1972 Lancia Fulvia Lusso 1600 HF S2

This car is an original RHD 1600 HF and therefore one of only 400 exported new to the UK.  

It has been under the vendor’s diligent stewardship and curation since 1987. It has led a pampered life and always been kept warm, safe and dry in a garage.

It was the grateful recipient of a full, ground-up restoration in 1994-7, at which time the aluminium doors, boot and bonnet were added, and the car was resprayed.

It was originally white.

As you’ll be able to discern from the receipts, the engine was rebuilt by the renowned Lancia engine whisperer Peter Gerrish in 1996, since when it has covered fewer than 5,000 miles.

As with all Lancia Fulvias of this era (in our opinion), it is perfectly proportioned, dripping with Italian glamour and style, and achingly pretty when viewed from virtually every conceivable angle.

It starts, goes, handles, presses on a bit and stops as you would hope and expect of an Italian thoroughbred from a golden era.

And that’s because the right money has been spent with the right people as and when needed throughout the car’s long life. 
 

Compared with its heavier, bigger, more complicated modern counterparts, this car’s pared-back scale and simple, elegant design give it a purity of line and form that are entirely in keeping with the visceral, analogue, unfiltered driving experience it offers.

The bodywork is entirely devoid of any dinks, dents or creases of consequence that we can see anywhere.

The panel gaps and shut-lines are decent for the most part but it has to be said that the shut-lines on the driver’s door and bonnet are rather more ‘La Dolce Vita’ than ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’.

If we were feeling generous, and we are, we’d say it’s all part of the car’s undoubted charm.

The original 14” X 6” Cromodora wheels really set the look off, we think, and they look as good as new because they were finished in gold a week or two before arriving at our Oxfordshire HQ.

They are shod in matching Goodyear Eagle Ventura rubber which looks to have plenty of useful life left in it.

You really can’t miss this car - the paint is very red and very vibrant.

It’s managed to hold on to plenty of its shine and lustre, but there are a few minor deviations from perfection here and there.

We noticed a patch of decidedly swirly, rippled paint at the base of the nearside ‘C’ pillar; a scattering of stone chips around the forward-facing aspect of the n/s/r wheel-arch and a few scuffs on the wing above it; some discoloured paint and a handful of small chips on the o/s/f wing where it meets the driver’s door; and some paint runs down the sill beneath the passenger door.

The chrome-work is in excellent order throughout, as are the lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings.

There’s a small chip to the windscreen. 
 

The interior is a joy to behold and would be a fine place in which to spend some quality motoring time.

The rear seats are trimmed in the original vinyl and come with red BS/MoT compliant seat belts.

The front seats have been retrimmed in black leather with red piping.

Front and back, the seats are comfortable, supportive and have yet to earn much more than a light crease, let alone any ingrained patina.  

The door cards are in very good order, as is the headlining.

The black plastics on and around the dashboard and centre console have stoically resisted any temptations to crack or fade, as has the delightful wood veneer dashboard itself.

The Moto-Lita steering wheel is not an original item but looks great and is in fine condition.

As far as we and the vendor are aware, all buttons, knobs, dials, gauges and switches do what they’re supposed to do, with the exception of the water temperature gauge, which has taken early retirement.

The boot is as good as the rest of it and contains a full-sized spare wheel.
 

The engine and engine bay are a riot of primary colours (red, yellow and blue) and are notably clean and fresh-looking.

We’d give them 5 stars on a food hygiene rating, never mind a mechanic’s report.

There are no tell-streaks or drips anywhere that we can see and everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The good news extends to the undersides of the car, which look to have plenty of structural integrity.

The brakes have recently been overhauled with re-furbished callipers, new seals to master cylinder and a brand-new servo unit. The car had an engine oil and plugs service just a couple of months ago. 
 

The car comes with all manner of bills, invoices and receipts attesting to its restoration, maintenance, repair and long-term curation over the years.

There are also magazine articles, Omicron parts catalogues, and a couple of old MoT certificates to tell us that the car’s mileage in 1992 was 7,819 and, in 2012, 20,205 miles.

Today, the odometer is showing 21,447 miles.

The car comes with a full set of keys, a clear HPI report and a V5C.

Original RHD iterations of these cars were rare in the first place and they’re only going to become rarer.

This one has the very real benefits of having been in long-term ownership since 1987; having been used sparingly but regularly; and having been worked on by respected marque experts as and when necessary.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £25,000 - £30,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.