1972 Lancia

The Fulvia was an extremely forward-looking and modern car for its time when it was launched in 1963. It was available either as a saloon or as a coupé. Both types had a choice of 1,091, 1,216 or 1,298cc engines but the coupés were also available with a 1,584cc engine. Fulvias enjoyed an extensive competition history which included winning the International Rally Championship in 1972.  The influential journal, 'Road and Track', after testing one in 1967 summed up the Fulvia as 'a precision motorcar, an engineering tour de force'.

The Fulvia Berlina was designed by Antonio Fessia to replace the Lancia Appia. It was a completely new design, sharing virtually no components with its predecessor. Whereas the Appia was a rear wheel drive car, the Fulvia moved to front wheel drive like the Flavia. The general engineering design of the Fulvia was identical to that of the Flavia with the major exception of the engine; the Flavia having a four cylinder, horizontally opposed engine and the Fulvia a 'Narrow Angle' V configuration as featured on most production Lancias. The Fulvia engine was mounted in front of its transaxle and featured independent suspension at the front using wishbones and a single leaf spring, while a solid axle with a panhard rod and leaf springs was used in the rear. Four wheel Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to first series Fulvias.

This three owner from new Series 2 example is presented in sound, original condition with only 52,000 kilometres showing on the odometer.The car was originally ordered with paintwork in Lanchamp Bronze, which was normally only available on the HF models and it has not been repainted since, according to the vendor. The underside has been rust proofed and the car benefits from recent work on the braking system including the fitment of a new master cylinder, calipers, pads, hoses and rear brake regulator. The car has been recently serviced and also benefits from time spent on a rolling road. Electronic ignition has been fitted to improve reliability and the car sits on its original and desirable Cromodora alloy wheels with a fifth as the spare. Included with the car is a pair of 40mm Weber carburettors should the new owner wish to upgrade from the original Solexes.

A short drive demonstrated the car's eager performance and agile handling with the engine indicating good oil pressure. This desirable Fulvia comes with a valid MoT Test Certificate and is presently on Italian registration papers. With good original examples in short supply, Fulvias are surely going to appreciate in value and this tidy example is offered at a tempting estimate.