In the heart of every car enthusiast, there beats an unquenchable desire for those cars that are not just means of transport, but real fragments of history on four wheels. Among these, the Lancia Fulvia occupies a place of honor, embodying not only the elegance and refinement of Italian motoring, but also a glorious past in sports competitions.
Stéphane's Turning Point
The story of this particular Fulvietta begins with a phone call. Stéphane, the future owner, had a burning desire to own a Lancia Fulvia. Although he was not an expert in the field, he knew exactly what he wanted: a lively engine and a color that spoke the languages of mystery and elegance. His requests were clear, but the path to fulfilling them would be strewn with discoveries and unforgettable encounters.
A Journey Through Italy
The search for the perfect Fulvia took me along the length of the boot, from foggy Lombardy to the sunny coasts of the South. Every meeting with the owners of Lancia Fulvias was not just an exchange of technical information, but a sharing of passions, personal stories and, at times, real secrets jealously guarded in dusty garages. These moments enriched my journey, transforming it into a human adventure even before an automotive one.
The Finding
And then, the meeting with her . Hidden in a quiet corner of Romagna, the Lancia Fulvia 1.3 S Rally presented itself in all its splendor. The previous owner, a gentleman with warm Romagna hospitality, welcomed me as if I were an old friend. Between a slice of piadina and a glass of Sangiovese, he told me the history of the car, its victories, its travels, making me a part of a glorious past that only a car with such a pedigree could have.
Between Pros and Cons
Seeing the car in person was an enlightening experience. Every angle, every chrome, every engine sound told a story of engineering excellence and attention to detail. The flaws were so minor they almost seemed like virtues, hallmarks of a life lived intensely on the roads and racetracks.
Bureaucracy, That Necessary Evil
Not everything about the journey was as exciting as the roar of the engine or the gleam of the bodywork in the sun. The paperwork for the transfer of ownership was a must, a journey filled with paperwork, stamps and waiting. However, even at this juncture, the final goal made every step not only necessary, but an integral part of the adventure.
Towards Switzerland, Concluding the Journey
The delivery to Stéphane was the highlight of this trip. Driving through the picturesque Swiss valleys at the wheel of a racing legend was an experience beyond words. The satisfaction of seeing Stéphane's eyes light up at the sight of his new Fulvia has sealed this trip in my memory as one of the most rewarding of my career.
Conclusions: Beyond the Car
This trip, although focused on a car, was much more. It was an immersion in Italian automotive culture, an exploration of the human relationships that are woven around the passion for classic cars.