Spaghetti & Meatballs: 1972 Lancia Fulvia 1.3S

 Rally cars are just plain cool!  Imagine the stories they could tell…the drivers who adorned the seats, the hastily-made repairs on the side of some far-off land dirt road…exciting stuff!  Alas, authentic rally cars are either pounded to a pulp, or commanding a massive premium after era-specific restorations are performed.  But what if you could have the “look” of a rally car AND keep your wallet intact?  Find this 1972 Lancia Fulvia 1.3S in rally prep look for sale near Washington, DC for $15,550 via craigslist.

If you are going to build a faux rally car, what better starting point than an Italian marquee?  After all, it was the Fulvia that thrust Lancia back into factory works racing after their withdrawal from Formula 1 in 1955.  This example commemorates Lancia’s win at Monte Carlo in 1972.  It looks like the seller started with a clean example and set about recreating history.  Decals, lights, & wheels all add to the authenticity.  Show up with this at vintage racing events or classic car weekend driving tours and you will be received with open arms.  

The 1.3 liter engine in this Fulvia might not be rally authentic, but certainly works for a rally clone.  Dual solex carburetors add to the excitement.  The engine compartment looks tidy and ready for business.  The seller states 4 wheel Girling disc brakes take care of the stopping business.  Mileage is quoted at an extremely low 58K Kilometers (36K miles), and the condition seen in the pictures could very well support that claim.

Similar to the exterior, the interior looks exceptionally well kept.  All 1.3S models were equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.  Steering wheel, dash, & seats gives you that early 70’s Italian feel.

It’s Italian, it’s red, and it’s dressed to kill.  What more could you ask for?  The cost-per-fun factor on this example seems reasonable and would likely be difficult to re-create for the asking price.  Get in, sit down, shut up, & hang on! 

See another affordable way to wear the boots?  email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com

When not receiving complaints of “distracted by cars…again” from his wife, Glenn can be found in the kitchen whipping up exotic cuisine and nourishing nosh.