| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1969 |
| Production Years: | 1968 - 1975 discontinued in 1975 |
The Lancia Fulvia (1968-1975) is a classic Italian compact sedan that represents a significant era in automotive design, combining practicality with distinctive style and engineering excellence. Produced from 1968 to 1975, this model generation builds on the Fulvia’s reputation for innovative front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and excellent handling dynamics. The sedan configuration offered a balanced combination of comfort and sporty agility suited for European roads. Although exact dimension details of this generation model vary slightly by variant, the Fulvia sedan typically measured approximately 3.9 to 4.2 meters (153 to 165 inches) in length, with a width around 1.57 meters (62 inches) and height near 1.38 meters (54 inches). These compact dimensions made the Fulvia agile and easy to maneuver, especially appreciated in narrow city streets and winding mountain roads. The Fulvia’s weight generally hovered around 900 to 1,000 kilograms (1980 to 2200 lbs), reflecting its lightweight construction focused on performance and efficiency. This generation is cherished by enthusiasts for its charming design lines, sharp handling, and the crisp performance delivered by its narrow-angle V4 engine lineup. The car’s compact yet functional interior layout provided a practical seating capacity typical for four-door sedans of its era, making it attractive for small families and drivers seeking both style and utility. Today, the Lancia Fulvia remains a highly regarded classic, notable not just for its historical significance in the evolution of Italian sedans but also for its enduring appeal among collectors and vintage car aficionados. This model serves as a benchmark in the study of compact sedan dimensions and size comparisons, demonstrating how automotive innovation can harmonize performance, style, and practicality.
Discover the standout features that make the 1969 Lancia Fulvia a leader in its class
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The 1969 Lancia Fulvia sedan has a length of approximately 3,940 mm (155.1 inches), a width of about 1,530 mm (60.2 inches), and a height near 1,360 mm (53.5 inches). These compact dimensions reflect its design as a nimble and elegant small sedan, ideal for both city driving and spirited country roads. The relatively narrow width and modest height contribute to the Fulvia's aerodynamic shape and agility, making it a distinct presence in its class during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The wheelbase of the Lancia Fulvia from the 1968 to 1975 production period measures approximately 2,290 mm (90.2 inches). This relatively short wheelbase contributes to the car's compact footprint and sporty handling characteristics. However, it also means interior space is more limited compared to larger sedans, offering cozy seating primarily suited for up to four occupants. The compact wheelbase enhances maneuverability, especially on tight urban streets, while maintaining sufficient interior legroom typical of small family sedans of its era.
The curb weight of the 1969 Lancia Fulvia sedan is approximately 880 kg (1,940 lbs). This light weight is a significant factor in the car’s sporty and responsive driving character. A lower weight improves acceleration, braking, and cornering agility, which are hallmarks of the Fulvia, especially given the modest horsepower figures typical for its class and time. The lightweight construction also contributes to fuel efficiency and handling precision, making the Fulvia an engaging car for enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.
Yes, the 1968-1975 Lancia Fulvia sedan fits comfortably into a standard modern garage. With its compact external dimensions of approximately 3.94 meters (12.9 feet) in length and 1.53 meters (5 feet) in width, it is smaller than many contemporary vehicles and requires less space for parking. A typical modern residential garage, usually built to accommodate cars up to 5 meters (16.4 feet) long and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) wide, can easily house the Fulvia sedan, making it practical for vintage car owners who have standard garage spaces.
The interior space of the Lancia Fulvia sedan is compact but thoughtfully designed, offering comfortable seating for four passengers. Compared to other small sedans of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Fulvia provides adequate headroom and legroom for its segment, although rear seats can feel a bit tight for taller passengers. The focus was on maintaining a sporty and driver-oriented layout rather than maximizing passenger volume. Overall, it stands up well against competitors like the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Ford Cortina, balancing comfort with sporty proportions.
The 1969 Lancia Fulvia features a fuel tank capacity of approximately 45 liters (11.9 US gallons). Given the car's lightweight construction and efficient engines, this tank size supports a respectable driving range suitable for both city commuting and longer journeys. Typical fuel consumption varies depending on engine and driving conditions but often falls around 7 to 9 liters per 100 kilometers (26 to 33 miles per gallon US). This means drivers could expect a cruising range of roughly 500 to 650 kilometers (310 to 400 miles) on a full tank, which was adequate for most driving needs of the time.
The 1969 Lancia Fulvia did not have a direct predecessor in the same form, as it was Lancia's model introduced in the early 1960s as a compact front-wheel-drive sedan. However, compared to earlier Lancia models such as the Appia, the Fulvia was more modern and compact, featuring a sleeker design with slightly reduced dimensions for better handling and efficiency. The Fulvia’s size emphasized maneuverability and agility, a shift from the more traditional and larger sedans previously offered by Lancia, marking a new direction for the brand.
Dimensionally, the 1969 Lancia Fulvia is quite comparable to other small European sedans of its time, such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Peugeot 204. With a length around 3.94 meters (155.1 inches), a width of 1.53 meters (60.2 inches), and a height of 1.36 meters (53.5 inches), the Fulvia is compact yet sporty. Its narrow width and low height give it a distinctive, aerodynamic silhouette compared to some competitors which could be slightly wider or taller. The Fulvia’s size positioned it as an agile and driver-focused competitor in the compact executive segment, balancing practicality with performance.
The Lancia Fulvia’s exterior design emphasizes clean lines and compact proportions, which strongly influence its perceived size. With a relatively low roofline at around 1,360 mm (53.5 inches) and narrow body width of 1,530 mm (60.2 inches), the Fulvia appears sleek and aerodynamic for its era. The sedan features short overhangs with a wheelbase of approximately 2,290 mm (90.2 inches), giving it balanced proportions. These design features not only enhance its sporty stance but also improve handling dynamics and reduce weight, contributing to the car's overall nimble and agile character.
The 1969 Lancia Fulvia sedan offers a modest luggage capacity, typical for compact cars of its era. The boot space is approximately 290 liters (10.2 cubic feet), enough to accommodate the daily needs of a small family or couple, including groceries, small suitcases, or sports equipment. While it lacks the extensive cargo room of larger sedans or station wagons, its layout is practical enough for urban driving and weekend trips. The rear seatbacks can sometimes be folded in certain configurations (depending on model variant), enhancing versatility. Overall, the Fulvia balances sporty design with functional practicality for everyday use.
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