The President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, used a 1960 Lancia Flaminia Presidenziale during a military parade in Rome. This vehicle, specifically manufactured for official ceremonies, represents a tradition of luxury and protocol. However, its use does not alter the routine of citizens, who continue to wait for improvements in basic services while watching the historic car pass by.
Vintage engineering for a modern parade 🚗
The Lancia Flaminia Presidenziale mounts a 2.5-liter V6 engine with dual carburetors, capable of generating 140 HP. Its elongated bodywork with a removable hardtop was designed by Pininfarina to facilitate visibility for authorities. The 4-speed manual transmission and independent suspension were advanced for 1960, but today they fall far short of any modern efficiency or comfort standard.
The presidential car that doesn't pay your bills 💸
While Mattarella rides in his collector's Lancia, Italians pay taxes that cover the maintenance of this relic on wheels. No one expects a 64-year-old vehicle to solve inflation or improve healthcare, but seeing it pass by reminds us that public money is also spent on historical indulgences. At least, the car doesn't pollute as much as a modern armored SUV.