Latest news

At first sight, it could be a car that belongs to the world of La Dolce Vita; transport for Marcello Mastroianni or Sophia Loren to Rome’s finest nightclubs. Almost every detail is reminiscent of 1960s European glamour - until you notice the grille’s similarity to the Humber Sceptre Mk.I and the Sunbeam Rapier Mk. V. And while the coachwork was indeed the work of Carrozzeria Touring, the running gear hailed from Coventry.

The Sunbeam Venezia was the most high-profile result of the 1961 agreement between the Rootes Group and Touring. The Milanese coachbuilder initially assembled the Super Minx and the Alpine to circumvent Italy’s heavy import duties. The tyres, wheels, upholstery, windows, springs, carpeting and several other items were locally sourced so that the Hillman and the Sunbeam were regarded as domestic models. Meanwhile, George Carless, the Italian manager of Rootes, had convinced the board of directors of the need for a grand tourer.

The Venezia was based on the forthcoming Sceptre – which was due for launch in 1963 – and featured Touring’s famous Superleggera aluminium coachwork. The launch ceremony took place aboard a gondolier in Venice and, with the exception of the incongruous-looking air-scoops over the headlamps, the Venezia looked genuinely exotic. The cabin was equally attractive, with its steel dashboard and Veglia clock. The first sales were in Italy and although Rootes planned ‘export to other continental countries’ there was none for the UK. The reason was ‘import duties and purchase tax would make it uneconomic to market the car at a competitive price’.

Touring initially hoped the latest Sunbeam would appeal to the sort of motorist who might have otherwise looked at a Lancia Flavia Coupe. However, it suffered from a very high price tag – 2.5 million lire was the equivalent of £1,440 – and the 1,592cc engine did not exactly place the Venezia in the Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint bracket. Sales were limited, and when Chrysler commenced their take-over of Rootes in 1964, the Anglo-Italian tourer was already on borrowed time.

Production ended in 1966 with the conclusion of the Rootes/Touring agreement. The Venezia remained undeveloped throughout its short run, not even gaining the all-synchromesh gearbox of the Alpine IV or the 1,725cc plant of the Alpine V. A Touring-designed convertible came to nothing, as did a plan to use the V8 engine from the Sunbeam Tiger. There were also ideas to build the Venezia in the UK as replacement for the “Audax” Rapier but it was regarded at the factory as ‘grossly overweight’. As it is, the Venezia remains a fascinating blend of Ryton’s ambition and Turin’s flair. Or, to quote the press release, a coupe with ‘a swift and eager look’.

Why choose Lancaster Insurance?

Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.

We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:

• Historic rally cover
• Static show cover
• Limited mileage discounts
• Choice of repairer
• 24-hour claims helpline

Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your classic today.