1975 Lancia Fulvia 1.3S

This Fulvia has been restored in its native Italy – the seller describes the job as being 80 percent done, as the owner has left the interior as is. Some may yearn for new materials in the cabin, but we rather like the original interior as it just adds to the car’s historic feel.

This is the 1300cc Fulvia, with a double overhead cam engine designed to be revved. Driving a 1970s Lancia is an engaging, rewarding experience, and you’ll get used to the glorious sound of that Italian four-pot at full tilt, and the feel of the slick gearchange.

As with all Lancias of this period, your biggest concern should be rust. And your second, and probably even your third. This one has spent its life in Italy and has also had a bodywork restoration, during which any rusty metal was cut out and new steel welded in.

Which means this one ticks all of your first few boxes because it looks to be in a very rust free and solid condition. Looking at the bodywork it appears that the screens were removed from the car during this process, as we can’t see any signs of overspray on the rubbers.

The paint dark brown paintwork has been renewed at the same time, and generally it’s very nice too, although we did notice some orange peel in places – the rear panel where the lights mount in particular. This may well polish out.

But there are no car park dings, or ripples along the sides. And the newly applied paintwork allows its gorgeous lines to, quite literally, shine.

A car like this doesn’t need much in the way of adornment, which means the 14-inch steel wheels are pitch perfect. They’re in great shape too. When steel wheels can look this good, it makes you wonder why everyone wants them made out of alloy.

The chrome is reasonably good, although some seems to have lost its sheen – the door handles, for instance. 

If you liked the wonderful exterior, you’re also likely to love the stylish interior. Not only beautifully designed (did anyone do better cabins than the Italians in the seventies?) it has a wonderful period feel, and we’re happy that the restorer decided to leave it alone. 

Conserve, rather than replace is a mantra used in museums, and one that classic car enthusiasts might do well to take on board.

The seats look old, but they’re by no means worn out. In fact there are no split seams or tears that we could see. The gearstick is topped by a knob that bears testament to the many hours of fun previous owners of this classic have had, keeping the free-revving engine on song along winding Italian roads.

The steering wheel echoes this, and has repairs to its finish. We love it. The wooden dash appears to have escaped sun damage, and the instruments have white dials, which the Fulvia carries off rather better than later cars that copied this styling cue. The glass on the speedo has a crack, but this could be replaced quite easily, if it bothers you.

The green carpets carry a black stripe, and are more reminiscent of a period Italian restaurant than a car, but this is all part of the unique charm of a 1970s Lancia, cars which are these days, sadly, just rebadged Fiats.

Take a look at the glossy wooden steering wheel and the matching, although faded, gear knob. You can just imagine throwing it along an Alpine pass, charging up and down the five-speed box as you twirl the wheel, can’t you?

Of course, the cockpit of a sporting coupé like this one needs to be practical as well, and this one doesn’t disappoint on that score either.

The front seats are an absolute joy, being deliciously plump and wonderfully comfortable while being as supportive as a car like this deserves. The rear seat is very nearly as good, and as for the rest – carpets, door cards, and chrome - it’s all sound. 

The door cards are a little scruffy, and the headlining a bit stained, but overall the cabin is a lovely place to be, and it wears its history with pride.

As you can see from the pictures, this engine has had a major overhaul, with a rebuilt cylinder head and a new timing chain. The double overhead cam unit has a fine motorsport pedigree, and is known both for its ability to thrive on revs, and its general robustness. It’s also a fundamentally fabulous looking piece of period, thoroughbred engineering.

Opening the bonnet of a modern car is a fairly depressing experience, as all you reveal are swathes of plastic coverings. In stark contrast, if you happened to be feeling a little down, popping the lid on the Fulvia’s lovely engine bay would definitely improve your mood. 

Unlike most front wheel drive cars, the alloy-headed powerplant is mounted north-south, in front of the Lancia’s transaxle. And being a later car, this one has the highly desirable five-speed gearbox fitted, making it an eminently useable classic car, even on modern motorways.

The carburettors have also been overhauled and set up, so the Fulvia is ready to drive this summer.

The car’s underside has obviously received new metal – certainly it looks as though the floor pans have been repaired or replaced. 

The car comes with its original handbooks and a certificate from the Federation Internationale Des Voitures Anciennes confirming its heritage.

A lovely looking Fulvia 1.3S Coupé with restored bodywork, overhauled mechanical parts and an interior which retains a wonderful patina. And it’s in Italy, so why not book a Spring mini-break, eat some wonderful food and have a look at the Lancia at the same time?

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of €15,000 - €20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Bergamo, Italy. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.