1968 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato

From an entirely different design philosophy, the Lancia Fulvia is a front-wheel-drive compact from the 1960s that brought the esteemed Italian marque its first rally championship.

Always at the forefront of innovative design, Lancia later commissioned Carrozzeria Zagato to produce a more aerodynamic, lighter, and more powerful “engineering tour de force” version of the Fulvia, designed for hill climbs and track events—thus, the magnificent Fulvia Sport Zagato was born.

Far more technically advanced than its sibling, the Fulvia Sport Zagato features a narrow-angle V4 engine, canted at 45 degrees to lower the centre of gravity, driving the front wheels via a four-speed transaxle. Its ultra-light aluminium body panels, complemented by slender pillars, contribute to its remarkable agility. Unique features include an electric lift mechanism to slightly open the rear hatch for optimised cabin airflow, a lightweight open rear bench seat, and a premium interior with exquisite details such as the beautifully crafted indicator bezel. This model was one of Zagato’s greatest successes.

Lighter and more nimble than the standard-bodied Fulvias, the Sport distinguished itself in competition, particularly in endurance racing. The Fulvia Sport Zagato performed impressively at events such as the Sebring 12 Hours and Daytona 24 Hours, where a Sport claimed a class victory in 1969. Ex-works HF rally cars aside, the Sport Zagato is the most desirable and collectible of all Fulvias, undeniably ranking among the most striking designs and exhilarating drives of its golden era.

This exceptionally rare, right-hand-drive, and remarkably original Australian-delivered 1968 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato was sold new in Hobart by Performance Autos to John Pooley, the business owner himself. Presented today in Argento Nevada over a Rosso interior, it was later passed to a general practitioner who owned it for 44 years until 2014, when it found a new custodian in Victoria. The current owner, a dedicated collector, has meticulously maintained it, preserving its originality as much as possible. Presently, the car is displayed with its front bumper removed and sits on Campagnolo wheels, though it can be easily returned to its original configuration as all original parts have been retained.

This coach-built sporting classic is ready to carve through any mountain pass or turn heads at a weekend cars and coffee gathering. The driving experience is simply sensational—Harry Metcalfe once remarked, “Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato, the car that turned me into a petrolhead!”

Before the brand suffered the ignominy of being reduced to re-badged Chryslers for unsuspecting 21st-century Europeans, Lancia was one of the finest “engineering-first” automobile manufacturers. This model stands as one of their last and greatest achievements.

Recently released from a private collection, this right-hand-drive Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato is a true driver’s car—an essential experience for any true petrolhead.

Oh, and it’s pronounced “Lan-cha.”