2 Lancia Gammas Coups, typ 1. and typ. 2, Nov. 2001

[christian skjott]

I have entered quite an elaborate story of my years of my previous experience with my Lancia Gamma Coupé 2500, type 1, 1978, and not really sure if I will be able to repeat another story, but here goes:

Reading my previous entry, much has happened since. Memorable indeed was the events taking place just after my fixing the valves. The 25th anniversary for the Lancia Gamma model in Turin earlier this year. To the very last minute it was all chaos and panic, because I just had to get there, but with the engine apart, pieces missing for the exhaust system and unresolved problems with oilspill, I managed only some days prior to the event to confirm my arrival to Sgr. Giuliano Grilli, President of Lancia Gamma Club Italy, who had arranged a spectacular event, but I need not say much about the event itself, because you must have heard about it from others, and if not, pictures can be seen at the Gamma Registry and in other places of interest, and if you don't know about them either, you're in the wrong forum. No disrespect intended. Enjoy the story, I hope.

Anyway, I've been a deeply devoted enthusiast of the Gamma for years on end. I've hardheadedly battled and overcome all odds to have my car running as much as possible and as far as possible, and always using my best abilities/faculties to make things happen for this car, my Gamma. Actually it's quite extraordinary what I, we, with the invaluable help from my old man without whom it would all have been quite impossible, have accomplished with little more than scrap metal. But beauty lies in the eye if the beholder and I have never considered it scrap, and it never will be, if I can help it.
Fortunately I would realize this only to a degree, after I joined a fleet of some 30 other Lancia Gamma cars in Turin, because I did manage to get the car prepped and ready for the long trip there (all within some month, getting it through road clearance tests (3) and subsequently getting new license plates, as they had been annulled due to failure, massive oilspill from the head, defective exhaust system), some 1800 km, 3600 km in all, which I believe must have impressed the other participants.

On top I had also persuaded a dutch liason, Ruud in Holland, who had helped me on another occasion (formerly known as Rutger, to those of you who may have read my previous story) to join. For the simple reason that he being a Gamma enthusiast couldn't be allowed, in my opinion, to pass on such a unique occasion, but he utterly refused to attend a gathering of Gamma's without actually being in one himself, his own being under a tarp in a garage for some time. I can only agree with him on that one. We arranged to pick him up at a cafetteria on the the A5 he knew so well, just outside Hannover, where he wasn't as he had missed it, but cell phones proved indispensable here as we regrouped at a later exit. He got in the car and it was all happy days. Specially for him who had never gone more than 400 kms in all from his hometown in a Gamma. We were in my Gamma on our way to the meeting. Full throttle, fully loaded. We got there in 17 hours straight, through the San Bernadino pass and after some annoying detours. 3 passengers and luggage. One might think the car knew what was about to happen, because it didn't flinch or cough once for the whole ride, which does happen otherwise. Never was absolutely steady, that carburettor. But I do have a repair kit for it, we'll see if that helps, once done.

We had a guessing game in the car pulling up to the predestined hotel, how many Gammas would there be on arrival. It was the right hotel too, because pulling into the carpark, there were some 5 or 6 allready there, including the rare "Black" belonging to Dietmar, who was allready out at 7 o'clock in the morning polishing his car. I was numb. They were all so nicely maintained and visually complete, which can't be said for mine at all, which by now was very dirty too. I presented myself to him, he having read my story and I having checked out his website with his various cars. And it all snowballed from there. Not having slept for nearly 24 h and driven my car to its' limit for 17 hours straight, like a bat out of hell, made it all seem slightly unreal. I couldn't really manage getting to the Castle for the initial meet at 11.00, cause I needed a shower and tons of coffee. But we got there in time for the line up in front of a former hunting Castle. Being slightly embarrassed by the condition of my car opposite the others in the carpark, would grow a bit more, when we reached the Castle, because more had arrived and they were all just as fine. I sneaked my car up the drive as slowly as possible, because I didn't want to spoil it all, when crossing the pebbled driveway, with the chirping noise from the slightly bent lateral torsion bars, rear, (which can happen due to the force on when turning at high speeds) grinding the bridge over any bumps. What a spectacular view it was indeed. Having only seen the inspiring ghostdriver in Germany, my own so often stand alone, Ruud's under cover in a garage and photos of some, this was just amazing. It just got better as we would run wild, like copulating snakes, on the roads round Turin to the Pininfarina design and research center, after a nice lunch with everyone, with Gamma's left, right and center. Indescribable really, being in the company of them all.

