a special car in my life.

[@simonelliott5956]

Another one of those cars I’ve idolised since childhood! The prototype saloon version of the coupe is stunning. Both the fastback and coupe always had presence and class and looked so much more modern than their contemporaries.

[@rpsmith2990]

I've always loved the looks of the Gamma Coupe, but watching this video has given me a new regard for the sedan.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Great to hear!

[@roby72s]

I have always loved the Lancia Gamma. In my own town of Martina Franca in Puglia, there are 2 Gammas, one berlina in gold and a coupe in dark blue. Both are very well maintained by 2 very proud lancisti.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool!

[@paololigorio4318]

MERAVIGLIOSAMENTE STUPENDE SIA LA BERLINA CHE LA COUPÉ 👍👍👍👍

[@AlbertManiscalco]

the 4 door based on the coupe was gorgeous!

[@GadgetyMV]

Always found the Gamma Coupe very appealing in the looks department. The Olgiata was by far the most elegant station wagon of its day. Too bad it never got made.

[@dm5374]

I once saw the T-roof S2 on the autostrada. Not everyone knows that the S1 and S2 T-roof are the same car, the latter being the former repainted in beige metallic with the grille and badge updates.

[@marklawton5753]

Back in the early 1980's there was a Lancia Gamma Coupe always parked outside a house in the area that I lived in. What a beautiful car it was in Pale Metallic Blue and I wanted that car so much. They were a very rare sight in the UK the Sedan even more so! I think the Coupe has stood the test of time even today I think they still look fantastic. It was such a bold step for Lancia and a real shame it did not work out .

[@Matteo_Licata]

Indeed. I grew up in Lancia's hometown Turin in the 80s... And even here, back then, you saw very few Gammas on the road. That's probably part of the reason I'm so fascinated by it, too!

[@capitanandy2535]

Italian design Is always great but the reliability not!......italian Cars like british Cars have never been reliable in the years....

[@oneilbox3000]

When I see a Gamma Coupe my heart still races with excitement, Wow. I had a wealthy friend who brought one to the US. He let me drive it more than he did, and as a young guy in '79 driving this beauty turned so many heads!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Wow, he really must have loved it, if the took the trouble of importing a Gamma in the USA, that's great! Thank you for sharing this memory with me

[@CorseSquadra]

Gamma was indeed the last grasp of what proud Lancia engineers could achieve. It all went downhill from there, with few and far apart minor successes. FIAT's purchase and initial involvement was positive at first, mismanagement and indifference ensued, tarnishing and ultimately running to the ground the best Italian brand in terms of quality, innovation, engineering prowess and international recognition. Gammas were always underrated and misunderstood, but mechanical issues aside, there were seminal cars, and complemented the range with elegance and Euro-chic, alongside Citroen's avant-garde offerings. For me, a Beta 1a serie Berlina would be a must-have, much more than an Alfetta, in terms of practicality and aesthetics, but the Gamma will always remain the '70's design European yardstick, quirks and issues nonwithsatnding. Your books are a revelation Matteo. Just thank you.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! Elegance and Euro-chic sum up the Gamma very well indeed. It is sad how things ultimately turned out for Lancia, but I'm confident the upcoming electric Lancias will bring much-needed success to the brand.

[@nicolamiriano9150]

Just for its style, the Gamma should have much more love... It's gorgeous

[@Matteo_Licata]

Indeed!

[@chriskappert1365]

A friend of mine in the late 80s had a Gamma coupe for half a year . It was a stilish car in and outside , not verry fast but extremely comfortable . A true Gran Tourer that could be driven all day long , and you still were fresh and awake .

[@tjls]

I Love these Lancias and Alfas, cars with their own 'personality', not these boring ones we see nowadays...

