There are few images more evocative than driving down an Italian coastline, in an open-topped red Italian classic, stopping at small coffee shops for a quick sip of espresso before slipping back on the driving gloves and blasting down the roads again. Ok – so perhaps that’s an image that appeals to me, but there’s undoubtedly something attractive about Italian red coupes – especially the ones which are more affordable for those of us without deep ‘Ferrari’ pockets! Of course, Alfa Romeo has a great history of great couples and roadsters, and today, a 1973 Lancia Fulvia is one of those examples. Our advert comes at us from Miami, Florida – but the car is located in Greece, with a buy-it-now price of $23,000, and is available here on eBay and less than 18 hours to go!
Although these Lancia’s were beautiful, they did suffer from rot – thanks to poor quality steel of the time, and little rust protection, these suffered pretty badly, and our one, although it looks good on the surface is suffering some rust issues in the chassis. However, don’t let this put you off, as the rest of the car is in great condition and has some famous history. Thankfully the car has spent all of its life in Greece in the dry climate there, which would mean it’s been kept in great condition.
Originally the car was purchased by a footballer by the name of Thomas Mauros from AEK (I don’t know much about football), who went ahead and ordered the car from the factory with a special lightened crank. The car moved into a famous Greek car collector’s hands in 1985 where it was used in classic rallies, including the Monte Carlo rally. The seller clearly states that this is an unmodified and original example – so could be kept this way or moved into a considerate restoration if the new buyer wanted this.
There is no indication of the mileage, except the advert says 7000, but this needs to be verified – if it’s taken part in lots of rallys then I expect this number to not be accurate. Studying the photos, the interior is in good condition, with a few minor tears on the leather seats, but overall a well-looked-after car, on the inside and out. So would you ship this car back to the States – or take it for a buzz around Europe first, and live that Italian dream of driving along the Amalfi coastline first?
Ah, you swooped down the coastal highways until it sputtered to a stop, had to be towed, and you waited 3 weeks to find a part, and, now adays, two months for someone to install it.
Hardly. Ever drive one?
Racer?
These are a bucket list car for me, although I would prefer the 1600 HF version for the extra grunt. Everything I have ever read about these cars is that, like all italian cars, they need to be maintained correctly and, if done so, they will be as reliable as a stone. Over engineered, quirky but attractive styling, plus a rally winning pedigree equates to a very desirable car in my book. Find a better one on this side of pond cheaper.
Good deal at $23000 shipped and registered in USA. I would be a bit concerned about what I see underneath. It is important to see the floor panels behind the front wheels which tend to sink.Having said that, you´re going to have to spend some money on any Fulvia coupe you buy, unless you really know the owner and are paying a premium.
I don´t buy either the crankshaft story or the track record at Santa A´gata (there was never a Lamborghini test track, they test on the roads), but it is good that the car has a continuous and storied history.
I´ve had 2 Fulvias, 1600HF and modified Zagato 1300S. I prefered the second tbh, which was pretty much as quick as the 1600HF and much more dramatic. As a 1600HF is now about twice the price of a 1300, I´d now buy the smaller car and spend a few thousand on tuning (Webers, cams, exhaust, flowed head) which should take it to 110bhp.However, soon gets very expensive to tune a Lancia.
I don´t actually buy into the “amazing engineriing” cliché on Lancia. They may be different, but it´s often just quirky and expensive to fix, without giving much added value..Parts supply is not bad but not as extensive or as cheap as for an Alfa and working on the Fulvia needs specialised knowledge and (often) tools. I´ll get my coat…
I like your choice of cars. The Zagato is gorgeous and you got to love the sound of a narrow angle V4 pulling air through Weber side drafts. Not sure if you are following Harry’s Garage on YouTube bringing his Zagato back to its former glory. All I can say is I’m glad he had deep pockets.
Thanks for the compliment. ref your handle, I used to have an Alfasud as well and the rasp of that beat the Fulvia! As did the handling, in my view, but I´ve seen Fulvias do amazing things with the power available and came to the conclusion that I didn´t have the technique.
The Harry´s Garage videos are weird. If you watch the first episoide he thinks the car just needs freshening up and by ·#10 you are looking at the world´s first 250000GBP Lancia Fulvia. It is unusal to see a fool and his money being parted in such detail and I´m glad I sold mine well!
While driving the Midget,I came across this Fulvia.
The owner owns an Italian restaurant.I was surprised
that he left the keys in it.
I imagine anyone dumb enough to steal the owners Lancia deserves to be kneecapped or be found on a missing person poster.
That´s a lovely car! It´s an earlier S1, so less power and only 4 speed box but many people say that the early cars are better built.
Who was it who said, beware of Greeks bearing gifts?
Absolutely gorgeous car !!! I love the front ends on these.
I was 17 in 1980, just graduated from high school.
First car was a 1971 Celica, and later had a few mid/late 70’s cars.
I can’t say I EVER saw a Lancia running around my small town.
An Alfa sure, tried to buy one, but on the test drive pulled over and looked underneath and saw way too much rust, along with those inboard rear disk brakes and was more than slightly intimidated. The salesman sent me a few letters saying “hey, just XXXX$ down and it’s yours, but I wasn’t taking the bait.
Later owned a 1980 X1/9 but now more into German cars
Nice car if you live in Greece. Shipping it to U.S. will seriously drain the wallet.
Beautiful auto that has provenance. Bid and buy …. I own many Italian cars; they are the best!
Hummm I think I will sell mine …
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7omBU2UDxizrhtLS9