Full Description
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A very rare RHD Lancia Fulvia Rallye Series One 1.6HF ‘Fanalone’ homologation special
MODEL HISTORY
The Fulvia Coupe was designed in-house by Piero Castagnero and launched in 1965. The ultimate expression of this model is the Series One HF1.6 works rally-spec examples of which only 1258 were produced for homologation. Just 30 High Fidelity RHD examples were ordered by Lancia Concessionaires Ltd which have gained the sobriquet ‘Fanalone’, a reference to its large auxiliary driving lights. With outright wins in the RAC Rally in 1969 and 1970 and the Monte Carlo in 1972 to name a few, the Fulvia HF1.6 established Lancia’s reputation on the World Rallying stage and paved the way for the legendary Stratos and Delta Integrale models.
EQUIPMENT
Aluminium bonnet, boot lid and doors, quartz iodine 170mm main beam headlights, black glass fibre arch fillets, opening rear quarter windows, adjustable red-line rev counter, reserve fuel warning light, oil pressure gauge, oil and coolant temperature gauge, rheostat panel light control, cigar lighter, dome interior lamp, Ferrero Sandro Munari steering wheel, passenger grab handle, front storage bins.
EXTERIOR
It takes a trained eye to spot a genuine UK-market Fulvia HF Fanalone and this unmolested, incredibly rare example finished in no-cost but optional metallic Grigio Escoli, is no exception. Still wearing the black glassfibre wheel arch extensions and 170mm main beam headlights that will help the knowledgeable differentiate but experts will relish in the uncut rear valance, holed in standard production cars to feed wiring and the blank pressing where a passenger interior light switch should be fitted. Rally pedigree is assured being one of the early 1258 homologation S1 Rallye specials and fortunately all the correct aluminium panels remain fitted helping to explain why the car only weighs 850kg. The chrome bumpers are retained, as fitted to the RHD drive cars, but not fitted. They are in excellent order as per the rest of the car. The paintwork shows some minor ageing but absolutely no corrosion and all the chrome badging is factory standard. The ultimate Series One and certainly one for the Lancia purist.
INTERIOR
In truly remarkable condition this 1.6HF ‘Fanalone’ retains all the correct features of the factory originals so often butchered for modern sporting enhancements. The lightweight aluminium skeletal bucket seats are immaculately appointed in the original black vinyl and the thin carpeting shows minimal wear. The simple door pulls which replace the armrests are on correct door cards with no chrome bars at the bottom. All ornate instrumentation is fully functional including the unique oil temperature gauge and 10,000rpm Veglia rev-counter with the adjustable red-line. A highly desirable Ferrero Sandro Munari steering wheel completes the package for the seasoned connoisseur.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Described by Hemmings Motor News as ‘one of the best-engineered four cylinder engines of all time’ this very narrow angle 1584cc engine produces 115bhp being fuel fed by the correct twin 42DDHF Solex carburettors. Engine number 818-540-1282 is the factory correct unit with the lighter flywheel and the 818-540 stampings are visible. The evocative yellow and blue cam cover remains a visual cue. The correct ‘piggy-back’ five speed gearbox once warm slices through the gears and has a well-bred tool-room quality feel.
It means that the car complies with British Standard (Automotive) 48 – 1965 version.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The Fanalone is the only Fulvia fitted with 13” Cromodora magnesium wheels and these are truly splendid. The previous owner going to great lengths by wiping clean the inside with spray oil then applying a light coating of cavity wax. Tyres are Toya 310 175/R13 items with ample tread. An upgraded tandem braking system installed by Racing Technologies comprises of front AP Racing discs and custom made Coopercraft callipers while at the rear AP Racing discs and Brembo callipers are fitted. Formidable.
HISTORY FILE
With just four former keepers and 53,888 miles since being registered on the 28th November 1969 chassis number 818-541-001281 represents a seriously rare car with only 30 RHD examples made. The first long-term custodian, Mr Francis Armstrong owned the car for 29 years and other Lancia enthusiast owners include Mr John Whalley, Integrale and Stratos specialist of Bishops Stortford. A comprehensive history file tracks each owner, has MOT certificates dating back to 1976 and collates invoices documenting both regular and serious amounts of expenditure. The likes of marque specialists Omicron Classico being used for genuine parts help reveal the care lavished on this homologation machine. A wealth of period information ranging from sales brochures to workshop manuals all assist in understanding why this vehicle cost more than an Jaguar E-Type when new! Helpful notes and extensive research from the previous devoted owner are to be passed on and a wonderful full-length six page feature on the car from the 1996 Classic and Sportscar magazine is included. Both sets of original keys are present. A rare jewel, a lasting possession, a spiritual progenitor to a bloodline of successful Lancia rally legends and rarely available.
HPI clear.