Lancia Fulvia Series II 1.3S Sport Zagato - 1971

Born from the long-running collaboration between Lancia and coachbuilder Zagato, the Fulvia Sport reached maturity with the Series II 1.3S. Built from 1970 to 1972 (as confirmed by major references including Wikipedia and period literature), this fastback coupé sat alongside the regular Fulvia Coupé as the lighter, more aerodynamic, and more idiosyncratic choice for the keen driver.

Styled by Ercole Spada at Zagato, the Sport was conceived to exploit the Fulvia’s jewel-like mechanicals in a slipperier body. By 1970, the Series II brought notable updates: a shift from the largely aluminium panels of the early cars to mostly steel (some early SII examples still carried alloy panels), a more practical top-hinged rear hatch replacing the earlier quirky side-hinged opening, improved heating and ventilation, revised instrumentation and trim borrowed from the Fulvia SII range, and detail changes to lighting (the earlier Perspex headlamp covers gave way to exposed lamps to suit regulations).

The 1.3S engine, a 1,298 cc narrow-angle V4 with twin overhead cams and twin Solex 35 PHH carburettors, was tuned to 92 hp (DIN). Combined with a close-ratio 5-speed gearbox and Lancia’s trademark front-wheel drive layout, the Sport 1.3S delivered discreet pace and exceptional finesse. Inboard front discs reduced unsprung mass, while the sophisticated front suspension with a single transverse leaf spring gave the Fulvia its famed steering feel and poise. Period tests typically recorded a top speed around 175 km/h and 0–100 km/h in the mid-12 second range—numbers made more impressive by the car’s stability and braking performance.

Though overshadowed in rallying by the factory’s Fulvia HF Coupés, the Sport Zagato carved out a niche in Italian hillclimbs and club racing, where its aerodynamics and balance paid dividends. Contemporary Italian press praised its accuracy, braking, and composure on poor surfaces, while noting a somewhat offset driving position, limited rear visibility, and an engine note that turned raucous when extended—hardly a deterrent to enthusiasts.

Fun details abound: the Fulvia’s V4 uses an unusually narrow 12°53' bank angle and a single cylinder head, a Lancia engineering quirk that maximises compactness. Early Sports are known for their lightweight alloy skin; Series II cars gained usability and sturdiness while retaining the model’s distinctive low nose, offset bonnet bulge, and Kamm-tail profile. Period advertising leaned heavily on the “wind-cheating” silhouette, and the car popped up occasionally in Italian cinema and magazines of the era.

Production of the Fulvia Sport 1.3S Series II ended in 1972 as Lancia rationalised its range under new Fiat stewardship and prepared for the Beta era. Today, the SII 1.3S stands as a connoisseur’s choice: a driver’s Lancia that blends jewel-like engineering with Zagato flair, and a wonderfully tactile reminder of the brand’s golden age.