History

The Fulvia is perhaps one of Lancia’s more well-known models, spanning nearly a decade and being offered in saloon, 2-door coupe, and fastback coupe variants. Known for its rallying prowess having won the Italian Rally Championship every year from 1965 to 1973, with the exception of 1970 it remains a memorable if not legendary model in the marques history.

Between the 3 variants produced, the Sport is arguably the most important. Penned by Zagato it was offered in two series between 1965 to 1973. The Series I was produced from 1965 to 1969 with three iterations, the regular Sport, the Sport 1.3, and the Sport 1.3 S. The Series I had a few unique features that were lost in the Series II, including a right side-hinged hood, a rear hatch that could be electronically lifted by a few inches to aid in cabin ventilation, and a spare wheel housed behind a rotating panel that the rear license plate was also bolted to. Not to mention an all-alloy body. However, some early Series II models retained many of these Series I features. 

The Sport 1.3S received the 1,298 cc V4 engine (818.303) from the Lancia Coupe Rallye 1.3 that made 92 hp through a 4-speed manual transmission. A total of 7,078 examples are believed to have been produced between Series 1 and Series 2, within this around 3,678 examples of the Series I, and narrowing this down further it is reported that 1,898 Series 1 1.3S variants were produced. 

This Car

This particular example, Chassis # 818650001015, is a Series 1 Sport 1.3S model with the (818.303) 1,298 cc V4 engine. While the early history of this car has been lost to time, we know that it was the subject of a sympathetic restoration by Lancia expert Franco de Piero in Italy during the 1990’s. Later, in 2012 it was sold via a West Coast USA dealer to a collector from Brazil/France. Shortly after it was the subject of a comprehensive restoration completed circa 2014 by Corrado Patella’s Autofficina Omega in Vicenza, Italy with the cosmetic portion completed by Carrozzeria Graselli. This more recent restoration was performed from the ground up with no expenses spared, leaving the Lancia in stunning, factory-fresh condition. The restoration reportedly took 8 months to complete at a cost of nearly 60,000 Euros. Shortly after it was sold again in 2016, then again in 2019 to its most recent collector-owner who has driven it just over 4,000 miles. All while consistently servicing it and storing it properly. 

During the 2014 restoration the 1.3S V4 engine and (the upgraded 5-speed) transmission were rebuilt, with the valves, studs, pistons, rods, and every other mechanical component between steering, braking, suspension etc… also tended to during the restoration. The interior was also addressed and was refinished to a very high standard.  All of the gauges and switchgear are in correct working order. The only changes were the installation of Zagato Sport-style seats and a period-appropriate aftermarket steering wheel. The black headliner is in great condition as well, and the dash is free of cracks or damage and was refinished in black rather than wood grain. 

The exterior has been refinished in the same color this car reportedly left the factorywearings- Rosso San Siro. All of the trim, brightwork, rubber and other components are fresh as are the Campagnolo wheels. The bumper-delete front/rear finishes off the look well. 

This is likely one of the finest examples of a Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3S Zagato extant. Seldom are these cars restored to this level and with this much attention to detail. With only 9,208 km (5721.59 mi) on the odometer, this example has proven itself and is offered in turn-key condition.  Offered with the vehicle is the spare, jack, restoration records, service records, repair manual and owners manual.

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