At the Pininfarina D & R Center we were greeted and all the cars were "home", lining the entore carpark in front. Can't say much about the tour there, because it was a disappointment really, I had anticipated an in depth lecture and show of the Gamma's conception and development, but instead we were shown a long fancy trailer about current and future projects, but frankly I didn't at all catch my slightest attention and I slept through it in the dark, sitting on my chair. Later I would ask the press secretary and design director for some inside information about the Gamma, but I was told that they didn't have any material and frankly didn't seem very keen nor interested in former glory. But sadly such is much business.

After the Pininfarina visit we returned to the hotel for some R & R, preparing for the Galla dinner that evening. Attending were various VIP's, current and past. We gathered in a typical italian restaurant, very nice with lots of great food and wine, and just round dessert I simply collapsed from fatigue and had to get back to the hotel. No and's, if's or but's. I just couldn't keep my eyes open. Besides there would be more the following day...

Breakfast done, we got in the cars and headed for the Lancia factory inside Turin. It was slightly chaotic for our host, Sgr. Grilli, who had to find seats for the brittish party, who had arrived for the event by airplane (Mr. Romano having some regretable logistical problems, which must have spoilt some for him, as a few from his party had decided to simply disappear without a trace in Turin immediatly upon arrival, guess they were interested in other things). We drove from the hotel to Turin center in one long line, and it must have been an intriguing sight to the onlooking bystander. I thought it was. Arriving at the Lancia plant we were directed to a large garage on the other side of the street from the factory, and I imagine that fleets of factory fresh Lancias may have stood together there through the years, before being shipped off to all parts of the world. I'd like to think so. Inside the plant we were let into the brainchild of a former executive in the Lancia company, a museum with all the key models over the years. He spent some 3 hours describing all the models in detail, background story et all, and naturally I was very expecting, when the best had been saved for last, a silver met. pristine example of type 1, Gamma Coup. 2000 aut.. But to my disbelief all he would say was "...and so here's the Gamma, but I shall say no more as you know it all so much better than I!" And that was that. We concluded the event by returning to the same restaurant for an aperitif in the sun followed by an immense lunch, just what the doctor ordered for the long ride ahead. It was a very nice conclusion to it all, but most honouring to me was to receive 1st of 3 prizes for distance. A tasteful plaque engraved with details, which sits on my desk today. I'm very proud of it, and I have later had the Gamma's chassis no. engraved.

The ride home was as purposeful as the ride down, fast all the way and all in one go, apart from a short pittoresque detour. Fortunately it wasn't hard to persuade my companions to a minor deroute round Lago di Como, it seemed right. Took me a few days to recover from it all, once back in Denmark, but it had all been worth it, and I/we shall surely attend another event. For the simple reason that I have acquired another Gamma, only last week, and I'd like to introduce it into the next scene.

