SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 17, 2025 – The iconic Presidential Lancia Flaminia took center stage once again as President Sergio Mattarella led the Festa della Repubblica parade in Rome, celebrating Italy’s national holiday in a tradition that blends historical pride with forward-looking innovation.
Held every year on June 2, the Festa della Repubblica commemorates the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946. At this year’s celebration, President Mattarella honored the momentous occasion by arriving in the legendary Lancia Flaminia, a car that has long symbolized Italian elegance and state prestige.
A rolling symbol of Italian heritage
Since 1961, the Lancia Flaminia has served as the official car of the Italian President, escorting global dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II, John F. Kennedy, and Charles de Gaulle. Introduced at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, the Flaminia made its mark with a 2.5-liter V6 engine and a series of distinguished custom versions.
One standout was the soft-top “335” model, designed by Pinin Farina with an extended wheelbase and named after thoroughbred horses from the Scuderie del Quirinale: Belfiore, Belmonte, Belvedere, and Belsito. These cars, painted in classic midnight blue, featured black Connolly leather seats, an intercom system, and a unique 5-seat layout that underscored their ceremonial purpose.
Restored and revered
Though used only on rare and formal occasions, the Presidential Lancia Flaminia remains an enduring fixture of Italian statecraft. Restored in 2001, some of the original vehicles still serve at the Quirinal Stables, while others are proudly displayed in Rome and Turin’s top automotive museums.
The design of the Flaminia continues to inspire modern-day Lancia. With its aerodynamic curves and understated luxury, it is one of nine historic models shaping the brand’s future lineup.
Introducing the New Gamma: a modern heir
Looking ahead, Lancia is preparing to launch the New Gamma in 2026—a sleek, sustainable evolution of the brand’s classic design language. This new model will be manufactured at the Melfi plant in southern Italy, a hub for advanced automotive production.
The New Gamma will be available in both electric and hybrid versions, representing the next chapter in Lancia’s legacy of innovation and Italian craftsmanship. According to the company, it will embody "exclusivity, sustainability, and technological innovation," while continuing to reflect Stellantis’ commitment to revitalizing Italian manufacturing and promoting “Made in Italy” excellence globally.
Celebrating elegance and evolution
As Italy reflects on its rich history during the Festa della Repubblica, the Presidential Lancia Flaminia serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s enduring values—elegance, craftsmanship, and pride. With the New Gamma on the horizon, Lancia is not only preserving its heritage but also setting the stage for a bold new era of Italian automotive design.
Learn more at https://www.lancia.com