The Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato is one of those rare instances where most enthusiasts would find the original car more attractive than the one designed by the coach builder. The original Fulvia was so delicately proportioned that it seemed hard to improve on, but that didn't stop Zagato, who had worked with Lancia on a number of vehicles in the past. Envisioned as a light weight competition model, the Fulvia Sport Zagato scored a class win at Daytona in 1969. This particular Fulvia Zagato Sport was restored in Europe in the 1990s and subsequently shipped to the US.
1967 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato 1.3
1967 Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1.3S. s/n 818650*001015* Eng. no. 818.410-2239540. Red with Black Interior. Always industry leaders in design innovation, Lancia’s Fulvia 1.3 Sport, with front wheel drive, and a narrow angle 1.3 liter V4 engine was no exception. Easy to control with their front wheel drive, and capable of 110 mph, Lancia campaigned Fulvia Sports in international rally and circuit events throughout Europe with great success. In total six different bodies were mounted to Fulvia chassis. The Zagato bodied are generally regarded as the most aesthetically pleasing of all variations.
This particular car has been the subject of a sympathetic restoration in the early 1990s by Lancia expert Franco De Piero in Italy. Best described today as a very nice driver, it has been tastefully fitted with fender and rocker panel flairs, more modern seats with additional side supports and headrests, charcoal carpets, and a more rigid, smaller diameter steering wheel. This gives the car a decidedly sporty feel and appears when compared to a stock Fulvia 1.3. Attesting to the mechanical condition, after the restoration was complete Mr. De Piero drove the car from Italy across mainland Europe to Amsterdam where it was exported to the US.
Cosmetically, the car presents very well. The car has seen a nice repaint in a deep shade of red over straight and solid panels. The interior was re-trimmed at the time of the restoration and also makes a strong impression. The dash top is free of cracks, and the original gauges, switchgear, and gear shift knob remain. The headliner is dyed black and in very good order. The car runs and drives well with good power, minimal smoke, and a nice transaxle. All the gauges appear to work, and the rear hatch opening and closing mechanism is operational. The suspension and steering are compliant, and the brakes effective. With prices now exceeding $650,000 for the 1600cc Alfa Romeo TZs, this is an opportune chance to acquire very presentable, exotic, Zagato bodied, small bore Italian GT before prices on these too soar out of sight in today’s fast moving market. $34,500
At the high end, Fulvia 1300 Sport Zagatos are glancing the $40,000 mark. This example is priced just about right given the restored condition. The modifications may put some purists off, but they aren't too offensive as to take away from the finished product that much. When you consider what other coach built Italian exotics go for, this could possibly be one of the least expensive ways into such a car, while enjoying the unique pleasure of owning a Lancia.
-Paul
Related posts:
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
The picture of this ’67 Fulvia Zagato (in red) looks identical to the one I drove around Europe for almost four years, from the boot of Italy up through the Scandinavian Countries …. with absolutely no problems, untel towards the end when the Weber Carbs began acting up, and into a Lancia garage in Bolzano and the price of repair was almost as much as what I paid for it. Believe me, if I had the money I would buy this one. I loved that car.