[@65SATisfaction]

Thank you for this new video. If the Gamma and Gamma Coupe are known to very few enthusiasts, I am glad to be one of those few. Even after almost 40 years, I remember precisely the first time I saw a Gamma Coupe parked on the streets of Rome, Italy. It was spring 1985, I was a design student spending a semester abroad, out for a walk, when I rounded a corner to see one parked on the street. The sight stopped me in my tracks. I was aware of the Gamma fastback sedan model, they were quite popular, but I had never seen the Coupe! The horizontal lines emphasize length, the hood, the rake of the windshield and the C-pillars, back to the short folded origami trunk surfaces heightens its elegance. The interior of the Series 1 looked so modern and very genteel, unique. I stopped and took several pictures of it. I am an enthusiast, and a Gamma Coupe has long been on my bucketlist of cars to own, I almost succeeded in winning an auction for one from Alex V on Bring A Trailer. I must try harder. .. Mine would be as dark as possible to conceal the horizontal black rubbing strip… Thanks again.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Glad you enjoyed the video, thank you for sharing your memories with me! Yes, the Gamma Coupé is a real masterpiece... Brovarone himself wasn't happy about the rubbing strip though, which was added later in the development without his knowledge.

[@jami7772]

Back in the 70's I think my art teacher had one. They were stunning to look at and so so different to what was on the roads in the UK. I didn't know that these cars had designed into them a step at the rear of the roof. Would like one in midnight blue with an orange velour interior !

[@dm5374]

As a twenty-year-old in the 1980s with little money and a Lancia Beta Coupé my dream was to own one day a Gamma Coupé. I eventually bought and restored a S2 2500 i.e. which I kept for 18 years. Never was I able to get her (her name was Christine - Stephen King docet) to run properly no matter how many mechanics I changed and checks I signed. Eventually Christine was traded in for a Ferrari 348 and, though I still look back, I made a wise decision.

[@mattw8332]

Fantastic looking cars. 😍 A competitor to one of my favourites - the Citroen CX. However, in my 45 years I can not ever recall seeing one of these in real life.

[@mauromazzoncini5711]

Ahhh the beautiful Gamma coupe friends of the family had this machine,the car was stunning ,roadholding was incredible, just imagine a car literally on railway tracks G forces in corners was ,well you have to experience to understand what im talking about ..and the interior was also beautiful..

[@bonvi2896]

I love the gamma, this is one of the last true Lancia that carry the Vincenzo spirit thought different engineering

[@dirksteffen9375]

I cry at the lost possibilities of the absolutely GORGEOUS looking 4 door sedan and especially the two door shooting break prototypes that never saw the light of day. These cars should have been built and no, the Gamma "hunchback" has not become prettier with time. For some reason its exterior design elements remind me a bit of the work of Giugario on behalf of Fiat for the Polish FSO Polonez range of cars. They look a little bit awkward but also at the same time have something of an elegance to them. The Gamma "hunchback" is the same to my eye - awkward (mostly) with a little bit of elegance (that is such a misfit on this car). The Gamma Coupe is a design out of this world by comparison. It is so achingly beautiful. I love everything about it.

[@dongorgon4168]

Thank you. Loved Italian cars of the 70s/80s and have owned plenty of Alfas but the Gamma Coupe is so cool.

[@zx7rzx7r25]

The Lancia Gamma Coupe is one of my all time favourites. The lines and proportions of this car are just perfect. Thank you for the excellent video.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@brunotulliani]

The shooting brake is really the cat's meow! I have a car fetish for them which I can't explain why. Stunning!

[@rabit818]

This Lancia’s line is beautiful. I particularly how the hood touch” the upper portion of the headlights giving it a tough look

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

The Gamma was never sold here in the US but the first time I saw the coupe in the background of one of your other videos it stopped me in my tracks. What an elegantly beautiful car! Bought your book as a result, enjoyed it very much. Now I want a Gamma but it'll never happen 😭

[@romanpaladino]

It is a gorgeous car. But imagine if it had made it to the US. Hideously large bumpers, horribly de-tuned engine, replaced the composite headlights with square or round sealed beam headlamps, the suspension and height would've probably been messed with... in a way it's better that it didn't make it here.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I remember you asking about it and then buying the book. Thank you, I'm really glad you enjoyed it. In it I mentioned that there was an intention to export the coupe to the USA, but I'm sure the dismal sales of the Beta there, plus the considerable expense to develop a federalized Gamma, changed Lancia's mind in no time!

