Only around 400 right-hand drive Lancia Fulvia 1600 HFs were built, so this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the more evocative and entertaining Italian sports cars from the mid-20th century – and a genuine UK car with loads of history, unlike most on the market right now.
The Fulvia - named after the Roman road from Tortona to Torino - first saw the light of day in 1963, powered by Lancia’s charismatic small capacity V4, with a gorgeous two-door coupé model following in 1965.
When the Coupe model was born, it had a 1,216cc engine, although 1,231cc and 1,298cc options arrived in 1967. I 1970, a revamp occurred and a 1,584cc V4 was added. This one is the ultimate Fulvia – an HF (or High Fidelity) – lightened and tuned for extra performance, with 113bhp on tap. That sounds modest by modern standards, but in a car this small and delicate it was very lively, with an impressive rallying record.
In order to make the HF lighter, items such as bumpers and trim were deleted, but a Lusso (luxury) variant was created for those who appreciated the HF’s ability but didn’t necessarily want a stripped-out car. Extra trim was added, a radio was fitted and bumpers came as standard. And that’s what we have here.
This Bronzo Longchamps 1600 HF Lusso was registered in November 1972 – an original UK car. It received Ziebart rustproofing treatment from new, which probably helps explain its survival, although it has seen some restoration work over the years.
A paperwork file that includes invoices stretching back to the 1970s testifies to a life of care and attention and it is presented in gorgeous overall condition. A real find.
Open the door and the extra upmarket touches of the export-only Lusso model are apparent immediately, thanks to the wooden dashboard and period Radiomobile push-button stereo installed on the passenger side of the dash, alongside the oil temperature gauge.
The stylish cabin remains standard and free from any modifications other than a Moto-Lita drilled alloy steering wheel. However, the original steering wheel will come with the car.
It has black vinyl sports seats which are remarkably comfortable and supportive for a 51-year-old car and the black vinyl seat covering is excellent. The carpets, door cards and headlining are in equally good condition, though the radio will require attention. A matching pair of HF floor mats is in the boot should you wish to fit them, and the car comes with its original tools and dash.
The bronze ‘Bronzo Longchamps’ paint really suits the rakish lines of the HF, as well as being gloriously in-period.
The paint is excellent overall and the panels are all straight and free from any signs of corrosion, dents or damage.
The same is true of the brightwork, even items like the Mazak door handles are holding up well given they’re over half a century old with only minor pitting. The special HF badges, complete with elephant symbol – reputedly chosen because, according to Gianni Lancia, “once an elephant starts running, nobody can stop it” – are all in place. The “Cromodora” alloy wheels look to have been refurbished relatively recently and are in superb order, fitted with good Michelin Energy tyres all-round.
Under the bonnet, the engine bay is very well-presented and clean, with no sigs of rust or repairs to the bulkhead or inner wing areas.
Lancia’s narrow-angle V4 sits well forward, canted at 45 degrees, with a distinctive bright yellow-painted cam cover marking it out as an HF (standard cars had blue). The detail touches are superb.
It runs sweetly, the twin Solex carbs recently overhauled and balanced, so it starts on the button and runs really sweetly.
The car accelerates well, with no hesitation, and the five-speed gearbox, with characteristic dog-leg first, is smooth and slick through all ratios. It has disc brakes all round and handles beautifully.
Make no mistake – this is a very special car indeed. A full-on collector-quality example with marvellous pedigree and finished in a rare and lovely colour scheme that suits it so well. It’s a fantastically rare and covetable car that’s bound to attract lots of interest, and it drives beautifully. A rare and exquisite find.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1972 Lancia Fulvia HF 1600 Lusso Series 2
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