It was in 1965 that Lancia launched the Fulvia coupe. Designed in-house, it was powered by a twin-cam V4 engine of 1,216 cc producing 80 bhp, while the four-speed gearbox had a floor change. The 1.2 HF – for High Fidelity – followed with less trim and 88 bhp, and the Sport with initially all alloy body and later just alloy bonnet, doors and bootlid as on the HF. In 1966 capacity rose to 1,294 cc, realizing in the 101 bhp 1.3 HF the start of a long and illustrious rally career, with a first outright win in the 1966 Rally del Fiori, the 1.3 Rallye which replaced it in 1967 was a big seller. For 1968 engine capacity increased to 1,584 cc: the 1968 HG, boasting 114 bhp (and 118 mph/0-60 mph in 9.9 seconds), a five-speed gearbox, wider tires on 13″ alloy wheels, fiberglass wheelarches and 7″ inner headlamps, represented the ultimate development of the Fulvia – a fact proved by victory in the 1969 Mediterraneana, Elba and RAC Rallies and the 84 Hour marathon de la Route.
1969 also saw the appearance of the Fulvia Series 2. Detail changes were numerous and all models received a new five-speed gearbox while the 1.6 HF had revised front suspension, new flared wheelarches and 14″ alloy wheels; there was also the 1.6 Sport, basically a 1.3 model with 1,584 cc engine. 1974 saw the final Series 3 cars with largely cosmetic alterations before production finally ceased in 1976 – by when the Fulvia coupe had netted both the 1972 and ’74 World Rally Championships.
Meticulously restored over the past two years, the quality of the Series 2 car pictured above is reflected by an Automobiliclub Storico Italiano 1st Class certificate – the highest for originality and condition; it has covered virtually no miles since. Finished in red with black interior, this desirable Italian thoroughbred is thus described by the owner as being in “as new” condition and would be ideal for historic competition.