Description
The 1974 Lancia Fulvia Coupé S3 (Series 3) is a classic Italian car renowned for its elegant design, advanced engineering, and rally success. Let’s dive into its history and story.
Origins of the Lancia Fulvia
The Lancia Fulvia was first introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the Lancia Appia. Designed by Piero Castagnero, the Fulvia was available in Berlina (sedan), Coupé, and Sport (Zagato) versions. However, it was the Coupé variant, introduced in 1965, that became the most celebrated.
The Fulvia Coupé was a lightweight, front-wheel-drive car with a narrow-angle V4 engine, an innovative feature that allowed for a compact and efficient powertrain. This engineering choice gave the car outstanding handling and balance, making it an ideal platform for motorsports.
Series 3 (S3) - The 1974 Lancia Fulvia Coupé
The Series 3 was the final evolution of the Fulvia, produced from 1974 to 1976. While it retained the same fundamental design and mechanical components, Lancia made several updates to modernize the car.
Key Features of the 1974 Fulvia S3
Engine: 1. 3L V4 engine producing 90 hp (in the Fulvia 1. 3S version)
Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
Brakes: Disc brakes on all four wheels
Exterior Changes: Black plastic grille (replacing the chrome grille of earlier models), updated bumpers with rubber overriders, and new tail lights
Interior Updates: More modern dashboard with new dials and controls, revised steering wheel
Despite these updates, the Fulvia S3 remained largely true to its original design and philosophy.
Lancia Fulvia in Motorsport
The Fulvia Coupé gained legendary status in rally racing, particularly with the Lancia Fulvia HF (High Fidelity) versions. The highlight of its motorsport career came in 1972, when the Lancia Fulvia 1. 6 HF won the International Championship for Manufacturers (precursor to the World Rally Championship) with driver Sandro Munari.
By 1974, Lancia was shifting its rally focus to the more powerful Stratos HF, but the Fulvia remained a competitive and beloved choice among private rally teams.
The Legacy of the 1974 Fulvia S3
The Fulvia S3 marked the end of an era for Lancia, as it was one of the last models produced before Fiat took full control of the company. It is now a highly sought-after classic car, appreciated for its elegant styling, advanced engineering, and rally heritage.
This very fine original example is just a two owner car from new, supplied new in the UK and has been subject to a sympathetic refurbishment keeping all aspects of the car to original standards.
The car is all matching numbers and original colours inside and out, the interior trim is 100% original including the roof lining, just superb in every way possible.
A totally dry 1. 3 litre V4 engine is smooth and quite, along with the five speed manual dog leg gearbox.
Totally rust free examples in original condition are difficult to find.