[@Russfeld]

@chrisfreemesser5707 Can I interest you in a dark blue Berlina in Wisconsin?

[@pentagrammotorsport]

Wonderful car! I had a 1981 2.5 Coupe in dark blue with the “L” Zegna fabric interior. I absolutely loved that car.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Wow, that must have been fantastic!

[@paullacey2999]

They might have had problems but they are stunning cars and still look fresh😍

[@Matteo_Licata]

Indeed. It's a real shame that the model's teething problems killed its chances on the market, as the Gamma really is a charming car

[@martian9999]

what a beautiful car. It was on my dream list of the 1970s. On the other hand, so many cars were in the intersection of interesting and beautiful back then -- Citroens, Lancias, some Fiats, a few Peugeots, a handfull of Mercs and BMWs, even some British and Japanese automobiles. What could a weathy person drive today that would be in that intersection? Perhaps a Tesla, I wonder what else. On another note, a friend of mine now has a Kappa Coupe with the 5 cylinder motor, and he recently allowed me to drive it. The sound of the engine is effing incredible, a musical roar out of hell, especially on the autobahn beyond 140 kmh! And it always feels compact and wieldy, until you have to shift gears -- the clutch is as heavy as a truck's.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I've been wanting (and been asked surprisingly often) to make a Kappa video for a while, but I haven't yet managed to film an example

[@jinxvrs]

I nearly bought a late model Gamma Coupe in the mid 1980s, but reliability concerns persuaded be otherwise and I bought a Honda Prelude instead. The Coupe is still a beautiful looking car. The Scala always reminded me of the contemporary Peugeot 505 saloon - Pininfarina connection.

[@portnaluinge]

That Scala concept - oh my!

[@martinclapton2724]

Always loved the Gamma , as I did all 1970s Italian cars . As a classic purchase , my heart is still there , but my head Is wary of the technical issues that plagued these otherwise wonderful motor cars. I’m led to believed most cars have been sorted with modifications to give more reliable service. Perhaps then I could still be reassured. Great video , Matteo as always , very interesting about the prototypes.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I've been recently given the honour of being made an honorary member of the Lancia Gamma Club Italia, and I can tell you that owning a Gamma today is no more trouble than a comparable car from the same era: the club has amassed a wealth of knowledge that allows owners to solve pretty much every problem. Spare parts availability is nowadays the main issue... But so is for most other old cars, after all.

[@bartboosman953]

I drove a gamma berlina 2500 for 8 years and 200.000km. A wonderful car, full of gimmicks and very practical. Also effortlessly fast in normal traffic with excellent road holding and comfort.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Very cool to hear that you've enjoyed a Gamma for such a long time! Lancia eventually sorted the bugs out, but by then most people wouldn't touch a Gamma... And that's their loss, because it truly was a great car, as you've said!

[@bartboosman953]

@@Matteo_Licata Well, these 200k km was not without incident. Although it left me stranded only twice (once with a burst water hose and once with a broken camshaft) I had collected 12 headgaskets by the time I finally sold the car for scrap. You get handy with these... It was also in this car that I drove my fastest longer stretch in my life: from Kassel to Tübingen in Germany, a distance of exactly 400km, in 2 hours 5 minutes! Flat out all the way, a glorious drive!

[@bennychoy5541]

I have seen both the Gamma fastback and coupe up close in the early 80s in my homeland Hong Kong; they are truly beautiful cars.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I'm amazed any Gamma made it to Hong Kong, to be honest! Thank you for letting me know that few did!