But I'll begin with the beginning. Ever since I got my first Gamma I have occasionally been monitoring the market for a replacement, in case something should happen to my own. I have never been quite convinced by my Gamma, as there were many horror stories about the mechanics (which I have fortunately been spared from, all these years), much cosmetics to attend and the car was never complete. On the road I have always done everything necessary to draw average Joe's attention to this car, either through race or menacing presence, especially the cocky driver in his boring new Audi's or BMW's, who refused to worthy my Gamma a glance. But I never found anything that would excuse a change until 3 months ago, the Gamma event clear in mind and the always present urge to show this car off to the rest of the world, no matter what. It takes little imagination once you have seen my Gamma to understand the breathtaking amount of time which would be needed to restore my Gamma to it's former glory, a bodystrip and decent paintjob and some bits here and there. The downside being that I simply haven't got that kind of skills, and I ain't got the money to get the right person. 3 months ago I found a small add in the darkest corner of the internet and replied to it, couldn't hurt, as I have applied to several quite a few times recently. Even Ruud had his hands on some very interesting examples, which he had to sell before I could get it all together. A dark Met. Red Typ. 2 with cream leather and sunroof. Couldn't sleep for days after it was sold to another dutch, who beat me to it. Hope he's a happy and caring camper..Well, I'm sidetracking some. Again.

I got a reply from the seller, offering a Silver Met. Grey very early Typ. 2 with black leather interior, which was originally an automatic. Price was perfect for me and somewhat less or the same I would need to spend on my own, if I should have what I wanted with mine, every detail included, but the convincing point really, it was the first of the type 2's, which I had decided years ago, should I ever get another one, it was a must it would be very different from my own. Just my personal opinion. One might as well try the whole buffet, once there. Also due to the fact that detailing in the second series seemed more solid, such as grille, console etc.. So we emailed back and forth and the more I learned the more convinced I was, for the simple reason it kept getting better and better. First, I received a single picture in the mail. The Gamma standing dirty in a corner of a garage and it was somewhat fuzzy. We emailed some more after that and I took my time, even said I would need time. It thought this could very well be the one, and just for it all to sink in properly, no hasty decisions necessary, I mean I allready had the real thing, proven a thousand times over, and with all the stories about this car, you have to be very, very convinced to engage in lurking lunacy. Several reassuring emails were sent to me, about quality, entity, ownership prior and present, another letter with 3 more pictures showing a washed car outside the garage, and all in all I was won over with intrigue, curiosity and plain lust. I decided that if they would wait for me to get my act together, then who am I to refuse.

Finally the day came to travel all the way to a small village near Rome. Initially, not realizing where this village was, as we had been speaking about Milan from the beginning, and where the car originated from, and the son of the seller lived, I naturally booked flight tickets to Milan, thinking it was a short ride by train to just outside. Instead it wasn't. On top I had unknowingly happened to plan my trip for the day before the catholics celebrate all their Saints, so it was impossible to reserve any seats on the train, because they had all been taken ages ago. As I have become used to, through the years, I would have to wing it. I forgot to mention that naturally my old man came along, I have just become so used to sharing anything Gamma with him, so it seemed only sensible and natural he came too. We have a great time too. So the flight was late, due to fog in Milan and the tragic world situation in these times. We missed our designated train once in Milan, and had to opt for another and slower connection. Amazing how many people they're actually able to fit in a train for hours on end, going south. Just like cattle runs. To begin with it was all just quaint and amusing. But round 10 o'clock in the evening I made a decision, when we had to switch trains in Bologna, and were forced to stand upright in the train entrance like fish in a barrel, with more people trying to get on and still 4 hours to go, that we got off right then and there and found a hotel for the night.

Next day we took a quick stroll in Bologna center and caught the train onwards. Of course nothing had changed, and the train was equally full, but we battled it out and got a seat for some of the way, but all in all, it was just plain overcrowded. But it was another experience, italians being the nicest people. We finally arrived at our destination, where this 73 year old italian man, his name Antonio, was waiting where he should and we met. He phoned his wife, for her to prepare us some food, which would be ready when we got to the house. Immediatly there, I asked to see the car before anything else, we had been underway for so long and my impatience got the better of me, and to my delight it was parked in an enclosure just round the side of the house, washed, waxed and polished. We inspected it and it was just gorgiously looking. Naturally my eye was distracted by details, there just had be something wrong with it. There were some weird minor scratches on the boot, down the side, just from use and all retouched. Opening the door, I saw only the funny looking armrest sticking out from just below the window frame, 10 cm X 10 cm. I was seriously appauled. Sitting inside it though, was quite a new sensation, so different from my own. The leather seats cosetting and all so complete in the finnish. "To cool for school...!". It fired up immediatly, with a very different sound from mine, muffled yet full and purposeful and even in revs. But then again I never had a perfect exhaust on mine, and if I did there were other sounds or things distracting. All in all, I was stunned with amazement and fighting it with ridiculous gestures and secondguesses. We had return tickets, but my old man concluded in a dry voice, after our scrutiny of the car but probably mostly from all my fidgetting, we would'nt be needing them after all. Nothings really never very certain about me, but he saw the signs right off. Fortunately I have the ability to recognize when somethings too good to be missed, and this was one of them things. 20 mins. or so later, it was getting dark and Antonio seemed to think enough was enough.

