The 1970 Lancia Fulvia Coupe HF 1.6 represents the pinnacle of the Fulvia lineage, a vehicle that cemented Lancia’s reputation as a dominant force in international rallying. Known affectionately as the “Fanalone” due to its distinctive oversized inner headlights, this Series 1 HF is one of only 1,258 examples produced. Chassis 001629 is a seasoned competitor, having campaigned in various European rally events between 2009 and 2014 before arriving in the United States. Its lightweight construction and sophisticated engineering made it a giant-killer on the rally stages, a legacy that continues to resonate with collectors and vintage racing enthusiasts today.
Aluminum Panels and Iconic Fanalone Lighting
The visual character of the 1970 Lancia Fulvia Coupe HF 1.6 is defined by its purposeful, competition-ready silhouette. To save weight, the HF specification utilized an aluminum hood, doors, and trunk lid, along with plexiglass windows. This example is finished in a striking red with a flat-black hood and trunk lid, accented by a tricolore stripe and Lancia Italia lettering. The “Fanalone” 170mm inner headlights and Marchal driving lights provide the necessary illumination for night stages, while black plastic flares cover the gold-finished 13 inch Cromodora alloy wheels. Every element, from the hood pins to the rear mud flaps, underscores its heritage as a functional motorsport tool.
Rally-Spec Cockpit with Brantz Navigation
Inside, the cabin of this 1970 Lancia Fulvia Coupe HF 1.6 is a stripped-back environment designed for precision and safety. Fixed-back bucket seats with corduroy inserts are paired with OMP multi-point harnesses, all protected by a bolt-in roll cage. The wood-veneer dashboard houses Veglia Borletti instrumentation, including a 10,000-rpm tachometer that hints at the V4’s high-revving nature. For competitive use, the car is equipped with a Brantz Retrotrip rally computer and a fire-suppression system. While the rear parcel shelf has been removed to save weight, the interior retains essential controls like the dogleg-pattern shifter, ensuring a tactile and immersive connection to the machine.
Narrow-Angle V4 Grit and Dogleg Transaxle
At the heart of the 1970 Lancia Fulvia Coupe HF 1.6 is a 1.6-liter narrow-angle V4 engine, which was factory rated at 115 hp/117 PS and 113 lb-ft/153 Nm. This powerplant features dual Solex carburetors and was rebuilt in 2015 to ensure continued performance. Power is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed dogleg manual transaxle, a configuration preferred by rally drivers for its quick access to second and third gears. The chassis is equally advanced, featuring a transverse leaf spring setup up front and a live axle with a Panhard rod out back. Four-wheel disc brakes provide the stopping power necessary to navigate tight alpine passes with confidence.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.6L Narrow-Angle V4 |
| Induction | Dual Solex Carburetors |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Dogleg Manual Transaxle |
| Body Construction | Aluminum Hood, Doors, and Trunk Lid |
| Wheels | 13″ Cromodora Alloy (Gold Finish) |
| Instrumentation | Veglia Borletti / Brantz Rally Computer |
| Braking | Four-Wheel Disc Brakes |
| Production | One of 1,258 Examples |
Fanalone Rarity and Global Rally Appeal
In the landscape of 1970s sports cars, the 1970 Lancia Fulvia Coupe HF 1.6 Fanalone occupies a prestigious position as a homologation special. While its displacement may seem modest compared to contemporary muscle cars, its power-to-weight ratio and mechanical balance made it a superior choice for technical rally courses. Direct competitors like the Alpine A110 offered similar agility, but the Lancia provided a unique engineering perspective with its front-wheel-drive layout and V4 engine. Given its limited production run and documented competition history in Europe, this example represents a high-value acquisition for collectors who prize mechanical authenticity and motorsport provenance over showroom-floor perfection.
A Definitive Piece of Lancia Competition History
This 1970 Lancia Fulvia Coupe HF 1.6 is more than a vintage car; it is a portal to an era of unshielded, mechanical rallying. From the howl of its Solex-fed V4 to the precise feedback of its dogleg gearbox, every aspect of this Fanalone is tuned for engagement. Having transitioned from European rally stages to the California coast, it stands ready for its next chapter, whether that involves historic rallies or curated collection display. It remains an enduring symbol of a time when Lancia was the undisputed king of the dirt.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
