1966 | Lancia Fulvia Coupe

Lancia Fulvia 1200 Leva Lunga (1966) The Lancia Fulvia 1200 Leva Lunga from 1966 belongs to the first generation of the iconic Fulvia Coupé, introduced in 1965 as a sporty evolution of the Berlina. These early models laid the foundation for the Fulvia's legendary reputation in motorsport and marked the beginning of Lancia’s golden era in the rally world. The body of the Fulvia 1200 was designed by Piero Castagnero and combined a stylish, compact design with innovative materials. While most cars of that era were fully constructed from steel, Lancia opted for a lightweight construction, combining steel with aluminum for parts like the hood, doors, and trunk lid. This reduced the overall weight, improved driving performance, and sharpened the steering – perfect for the narrow, winding Italian mountain roads. Under the hood was a 1,216 cc V4 engine, producing 80 hp at 6,000 rpm. Thanks to the compact V-angle of just 12 degrees, the engine was short and light, providing excellent weight distribution and agility. With a top speed of 148 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 14.5 seconds, the Fulvia offered a driving experience that was ahead of its time. The car was equipped with a manual four-speed gearbox, with the "Leva Lunga" version known for its long, mechanical gear lever, delivering a direct and pure shifting sensation. The first generation of Fulvia Coupés, including this 1200 Leva Lunga, played a crucial role in establishing Lancia's legendary status in rallying. Although the early 1200 models were not as powerful as the later 1.6 HF versions, they laid the groundwork for Lancia’s dominance in the sport. The lightweight design, combined with front-wheel drive and superior weight distribution, made the Fulvia particularly well-suited for mountainous and technical rally courses. The ultimate crown on this success came in 1972, when the Fulvia HF won the WRC championship title – a milestone that firmly established Lancia as one of the greatest rally car manufacturers in the world. The Fulvia was praised upon its release for its innovative technology and sporty driving dynamics. Quattroruote described the car as a "masterpiece of Italian finesse," while the British press praised its precision and direct steering. The combination of a compact, lively engine and advanced suspension systems made the Fulvia a favorite among sporty drivers and enthusiastic rally teams. With its timeless design, advanced technology, and rich motorsport history, the Lancia Fulvia 1200 Leva Lunga remains an icon that perfectly embodies the passion for driving. This early model represents the origin of a legend – a car that paved the way for decades of dominance in the rally world. This Fulvia in original Blue Mendoza has stood the test of time well but is now ready for restoration. The car is in running condition and comes with all Belgian papers. What is particularly remarkable is that everything is original, including the simili leather interior, white steel wheels with thin tires, etc. A unique opportunity for enthusiasts of underrated and forgotten Italian coupés from the 1960s.