La cucina di casa italiana, all homemade and simply right by Mrs. Antonio, accompanied by the latest distribution of local red wine, so fresh I could still taste all of the grapes. We spoke back and forth about this and that, and all the time I was analyzing his every sentence to detect any inconsistencies. There were none so I made some up in my own head. But all was in order, and after the excellent dinner we went for a ride in the Gamma, on the mountain roads surrounding the village. It was just a short runaround the block but enough to get the feel of things and the car was a great promise. I had no problems whatsoever running it, it was all so very natural, and Antonio was at ease giving directions. There was nothing with the car, all simply straightforward and working. Trust me on this one, the car felt and drove like new, and I don't lie when I say this, my word is bonafide, with trained ears and all my senses perfectly in tune with anything in this Lancia model after years of practice. I have made round 50.000 kms now in my first Gamma, which is quite a stretch of road with all imaginary problems always just a breath away. The Gamma back in the padlocked enclosure, Antonio drove us up to a Hotel on the mountain, belonging to a good friend of his, miles from the village, where we checked in as the only guests. He bade us goodnight and would pick us up the next morning round 8 o'oclock. We raided the bar and went to our room, where we talked, my old man and I, about the car, and we agreed that it was surely all on the up and up. This man wasn't into any tricks and his word was good. It was all he had said and then some. But honest and honourable people are just so scarce these days, so when you meet them, you might miss it. Fortunately this was not the case, and I was ashamed the next day for being exceedingly suspicious at first. Anyway in our ever increasing ecstasy over my find, and with the help of varied conversation, good food and drink, we kept the hotel restaurant open for longer than our host would tolerate in the end, we being the only guests, and were literally ordered to bed round midnight. Good thinking. It would be a long day next.

I jumped out of bed at 7. Sipping my fourth capuccino, Antonio showed up at 8. I was still a bit under the influence and couldn't eat breakfast. He took us to the various places in town to run our trade through the intricate village system. First the Notarius Publicus for authenticity, then the Auditor for an invoice, then the local Bank, then the garage which would certify the car for road use, and then the insurance company for a short term insurance of 5 days, just enough for a comfortable ride home, which I had pledged to my old man, if he was to come along. Everything passed like pearls on a string. And everyone in the village seemed to know who we were and what was going on, They waved us off as we drove out of town. All done round noon, we were ready to go, but not before we had had the obligatory "con complimenti". Lunch prepared by the Mrs'. to celebrate the trade. Glad I didn't miss that, and in the end I was reluctant towards having to go, but now I'm welcome back. But round noon she wasn't ready with the lunch yet, so we had time. So Antonio took us to his garage just some kms away, to show us the "fulvietta" and some more Lancias he had in his collection. A Beta Coup 1.6 and a Beta Berlina 1.6. if these are of any interest to anyone, you can email me for more info. The "fulvietta" was a nice surprise, I wanted that too, chocolate brown, an end series 1975, one owner 1.3 Lancia Fulvia with black leather int..Complete and original, meticulously maintained and in excellent condition.

