1971 Lancia Fulvia Sports Coupe

Lancia's works team campaigned the Fulvia in 1.2- and 1.3-litre forms, securing several wins at World Championship level, before the introduction of the 1.6-liter, five-speed HF 1600 for 1969. The Fulvia Coupe HF 1600 came with a 1584cc engine offering 115 horsepower in road trim and 165 horsepower in rally tune. The car soon earned the nickname, 'fanalone' in reference to its large auxiliary driving lights.

The Works teams used the HF 1600 between 1969 and 1974, securing seven European Championship wins in 1970, six in 1971, and seven in 1972. They took the World rally Championship for Makes in 1972. The Alpine-Renault A110 took the French manufacturer title in 1973. For 1974, Lancia regained the title with the Stratos and Beta Coupe.

When production ceased in 1973, a total of 3,690 Stradale (road-going) HF 1600s had been produced, with an additional 1,258 being built to 'Rallye' specification.

This particular car, chassis number 2268, was delivered new to Lancia's Competition department in Turin on May 31st of 1972. Its first race outing was driven by Munari and Mannucci, finishing 1st in the San Marino Rally on August 31st of 1972.

The car won the 1972 San Remo Rally where it was driven by Amilcare Ballestrieri/Arnoldo Bernacchini. Later, the car participated in a number of other rallies, including the following year's San Marino rally and the 1974 Italian championship before passing into the hands of four private Italian owners. The current owner purchased the car in 2008 in restored 'authentic' condition. It has been finished in Lancia Italia colours of red with a black bonnet.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Monaco sale presented by Bonhams. The car was estimated to sell for €140,000 - 180,000, but bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012