One of the last Lancia Icons designed before the company was bought by Fiat, the Fulvia Sport Zagato is a classic sports car that punches well above its weight, delivering an exciting driving experience that one wouldn't expect from a car developed six decades ago.
Part of the Stellantis automotive conglomerate, along with parent company Fiat, Lancia, is currently a struggling brand with no real identity. Over the last two decades, its most impressive models have rebadged Chryslers like the 300-based Thema or the Voyager minivan.
Today, the brand only markets the small Ypsilon, a re-bodied Opel Corsa F assembled in Spain that's only remotely impressive in the upcoming HF rally-bred version.
However, during the first six decades of the 1900s, when it was an independent carmaker, Lancia was one of the most prestigious names in the automotive world thanks to its avant-garde vehicles and technical innovations, such as the world's first V4 and V6 production engines.
A brief history of the Fulvia
Photo: Iconic Auctioneers
One of the most appreciated cars that Lancia built during its era of independence was the Fulvia, which debuted in 1963 and was described by the motoring press as an engineering tour de force.
Initially, the Fulvia was a compact four-door Berlina (sedan) that didn't wow with its elegant yet sober design. However, its independent front suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, reliable V4 engine, and high-level build quality earned it praise.
The model became a lot more appealing in 1965 when the two-door Coupe version was introduced. Nimble, gorgeous, and sensibly more powerful than the Berlina, it grew into one of Lancia's most legendary models.
Unquestionably, the most popular Fulvias were the several versions of the performance-oriented Coupe-based Rallye HF. These road-legal homologation specials were equipped with the most potent versions of the V4 engine and delivered arguably the most exciting driving experience of any road-legal model that Lancia had ever developed up until that point.
Furthermore, in full-blown rally guise, the HF was extremely successful, earning Lancia multiple trophies, including the International Championship for Manufacturers, the precursor for the WRC.
The Fulvia Sport Zagato
Photo: Iconic Auctioneers
Apart from the Berlina and Coupe, the Fulvia lineup also had a third member, the Fulvia Sport Zagato.
Although eclipsed by the Rallye HF due to the latter's success in the rally world, the Sport was just as exciting to drive and came with a drastically different body.
Designed by the famous Ercole Spada, the man behind the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, the Sport was the result of Lancia's desire to create a sportier, grand tourer-style Fulvia for those seeking pure driving pleasure.
Along with the Coupe, the Sport was introduced at the 1965 Turin Motor Show. It was built around its two-door sibling's chassis and received the same powertrains, but it was assembled by Zagato in Milan, where the body was conceived.
Lighter and more aerodynamic
Photo: Iconic Auctioneers
Spada's design was based on the dimensions of the Coupe chassis, but apart from the windshield, everything else was redesigned.
The front end had a slightly larger slope, a new grille, and bespoke headlights, while the fastback roof line and bulged rear fenders gave the car a more aggressive look.
The new Zagato body wasn't just a new styling approach but also improved the Sport's aerodynamics, which in turn allowed it to reach a higher top speed than the Coupe.
Initially, all body panels were fabricated using an aluminum alloy called Peraluman, but from 1966 onwards, steel was used for the main body shell, while the hood, doors, rear hatch, and spare wheel compartment continued to be made from lightweight Peraluman.
In either case, the Sport was lighter than the standard Coupe, tipping the scales at a little over 2,000 pounds (907 kg), which improved the already famous maneuverability associated with the Fulvia name.
Powered by multiple V4 versions
Photo: Collecting Cars
Apart from the near-flawless maneuverability that made any Fulvia exciting to drive, the Sport came with some of the most powerful road-legal versions of the Lancia V4.
Initially introduced in 1922, the V4 had been extensively refined by the mid 1960s, and, although it wasn't very powerful in terms of output, it was famous for its compact packaging and reliability.
When it was introduced, the Sport borrowed the stanard Coupe's 1.2-liter, rated at 79 hp. While that wasn't much, the small dimensions, low weight, and excellent handling made the Sport feel more powerful and exciting than the output figure led to believe.
In 1996, Lancia introduced the Sport 1.3, which received the Rallye 1.3's 86-hp 1.3-liter. On paper, it wasn't a huge improvement, but the sportier engine made the car noticeably faster.
The model got even better in 1968 when the Sport 1.3 S joined the lineup. This version was powered by an improved 1.3-liter that made 92 hp and also received power steering.
The Sport reached its performance peak starting with the 1970 model year when the range-topping Sport 1600 was added to the Fulvia lineup.
Powered by the mythical Rallye 1.6 HF's 1.6-liter V4 rated at 115 hp, it was able to reach a top speed of 118 mph (190 kph), which made it the fastest Fulvia ever produced.
A Lancia legend that's still thrilling to drive today
Photo: Collecting Cars
The Fulvia Sport Zagato was built until 1973 in approximately 6,120 units over two distinct series. Compared to the initial Series I (1965-1969), the Series II (1970-1973) can be distinguished by the addition of a five-speed manual, all-steel bodies, and several styling changes.
These included different headlights, hubcap-less wheels, a forward-opening hood (as opposed to the side-opening version of the Series I), and the addition of a small rear seat that theoretically could accommodate two passengers.
Half a century after the last Sport was produced, the fastback can still deliver a thrilling driving experience despite the modest output figures.
With four-wheel disc brakes and an extremely good suspension setup, it feels more powerful and more modern than it actually is.
Furthermore, the entire Fulvia line still has a cult following, so aftermarket parts for the car are still being produced.
According to classic.com, the average value of a Series I example stands at $37,497, while the Series II's average value is a bit lower, at $29,799.
However, the 1600 is one notable Series II exception that usually demands more since it's equipped with the most powerful V4 and is part of an 800-unit production run.
Regardless of the model year or engine output, the Fulvia Sport Zagato remains a Lancia icon that deserves serious consideration from anyone who's looking for a classic car developed for pure driving pleasure.
For more on what makes this car special, we recommend watching the YouTube video below by Harry's garage.
Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times. Full profile
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