CONTENTS

HISTORY OF THE FULVIA

In the history of Lancia and its models, a very special place will always be reserved for the Fulvia, a car of extraordinary vitality which has not only given rise to a long series of successful versions and which has not only linked its name with an interminable sequence of sporting successes, but which also was the model of which the greatest number of units has been built during the course of the first 65 years of Lancia’s existence.

The spring of 1963 saw the introduction of the first Fulvia Berlina, designed by Antonio Fessia and intended to replace the never-to-be forgotten Appia in the small-medium engine range. Except for its engine and its size, its general structure was reminiscent of the Flavia. Lancia having been decidedly orientated to front wheel drive (which was proving to be so successful on the Flavia), the new “mini” Lancia did retain the positioning of the final drive/engine, the same type of suspension and the braking equipment of the Flavia. With an obviously shorter wheelbase, the track dimensions were identical to the Flavia. By doing so it was possible to standardise many components including the constant velocity joints, the drive shafts to the wheels and also the back axle.

On the other hand the design of the engine was completely new, although it followed in the Lancia tradition: a narrow V4 engine with twin overhead camshaft. Furthermore, the crank case, cylinder head and sump were cast in aluminium with a cast iron block and the crankshaft supported on three main bearings. Therefore, it had nothing in common with the four-cylinder Appia engine, except for the capacity of approximately 1100 cc.

The Fulvia Berlina had a very distinctive luxury styling even though the rather angular design of the rear was the subject of much debate. Exceptional care was taken with the interior trim and fittings, instrumentation - all perfectly in line with the Lancia style. For as long as the car was in production, the Fulvia was certainly the most elegant and refined modest capacity compact saloon being built in Europe. Furthermore, even though the ruggedness of the car called for a sacrifice in terms of weight (the power to weight ratio was 17.7 kg per bhp), the Fulvia embodied a high degree of active and passive safety. It was also a fast and brilliant car (the first series sparkled at 140 kph) and was very economical to run: 9 litres of fuel per 100 km.

The Fulvia Berlina immediately enjoyed an outstanding commercial success, although when it was introduced, the symptoms of the economic crisis which for almost 2 years retarded  Italian expansion following a long period of prosperity, were already being felt.

In the autumn of '64 at the Turin Motor Show, along with the first version, the Fulvia Berlina 2C was introduced. It had a more highly powered engine, two twin choke carburetors, new intake and exhaust manifolds, the compression ratio had been stepped up to 9 :1. All resulting in a substantial increase in power in all ranges with a maximum of 71 bhp at 6000 rpm, while the maximum torque was 9.4 kgm at 4300 rpm.

The Fulvia Berlina 2C also offered other mechanical improvements: improved gear box and final drive ratios, so that the maximum speeds in the individual gears were increased. Furthermore, a new type of clutch control, of the flexible mechanical type instead of using the rigid linkage; the steering was higher geared; there was an improvement in the front suspension; a new brake pump was fitted which had separate feed cups (less strain on the pedal, shorter stopping times). Also improvements were made to the body, shape of the seats, heating and ventilating equipment and instrumentation. In this way, the Fulvia became even more complete and sparkling.

Less than a year later, in the spring of '65, the Fulvia Coupe was presented at the Geneva motorshow - a car that was to enjoy a future of exceptional brightness and success. An ultramodern aesthetic approach, slender and graceful lines, a bright cockpit (two plus two seating) were the features immediately visible. To improve the handling, the wheelbase was 150mm shortened compared to the Berlina whilst the suspension layout remained unchanged other than the addition of a rear anti-roll bar and 1 leaf fewer in the rear springs. The main changes were under the bonnet - the engine capacity was raised to 1216cc and 1st, 2nd and 4th gear ratios were modified.