PRICE £49980.00
YEAR 1972
ENGINE 1584cc/V4/DOHC/twin-Solex C42DDHF carburettors
POWER 115bhp@6200rpm
MAXIMUM SPEED 109mph  
0-60MPH 9.9sec
GEARBOX FWD, five-speed manual
MILEAGE 40,760 miles
MOT 12 months from sale
CHASSIS NUMBER 818 741 003882
ENGINE NUMBER 8250
COLOUR Bronzo Longchamps
INTERIOR Black vinyl
WIDTH 1554mm
LENGTH 3957mm
HEIGHT 1300mm 

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 of the mid-20th century

It was in 1963 that the Fulvia (named after the Roman road from Tortona to Torino) first saw the light of day, albeit not in the form here. Lancia’s charismatic V4-engined machine initially emerged as a Berlina family saloon, but in 1965 things got more exciting with the debut of a two-door coupe. It was a very good-looking creation, and its handsome, chiselled lines meant that it stayed fresh and current for longer than the Berlina; while that went out of production in 1972, the Coupe continued through to 1977.

When the Coupe model was born, it had a 1216cc engine, although 1231cc and 1298cc options arrived in 1967. The year before this, a more performance-orientated variant had debuted, in the form of the HF; a lightened and tuned version. The ‘High Fidelity’ continued into the Series II revamp of 1970, when a 1584cc engine also joined the line-up. In this form, the 1600 HF Coupe, as here, boasted 113bhp.

In order to make the HF lighter, items such as bumpers and trim were deleted, but (mainly) for export, a Lusso (luxury) offshoot was magicked up, for those who appreciated the HF’s ability but didn’t necessarily want a stripped-out machine. Extra trim was added, a radio was fitted and bumpers came as standard.

This Bronzo Longchamps-finished 1600 HF Lusso was registered in the UK during November 1972. It received Ziebart rustproofing treatment from new,  which probably helps explain its longevity – not all Lancias were so lucky. A paperwork file that includes invoices stretching back to the 1970s testifies to a life of care and attention throughout the car’s seven owners. The folder also includes a concise workshop repair manual, the owner’s handbook and brochures. Recent work includes a service and carburettor-tuning.

The bronze paint suits the rakish lines of the Coupe well, looking especially good in sunlight, under which it positively shines. The paint is consistent and generally fault-free throughout. The same is true of the brightwork, even items like the Mazak door handles are holding up well given they’re half a century old. 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  wheels look to have been refurbished relatively recently and are thus in great order. They’re shod in Michelin Energy tyres.

Inside, the extra touches of the export Lusso model are apparent in the wooden dashboard and period Radiomobile installed on the passenger side of the dash, alongside the oil temperature gauge. The stylish cabin, which is surviving well, remains standard and free from any modifications save for a Moto-Lita drilled alloy steering wheel. However, the original steering wheel will come with the car. There are no issues with the black vinyl seats, or the veneered dash. The carpets have also stood up well to the passage of both time and many feet.

Under the bonnet, the engine bay is very presentable and tidy, with Lancia’s unusual installation of its narrow-angle V4 – mounted well forward and canted at 45 degrees – highlighted by the bright yellow-painted cam cover. This isn’t something you’ll be ashamed to display at shows; in fact, quite the opposite. There’s a lot to wow with this Lancia, and the well-detailed under-bonnet area is just one aspect.

But the best thing about this 1600 HF is the way it drives; a lively, well-handling small front-wheel drive Italian coupe where the emphasis is on litheness, character and driver engagement. Everything functions as it should, and that recent carburettor work means the two Solexes are finely in balance with each other; the car accelerates well, with no hesitation or missing. The five-speed gearbox is slick through all its ratios and the brakes – discs on each wheel – excellent.

Just 400 right-hand drive examples of these 1600 HF Coupes were made, out of a total production run of 3670. And of the ones that have lasted through to 2023, not many can be in as fine a state, but also so very usable, as this one.

While Greenside Cars Ltd has tried to ensure information and assessments are accurate and complete, we are aware that some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able, therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of information and cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from it. We highly recommend that you examine any vehicle to check the reliability of the information supplied. Please contact us for further details, images, or to arrange a viewing of this 1972 Lancia Fulvia 1600 HF Coupe.

PRICE

£49980.00

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YEAR

1972

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ENGINE

1584cc V4 DOHC

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MILEAGE

40,760

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COLOUR

BRONZO LONGCHAMPS

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To enquire about this vehicle or request a viewing, please contact us via phone or email.