[@raypurchase801]

I've known two people who've owned these cars in the UK. Beautiful, elegant cars. One car repeatedly, continuously broke down and fell to pieces. The other car had serious rust from just three years old. Buying this car means your heart rules your brain.

[@domtoni4567]

I still love the 1950s Aurelia spyder, an old friend in Rome had one.

[@sainta2667]

I always loved the Gamma!

[@alastairwatson3201]

Another excellent video, Matteo! The coupe-derived sedan is stunning, while the fast-back sedan has matured beautifully, becoming more beautiful as it ages. Thank you.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! Yes, the sedan perhaps looks better now than it ever did, while the coupé is an all-time classic.

[@Stratoszero]

Beautiful, the Gamma is one of those cars I loved since they first appeared but I have only ever been close to buying one. Strangely I am starting to prefer the Berlina in my old age, I think the extra wheelbase balances the shape and the lack of that horrible rubbing strip helps. Also sthe "snake" tail pipe is not so obvious! Like the 130 Coupe before it, the abandoned 4 door/estate Gamma prototypes were the most beautiful. I recall reading that the Pininfarina museum were selling off some cars from the collection, and rang up but was too late to catch the Olgiata for a bargain price of £12000. The Scala was still left at the same price, but at the time I did not think it worth it! It was for sale a again few years later for half that and still I foolishly did not buy it. I still regret that. The blue T-Bar open top car is also the only classic concept car I have ever seen being driven in period on the road, it came flying down the motorway past me with the roof panels off.

[@Matteo_Licata]

All three Pininfarina prototypes are currently back in Italy, but their owners don't seem overtly keen in showing them around. I love the Berlina too, but that's probably because I'm a big Citroen fan too, so I'm naturally attracted to its fastback shape. The rubber strip on the Coupé pissed off Brovarone a lot, as it was an addition made later without his knowledge.

[@Stratoszero]

@@Matteo_Licata I would like to see a picture of a Coupe with the strip removed by the owner!

[@michaelbacon561]

These Gammas were the result of Pininfarina's zenith in design, especially the coupé which compares with the equally beautiful Fiat 130 coupé. It is interesting that Pininfarina came up with the Scala prototype almost as if it wasn't entirely happy with the original Berlina. Sadly, the engine troubles, which appear to have resulted from rushing too quickly to production means the Gamma ended up as Italy's Triumph Stag!

[@Matteo_Licata]

It is indeed Italy's Triumph Stag: beautiful and charming, but sadly doomed by its engine. The Stag was never officially imported into Italy, but that must have been a late decision, as Italian-market brochures were printed, I found one at a show years ago!

[@olderbutnowiser6701]

Never owned one as I preferred the pretty Fulvia instead. The Berlina when it came out looked wrong for some reason to my eyes, but I’m surprised that it has aged amazingly well and looks he part now. Great video! 🍺

[@gr182]

Thank you for another wonderful video on cars we love, but not many people know anything about! I loved the Gamma since my teenage years in the 80's but never remember seeing one back then. Only more recently I have seen them at classic car events in Italy and it really is one of my favourite cars too! The coupe always looked stunning, but now it is the Berlina I have the most desire for. I simply love the hidden details such as the fuel filler hidden behind the chrome slats on the C-Pillar and the wonderful rear louvres in aluminium which are actually a functional line of sight under the rear window through which one can also see out. So so cool. Hopefully one day I can own one. I will get a copy of your book, I hadn't realised you had been busy with another piece of literature ❤ Keep up the good work!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! Yes, I love the Coupe but I find myself lusting over the Berlina more and more too

[@mikesage9544]

Now your talking Mateo! The Gamma was a class act. Especially when compared to the competition of the time. I am glad you like it so much. Some how I will get your book. Not through Amazon though. Thanks for taking the time to make the video. Especially on such an illfated and missunderstood model. Mg Mike.

[@chrisdooley1184]

Love the Shooting Brake design. Wow

[@mirisch64]

Hey, It's MY favourite Lancia! Also it was driven by James May.

