Anyone visiting the Lancia stand at the Frankfurt Motorshow this year could be forgiven for thinking that the last few years have all been a bad dream for the Italian marque. The Lancia stand is one of the most impressive at the show. The floor space is constructed from the most sumptuous materials, and split into two distinct themes. On one side is the fashion arcade set on a beautiful floor with resin-encased pebbles. This is covered with various different interpretations of the new Ypsilon adorned with undeniably the most gorgeous models at the show. Up a grand flight of stairs is the exclusive Martini Bar where guests are treated to perfectly poured Martinis. However the other side of the exhibition is where all the interest lies - not with the Phedra or Thesis Promenade, not even with the second exclusive bar serving hundreds of different types of water. For here is the long-awaited new Lancia Fulvia. The car sits slightly aggressively (just like the original) on a gently rotating island in the middle of a moat of clear water over a bed of white pebbles. For a moment it looks as though it is inaccessible, but there are two steps out of sight, which allow carefully selected guests a closer view of the car.

The Fulvia is everything it was expected to be and more. It's a brave attempt at reinventing a legend, and a complete and utter success. Speaking to the designers, Flavio and Alberto Dilillo, Lancia have gone to great lengths to ensure the car is a successful modern design without being overly retro. And yet they've managed to perfectly capture the essence of the Fulvia - simple lines, uncluttered curves, and a package that ultimately suggests modest simplicity. The interior echoes this theme with simple yet beautiful materials, all wonderfully tactile. The boot is lined with alcantara and holds a bespoke leather luggage set designed for the car. The boot and doors are at a glance identical to the original Fulvia's, and even feel the same to open and close. Bearing in mind that this is the show car, it feels surprisingly ready for production.

Dilillo suggests that the mood at Lancia is positive at the moment despite the recent financial crises Fiat has been facing, and the Lancia stand would suggest this. Seeing the massive amount of press interest the new Fulvia has attracted, I can see no way Lancia will decide against production. Although the initial suggestions are that Lancia would produce 2,500 cars on a limited-edition basis, it could quite easily go on to be a high production car given the positive comments it has received so far. It is expected to cost the equivalent of about £21,000 and Lancia are basing their decision upon feedback they receive from the show. I for one (as a devoted Lancia fan) am quite serious when I say that I am ready to write that deposit cheque.

Are you a Tyre Shopper or do you need brake pads for your Lancia?

Adam Jefferson - 10 Sep 2003