Among serious Italian car collectors, vehicles from Lancia are among their favorites. The reason is not because they are better-looking cars or that they are the fastest cars (they are not). It is more about the way Lancia built them. The most often-heard statement is that a Lancia is built like a fine Swiss watch, with precision and using the best materials available. In a 1967 review, Road & Track magazine called the Fulvia, “A precision motorcar and an engineering tour de force.” The Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com is one of these amazing cars, a 1973 Lancia Fulvia located at a dealer in Aiken, South Carolina.
The Fulvia, with the exception of the Stratos, was the last car that the company designed during the pre-Fiat owned era of the company, and its popularity today is largely due to the fact it was the model with which Lanica decided to reenter racing competition. After having left F1 in the 1950s, Lancia reentered the world of racing with the Fulvia in 1965 – this time in the realm of rallying. The Fulvia was instantly successful, especially in 1972, when it won the International Championship for Manufacturers, which included a win at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. While many people equate the Stratos as the company’s biggest moment in rallying with the winning streak of WRC titles in 1974, ’75 and ’76, it was the Fulvia that paved the way for this success.
The seller describes this 1973 Fulvia as a way to step back in time to the golden age of Italian automotive engineering. Finished in red with a black interior, it combines the Fulvia’s nimble handling, advanced engineering, and timeless styling, and represents the epitome of Lancia’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
Looking at the photos, it appears to be a great example of a driver-level Series 2 Fulvia. The paint looks to be in nice shape, and the interior is mostly correct, with the exception of the door cards, which were re-covered with an incorrect pattern by an interior shop at some point. The only change I would make to this Fulvia would be to order a pair of the correct door cards and install them, as they are quite nice. An entire set costs less than $1,000 and makes the car’s interior look that much nicer.
According to the description, this Fulvia is powered by its correct 1,298cc V4 engine that produces 90 horsepower. It is backed by its factory-correct 5-speed manual transmission, and the combination offers an engaging and responsive driving experience.
Recent services on this Fulvia included suspension, brakes, coolant system, fuel system and complete tuneup, totaling more than $11,500. This Fulvia is now said to be road-ready.
When you drive a Fulvia to a show in the U.S., it immediately draws a crowd. It is the kind of car that attracts enthusiasts who understand just how special these vehicles are. In addition, the Fulvia is the last truly affordable Lancia, and prices remain pretty reasonable. This specific Fulvia is being offered for only $23,980 and represents a true Italian masterpiece for less than the cost of a Certified Preowned Honda Accord.
This trend of being affordable is not likely to last forever. If you have always wanted a very special Italian car respected by just about every hardcore enthusiast in the European end of the hobby – and also (unlike many cars) delivers on that legendary status with a great driving experience – then you might want to seriously consider adding this Fulvia to your garage.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
