1972 Lancia Fulvia 1600 HF

This matching numbers car is one of just 400 original UK RHD examples. It is rendered even rarer because it comes with aluminium doors, bonnet and boot lid.

Rarer still, it is fitted with Campagnolo alloy wheels of the correct, standard width.

It is in extremely good condition and has a well-documented history.

We have driven it and are delighted to report that it drives really well, with plenty of pep and vigour, and a satisfyingly slick, positive and notchy gear change.

First registered in September ’72, the car was initially used as a demonstrator by Lancia dealers DSM of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire.

The car went off for a total restoration with Forbes of Galashiels

sometime in the ‘Noughties’. Although the project was unfinished, this period saw the (still very solid and apparently rust-free) bodyshell completely restored and resprayed to a very high standard by the now defunct Scorpion Reproductions of Wales, who were then the go-to Fulvia bodyshop. 

In 2021 Day & White’s (well-known classic Lancia restorers) of Brands Hatch took the car from Forbes as a part-finished project. They rebuilt the engine and did much general mechanical / electrical / running gear work at a total cost of around £15,000. 

The next owner wanted to take the car to the next level.

He enlisted the services of Omicron in Norfolk and commissioned them to finish the restoration to his own very high standards.

Omicron installed underfloor Dynamat insulation, new carpet kit and door rubbers, adjusted the body's panel fit all round, added a new pre-engaged starter motor and mechanical fuel pump, repaired a fuel tank leak, fitted a new standard exhaust, fitted a concealed USB socket, adjusted suspension/ steering settings, and did a good deal more besides. 

We challenge anyone to give us a convincing argument for why this isn’t one of the best-looking cars ever made.

It brings joy to the eyes and is a thing of beauty from any angle and in any light.

It is gorgeous. We will brook no contradiction on the topic.

The bodywork on this example is in irreproachable condition, and all panel gaps and shut-lines are crisp, consistent and even.

The Campagnolo wheels are excellent, and the tyres look to have a decent amount of life left in them.

The chrome trim is free of any foxing, pitting or tarnishing that we can see.

The lights, lenses, badging, trim and other exterior fixtures and fittings have held up with commendable stoicism.

There is some cracked paint and a patch of micro-blistering on the bonnet.

Some paint has rubbed away inside the lip of both front wheel arches and there are a few small, light-coloured marks on top of both rear wings, on the driver’s door and in one or two other places.

The good news continues without deviation on the inside.

The black vinyl trim is pretty much unmarked, and there are no splits, holes, tears or creases that we can see anywhere.

The seats are supportive and comfortable, although the rear bench is pretty much a token gesture and is really only suitable for the very young, the very small or the very flexible.

The black carpets are equally untroubled by use or abuse, as are the headlining and the door cards.

Even the sun visors feel plump and firm, having resisted the tendency to turn ‘crispy’ often exhibited by items of this vinatge. 

The steering wheel, gear lever and other controls all look fine, as do the various dials and gauges on the dashboard.

A bit of black vinyl trim on the dashboard is lifting and peeling away just to the left of the speedometer and another bit is doing likewise just below the rev counter. A small patch of trim is missing from an area just to the left of the glove compartment.

The boot is in very fine condition and contains a spare wheel, car cover and tool roll.

We didn’t press every button, flick every switch or twiddle every knob, but those we did press, flick and twiddle responded as instructed.

The engine bay is spectacularly clean, shiny, dry and tidy. 

We’d give it 5 stars on a food hygiene scale, never mind a mechanic’s report, and everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The undersides of the car look to have a good deal of structural integrity and seem to us to be uncompromised by time, weather or use. 

This car comes with plenty of bills, invoices and receipts detailing work carried out with Day & White’s and Omicron Classico among others. 

It also has a recent, clear HPI report and various manuals and guides, including what looks to be an original parts catalogue. 

These fabulous cars just ooze class, style and understated panache.

This one has the twin benefits of being both very rare and being in excellent, expertly restored condition.

It drives every bit as well as it looks – and it looks simply stunning. 

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £36,000 - £46,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.