[@siwells8162]

History is so enjoyable watching your presentations. For me ,the pinnacle was the Flavia Sedan(so elegant inside and outside).However Gamma was beautiful also. Many thanks.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! I'm fond of late Flavias, those were great cars, built to a very high standard for the period.

[@michaflak5174]

At last! My next dream car ❤

[@JiriKrc]

today I have replaced middle and rear exhaust silencer on my Gamma Coupe 2.0, I love this car.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool! Which year is it from?

[@JiriKrc]

@@Matteo_Licata prima seria. 1979

[@gritnltw]

Our neighbor had one... I still remember vaguely remember it as I was around 5y.o. Then he moved out. Exactly this blue liftback like in the beginning of the video. Later on, we got the dark blue Prisma 1.6. Hehe.. still waiting for a video for Prisma.. Not a "hot" car, but so much under-appreciated. It lived under the shade of Delta.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I'm not against making a Prisma video, and I sure will whenever I'll manage to film one. I've also been pondering a book about the Prisma, but I can't promise you anything yet about that!

[@gritnltw]

@@Matteo_Licata thanks, no worries! Just a mention. In the meantime I enjoy the videos you upload. :-)

[@user-bn6rw7rz3r]

I am owing a Coupe 2500 for many years not 100% original as using a chassis of IE with carb engine. I did the classical improvements to make it 100% reliable or a least trying to (steering pump driven directly from the crankshaft pulley, water calorstat at the engine outlet, relay on motor starter, manual choke, relay on the window motors (much more faster now) etc). Road handling and agility are surprisingly high level for many people, less understeer compared to Beta’s. Suspension compromise comfort vs agility is top level. Less brilliant compared to an Alfa GTV6 that also sounds fantastic but better behaviour on road. The boxer is light weighted and short but really lacking refinement at idle but once at normal rev’s sounds like a big Alfasud. The shape is great and full of interesting details but personnaly do much prefer the rear lights of a Ferrari 400. I am sometimes thinking to modify them (sacrilege ?). The dashboard is not at the same level to say the least. I did some tuning with spraying different color around instruments. The steering wheel is ugly especially on the IE version, I have replaced it by the one of the first serie of beta’s coupé. Fully intercheangeble. Wooden ones look anachronic to me on 70’s cars. The main issue is the parts availibility rather than mechanical issues. (front wheel bearing hard to find,…) Funny to see that parts availibility is described as a major concern while not pointed out for some 60’s iconic cars… Gamma consortium provides many infos about this rare Lancia beast. Very clearly this car is underrated, Today, I do not see many car that offers same great features for a such a little money. The Gamma is the modern daugther of the Flavia on many aspects but its motor has much more torque and more pleasant to drive. But philosophy is the same. The last true Lancia.

[@Juani_lol]

I know it's a good day when roadster uploads

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you!!!

[@ianlee487]

I had a gamma saloon always wanted a coupe beautiful car

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool! You hardly ever see a saloon these days. How was yours?

[@ianlee487]

@@Matteo_Licata it was a classy car beautiful car in every way I've owned 17 lancias in my time all fantastic car from a great marque. Along with 15 alfa romeos which I have 2 now a gt and my dream car a giulia quadrifoglio in trofo white. But lancia are always deep in my heart. as when i was 12 my father bought his 1st Lancia a beta saloon after that i was hooked.

[@onecookieboy]

I was a young Kiwi mechanic who worked for a company called Frasers of Bristol in the late 80's and we specialised in Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo. We did quite a few manual conversions to Gamma coupe's and rebuilt a lot of engines. Engine parts for the 2.5 litre were almost impossible to get and we would often make one good engine out of several damaged engines, they were very hard on cam lobes so there was a lot of machining needed. Aesthetically they were beautiful cars, mechanically not so good and in hindsight a bit underpowered, they didn't like to rev much either and the handling was not that sharp. Nice video, thanks for jogging my memory.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you for sharing your memories related to these cars. Yes, premature camshaft wear was perhaps what killed most Gammas more than anything else. Fiat never took spare part supply all that seriously, and even today, once a car it's been out of production for a few years, good luck getting anything from the company's warehouses!

