Lancia magic
To the unschooled ignoramus the name Lancia conjures up images of rusty old cars sat deserted in some field with a tree growing from the engine bay. But to the cultured and enlightened is a byword for superlative engineering masterpieces. Of engines that have a sound like no other and some of the most beautifully penned cars the world has ever known. The Lancia Fulvia was no exception. Designed and built in a bygone era where cars were svelt, raunchy and with engines to die for. Not many people know that it was named after Marc Anthony's wife, Fulvia who died in the year 40 bc. It is also a genuine, bona fide World Rally Champion. The first in a long line of Lancias to do so when in 1972, Sandro Munari piloted his 1,6HF to victory against the Fulvia's bitter rival; the Alpine Renault A110 1600. Known as a Fulvia 3 but labeled as a Fulvia Coupe 1.3S Serie 2a it is presented in the best colour for a Fulvia, Argento Metallizzato. Sit behind the lovely Nardi Torino steering wheel and you're presented with swathe of wood effect with the contrasting white fascias of the Veglia Borletti gauges nestled neatly behind. Turn the key and the little 1298cc V4 unit barks into life.
This particular example has a larger bore exhaust and an absence or a rear silencer. The noise is by no means 'boy racer' like, more of a subtle burble on idle with a nice raspy tone under acceleration. The engine shows good oil pressure under load (a typical Fulvia trait) and accelerates hard through the gears. The twin Solex 35PHH carburettors are nicely tuned and behave well. Some Fulvias we have driven with Solex carburettors can be a little hesitant when the throttle is applied; this example suffers none of those woes. It really does drive like new. This Fulvia starts first time without choke (hot or cold start), drops no oil and idles nicely. The clutch is light with no slipping and the 5 speed, dogleg 1st gearbox is crunch free with a crisp, tight change. Suspension and disc brakes all round are working perfectly. The subframe is in excellent condition with no groans on knocking whatsoever.
Inside the cabin in nice and spacious with plenty of headroom. Visibility all round is exceptional. The original seats are in good condition with no sagging and have been re-trimmed in original black vinyl as have the door cards. Headlining is also in good condition. The metallic silver paint is nice and presentable and the bright work is excellent. This colour really does accentuate the elegantly angular yet subtle lines of the Fulvia. It has been repainted at some time it it's past and is showing some signs that it could use some remedial work. That said it is by no means a restoration project and can be used and enjoyed for years to come. To finish the exterior off and give this rallying pedigree an purposeful stance are a set of 6x14 Cromodora CD28 alloy wheels with good tyres all round. Here is a chance to have your own little slice of retro rally heaven for the price of your average, tedious euro hatchback.
Viva Lancia, Forza Fulvia. Get a peace of Italian history before it is too late!
To the unschooled ignoramus the name Lancia conjures up images of rusty old cars sat deserted in some field with a tree growing from the engine bay. But to the cultured and enlightened is a byword for superlative engineering masterpieces. Of engines that have a sound like no other and some of the most beautifully penned cars the world has ever known. The Lancia Fulvia was no exception. Designed and built in a bygone era where cars were svelt, raunchy and with engines to die for. Not many people know that it was named after Marc Anthony's wife, Fulvia who died in the year 40 bc. It is also a genuine, bona fide World Rally Champion. The first in a long line of Lancias to do so when in 1972, Sandro Munari piloted his 1,6HF to victory against the Fulvia's bitter rival; the Alpine Renault A110 1600. Known as a Fulvia 3 but labeled as a Fulvia Coupe 1.3S Serie 2a it is presented in the best colour for a Fulvia, Argento Metallizzato. Sit behind the lovely Nardi Torino steering wheel and you're presented with swathe of wood effect with the contrasting white fascias of the Veglia Borletti gauges nestled neatly behind. Turn the key and the little 1298cc V4 unit barks into life.
This particular example has a larger bore exhaust and an absence or a rear silencer. The noise is by no means 'boy racer' like, more of a subtle burble on idle with a nice raspy tone under acceleration. The engine shows good oil pressure under load (a typical Fulvia trait) and accelerates hard through the gears. The twin Solex 35PHH carburettors are nicely tuned and behave well. Some Fulvias we have driven with Solex carburettors can be a little hesitant when the throttle is applied; this example suffers none of those woes. It really does drive like new. This Fulvia starts first time without choke (hot or cold start), drops no oil and idles nicely. The clutch is light with no slipping and the 5 speed, dogleg 1st gearbox is crunch free with a crisp, tight change. Suspension and disc brakes all round are working perfectly. The subframe is in excellent condition with no groans on knocking whatsoever.
Inside the cabin in nice and spacious with plenty of headroom. Visibility all round is exceptional. The original seats are in good condition with no sagging and have been re-trimmed in original black vinyl as have the door cards. Headlining is also in good condition. The metallic silver paint is nice and presentable and the bright work is excellent. This colour really does accentuate the elegantly angular yet subtle lines of the Fulvia. It has been repainted at some time it it's past and is showing some signs that it could use some remedial work. That said it is by no means a restoration project and can be used and enjoyed for years to come. To finish the exterior off and give this rallying pedigree an purposeful stance are a set of 6x14 Cromodora CD28 alloy wheels with good tyres all round. Here is a chance to have your own little slice of retro rally heaven for the price of your average, tedious euro hatchback.
Viva Lancia, Forza Fulvia. Get a peace of Italian history before it is too late!