Description
There were only around 400 RHD Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1600 HFs built, and with currently only 18 Lusso trim versions remain on the road, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the more evocative, entertaining and beautiful Italian sports cars from the 1970s. It is a genuine UK RHD car, originally registered in November 1972, which fortunately received Ziebart rustproofing treatment from new and has been well looked after over the past 52 years.
This version of the Fulvia coupe benefited from the largest engine in the range, which was tuned to High Fidelity (HF) spec, lightened to 825kg and originally provided 113hp through the front wheels. This was essentially the same car that won the 1972 Monte Carlo rally, laying the foundation for the succession of Lancia rally victories that followed. This is the 1600 HF Lusso version in Bronzo Longchamps metallic paint, which included a radio and bumpers.
The car comes with two sets of keys, a significant amount of paperwork dating back to the original purchase, the original owners manual, a workshop manual and loads of historical receipts and the original sale brochure. There is also a USB drive with further information.
Both the interior and exterior are in wonderful condition as seen in the photos and the colour is often admired and makes a pleasant contrast with the more usual Rosso Corsa red. The sports seats are in black vinyl which contrasts wonderfully with the wooden trim on the dash. The original Radiomobile push-button stereo has been internally upgraded without modifying the external looks, and is now Bluetooth compatible. The rest of the cabin remains free from modifications other than a Moto-Lita drilled alloy steering wheel. The original wooden wheel will come with the car to allow the new owner to change it back if they wish.
The black vinyl both in the front and rear of the car is in excellent condition and in equally good condition are the carpets front and rear, headlining and trim. The HF floor mats can be removed if required.
The exterior is superb. The Bronzo Longchamps metallic paint really shows the car off and is in excellent condition and finish. The car has been regularly cleaned and waxed after every outing and the original chrome trim is also in great condition. There are no signs of corrosion, dents or damage other than slight minor pitting on some areas of the bright work, such as the handles, which is to be expected after half a century. The Cromodora wheels are in excellent condition and the Michelin Energy tyres all-round look almost new with little wear.
The boot is a good size for the car and includes a spare wheel complete with original tool kit and jack. Under the bonnet sits the lovely 1, 584cc V4 engine. There are no indications of rust to the wings or bulkhead and the engine bay is very tidy. The distinctive yellow engine head signifies the car as an HF, as opposed to the standard blue cam cover. The engine starts easily, with a simple to use manual choke situated under the steering wheel (a video of where this is and how to use this will be provided), and runs smoothly. The car runs and drives beautifully, with slick and accurate gear responses through the 5 speed gear box. With disc brakes all round as well, it is a very easy car to drive and sounds superb when pushed. I bought the car in 2023 and have absolutely loved the time my wife & I have had with it. While circumstances are such that I am looking at selling the car sooner than I had intended, I will look back on the past year with fondness. The car is adorable. Neat, compact, superbly well presented, ultra-useable and practical, especially as it is both LEZ and ULEZ compliant. Being 52 years old it is also road tax exempt (though it still needs to be registered). It is extremely rare to find a Fulvia Coupe 1600HF Lusso for sale, and most definitely in this colour and condition.