[@delahayenator]

I actually like both. Chique models, the coupe really elegant, both models breathe luxury and comfort. I like a Beta 2000 HPE better though :)

[@shortsongs9394]

The Lancia models of this time were forward thinking in design. The Thema was part of the "Type 4" project developing great Italian and Swedish builds.

[@shinnyspace]

Exterior is fenomenal

[@simonhodgetts6530]

It’s always been my favourite!

[@saxon-mt5by]

Spot on, Matteo, a Gamma is on my shopping list right now! A coupe for preference, but if the right berlina comes along...

[@Matteo_Licata]

Oh yes, I'd love to get one myself. Hugely seductive automobile

[@woongah]

The Gamma Coupé is one of the most beautiful cars of the '70s. It may have not been that big of a deal, but I still think that the person who thought that running the steering pump from the timing belt was a good idea ought to be in the circle of Hell reserved to the engineers lacking foresight... (It is right above the one destined to architects that draw unlivable houses).

[@johnireland1629]

As always, a wonderful video story about the cars that almost were. Thank you.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marcusott2973]

Looking forward to the Thema video, my best friends dad had an 8.32. What a machine.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I hope to film a Thema soon, too, as a video about it on this channel is long overdue!

[@marcusott2973]

@@Matteo_Licata one day you'll make it and I'll watch it. For your viewing, check out Jethro Bronner, he makes beautiful, relaxing videos on restoring 105 Series Alfas.

[@johnphaceas7434]

Beautiful cars, never seen one in the flesh, and only in one other YT video - a Hubnut video featuring a fastback with "remarkable engineering, terrifying rust" rotting in a field. So many forgotten 70s cars like these I'd love to own - Beta, Gamma, Renault 16, Mk1 VW Passat, Citroen GSA and CX.... My Alfetta GTV is sort of from the same school I guess.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

The world is a lesser place not having Lancia bonkersness in it.

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Very nice cars. Interesting and well presented. Thank you.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you!

[@raufsahin334]

I love the lancia prisma ..😘😘🏁🏁🇮🇪🇮🇪 ..gamma an Art ..

[@stelianghile822]

Lancia nice vehicles. I use to have 1991 model phase two Lancia Thema 2.0 Turbo 16 valve color "Blue Lord " comfortable and fast sedan 👍

[@gillesdebritalycars]

All old Lancia look so nice. I love the 2 unloved Trevi and Gamma ❤🇮🇹

[@workshop_deluxe2493]

Owned two 2500 i.e. in Fiat Blue metallic 400 (as the Berlina in the video) back in the days, still loving it. Not the Coupe, but the Berlina does it for me. Looking for one since years, without luck. Looks like they are gone. Ciao, Cristiano

[@Matteo_Licata]

Even though sedans were produced in larger numbers (still not many though), the low resale value and poor support from the factory meant few people bothered with their upkeep and off to the junkyard they went. Which is sad, as I love the berlina too! Coupès tend to be more numerous now at Gamma gatherings.

[@onixbonilla4420]

Keep The Great Work!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! I will :)

[@tjittekamminga5170]

lovely car! drove a gamma coupe long ago: blue royal with a white/creme interior alas it rusted away in the dutch climate like all italian cars of that time...

[@Sunseeker888]

A long, long time ago I remember seeing one every morning on my way to school and have been in love with it ever since. It was a a 2500 Berlina from 1978 in light blue with light grey or beige velour interior ❤

[@Matteo_Licata]

Wonderful. These were rare even here in Turin, Lancia's hometown!

