Lancia Lambda 7th series

Sedanca De Ville; Coachwork By Gurney Nutting

One of the most daunting, ambitious projects underway is the nut-and-bolt restoration of a magnificent Gurney-Nutting bodied Phantom II Continental. Here is our initial inspection report:

Summary Vehicle Condition Report

Having transported the car to our workshops we have inspected it on our ramp. The car has clearly not moved under its own power for a long time (last tax disc: 1992)

Mechanical

The engine is seized (did not turn on the starting handle) so we cannot fire it up. We therefore cannot test any of the mechanical parts, and in turn must assume everything requires refurbishment. There is severe corrosion to the cylinder head and blocks, such that they will need replacing. All the chassis and running gear is very dirty and rusty, so we have been unable to inspect thoroughly.

All underbonnet tools are present and correct, a few are missing from the interior tool tray, but by and large the car is very complete and original.

Bodywork

The all-aluminium panelwork is showing signs of corrosion throughout – in fact on most panels. In addition there are cracks on the front doors, the corners of the windows and on the door apertures, both where they meet the roof and the rear wheel arches. All this indicates that the ash frame structure is moving – most likely caused by dry joints or rot. Clearly all the aluminium skins will need to be removed.

One obvious issue with the original design of the car relates to the rear side windows. These currently consist of a fixed pane and a moving pane. There is a large gap between the two, which will need addressing in order to optimize the planned air conditioning system.

Woodwork

Whilst it is clearly impossible to carry out a proper inspection of the ash frame at this stage, our woodworker has crawled over the car and feels that partial replacement of parts of the frame etc. is the most likely requirement. We have reflected this in our Estimate.

Interior

Whilst it is clearly impossible to carry out a proper inspection of the ash frame at this stage, our woodworker has crawled over the car and feels that partial replacement of parts of the frame etc. is the most likely requirement. We have reflected this in our Estimate.