Without offering anything but compliments for the fine and pristine condition in which he kept the cars, including mine, I casually urged my old man to also inspect the Fulvia. He sat in it and with Antonio's triple guarantees over the Gamma, he bought it then and there on a handshake. Again this was something too good to be missed, and this sense is nothing I got from any stranger. We went through it all over lunch and the Mrs'. immediatly claimed her 10% from the deal, she being the one urging her husband to show it to us. It was all very amusing and warm. Trust me. We'll be going back for the Fulvia come January.

We said our goodbyes and drove off. Antonio led us a long way to the Autostrada leading to Rome, and upon saying our goodbyes I simply had to embrace him. He wished me all the best and cautioned me one last time to check everything again very soon and frequently. I forgot to mention that he has sold cars all his life and I may be presumptuous, but the entire village and then some have bought cars from him all these years, and living in a village where everybody knows you, you can't cut any corners, for you'll be out of business in no time at all and chased out of that village, in tar and feathers. Antonio has lived and done business there all his life. Everything he did was meticulous and methodical, practice making perfect. And what I got was a car he had bought for himself. The other Lancias too. A neat and tidy collection. He had just decided to sell his collection as he was getting up there and found no use for them anymore.

Getting on the Autostrada was a thrill, feeling the car out, and to be honest I played it very safe, this car was just much too nice to kill off with hazardous behaviour, just to see what would happen. I'm curious that way. Only gradually augmenting pressure under constant monitoring, and doublechecks. Nothing happened but kms disapearing behind us in a steady and easy pace. Oilpressure (round 2 bar) and temperature (round 80 c) were perfect and constant. We cruised steadily and when arriving to Gran Sasso, we drove off to go see Campo Imperattore, an isolated hotel on top of a mountain where Il Duce, Mussolini, was liberated from housearrest by the germans in 1943 in a spectacular operation. 6 or 7 glideplanes with 15 paratroopers in each led by a highly decorated hardass colonel, would land on a stretch no more than 150 m just in front of the hotel, and with the element of surprise indeed, they easily overpowered the unsuspecting guards and liberated the Duke, who then was flown off the mountain to Berlin in a small german single engined aircraft. There was not enough room for take off, so the pilot had to plunge the craft over the cliff to get lift. My old man is the WW history buff, and also being a pilot he just had to see it. Glad we did, it was most interesting with full insight. Anyway going up the mountain, with 25 kms to the top I suspected that the brakes were not all they should be, my type 1 having the most incredible bite on brakes, and I was worried about the descent. But we chanced it, as my old man dryly stated I was been overly nervous, so I let him do the driving. Downhill I was back behind the wheel, thinking that if we were going over the cliff, I would be responsible and could't blame him later. There would no problem though, but I still wasn't quite convinced. I would be later, when the brakes would prove most efficient speeding through Germany. They were just in need of proper use as it turned out.

We drove to Tivoli north of Roma through "La bella Toscana" up until Florence and turned west for the coast over Pisa, up the coastline to Genova and on to Ventimiglia, where I had my first drive through impossible traffic. Checking the temp I noticed that it would barely pass 90 C, never realizing that the fan was on full power all along, just couldn't hear it over the sweet even revving of the engine. Only when we parked did I realize it was on as it continued cooling the engine. It's a real pleasure getting in and out of this Lancia as all seals are like new, and the doors shut to a tight fit with just a crisp metallic thump. Even the engine lid and boot are same. Fuse box lid has never really been off either, having to especially concentrate getting it loose without braking the hinges, I've seen so many broken. We bought a pair of nice deerskin gloves for my old man, he needed for the coming winter here. I must add that it's even better walking back to this Gamma, taking in every detail and knowing it's all mine. From Nice we drove up Route Napoleon to Grenoble. Great fun, easily and at great speed cutting the curves on the tight mountain roads right and left, just inches off the raw mountain sides lurking over the road, just waiting to take a bite into the perfect Gamma panelling. Quite a thrill.