[@marcusott2973]

I always thought that Lancia should have produced the Scala 4 door version of the coupe, instead of the hatchback. I think that the classic 3 box saloon shape would have appealed to the traditional buyers.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Yes, the fastback shape wasn't a hit with period buyers, but by the time the Scala was built, work was well underway on the Thema and there was little to gain from a Gamma revamp

[@marcusott2973]

@@Matteo_Licata Sadly that is true, I also much prefer the 4 door version of the Fiat 130 PF coupe, to the standard Limousine. Which is in my dream garage.

[@marcbrasse747]

I totally get what you mean. Nothing revolutionary but nice proportions inside and out, although I like the Coupe less then the other versions. I’ll have that golden one in the thumbnail please. 👌

[@BanjoLuke1]

Most interesting... Another excellent video. I too love the Gamma, or at least I cannot hate it. I love the idea of loving it. But you give very clearly the reasons for its failure even though, like me, you are so filled with a sort of motoring romantic optimism that you continue to wish it had been a market success. I wish it had, too. But I would not have bought one new (I was 14 at launch, so it is hypothetical) or when it was 5 or 10 or 15 years old. The UK was a special case, because Lancias were hard to find and hard to get parts for. But still, this was the Lancia that didn't want to sell. It was the Lancia that was almost designed to fail. I love it, but I cannot weep at its failure. It is sad that we no longer see them on the road (in the UK), but it is also perfectly understandable. A major problem was the model it replaced (albeit after a pause). It replaced a car that many still see as superior and that many more cannot even remember.... (I speak of the UK market). If you need a history lesson from the dealer to put the car into a marketplace perspective, then perhaps your biggest battles lie ahead. And whatever the rumour is, if there is a rumour about unreliability, you are already showing up for a game of football on a wet day without studs. I adore the Gamma, or at least I quite like it.... But it was not murder. It was almost a form of suicide. The Gamma is like an eclair from the best patisserie in Paris... A wonderful thing, but not a thing that you will enjoy for very long. Another excellent video, about a most intriguing car.

[@michaelorlando6159]

I just bought your book thank you for writing it

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you, I hope you'll like it! It has been extremely well received, way more than I anticipated :)

[@Pat_RickX]

Always thinking about what is finer - Fiat 130 Coupé or Lancia Gamma Coupé. Now I know: That blue Gamma Berlina.

[@fhwolthuis]

Amazing car!

[@dough740]

Stunning coupe, and the saloon looked almost as good. About as popular as the Alfa 90..... The coupe and subsequent prototypes just underlined how good Pininfarina were

[@Matteo_Licata]

I wish they sold as many Gammas as Alfa 90s... That would be about the triple of actual Gamma production

[@hughbarton5743]

Martin Buckley, noted writer and guru of off beat cars( he's also in love with the interesting, innovative, and ultimately failed NSU Ro80.... ) is mad for these as well. I have driven other Lancias, but have not had the pleasure of trying a Gamma....

[@Matteo_Licata]

Buckley has recently published a book about the Ro80, and I'm very much tempted to get it, as I love that car too!

[@richard63]

Such a stunner. Why the hell didn't they get rid of the engine for a better model? That is a car you would buy today !

[@Matteo_Licata]

The position of the engine ahead of the front axle made putting there anything other than the boxer difficult, and after a few years the will to spend money on development went away anyways

[@begalajbeg4074]

Can't wait for thema video😅

[@Matteo_Licata]

Me too. I hope to be able to film one soon enough

[@begalajbeg4074]

@@Matteo_Licata I love your videos signore, greetings from young Alfista in Spalato(Croazia)

[@Backwardlooking]

Fantastic car. Very expensive in the U.K.. unfortunately they weren’t rustproofed for the climate.

[@petrhavlicek393]

My brother love´s Italy and ALFA ROMEO, LANCIA, MASERATI and FIAT car´s

[@petrhavlicek393]

Thank you for your red heart.

[@Steve-gc5nt]

It's a beautiful car. Always was.

