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In the early 1980s, certain large cars were more frequently encountered in brochures and the automotive press than in the metal – the Talbot Tagora, the Renault 30 TX and the Gamma Berlina. All deserved far more commercial success, especially the Lancia - one of the most distinctive saloons of its generation.

The Gamma’s origins date back to 1969 when Citroën and Lancia’s parent company Fiat signed a co-operation agreement. The idea was that the two would collaborate on their future cars, including the CX project and the “Tipo-830” replacement for the “Flavia” 2000 I.E.   Unfortunately, the arrangement collapsed in 1972 due to various industrial problems.

However, Fiat decided to proceed with the development of the 830, not least because cancellation would have proved even more expensive. The new flagship Lancia was to be available as a Berlina or a Coupe powered two flat-four engines. The 2.0-litre complied with Italy’s stringent tax regulations, while the 2.5-litre was more suited to export markets. Lancia initially considered developing the Flamina’s V6 and even a version of the Dino unit before opting for a re-design of the Flavia’s “Boxer” unit.

The Gamma debuted at the 1976 Geneva Motor Show, and writer Mel Nichols described them as ‘two cars of elegance and bearing’. Unfortunately, the 2-Litre version struggled to compete with the Alfa Romeo Alfetta, the Fiat 132 and even the Lancia Beta 2000 in its homeland, while its 2.5-litre counterpart struggled in overseas markets. UK sales began in 1978, where Lancia dealers faced quite a challenge as the Gamma seemed downright eccentric compared with the Rover 3500 SD1 or the Ford Granada Ghia Mk. II. There was the additional challenge of the ongoing “rust scandal”.

In the event, the press reception to the Berlina was decidedly mixed. Clive Richardson of Motor Sport complained, ‘I thought scuttle shake had gone out with the Ark, or at least with the Big Healey. But Lancia have managed to recreate it in the Gamma’. Worse still, ‘under hard acceleration the whole facia assembly flaps around violently, magnifying the movements of the notchy gear-change’. By contrast, Motor found ‘“It is the way the Gamma combines stability and grip with sheer finesse that gives it the edge’.

And Car magazine regarded the Gamma as ‘an especially good car’ and ‘one of the very best available at that time’. Unfortunately, the Lancia suffered from various problems, including malfunctioning power steering pumps and a decided tendency to snap its cam belt when on full-lock. High-powered business types who wished to make their next sales appointment without becoming stranded on the A36 opted for an Opel Senator or an Audi 100

Lancia introduced a fuel-injected Series II in 1980, which resolved many of these issues, but it was little help. By 1981 the Gamma was virtually built to special order, and British marketing of the second-generation model did not start until as late as 1982. When production ceased two years later, a mere 15,272 Berlinas had left the factory. Legend has it that unsold stocks lasted until 1986, long after the introduction of its Thema successor.

Perhaps the Gamma was far too idiosyncratic a machine to appeal to the conventionally-minded executive. Car perfectly summarised the Berlina as a ‘driver’s car par excellence; it will please those who like the individuality and detailing that belong more to days gone by’. Had Lancia’s quality control been more consistent – or in evidence - other motorists might have come to appreciate the Gamma.  It was indeed a charismatic and individualistic machine – and one that might well have appealed to a CX GTi owner.

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.