IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: Lancia Fulvia (the last true Lancia) 

I love the Fulvia. In fact I prefer these over the Alfa GT junior which may be controversial. I also prefer this over the Fulvia Zegato. Lancia were very engineering led pioneering features like those disc brakes and five speed transmission. The V4 is very compact and so unique even for its time, never mind compared to today's cars.

I remember a very famous statement by a Lancia spokesman shortly before they pulled out of the UK market. When asked about the poor build quality of their cars he replied “ it’s not the poor build quality of our cars it’s the excessive build quality of the opposition.

I had 2 of these back in the day when no one wanted them, paid £800 for the 1st one, sold it & bought another for £400, both ran like champs & are the cars that taught me "proper" driving after passing my test. Only local place that worked on them was an Italian specialty shop in Labroke Grove back when it was still a very sketchy 'hood. All the mechanics were Italians which made for a crazy garage but as the owner said, they're the only ones that can understand the bloody wiring diagrams!

The Fulvia C. is the most amazing car I've ever driven. I don't drive a lot but my Fulvia (1974) is still my every car and I hope it will be so as long as possible

My sports teacher at QUEGS - Ken Spreckley - had a silver/grey one of these. It was a real stand out in a car park full of Maxi's, Imp's and Escorts. One teacher who's name eludes me had a Bond Equipe too - then again probably 90% of the content of that teachers car park would have us all drooling now !!

Now that's a gorgeous looking little car.

The Fulvia has a very successful rallying career too. Won the Italian championship 8 times and the ‘72 International Championship two rounds in advance. Wonderful little cars and certainly have the performance and handling to match their looks.

Hi Steph, as a Fulvia owner, I have to say nice review. :) If you allow me some corrections, I think Lancia were mainly known for their unique and innovative engineering. That a lot of their cars were very stylish and beautiful is also true, though. Also that dog leg gear box was good for rallying, where you mostly change between 2nd and 3rd gear. Quite common on old race and rally cars. And as you said, you get used to it very quickly, I don't think I ever missed a gear in 5 years of owning mine.

Great review. I had one of these in the late-90s and it was great. The gear pattern is also found on Ferraris. The idea is that when driving fast and using 2nd/3rd/4th/5th gears, you only have to make one dogleg shift (3rd to 4th and back again) so you can shift faster. I rapidly found that if you keep the revs up, you don't really need to use 1st except when starting from an absolute standstill, you could take off in 2nd. I bought mine from a guy who was very into Lancias and he taught me the starting procedure; pull the manual choke all the way out, press the accelerator 3 times to get some petrol into the carbs and then turn on. Allow the car to warm up, slowly pushing the choke back in and when it revved smoothly with the choke all the way in, you were ready to go. At the time I was a journalist and had to do a late shift on the paper I worked for once a week which meant leaving at 11pm. I was always in a hurry to get home so had a habit of driving off with the choke half-way on to let the car warm up as I drove. One night as I pulled out of the car park a then-new E36 BMW pulled up alongside me at the lights and wanted to race. I decided to go for it, floored it away from the lights and beat him handily - but I'd forgotten the choke was still out and the fuel gauge needle visibly moved down towards empty as I did so. Mine was an RHD UK-market car and the other great thing about it is that due to the cabin ergonomics, it was impossible for me to leave the lights on accidentally. If the stalk was in the "On" position, when I opened the door and moved to get out of the car, my right knee would knock it into the "Off" position!

Great review and a fabulous car! Looks so cool, even after all these years. 100bhp wouldn’t put a modern 1.3 engine with a turbo to shame so for a 50 year old car it’s fantastic!

You MUST bring the cat in all future videos Stephie! I think the Italians knows better than anyone else to make driving a real pleasure. Doesn't have to be anything expensive. I enjoy my every journey with my Fiat Punto Convertible.

Its very refreshing how you let us know about certain details others never mention! It was the Zagato version of this car that got the founder of EVO magazine into cars.

Good review. With Lancias you need to keep the revs up for performance and the health of the engine,always warming up the engine and transmission before giving it the beans!They were expensive ,so you have to look after them,but they are jewels of engineering. Jaguars looked great and performed but were built down to a price,undercutting the competition. I wonder if the Swiss salted their roads like the U.K does ? Maybe that was part of their regulations to rustproof and fit extra safety.