[@mattbettany1174]

I’d just like to say I absolute hate the idea of converting certain classic vehicles to EV, especially when the engine has a big part to play in the experience . BUT , I think a Gamma coupe would make an excellent car to do that kind of thing to . Please don’t judge me 😁

[@Matteo_Licata]

I pride myself on being open-minded about what people do with their cars, and I'm not totally against well-engineered EV conversions. I agree the Gamma would make for an excellent candidate too... Would I do it? Probably not, but I can see the logic.

[@mikeviljoen]

Super stylish

[@mestubbs]

Bella!

[@petervan1353]

would love to have a coupe!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Me too!

[@italianduded1161]

Madonna santa mi sono perso un botto dei tuoi video!!! Adoro la Lancia Gamma e specialmente la coupè!!! (ovviamente anche la beta)

[@Matteo_Licata]

Non c'è fretta, tanto non scappano :) La Gamma è proprio una vettura affascinante, ma anche la Beta merita maggiore apprezzamento, era proprio un buon progetto.

[@italianduded1161]

@@Matteo_Licata sicuramente meglio di quello che potrà proporre un designer francese in casa Lancia… mah… mi chiedo se ci sia ancora speranza per le nostre case automobilistiche. Non abbiamo più nulla… eppure quando ci lasciavano fare zittivamo tutti, persino quelli che oggigiorno ci considerano nullità.

[@vonLuk]

Love you videos. What happened to the video on the big Fiat 130 sedan (Fiat 130 The finest Fiat ever made)? Could you upload it again? Thanks!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! I've deleted most of my 2019 and 2020 videos because their quality (or lack thereof) no longer represented the current standard I have for my channel. I will gladly make a new and much better video about the 130 when I'll get to film one.

[@marinocamarasa6627]

Stupenda

[@drewsimpson5967]

Magnificent! I find myself preferring the Berlina these days, and the blue one featured looks superb.

[@Stratoszero]

I know what you mean about the Berlina.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I had the pleasure of traveling quite a lot in that very car that day, and I enjoyed it immensely. A hugely seductive automobile that I'm very, very tempted to search for and buy myself! The car in the video has been in the same family from new, and it's a lovingly maintained example... Pretty much as good as they get nowadays

[@jackiron4785]

81511989 or 81518939 was the part number for a gamma engine which a few were changed under warranty. Sad I know....

[@neverthar]

The Gamma coupe is beautiful but only ruined by the overlooked flaw in engineering

[@michaflak5174]

Also- Mateo You need to make a video with that I series Iveco as well!

[@Matteo_Licata]

I'm not sure I want to cover Ivecos as well :) My dad owned one for a long time, by the way!

[@michaflak5174]

My Dad had one as well, but it was from next generation. It had 2.3 HTP, not 2.5 sofim but I remember that it would not get broken. I understand that it is not the scope of interest of Your channel but Fiat commercial vegicles, Oficina Mechanica or Iveco are a big part of Italian industrialization and it is quite important. At least in my opinion :)

[@motorfab7014]

Come sarebbe bello poter tornare indietro nel tempo ed essere i responsabili di progetto di alcune auto: per la Gamma avrei dato il via libera alla berlina Scala al posto della due volumi e mezzo, e soprattutto avrei imposto un motore a 6 cilindri per lei e per la splendida coupé

[@arcadiakwong9419]

Ain’t matter popularly, Lancia is one of a really few build things aim for competition.

[@peterfi.]

According to some prominent auto journos, the worst Lancia ever made was the Kappa. Consider making a video on it, it needs a proper Roadster Life investigation 🧐

[@Matteo_Licata]

The Kappa failed to build upon the goodwill the Thema had earned, losing Lancia its place in the executive car market. However, I don't believe it deserves to be called "the worst" of anything. I'd gladly make a video about it, but I so far haven't been able to film an example.

[@GreasyFingers]

I‘m in full respect of what you’re saying about the Gamma, but I can’t avoid throwing the words Beta HPE on the table.