Description
Charmingly original and genuinely unique, twice as rare as a 1. 6 for half the money.
History
Built in 1968 but not registered until April the next year in Firenze, this car has had just four owners and appears to have covered a genuine but unwarranted 90, 000 Kms from new. The car lived in the Florence area until earlier this year when we imported it into the UK.
This particular example was modified in 1970 (documented) when the suspension geometry was upgraded to that of the 1. 6 HF, at which time we believe the iconic fanalone (big headlights) and wheel arch extensions were also fitted.
Sold with an age related UK registration.
Body and paint
This car’s chassis and body are rock solid and all the panels appear to be the originals with no sign of previous accident damage or rust repair, excluding the front floors which we have replaced with patterned originals. The four opening panels are all aluminium as they should be. The body is straight with good panel fit.
Either you love or hate the presentation of this car. Some of the paint is factory original, and what isn’t is very old indeed. Cracked, faded and flat - a genuine ‘patina’ which is scarcely found and the reason we bought it. The rear quarter glass and rear screen are the original perspex ones which have crazed over time (a set of new perspex accompanies the car).
The car sits on a set of very rare Campagnolos which are in good condition.
All the exterior trim and lighting are in excellent condition.
Mechanics
This car has the correct 1. 3 HF tipo 818. 342 engine and gearbox. The proximity of the engine number and chassis number suggest that this is the engine the car was born with, although no archives exist to guarantee this.
It’s a blast to drive: super light and responsive (in fact it feels lighter than our 1. 6 HF) and quick too. The 1. 3 HF engine is quite trick, differing from the standard 1. 3 unit in camshafts, pistons, conrods and compression, as well as benefitting from hand finished inlet and exhaust tracts. It makes a better noise, too. The engine bay is clean, correct and exceedingly original.
After a lengthy hiatus from the road, we have extensively recommissioned the car, which has included rebuilding all four brake calipers, replacing the master cylinder, fitting new tyres, renewing all fuel and coolant hoses, replacing the fuel pump, removing and servicing the dynamo, new HD battery, replacing the oil cooler hoses, renewing the thermostat and water pump, correcting valve clearances, rebuilding carburetors and replacing HT leads on top of carrying out a deep service. This is now a turn-key car ready for its next journey.
MoT with no advisories until June 2017.
Interior
Very well preserved – original seats front and rear, original carpets, original headlining, original uncracked dash, original everything except for the period Luisi steering wheel and air temperature gauge. This car was fitted from new with a Autovox radio (not working). All switch gear and electricals at the time of test are in good working order.
Boot
Original and complete with tool kit, jack, alloy spare wheel and tie down.
Summary
If originality and character are what you are looking for please come and see this car. Supplied with original owner’s manual and some history including photos of the car in 1975.
