For most parents, the school run involves a predictable routine of SUVs or family hatchbacks. However, Giuseppe Minetti has chosen a different path: a 1973 Lancia Fulvia 1.3S. Far from being a “garage queen” kept under a silk cover, this vintage rally-inspired machine is a regular fixture on London streets, serving as a reliable, high-revving daily driver.
A Rally Legend in Urban Traffic
Minetti’s Fulvia is no ordinary classic. It is the Monte Carlo special edition, featuring the flared wheel arches that mirror the 1.6 HF rally car which famously won the 1972 Monte Carlo Rally.
While the car currently sports a uniform red finish, its heritage is rooted in the grit of competition. Originally, these models featured matte black bonnets and boot lids—a functional design choice intended to prevent headlight glare from reflecting off the paint during grueling night stages of rally races.
The vehicle’s mechanical DNA makes it surprisingly well-suited for unpredictable weather:
– Purpose-built traction: Designed for loose gravel and uneven surfaces, the car excels when road conditions deteriorate.
– Handling characteristics: Although it is front-wheel drive, the car is engineered to allow the rear end to drift, aided by its characteristic skinny tires.
– Authentic interior: Despite various cosmetic changes over the decades, the car retains its original bucket seats.
The Philosophy of “Use, Don’t Preserve”
Purchased via a private sale for £20,000, the Fulvia comes with a documented history, including a comprehensive ground-up restoration performed in Rome a decade ago.
While many classic car owners treat their vehicles as fragile investments, Minetti adopts a more pragmatic approach. He has already clocked over 400 miles using the car for errands, shopping, and school runs. By parking it on the street rather than in a climate-controlled showroom, he adheres to a simple personal mantra: “It has to be used.”
A Lifelong Passion for Italian Engineering
Minetti’s choice of vehicle is a reflection of a lifelong obsession with Italian automotive design. An enthusiast through and through, he has owned more than 30 Italian cars, favoring high-revving engines and spirited driving dynamics. His collection has included:
– Alfa Romeo models: GTVs, Spiders, and the iconic Alfa Giulia 105.
– Fiat models: Multiple X1/9s.
His history with non-Italian vehicles is notably brief, suggesting that for Minetti, the connection to Italian engineering is more than just a hobby—it is a preference for a specific driving character.
This story highlights a growing trend among classic car enthusiasts: the shift from “static collecting” to “active driving,” where the value of a vintage machine is found in its utility and soul rather than its pristine, untouched condition.
The Lancia Fulvia serves as a reminder that classic cars can be more than museum pieces; they can be functional, engaging, and surprisingly capable tools for everyday life.
