1974 | Lancia Fulvia Coupe

The Lancia Fulvia was first shown at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show – the name following the Lancia tradition of referencing historic Roman roads (in this case the Via Fulvia, which runs from Tortona to Turin).

The Fulvia was a new front wheel drive design, with independent front suspension using wishbones and a single leaf spring, and a beam axle mounted on leaf springs with a Panhard rod at the rear. From inception, the car had disc brakes on all four wheels. The new model used a longitudinally mounted, narrow angle V4 engine, positioned in front of its transaxle. The engine had just 12° separation between the two banks of cylinders, permitting the use of a single a single cylinder head and was mounted at an angle of 45°.

The Fulvia was manufactured in three body styles – the Berlina, a 4-door saloon; a 2-door Coupé and the Sport, a Zagato-designed fastback coupé. The 2-door Coupé was introduced in 1965, using a shorter wheelbase than its Berlina parent. The model underwent a number of ‘Series’ developments over its life and production ran on until 1976.

The Coupé 3 Monte-Carlo was introduced in 1974, being a mildly revised version of the earlier Coupé 1.3 S Monte-Carlo. This was a special edition model, made to commemorate Lancia's victory with a 1.6 Fulvia HF in the 1972 Monte Carlo Rally. The car was supplied with flared wheel arches as on the 1.6 HF, no bumpers and painted to emulate the works rally cars with a matt black bonnet and boot lid, adorned with Monte Carlo Rally stickers. It came in four market-specific colours - red (Italy), blue (France), orange (Holland) and green (UK). Specific to the Coupé 3 were revised bucket seats with headrests and a matt black grill and headlight frame. Just 2529 units of the Fulvia 3 Monte-Carlo were built.

Little is known of this car’s early history – although it is assumed it was first sold in the Netherlands given its colour scheme – until it was imported into the UK in February 1985. In the mid ‘90s, substantial restoration works were carried out and the car passed through a few keepers until 2013, since which time it has been with one owner, with very little subsequent use – the vehicle being kept in storage.

Mechanically the same as the earlier 1.3S Coupé, the car used the 1.3 litre, narrow-angle V4 engine, developing a claimed 90 hp at 6200 rpm, with a top speed in excess of 100mph. As part of the restoration works completed in 1995, the engine was rebuilt and a new clutch fitted. The suspension and braking system were also refurbished. 6x14 Cromodora alloy wheels have been fitted with 175/70 tyres.

Whilst no major works have since been undertaken, the car has clearly been cared for with other mechanical refreshment work carried out, evidenced by invoices on file. The alloy wheels have been refinished very recently. The car fires up willingly and runs nicely – changing up happily through the dog-leg 5-speed gearbox, with a very sporty exhaust note!

The mid ‘90s bodywork restoration including the fitment of a number of replacement panels – sills, part wings, floorpans and a doorskin. Although not specifically recorded by way of a work invoice, the striking paintwork in Giallo Corsa Olanda will have been refreshed at this time too. The bodywork remains in a generally very good condition with just a few small surface imperfections. Monte-Carlo specification foglamps are not fitted to the car, nor are the bonnet and boot lid ‘Monte Carlo Rally’ decals.

The interior of the car is complete and in good order but does show some signs of use. A leather-bound Ferrero steering wheel has been fitted and the original speedometer replaced with an mph unit.

This a rare, genuine Fulvia Coupe 3 Monte-Carlo. The car was inspected and verified as a genuine Monte-Carlo model by the Lancia Motor Club in 2006. In a striking colour and good condition, it drives very well and could readily be used on a regular basis. 

The car is currently located in Dorset and viewing may be arranged by appointment.