Beautiful car. I absolutely love the Fulvia. And I have to say the headrests are absolutely awesome!

Wow, what a true class act! The Fulvia was so advanced, so far ahead of the competition!

Stunningly beautiful car, lovely condition and seemed so smooth. Great review as always Steph, missed you the last couple of weeks, hope all’s okay with you? I’ve said it before but, I love how you bring us these gems of cars that you just don’t see on the road normally. Already looking forward to see what you bring us next. Have a great week.

This is amazing - we used to live in Switzerland (don’t ask me for how long) and we imported our cars when moving back to the U.K. The one I have is a LHD 1992, red Renault 19 - I’ve taken it to about 4 car shows and 1 rally. The other coincidence is my aunt also lives in Macclesfield.

I know what you mean about leg room my Dad two Lancia's from the mid 1970's for nearly ten years. My brother and I as teenagers outgrew our lovely Lancia Beta 1.6 coupe. This was manufactured before before Lancia's rust problems that caused the brand so much problems. Dad kept the Beta coupe and bought a Beta HPE 2.0. In 1975 for a boy brought up on Hillmans and BMC models owned by my parents even the Beta coupe was very attractive and the favourite Lancia we owned in my family. I agree it was the last non Fiat based Lancia and remember the local dealership selling Fulvia's as well.

The Mazda 1500 & 1800 took their styling from this car. The Fulvia still looks great in 2021!

I've owned a RHD S1 1.3 Rallye Lancia Fulvia since 2005. It's not that they are complicated to fix, it's just that the cost of the parts are astronomical. The brakes on an S2 are Girling and are a bit cheaper to replace/overhaul than the Dunlop ones used on an S1 as the Dunlop ones are also used on early Jaguars, Ferraris and Maseratis etc.

Gorgeous little car, I've had the privilege of driving one of these many years ago, now a rare sight here in New Zealand. Good to see you back and looking gorgeous and stylish too as usual Steph😊

Nice to hear from you again and glad you are well

Vary rare here in the US. Interesting how much it sounds like the SAAB 96 with the V4. Thanks Stephanie for another fascinating car.

This was a masterpiece.... The car of my childhood.... But just a little detail.... Gamma was the real, last Lancia but it had no popularity because of its mechanical problems.... Camshaft belt linked to power steering caused mechanical breaking... Salute from Italy 👍🇮🇹

Hi Steph, it's good to see you back but please look out for yourself and your well-being, the channel can wait. I always like the Fulvia as a peppy little point and squirt car, I classed them as 2 seaters though with a big boot than any kind of 2+2 etc. The only reason they were more expensive than E-Types is because that latter were cheap for what they were, look at Ferrari and Maserati of the time and you'll see what I mean, therefore the Fulvia was a well priced pocket rocket of the time.

I always fancied one of these. I actually prefer this shape to that of the Zagato (if Harry Metcalfe will excuse me!). The Fulvia Coupe was very popular, amongst well-heeled enthusiasts, here in Cape Town, during the late 60s / early 70s period. I notice that it doesn't have the usual crack in the wooden dashboard that was common. Thanks, Steph, for another interesting and entertaining video.

That is a very impressive car and your so lucky to get to drive all of these ! Hard to think in its day it cost more than an E Type Jaguar. Myself I have always had a soft spot for the 60s / 70s Jaguars but if I had the chance would seriously consider one of these. Hope your keeping well and your cars are behaving them self's ! Take care and thank you for these great videos

Hi Steph, so glad to have you back ! What a great video - obviously. Amazing to see this car on the road - rust was their BIG problem, just like the Fiats of the same era. Anyway, take special care and I'm looking forward to your next surprise :-) X X

Lancia Fulvia's - these are one of the best small cars for handling, fun to drive and performance. Lancia were known for fantastic engineering of their cars as well as design. I've had a 1600HF Lusso and currently restoring a 1300S. Try a Lancia 2000HF Coupe from the early 1970's you will love it. Cheers Bob Lancia club member.

wow, those faded rear indicators bring backs memories! i remember seeing beta's with faded indicator lenses as a kid!

