Beschreibung
First registered 6 December 1972 - the same year that the Lancia works cars fielded by Cesare Fiori scooped the International Championship for Manufacturers (forerunner to the World Rally Championship)
A wonderful example of a genuine and rare 1600HF in RHD.
Only 3, 690 1600HF's were made by Lancia, the majority in LHD. No records are known to exist as to the exact numbers built with RHD but it is speculated to be as low as 200 to 400 cars.
The chassis number suggests this to be a later car in the build sequence. The Lusso specification adds certain trim items to the standard spec.
The chassis and engine number combinations confirm both a genuine RHD (chassis prefix 818741.) and a genuine 1600HF (engine prefix 818540.)
The car has a comprehensive service, parts and MOT history going back to 1988. The vast majority of parts have been either supplied or refurbished by Lancia specialists, Omicron.
The mileage shown on the various MOT certificates is consistent with the present day recorded mileage of 86, 795.
The car was completely rebuilt to 'as new' condition by a previous owner between 1984 and 1987. This was to the original specification but changing the bonnet, doors and boot lid from steel to aluminium alloy (1600HF's came out of the factory variously with steel or alloy depending on what was available on the day!). Also the standard HF steering wheel (imitation wood) was changed for a real wood Lancia 2000HF item. At this time there was a colour change from the original red to the current white which was done extremely well (the car was rebuilt to show standard)
In 1988 the car changed hands and was showed extensively at concours events with considerable success. Again the records are present. Fifteen years later the car became owned by a gentleman in Scotland (known to me) who again maintained the car meticulously and used it (alongside other cars) for historic regularity rallies. The car competed in the LeJog rally in 2005 and the Scottish Malts rally in 2006. Essentially the only rally modifications were to fit a map reading light and a trip meter. Nothing was spoiled.
After a little time in dry storage the car was acquired by the owner before myself in 2010. This gentleman was a retired engineer who went through every aspect of the car in a thorough re-commissioning for which all records/ invoices and a detailed handwritten log of the work done are held. This included a full rebuild of the engine with the block and head sent to Omicron for reconditioning and with all new engine parts (pistons, valves etc) supplied by them. The car has a unique cam supplied by Omicron to a 'Holbay' profile, giving better torque. The standard Solex carburettors are replaced by a pair of rarer Dellorto DHLB 35's (a much better carb). The Solex's are rebuilt and remain with the car. Also with the car are the stainless steel bumpers, in perfect condition, a spare exhaust system and a spare (used) radiator. The original Cromodora wheels (x5) are in excellent condition and wear nearly new quality Continental tyres.
Mileage at the time of the engine rebuild in 2011 was circa 83, 300, the car has only covered about 3, 500 miles since and over the last nine years.
I acquired the car in 2013. I recognised the car having known it from its time in Scotland. I have continued with the rigorous upkeep which as well as routine servicing has included a gearbox rebuild and a full glass out re-spray. The re-spray was to correct some minor paint micro blistering on the alloy panels – there was and is no corrosion. The whole car exterior was painted at this time to ensure a consistency of finish. The result is very good.
The car drives exceptionally well. These Fulvias really feel far more modern than their age. They are very well engineered and in their time were an expensive item to acquire new. Whilst I compete in historic regularity rallies I have not used the Fulvia for those events to save it from wear and tear. It is still fitted with a Retrotip trip meter (digits sometime stick so may require attention) has its map light and the auxiliary Cibie spots. There are few more competitive cars than an HF to compete on these type of events (HERO etc) and it would be great to see it out there.
The black bonnet was a whim and is a vinyl wrap applied post re-spray which is easily removed. Likewise are the wing HF stickers (a later style than the 1972 HF emblem, but I thought looked better). There is a working period Sharp radio discretely fitted under the dash. With the service history are also some very nice Fulvia service and parts manuals.
The overall condition is not concours but is exceptionally good - inside/ outside/ underneath. It has that all important feel of originality as against a new car rebuild. The car receives favourable comments everywhere it goes. With me it has seen summer use only – local runs with fellow enthusiasts.
Ready for a serious buyer who appreciates what this is. Do not price compare it with a non HF Fulvia, a copy HF, a rally clone or even a LHD HF. The asking price of £38, 000 reflects rarity and condition. A 1972 RHD 1600HF was auctioned by Silverstone Auctions for £39, 375 in July 2019. A regular Goodwood competitor who knew both cars, prefers mine.
Serious enquiries only please. May consider PEX for a proper pre-war sports car with money either way - what have you? Happy to hang on to it if a buyer is not out there at the present time.
