What if the Lancia Fulvia came back?

Stellantis has registered the name Fulvia at the European Patent Office. And already many are dreaming

By: Massimo Grassi

Feb 5, 2025 at 4:28am ET

Comment

Among the cars that made Italy great after the Second World War, the Lancia Fulvia undoubtedly deserves a place of honour. Produced from 1963 to 1976 and a rival to the Alfa Romeo Giulia, it never had a successor, except for the Fulvia Coupé Concept, a prototype presented in 2003 and which has remained so. High production costs, uncertain commercial success and the desire to concentrate on other models led to its demise.

History, however, reminds us that the past is always ready to return, and so could the Lancia Fulvia. The first clue comes from the European Patent Office, where Stellantis registered the name Fulvia at the end of January.

Dreaming costs nothing

It is definitely not certain that a new car could be born out of a simple registration. We have come across such situations on several occasions, sometimes arising from the desire to protect a particular name that is particularly significant for a brand, in order to prevent it being used by others.

Lancia Fulvia Coupé Concept

It must be said, however, that the plan announced by Lancia ends in 2029, the year of the new Delta's debut. From then on, we know nothing, and the Stellantis designers may have got their hands on it. Just a thought. Especially since, with a new CEO yet to be appointed - Tavares' successor is due to arrive by June 2025 - it would be risky to commit a business plan to paper.

The fact remains that Stellantis has now taken the Fulvia name, perhaps to be used for a compact saloon positioned below the new Gamma, planned for 2026. Or, harder still, on a small sports coupé. The latter option is much riskier because, although the car would be very attractive, it would belong to a niche segment and would certainly not sell in large numbers.

New Lancia Gamma, our render

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Comments

What if it were a special?

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale shows that historic names can be used to create unique objects, such as the Biscione coupé, of which there are only 33 examples, with a price starting at €2 million (£1.6 million). A fascinating model for a very limited number of customers, created to celebrate the DNA and history of Alfa Romeo.

And what if Lancia did the same with a hypothetical Fulvia? Let's be clear that this is just speculation on our part, but this kind of action can have a major impact on the perception of a brand. Especially one like Lancia, which is returning to Europe with the new Ypsilon after years spent exclusively within Italian borders.

Maserati MC20

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

The mechanics and technology of the Maserati MC20, the technical basis of the 33 Stradale, are there. Why not add a design inspired by the Fulvia Coupé HF, with some ingredients from the Pu+Ra HPE?