I have owned 5 Lancias, I still own 2. Good review Steph. I'm working my way back through your videos having subscribed a week ago.

Welcome back we missed you!!

Good to see your comprehensive insight into this very rare great car in such impressive condition. Even before the E type reference I was reminded of an Australian television ad jingle for petrol. Went like ; Do you drive a Gee, TR4, Sprite, Spitfire or something more. And if it's even fancier, an E type or a Lancia... Then went on to name the petrol less memorably. Either Mobil or BP. Showing all these exotic cars to me as a child. Firmly placed Lancias as something special to a young me. Love to see the ad again but numerous searches have failed to find it.

Amazing video! Good to see you back!

Thanks Steph, great video of one of my favourites. I've only realised how much I missed your content over the last few weeks when you posted this.

Absolutely stunning! The gearbox is for racing, 1st gear only for starting and then relevant gears in H-pattern!

Great vid Steph.Every time i think of selling my Fulvia i come across a review like this and am reminded why i should keep it.Well done.

that is a beautiful Italian car! good review. great to see you again lovely!

Like many others I was worrying about your absence (and very nearly wrote to Hubnut) but here you are back in style. I have said in the past that your best vids are the ones where your style and that of the car match. It has nothing to do with price so much as how you inform us about context then drive each car with ease and expertise.

Great review as always Steph. FYi the Lancia dealers in Huddersfield where I used to see the Fulvia,s in the showroom as a lad was on Lockwood road about where Quickfit is now.

Great to see you back & so nice to see a lancia, love your channel, you just explain it all so well. 👍🏻👍🏻

Fantastic video, Stef. What a great wee car that is. A real treat. Great to see you back. I've missed your videos. Keep finding these superb automobiles to share with us.

Mi primer modelo a escala 1/43. Regalo de mi Padre. Verlo así en ralidad, uf! sencillamente hermoso

Nice car and video, Steph. I particularly like the interior.

interesting car one I have never seen in the Boston Ma area. I AM SO GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK !!!!!!!!

Aaaw lovely to see you back, interesting car there, nice video

Beautiful. I've come close to owning one of these twice, but it's just never happened. Welcome back Steff.

Nice to see you back, lovely car, great review

Great video, Steph! Italian cars are often criticized for their driving position, particularly the pedals, but you found this okay. Is it due to have one in its 'native' LHD configuration, perhaps?

Good to see you back Steph . Great video . The Fulvia is a little gem 💎😊

Nice to see you back Steph and driving a road I'm very familiar with, as I live a few miles from there.

Wow I absolutely love that car and as always great job on reviewing the car,thanks Steph.

Good to see you back Steph.and what a stunning looking car the Lancia is.

Wow! Thank you for finding one of these great little cars to do a video on. I love your variety. Even though I am not a fan of the Fulvia, I can appreciate that others are.

I was already getting worried, you went quite silent lately, but there you are with an excellent car video! There's a Lancia classic garage down the road so I seem them quite often but it is always a magnificent sight.

Nice video. The Fulvia is a lovely thing and what a way to come back after your well earned break.

Awsome Steph. Love your videos keep up the good work

Great video Steph.....I should say that working on the fulvia is not difficult, spacious engine bay.......not an A series,maybe....but not complicated.

Great review Steph looks like you really enjoyed this one ! So good to see a Lancia on your channel keep up the great work! 👍

Steph, please let the oil at least circulate before revving it like that. From memory the owners notes say to use the hand throttle to warm up for 2 min @ 1500 rpm before driving off.

Hi Steph. Absolutely to see you back here. An absolutely fantastic video. hows the marina and the triumph

Anything with a name which resembles vulva must be exciting😍

These seem to have become popular recently. On Harry's Garage channel they are restoring a Zagato 1.6 version that has a LOT of rot. The engine is more than a bit eccentric with the common heads and wedge-topped pistons. It will be a superb car when it is finished though.

I believe there's a Lancia Appia over in Crosshills (near Skipton) - you might want to see if you can make contact with the owner for a comparison; it's a very different beast.

