Wednesday 29th November 2017

A birthday wish for Lancia

With a sword hanging over the much-loved Italian marque, one more cunning plan to help Make Lancia Great Again

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Today marks Lancia's Nelson, for it's exactly 111 years since the company was founded in Turin. Superstitious fans of the marque might be tempted to lift a leg à la cricket umpire David Shepherd though, because although Lancia is 111 not out, a dismissal could be imminent. Italy is the brand's sole market these days, and at almost seven years old, its only current model - the Ypsilon - is rapidly approaching its sell-by date. Lancia wasn't even mentioned in last year's Fiat Chrysler Automobiles business plan update, and a new five-year plan expected from boss Sergio Marchionne early in 2018 could spell its demise.

Still, roughly as many Ypsilons were sold in Italy last year as were Alfa Romeos across the whole of Europe, and in the year to date, Lancia's supermini pipped its FCA stablemate, the Fiat 500, to being Italy's second best-selling car. If not reason for celebration, then perhaps enough - beyond the usual sentimentality - to stave the axe off a little longer.

Supposing it does survive, what next? Scab-picking suggestions for new Lancias appear with regularity and are usually based on the rebirth of the Delta Integrale, while one enthusiast has even rendered up an entirely new range.

But there might be a simpler solution for a new, statement-making Lancia from within FCA, without spending the vast sums lavished on the development of Alfa Romeo's new-era poster boy, the 4C.

With Mazda's co-operation, Fiat re-entered the sports car market with the 124 Spider, which also sired a warmer Abarth version. But unlike its MX-5 cousin - which spawned the convertible hard-top RF - the only tin-lid variant produced by FCA is the Abarth 124 Rally racing car, and the company now says it has no plans to build a road-going version.

But remember that drop-dead gorgeous Lancia Fulvia Coupé Concept from 2003? The one that reimagined Piero Castagnero's rally-bred swoonmobile of the 1960s and 1970s. Well, it was almost identical in length and wheelbase to the current MX-5 (and only a Mars bar shorter than the 124 Spider). Coincidence? Well yes, actually, but you can see where this is leading.

Under the bonnet of a production version of Flavio Manzoni's 2003 concept could go the Alfa 4C's turbocharged 1,750cc four-pot, which has already been proven in this platform in the Abarth 124 Rally. That car makes 300hp, but the 4C's 240hp tune might suffice in the Fulvia. It could keep the manual gearbox and apparently generous suspension travel of the concept for hoovering up lumpy backroads (a talent of the Integrale, which prioritised compliance over roll control), and at least give a nod to the concept's plush, retro-inspired interior.

Of course, thanks to its platform, it would by default have rear-wheel drive rather than the original's front-wheel drive - quel domage! - and you'd struggle to package even the tiniest of rear seats, but that doesn't stop the Porsche 718 Cayman selling very nicely. Speaking of which, the Fulvia could cost from around £35,000: less than the 718 Cayman, 4C and upcoming Alpine A110, but more than the MX-5 RF.

I would probably buy one. I think some other people would, too. Whether we'd be numerous enough to form a blip on Marchionne's radar and help revitalise Vincenzo Lancia's legacy is another matter. Anyway, happy birthday, Lancia - I really hope it's not your last.

Inspired? Buy a used Lancia here

Richard J Webber

[anonymous-user]

Such a sad state of affairs for such a massive brand from the past.

Lancia was the WRC for so many years. Iconic cars with iconic drivers.

I really wish they would release a new Lancia Delta with some moderns changes but try and keep the looks as close to the original.

A bit like the Ford Mustang or the GT40.