Meticulously Maintained: 1974 Lancia Fulvia 1.3S Coupe 19.4K Survivor – NOW $30,500

November 30, 2023 Update – The seller lowered their asking price from $32,500 to $30,500 in their existing Craigslist ad.

Lancia is a storied Italian automaker outside of the United States. While American enthusiasts imported Lancia’s cars on an Ad Hoc basis for many years, Lancias were only officially imported to the States between 1975 and 1982.  The company’s engineers can take credit for many innovations over the years. Fiat came in to save the day when the company fell on hard times in the late 1960s.  Many Lancia enthusiasts say that was the beginning of the end.  Today, Lancia is little more than an Italy-market-only brand still owned by Fiat.  Today, the brand’s only market offering is the Ypsilon, which is nothing more than a tarted-up Fiat 500.

Many enthusiasts consider the Fulvia the last true Lancia as the last model engineered and produced in-house without Fiat’s influence.  The Fulvia Coupé was a compact two-door, three-box coupé introduced in 1965, designed in-house by Piero Castagnero.  The car’s namesake is Via Fulvia, the Roman road leading from Tortona to Turin.  The Fulvia features several interesting design elements. A front-wheel-drive car, the Fulvia features a V4 engine mounted longitudinally and at a 45-degree angle ahead of the transaxle. The V4’s unusually narrow 12° V allowed a single cylinder head to cover all the cylinders, with one cam each for intake and exhaust valves. The front suspension featured wishbones controlled by a single leaf spring, while a beam axle supported by a pair of leaf springs supported the car’s rear end.

While on paper, the Lancia Fulvia’s design specs give the impression of what would be a poor-handling car, in practice, that was not the case.  Consequently, die-hard Italian enthusiasts love to have one of these quirky cars in their collection.  Never officially imported into the U.S., examples do exist as many have found their way into the states over the years.

One example is this Blue over tan 1974 Lancia Fulvia 1.3S Coupe for sale, first spotted on Craigslist in Miami, Florida, in November 2023. An Italian market example imported into the U.S. in 2021, this Fulvia is a survivor-quality car with only 19,350 original miles.

Currently offered for $30,500 (the original ask was $32,500), Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is right in line with this guide’s rolling six-month results page for all Lancia Fulvia Series II Coupes produced between 1970 and 1976.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense for what comparable examples sold for recently:

At first glance, the Fulvia 1.3S Coupe exudes a timeless charm. Its sleek and compact body, designed by legendary Italian coachbuilder Zagato, is a harmonious blend of curves and angles. The clean lines and purposeful stance give it a sporty yet refined appearance, setting it apart from its contemporaries. The classic wedge shape, a hallmark of Zagato’s design philosophy, contributes to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, reflecting a commitment to both style and performance.

Under the hood, the Fulvia 1.3S is powered by a 1.3-liter V4 engine—a distinctive configuration to Lancia. This engine, mounted longitudinally, delivered a punchy 90 horsepower to the front wheels. The combination of a lightweight chassis and the spirited engine made for an exhilarating driving experience. The Fulvia was renowned for its handling prowess, with a front-wheel-drive setup that provided exceptional traction and agility, especially on winding roads.

The driving experience was further enhanced by the Fulvia’s five-speed manual transmission, a rarity in its time. This gearbox allowed for precise control over the power delivery, catering to both spirited driving and everyday usability. The Fulvia’s performance was not solely defined by straight-line speed; its true prowess lay in its ability to navigate corners with grace and precision.

Step inside the cabin, and the Fulvia 1.3S envelops its occupants in a blend of luxury and purpose. The interior is a showcase of meticulous craftsmanship, with high-quality materials and attention to detail. The bucket seats, upholstered in rich leather, provide both comfort and support, inviting the driver and passengers to embark on long journeys with ease. The dashboard, adorned with wood veneer, houses a set of clear and concise gauges that convey essential information to the driver without distraction.

Technological innovations of the time are subtly integrated into the Fulvia’s interior. The ergonomic layout of controls reflects a thoughtful approach to driver-centric design. Ventilation controls, the radio, and other essential functions are within easy reach, ensuring that the driver’s focus remains on the road. The steering wheel, a tactile and responsive component, adds to the overall connectedness between driver and machine.

The Fulvia 1.3S Coupe is not merely a mode of transportation; it is a piece of automotive art that encapsulates the spirit of 1970s Italy. Its timeless design, exhilarating performance, and attention to detail make it a sought-after classic among automotive enthusiasts. Whether navigating the serpentine roads of the Italian countryside or turning heads on city streets, the Fulvia 1.3S Coupe remains a symbol of Lancia’s commitment to the marriage of form and function. In an era where automotive design was reaching new heights, the Fulvia stood tall as a testament to the passion and ingenuity of Italian engineering.

The Number27 YouTube Channel provides a nice overview and point of view (“POV”) drive of what many consider the last “real” Lancia:

Owning any Lancia, particularly one never officially imported into the U.S., can have its challenges when needing repairs.  Consequently, it’s one of those cars that buying the best, most well-maintained example possible is critical.  This blue 1974 Lancia 1.3S Coupe for sale is a low-mileage, but meticulously maintained example that appears ready for the next caretaker to enjoy. The pictures of the car had us when we saw the nicely preserved and detailed cream leather interior.

If you are serious about buying this Fulvia Coupe survivor, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their Lancia featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this 1974 Lancia Fulvia 1.3S Coupe for sale? Please comment below and let us know!