That was really great. love it, Steph, thanks!

superb Steph always one of the under rated classics

The engine is a wonderful thing. This series of cars were designed to be virtually race cars. Get the eves up and they literally sing. Very nice video Steph. Thanks.

Once you driven a Lancia you're hooked, you won't be able to forget it, you are now a convert, well done. Bob

So cool to see this car featured. And it’s delightful to see Steph again! Just yesterday morning I saw one of these at a Cars & Coffee car show in San Antonio, Texas and I was able to talk with the owner who went into detail about his pride and joy. Now I am learning even more about the model from Steph.

Earlier Lancias were right hand drive, even in Italy. The idea was that you could see if you were too near the edge when on narrow mountain roads.

Welcome back Steph , enjoyed the Lancia.

Another great wee video once again. Keep them coming it's great to see all the different makes and models 😀

Didn't know about the dogleg first gear. Often said to be advantageous in Motorsport where a number of quick change between 2 and 3 are required.

Nice film. One point the Fulvia was as expensive as an E Type when new mainly because of the huge import duties at the time on Italian cars. An E Type in the Italy would have cost considerably more than a Fulvia for the same reason.

Great little car and excellent test as usual. Look after yourself Steph. 👍

That shift pattern is actually the same as the Eaton-Fuller transmission on the Kenworth I drove, minus the high-low of course.

A great video and it's nice that you're back, what is the state of play with the fleet are they all off the road?

You drive some great cars, I'm envious!

Steph I’m liking the new hair colour, it really works for you

A friend had a white Lancia Fulvia, I think he may still have it. Very nice vehicle.

La Fulvia era molto avanti rispetto alla concorrenza. Nelle motorizzazioni 1.6 HF dava la paga anche alle Porsche, con un po' di manico. E poi lo stile, tutto puramente italiano. Nel '71-72 girare con queste bestiole (come la Giulia GT) era il massimo della libidine. Questa è l'Italia che non rivedremo mai più.

Great review, classic Lancias, Alfas, and Fiats are beautiful 😍

Missed you, a lot!!

Very nice! Being in the USA, I’ve never seen one before. 🙂

Years ago a friend had one I loved that car

Thanks Stephanie for showing another rare Classic I love the variety of vehicles you show

Wonderful video as always 🙂

Beautiful stylish Italian coupe. Great review.

I remember once seeing a Lancia Beta Monte Carlo in my home town, in a nice looking powder blue and black colour, and would very much like to see a review of one. I suspect they're very rare indeed though.

Really enjoyed this as one of my favourite cars ever since I had a polistil model of one when I was a kid 😁 Thinking Jess the cat wanted to go for a drive with you 😹

It is a fun little car. Finding non rusty ones is hard though. I notice it HD enough head room for you to have your hair up to. 🙂 How goes the marina?

This is truly a classic car so beautiful

So iconic, great video, a gorgeous car

Beautiful car, hope you are well, enjoyed the vid, thanks.

Nice to see something different, especially as people are contacting you offering their vehicles for review. You're definitely on people's radar now, so maybe a TV show is in the future? Look at Mike Drewer and Wheeler Dealers, who would have thought a show about buying, repairing, and selling cars would appeal to TV production companies, let alone go worldwide and even have several years in America? There must be a place for I drive a classic, perhaps expanding the concept to company history, who designed, why marketed, what was the competition for the Austin A30 for example. A little background, and maybe showcase the A30 range (or whatever the car of that episode will be) with assistance from the club/s, people are proud of their cars and would love to show them off. You may even get foreign varieties like the Australian Utility, some must have been imported to the UK? Anyway, all the best, keep up the good work.

I love all Lancias. The last UK Lancias were badged as Chryslers.

We love Jess. She is the best co-presenter!

A very nice car. I saw it during our summer holidays in italy.😀

I cannot help on the blanking plate, but a look on Ebay shows plenty of age appropriate radios. Radios were fitted differently back then, from behind and with the controls coming through and then held by nuts. Someone techie could modify a vintage radio to accept bluetooth input, keeping an authentic appearance, with modern convenience.

Do you know what else is red, and has a dogleg 1st gear? An Iveco Daily!