Video: This Lancia Fulvia F&M Barchetta Hot Rod was born for the Targa Florio

24th August 2023

Ethan Jupp

It’s a difficult conversation when talking about modifying classic cars; a fine line between enhancement and blasphemy. Putting airbag suspension on an XK120? Get out. A Fulvia Barchetta Special, modified in period for the Targa Florio? That’s more like it.

So what’s the story of the Fulvia F&M Barchetta? Why chop the roof off? Well, according to owner and driver Federica Buratti, it was a question of Sicilian weather… Yes, an open roof was considered a better option because of the hot weather during the Targa Florio. It raced originally in earlier years as a closed coupe, receiving an early version of the 1.6-litre engine. What does F&M stand for? Furio & Maglioli. Well, it wasn’t going to be Fred and Mike, was it?

To drive, it’s a little firecracker, revving up to 9,000rpm, with tiny ratios in the transmission demanding quick and regular changes to constantly be on the 165PS (121kW) maximum output. The little car got a lot of attention from friends and strangers alike. In an old Lancia, you get nothing but love.