New Lancia Fulvia Coupe Spotted Testing in Italy – Is the Iconic Nameplate Returning?

For decades, fans have clamored for the return of the iconic Lancia Fulvia, one of the most beautiful and technically advanced coupes of the era. Today, fresh spy photos snapped in Italy hint that the wait could be at last over. Might this be the first concrete view of the much-hypothesized Lancia Fulvia resurrection?

A Fulvia for the New Age?

Stellantis has just registered the name "Fulvia" at the European Patent Office, fueling speculation of a grand return. These camouflaged prototype photos, apparently taken in the center of Italy, fan the flames. The vehicle in these images has unmistakable retro lines, with a shape that recalls the original 1960s Fulvia Coupe, a car that impressed in rallying and on the roads with its groundbreaking V4 engine and front-wheel-drive configuration.

Vintage Meets Modern Engineering

Reports indicate the new Fulvia will be built atop a revised Fiat 124 platform, itself borrowed from the Mazda MX-5. This translates to light, rear-wheel drive configuration, perfectly in step with Lancia's recent emphasis on driver interaction. The rumored power source would be the Abarth-developed turbocharged 1.4-liter unit used by the 124 Spider, though word of a bigger engine variant for making up the added weight is circulating. To ensure exclusivity, specialist coachbuilder Cecomp is said to be engaged in creating the bodywork in small quantities.

A New Lancia, True to Its Roots

In spite of its modern grounding, Lancia seems to be tapping into the growing interest in cars with retro proportions and design. The confident but elegant posture seen in these images is a sign of a careful balance between tradition and innovation, reminiscent of Alpine's reimagined A110 or the Ford Mustang blend of classic cues and contemporary punch. The front and rear lighting signatures appear to be derived from Lancia's latest styling language, and they set the stage for a harmonious brand identity to come.

The Moment of Truth…

At this point, if you’re already picturing yourself behind the wheel of a new Fulvia, we’ve got one more detail to share: Happy April Fool’s Day! While we’d love for Lancia to bring back the Fulvia in all its retro-modern glory, these images are actually a well-executed rendering designed to get car enthusiasts talking. But who knows? With Stellantis owning the trademark and the trend of vintage nameplates returning, maybe one day this joke may turn out to be true.

• Spy photos of a "new Lancia Fulvia" went online, generating rumors about a possible comeback.

• The idea envisions a retro-inspired coupe on the Fiat 124's platform powered by Abarth.

• Sadly, it's all an April Fool's joke—but with Stellantis now owning the Fulvia trademark, the fantasy can't be discounted.