MG METRO TURBO
Catch me if you can
YEAR: 1974
The Lancia Fulvia is one of the few cars that effectively became the icon of an era.
This beautiful 2+2 originated in 1965 from the genius of Piero Castagnero, who took inspiration from a boat: a Riva motorboat, to be precise.
Demand shot up immediately: a dream for younger customers, and chosen by an older clientele who wanted to stand out with an elegant Italian coupé without spending a fortune. Sales were aided by this car’s immediate commitment to sports: its bright career dotted with achievements peaked with the Lancia Fulvia’s victory at the 1972 International Championship for Manufacturers—that is, today’s World Rally Championship.
In 1972, to celebrate the victory at the Monte Carlo Rally (with drivers Mannucci and Munari), Lancia produced the Fulvia Montecarlo, equipped with a 1,300 cc engine, wider wheel arches like the HF, and a two-toned body very similar to the race car. Final touch: the lack of bumpers and an even more menacing, charismatic look.
An exclusive racer
Today, because of its steadily rising quotations, the Lancia Fulvia Montecarlo is one of the most counterfeited cars in the classic car market: amongst other reasons, it is fairly simple to turn a regular Coupé into a fake Montecarlo.
Because of this, before purchasing this red-and-black jewel and parking it in Passione Classica’s garage, I had to verify its authenticity through the chassis number.
My Fulvia is a 1974 Montecarlo 3, with black number plates, original documents and “Lancia Classiche” certificate of origin.
Following a heavy restoration, its condition is now excellent. From the body, to the upholstery, to the engine: this car is ready to drive.
In spite of the initial lack of popularity following its release in 1972, this song by Adriano Celentano forcefully clawed its way back in the charts in 1974: original and explosive, just like the Fulvia.
It is said to be the first rap in Italian music history. “Prisencolinensinainciùsol”.
In “How I Learned To Love Women” (1996) we can admire a gorgeous racing Fulvia Coupé.