Finally we got out on the long stretches of l'Autoroute and it was time to see what the car really had, and with a GPS on board, all movement was even monitored by satelitte. We clocked top speed at 196.7 km/h at 5900 rpms. There was a little left to the full 6200 rpm, but I was very pleased. No changes in anything whatsoever, and the only downside would be the windnoise from rear, an inavoidable sideeffect to the design. Nothing a radio won't fix, but I'll have to put one in and I hesitate, because there's never been one in there. Where the radio goes, sits a perfect cover with the model types on, 2500 ie. This Gamma however sits a bit higher and more forward than the type 1, which really steers as if on rails with the tail sunk in low. But whereever you point either, it's the same reassuring ability which is so characteristic for this car. Round Kassel, on the Autobahn, the car was in it's ultimate element, 3 lanes of track over and downhills with great curves, leaving everyone behind. The Gamma totally dominated this stretch, which was also the same stretch of highway where I raced the Gamma Ghostdriver so many years ago, only going the other way. Fuelconsumption on this model with injection is also quite decent and very much improved over the type 1, which however seems to have just more grunt. The type 2 is really very civilized on the throttle, power always present, but it's definetely softer and more refined.

All together we covered some 2800 km in just 27 hours effective over 4 days, with an average speed of 102 km/h. Fuelcomsumption round 12 km/l. all conditions included. Some difference from my old girl, who has an insatiable thirst for the full red stuff. It only makes some 9.5 km/l. But I can forgive that, for all the pleasure I have had with it all these years. Actually the new Gamma is somewhat less animating, as it's just aesthetically complete and beckons the more arrogant side of ones personality. Actually the thrill lies outside, when you observe the bystanders long and puzzled glance, which is very satisfying indeed. I like to have things no one else has, without encouraging any bad feelings, and i hope I don't. If my good fortune in finding this car should at all make anyone jealous, they shouldn't be, because I like to think I have earned it, spending so many years driving and working what is actually a mere prototype, and spending much time to find the real deal. They can't even be easily compared as detailing and posture is quite different. There is also an immense diffence in buildquality between the two, and I can only grieve that they decided to launch the series 1 at all, since it must surely have wrecked any trust in a series 2, all the infant ailments considered on the first series, but rejoice in Lancias determination of continuing the model against all odds. I have now tested my new Gamma to the best of all my abilities and I have no reservations. I'm just glad to have been given the opportunity to sample them both, and in such variety. Full of confidence that this Gamma will be a real pleasure to own and one of the best around as it is entirely original. I can only regret that my series 2 has exceeded my expectations is such a way, being so complete and perfect, where even the original dealers warranty lays in the glovecompartment, will be too good for exposure to the danish winter which will certainly advance more deterioration than I could possible accept at this point, so it'll be spending the winter in a garage, only coming out when skies are clear.

I'll be cruising in my type 1 through another winter, its' used to it anyway with 5 winters here, and get to work some solution which will bring me to move south next year. I'm not enjoying myself much here in Denmark, it's cold, taxridden and uneventful, my best friends abroad anyway, but in my line of work economy is regretably a fickle thing. However the typ 1 will probably be up for sale next spring, haven't decided yet but, if anything there are many hours spent with utmost devotion and many good parts in it, and it still runs everyday without fault. A potential buyer will be up for a scrutinizing test, if he wants to acquire my first baby. See you all on the road next year for the various events. Now i'll walk over to the window and cast a glance down on my two Lancia Gamma Coup's standing under the floodlights, one on each side of the street just meters apart. It's a great view.

Viva la Lancia, Sempre fidele, Best regards to my fellow drivers, Christian Skjott

[Pierluigi]

Thank you Chris for another long amazing story and for your great love for Gammas. Next one a berlina ? Ciao, Pierluigi

[J.J.Jensen]

OK OK jeg overgi'r mig.
Fornoejelig og faengslende laesning,
var til tider roert til taare, jeg kan kun aergre mig over jeg ikke var med.

Din ven i udlandet

[Pierluigi]

Dear Jensen, could you speak english ?