・South African car now in the UK ready to register
THE BACKGROUND
With four-wheel disc brakes and sleek styling, the Lancia Fulvia was a very advanced car for its day – and in coupé form also an agonisingly pretty one.
The Fulvia Coupé was a compact two-door, three-box coupé introduced in 1965. Like the saloon on which it was based, it was designed in-house by Lancia’s Piero Castagnero but had a wheelbase six-incher shorter than the saloon variant.
It was an unusual car, made all the more curious by the installation of Lancia’s quirky twin cam V4 engine, one of the smallest vee-shaped engines ever made with a displacement of 1,298cc (though a smaller 1.0-litre version was offered in the Fulvia saloon).
It was a responsive engine with a distinctive sound – a really unusual thing, but one that went impressively well.
For the UK market, however, the Fulvia had to be restyled with the outer headlights raised up in the wings to meet strict lighting regulations, spoiling the neat quad headlamp front of cars sold in other markets.
This example, however, has just arrived in the UK from South Africa, so while it has the same right-hand-drive layout as cars originally sold in Britain it also has the original, much prettier styling.
This car was supplied to its first owner in South Africa in 1973 and is a Fulvia 1.3S, which is the most desirable version of the Fulvia Coupe and its source after for its fine handling, impressive performance and delicate styling.
It’s an original South African car, supplied as a CKD kit by Lancia and assembled on the Italian company’s behalf by Daihatsu Motors ZA, whose name appears on the car’s assembly plate. Daihatsu had contract manufacturing agreements for a number of car makers in South Africa, including all Lancia models sold there.
It has covered a recorded 48,000 kilometres from new, and has been kept indoors for most of its life. It's a mostly original car and has never been welded.
It was purchased by the vendor earlier this year and imported to the UK this summer.
The seller is a former South African resident who works with contacts in the motor trade and classic car scene out there in order to source some of the most remarkable cars and bring them to the UK.
This example is a real RHD rarity and comes with all of its import paperwork, along with a South African registration document, and will be sold with a full UK MOT.
The vendor is experienced in bringing vehicles to the UK and is happy to help the new owner with registration.
However, the car has not been registered with the DVLA yet in case the next buyer wishes to export it. It does, though, have a NOVA certificate and all UK duties have already been paid, so aside from a small first registration fee there are no additional duties to be paid.
Whilst it is mostly original and unrestored, the Lancia has seen some light cosmetic restoration over the years and its gleaming red paint really sets it off.
It’s in solid condition all over with absolutely no traces of rust or corrosion in any visible area. All of the chrome, brightwork and trim is present and correct and in good, presentable order, while the steel wheels are also in very tidy condition. Critically, the underside appears to be in excellent order and the sills and floor pans are in solid condition.
There are, however, a few micro blisters in the car’s paint, which aren't immediately noticeable but are there if you get close up. If you're a perfectionist, then you’ll want to get these corrected, but overall the car is in very smart order and they don't detract much from its otherwise wonderful appearance.
One of the most endearing things about Italian cars is that their interiors are often as stylish as their exteriors and this is something that can certainly be said of the Fulvia.
The dark tan leatherette seats really stand out and are in very good order, while there are hints of unique style everywhere you look, from the drilled chrome spokes on the steering wheel to the integrated Philips radio.
It’s all in good order – not perfect, with some signs of age to the wooden dash and carpet mats, but still extremely smart.
Fire up the warbly V4 and the sound is unmistakable – it’s a fascinating engine and one that sounds great and is instantly responsive.
The idle is naturally uneven thanks to the V4 layout, but as it builds up speed it gets smoother and quieter. Which is all very well, but the appeal of the Fulvia is largely in its low-down growl and eager throttle responses, which define its character.
We were able to conduct a short test drive and can confirm that it’s a delight – the controls are light and responsive, the gear shift slick and responsive and the brakes surprisingly sharp, while the engine maintains a steady temperature and has no leaks or rattles.
Right-hand-drive Fulvia Coupes are few and far between at the best of times, so to find a 1.3S, with the ‘flat-nose’ front end and in rot-free condition is nothing short of remarkable.
This is a terrific example of a very rare car and one that’s a guaranteed safe investment for the future. As it stands, it’s a great example for regular use or to bring up to concours standard, which wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to achieve.
It’s a charming example in lovely condition.
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1973 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3S
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