Lot 178: 1971 Lancia Fulvia HF1600 Group 4 Coupé

The introduction of the Fulvia saloon in 1963 maintained Lancia's reputation for innovation in automobile design. The boxily-styled Appia replacement featured an all-new, narrow-angle, V4, overhead-camshaft engine; front wheel drive; independent front suspension by double wishbones; and disc brakes all round. A 2+2 coupe on a shorter wheelbase was launched in 1965. Though mechanically similar, the beautiful newcomer had all the visual presence its progenitor lacked and came with a 1,216cc engine producing 80bhp. Tuned, lightweight 'HF' versions provided increased performance and formed the basis of the works' highly successful rally programme that saw the Fulvia HF1600 secure Lancia's first Manufacturers' World Championship in 1972. Ultimate expression of the Fulvia Coupé, the HF1600 had been introduced in 1969 and came with a 1,584cc engine producing 115bhp in road tune - an output sufficient for a top speed of 115mph - revised suspension and a five-speed gearbox. Production ceased in 1973 after a little fewer than 5,000 HF1600s had been built.

Delivered new in Switzerland, this competition-prepared Group 4 HF1600 comes with Lancia factory letter (dated October 1973) confirming that it is a 1972 model built in September 1971, together with records relating to its competition career when it was driven for Scuderia Tricolore at Monza in 1976 by Signore Otterino Volonterio from Lugano. The car is described by the vendor as ‘ready to race and in perfect order throughout’, and recently participated at the ‘Neige et Glace’ in February of this year. Acquired by the vendor in October 2005 having had only two previous owners, this authentic Fulvia Group 4 is equipped with 48” Dell Orto carburettors and Campagnolo magnesium wheels. The car is offered with documentation including FIA papers and French Carte Grise.

Vendue neuve en Suisse, cette HF 1600 Groupe 4 préparée compétition est accompagnée d'une lettre de l'usine Lancia (en date d'octobre 1973) certifiant qu'il s'agit d'un modèle 1972 (construit en septembre 1971) ainsi que d'un état de sa carrière en compétition quand elle fut pilotée pour la Scuderia Tricolore à Monza en 1976 par Signore Otterino Volonterio de Lugano. La voitrure est décrite par le vendeur comme ‘prête à courir et en parfait état sur tous les plans. Elle a récemment participé avec talent au Neige et Glace en février de cette année. Acquise par le vendeur en octobre 2005 après avoir connu deux propriétaires seulement, cette authentique Fulvia Groupe 4 est équipée de carburateurs Dell'Orto de 48 et de roues Campagnolo en magnésium. Elle est présentée avec ses documents dont les papiers FIA et sa carte grise française.