Unlike the Flavia, which was burdened with a lackluster flat four, the Fulvia was given a revvy new V-4 whose narrow (13-degree) angle allowed for the use of a single, twin-cam head, a concept Volkswagen borrowed many years later for its VR6. Bumped to 1216 cc and outfitted with two carburetors, the Fulvia's V-4 produced 80 hp (DIN) and 78 lb-ft of torque. But at 2100 pounds, even the lowliest Fulvia coupe was quick enough to reach 60 mph in about thirteen seconds. The late Bernard Cahier, the celebrated motorsport photographer, noted at the time that this placed the Fulvia's performance "in a very favorable position among the fastest two-liter European production cars."
There were three series of Fulvia coupes. In time, the 1.2-liter gave way to a 1.3, four-speed transmissions would be replaced by five-speeds, while later Fulvias boasted up to 1.6 liters and output ranging up to 115 hp. Each of the various engines was canted 45 degrees to reduce its height, but the cars' personalities differ significantly. At the top of the performance heap are the various HF (High Fidelity) models, which benefited from aluminum bodywork, plexiglass windows, and other boy-racer modifications, as well as more power.
My 1966 Fulvia, the 1.2-liter, four-speed coupe you see here, is a plain vanilla first-series car that spent the better part of two decades on ice before a partial restoration in 1996-97. Since then, it's become a favorite driver. Unlike the HF cars, which are faster, rortier, and more frenetic, the 1.2 is impossibly relaxed for something with an engine so small; it feels almost modern. It will hit 100 mph, cruise at 80 mph, and reliably return 35 mpg. The ride is exceptional, steering feel is sublime, and it corners with almost no body roll. Reliability has been excellent.
There's no doubt about it, Lancia went down fighting
The Specs
Engines:
1.2-1.6L DOHC V-4, 80-115 hp, 78-113 lb-ft
Transmissions:
4- or 5-speed manual
Drive:
Front-wheel
Suspension, front:
Control arms, leaf spring
Suspension, rear:
Rigid axle, leaf springs
Brakes:
Discs
Weight:
1820-2140 lb
Years produced
1965-1976
Number produced
About 160,000 (including 7102 Fulvia Sport Zagato versions)
Original price
$3450 (1966)
Value today
$5000-$20,000 (Fulvia); $15,000- $30,000 (Zagato); $20,000-$40,000 (HF); up to $60,000 (1.6 HF Fanalone)
Why buy?
Elegant looks, great mechanicals, and serious craftsmanship. Moderately expensive in its time, today the Fulvia is undervalued by any sensible measure, although prices are rising. Economy of operation and reasonable parts availability are both pluses. Limited availability of post-1968 Lancias in the U.S. is remedied by a supply of freshly imported cars.