When a two-door sedan that originally served families is thrust onto dusty mountain roads, few would expect it to become a rally icon. Fiat’s 131 Rally Abarth proved the opposite, turning a modest sedan into a three-time world rally Championship winner. Its road-legal counterpart, released during the model’s first half-century, shed the “family car” label almost overnight, drawing admiration from purists and casual fans alike.
At the same time, the Italian automotive world celebrated a milestone that linked the past with the present. Lancia, marking 120 years of engineering heritage, unveiled a trio of seldom-seen machines – the Appia Sport, the Flavia Francis Lombardi FL7 and the Zagato-styled Hyena. Each vehicle offers a snapshot of the brand’s daring design language and its relentless pursuit of performance.
Rally heritage and brand milestones
The 131 Rally Abarth began life as a modest, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sedan. Engineers tuned the 2.0-liter engine, reinforced the chassis, and added a lightweight gearbox, creating a machine that could out-pace purpose-built rally cars. Within three seasons the car clinched three World Rally titles, silencing skeptics and cementing its place in motorsport lore. Today, original road versions command premium prices among collectors, prized for their authentic rally DNA and rare provenance.
Lancia’s 120-year tribute
To honour its anniversary, Lancia presented three ultra-rare models that rarely leave the vault. The Appia Sport showcases a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that pre-dated many super-minis of the 1970s. The Flavia Francis Lombardi FL7 is a coach-built grand tourer, marrying elegant Italian styling with a robust drivetrain. Finally, the Hyena Zagato exemplifies Zagato’s signature “double-bubble” roof, delivering a blend of lightness and aggression. An exclusive interview with the son of engineer De Virgilio reveals personal anecdotes that deepen the narrative, while family archives supply original photographs and design sketches.
Modern enthusiast experiences
Not every car that rolls off the line garners applause. The former head of Quattroruote’s test centre compiled a massive database of driver impressions, cataloguing the highs and lows of thousands of models. Among the disappointments are surprisingly ordinary machines—some lacking the expected refinement, others plagued by ergonomics that felt dated even at launch. The catalogue underscores that a car’s reputation can be as fragile as its engineering.
Ford StreetKa: a pocket-rocket with personality
The Ford StreetKa emerged as a fresh take on the classic roadster formula. Its lightweight chassis, modest 1.6-liter engine, and stripped-down interior create an engaging, “play-for-fun” driving experience. Buyers appreciate its low acquisition cost and easy maintenance, though a few minor quirks—such as occasional rattles on rough roads—prevent it from achieving perfection.
Collector’s corner: urban history and a Porsche guide
Post-war Milan experienced a rapid influx of automobiles, many of them Fiats, which transformed the city’s streets into a bustling tableau of congestion, traffic officers, and unexpected incidents. Archival photographs captured the atmosphere of that era, offering a visual narrative of how the city adapted to the automotive boom and how everyday commuters navigated the chaos.
Porsche 911 997: early examples as future classics
Introduced in 2004, the first Porsche 911 997 models are already gaining historic relevance. Their refined chassis, updated cooling system, and modern electronics make them attractive to both purists and new collectors. When hunting for a pre-facelift example, prospective owners should verify service history, original mileage, and the presence of factory-installed options such as the *Sport Chrono* package. A well-maintained 997 can appreciate in value, positioning it as a sound investment for those willing to perform diligent research.
