Fantasy Junction

Description

1969 Lancia Fulvia 1.6 HF Fanalone
s/n 818540*002124* Engine no. 818540*5755*
Red with Black Interior

Famous for their incredible craftsmanship, innovative engineering and a passion for excellence regardless of cost, pre-Fiat Lancias are, in many ways, in a class all their own. Few cars are as thoughtfully engineered or built, which partly explains why Lancia encountered a great deal of financial troubles building these exceptional cars. Among the last of the pre-FIAT cars, the Fulvia offered interesting specifications that included a dual overhead cam narrow angle V4 engine powering the front wheels, Dunlop disc brakes on all four corners, and numerous other innovative technical features. Road and Track magazine described the car in 1967 as \"a precision motorcar, an engineering tour de force\".

Surprisingly quick for its displacement, the Fulvia proved to be an effective competition car in both rally and circuit racing. The cars were available in a variety of body styles including the attractive coupe bodywork, which provided excellent visibility, balance, and a surprising amount of space for larger drivers.Throughout Fulvia production, the HF variant was the most desirable and highest-performing specification. Built with competition in mind, the HF offered a higher state of tune, lightweight specifications (thanks to aluminum doors and deck lids), and upgraded suspension and driveline components. When the Fulvia was updated in 1969, the HF trim included an updated 1.6 liter engine (replacing the 1.3 unit), a 5-speed gearbox, integrated flared wheel arches, and larger inboard driving lights. The end result was to become the definitive version of the car, the Fanalone.

Impressively equipped and ready for competition, the 1.6 HF Fanalone was an animal on the rally circuit, beating the then dominant Renaults and Porsche 911s. Fanalones accomplished win after win in the late 1960s, and finally in 1972, Lancia’s first world championship in a series of many more to come. The legendary Stratos would replace the Fulvia, as Lancia would go on to devour competitors with a remarkable 11 championships (not to mention multiple driver’s titles) between 1972 and 1992, campaigning the Stratos, Lancia 037, and Delta Integrale. Lancia’s 11 championships remains today a record that no other manufacturer has yet to achieve.

Of the 1,258 Fanalones built, this particular car is further distinguished by having been owned by a member of the Lancia family, Manfredi Lancia’s wife, Antonella Delzanno, from the Turin region. In September 2002 when Gerald Batt, sold an 8th Series Lancia Lambda Torpedo to the couple, he took in this car as part of the sale. Batt, then president of the Lancia Motor Club, exported it to the United Kingdom, eventually selling it to an enthusiast in the UK where it remained for an additional decade until it was exported to the United States.

In 2014, the car received a comprehensive service by the highly regarded vintage car specialist Dominick European Car Repair in White Plains, New York. The work totaled more than $12,000 and included new tires, new brake master cylinder, rebuilt front calipers, new pads, installation of an electronic ignition system, new water pump, new hoses, fitment of a correct wood steering wheel, refinished dashboard wood, installation of Carello driving lights, new fuel filters, restored fuel tank, a full tune up including new spark plugs, setting the timing, carburetor set up, valve adjustment, and numerous smaller tasks. The car was then sold by Fantasy Junction to the current Northern California owner. Under current ownership this wonderful Fulvia has been serviced and tuned, replacing hoses and fuel lines, installing new brake pads and fluid, and a canister installed to replace the road draft tube, which commonly leaks. The driving lights have been raised (to prevent curb damage), a new battery installed, and new seatbelts as well as recovered seat bottoms have been installed in the car.

Cosmetically, the car is very attractive, with nice driver level presentation and a wonderful competition presence. The body is very straight with good fit, particularly the doors. The attractive, glossy paint accented by competition stripes shows two small areas of superficial bubbling, one in the rear splash area behind the right rear wheel, and one on the underside of the front valence ahead of the left front wheel. The doors and both front and rear deck lids are aluminum. The glass and lights are in very nice shape. All windows are Plexiglas with the exception of the glass windscreen, which has very light wear. The car has full Carello lighting at the front, including headlamps and rally lights, one of which has a crack on the lens. The chrome and bright trim are in nice condition, with minor swirls and light surface scratches, but certainly not detracting from the overall presentation. The Cromodora alloy wheels are in very nice condition, including the center badges.

The interior is authentically finished benefiting from the recently replaced seat bottoms that correctly match the interior. The door panels, headliner, and rear compartment are all in good condition, as is the dash pad. The wood steering wheel and dashboard are in beautiful shape, with the instruments and controls properly presented. The rubber floor coverings, often worn or incorrectly replaced remain in very good condition. The additional attractive black felt floor trim offers a pleasant finishing touch to the sporting interior.

The presentation of the engine compartment is consistent with a well-maintained car that has been delightfully enjoyed. The engine compartment is clean and tidy, reflecting period correct elements and appropriate finishes. The structural components are in very good shape with a refined and sorted appearance. The trunk retains what may very well be the original rubber mat, which is in great shape. A matching spare wheel is in place, as are tools and a jack.

The car is a pleasure to drive. The short rear end ratio makes for good performance, but the normally spaced gears delivers relaxed cruising under moderate driving conditions. The motor revs enthusiastically with great carburetion. The engine delivers that exciting Lancia V4 character, which is further enhanced by minimal resistance velocity stacks feeding the Solex carburetors. In all, the combined tractable street use and high revving performance make for an entertaining and delightful driving experience, further validating the many reasons Fulvias repeatedly appear in top level collections around the world.

A copy of the Automobile Club d’Italia type homologation papers for the Fulvia Rallye HF is included with the car along with original instruction books and a file of documentation. A letter and bill of sale substantiating the car’s connection to the Lancia family is also included. Additional documents also accompany the car including some service records, miscellaneous correspondence, and official documentation from the car’s period in the United Kingdom, several MOTs, and the V5.

The Fulvia 1.6 HF Fanalone is not only the definitive and most desirable Fulvia, it is the genesis of Lancia’s golden age of rally dominance. As such, the Fulvia is credited and respected for its rightful place in automotive history with collectors coveting them for their rarity and thrilling driving experience. With its interesting history and Fanalone rarity, this wonderfully sorted and attractive car will be at home in any collection, or engaging in spirited rally inspired motoring adventures.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608