1966 LANCIA FULVIA BERLINA SERIES 1

The Fulvia was launched in 1963 as Lancia’s new compact car, featuring their proven front wheel drive and an all new narrow-angle V4 engine. 

The 2C came along in 1964 as an improved version featuring a bump in power thanks to its twin carburettors, a higher compression ratio, taller gearing, better steering and a host of small improvements to make an already loved and respected car more liveable. 

Arguably one of the prettiest sedans of its time, the Fulvia Berlina 2C gained praise from contemporary road tests as a car with far more performance than its small 1.1 litre engine should allow, and a solid build quality recognising that they were “built up to a standard rather than down to a price.”

The biggest surprise for me when getting to know this car was the quality of the panel gaps, the way the doors shut, the feel of the switchgear. It all feels easily the equal of a contemporary Mercedes Fintail, but the car is so much lighter and more alive. 

This 1966 example with a low 52,000 miles is beautifully original and patinated, in beautiful white with matching steel wheels, with a dark red vinyl interior. 

There are some signs of wear on the interior but these are in line with gentle, careful use over time, and it’s obvious the car has been looked after. Whilst you could go down the road of perfect and have it restored and re-trimmed as you go along in your ownership, we believe it would best just left it as it is and to be enjoyed.

The drive feels solid on the road, handling well, and with the keen, enthusiastic engine delivering its modest performance with glorious raspy exhaust note. Never has 71hp felt so good.

The previous owner has kept a lovely history file with original handbook (along with some scribblings referring to early services), brochures and road tests, two original spare keys and receipts from recent works. 

The car was serviced around 800km ago, starts and runs well, and even wears the correct Michelin X radial tyres. 

This is the perfect family classic, with plenty of space and a charming personality which is admired everywhere, and is far more affordable than the more common Fulvia coupés.