An adjustable sash that did not have the desired effect
10/28/2020
Alejandro De Tomaso had big plans at the end of the sixties. He tried to persuade Ford to take over Lancia and hand over control of the Italian car manufacturer to him. The plan did not work out and Lancia was bought by Fiat.
In order to convince Ford to take over Lancia, De Tomaso initiated several projects at his design and coachbuilding company Ghia. The Lancia Fulvia Competitione was one of them. However, the body was not just modified. The engine was installed lower down and the rear rigid axle was replaced by independent suspension. Lightweight construction and aerodynamics were taken to the extreme, including an extendable and adjustable rear wing for more downforce.
The Competitione (or Competizione) was intended to excel both in everyday use and on the racetrack, but it is doubtful whether it would really have achieved this compromise.
Tom Tjaarda was responsible for the design and he himself described the Lancia as one of his best designs.
Well, not everyone liked the car, but it certainly caught the eye at the presentation.
On the occasion of the 1969 Geneva Motor Show , Automobil Revue wrote :
" Symbolic wings according to Ghia: Ghia attempts to combine aerodynamics with aesthetics in this Lancia Fulvia 1600 Competitione. The hydraulically extendable stabilizing fins can only partially fulfil their task on this front-wheel drive car."
The yellow Fulvia remained a one-off and has survived. It is now set to find a new owner for £140,000 to £180,000 at the RM London Online Only auctionuntil October 31, 2020. It will be interesting to see.
