1969 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato

The introduction of the Fulvia saloon in 1963 maintained Lancia's reputation for innovation in automobile design. The boxy-styled Appia replacement featured an all new narrow-angle, overhead-camshaft, V4 engine; front-wheel drive; independent front suspension by double wishbones and disc brakes all round. A 2+2 coupé on a shorter wheelbase was launched in 1965 powered by a 1,216cc engine producing 80bhp and although mechanically similar, the newcomer had all the visual presence its progenitor lacked. Tuned HF versions provided increased performance while, for the style conscious, there was the Sport Zagato with lightweight aerodynamic bodyshell. Introduced in 1967 with the 1,298cc (87bhp) engine, the Zagato was later offered with the 1.6-litre HF unit producing 114bhp. A 5-speed gearbox was introduced from 1971 and in its larger-engined form the Sport was good for around 120mph.

This particular 1.3-litre Fulvia Sport Zagato was first registered on 3rd April 1969 and is believed to be one of only a handful of original right-hand drive examples known to still exist and one of the last 'real' Lancias built before FIAT’s takeover in late 1969.

It has been sympathetically restored to a superb level with the emphasis being on originality and retains all of the signature Fulvia Zagato features unique to the Series 1 including the alloy side-opening bonnet, alloy door skins and spare wheel hatch. The bodywork was taken back to bare metal and fully prepared before being professionally refinished in many coats of Lancia Blue Mendoza. The engine was fully rebuilt with all new pistons and bearings, the twin Solex carburettors were refinished, the original Dunlop disc brakes were rebuilt and the suspension and underpinnings received equal attention. Naturally the interior was not left out and was retrimmed and refurbished as required with the seats and door cards benefiting from fresh, period correct tan vinyl.

The little Lancia is accompanied by a comprehensive history file which includes a continuous ownership log detailing just four recorded keepers until 1978 and then the same family ownership until 2021, as well as further documentation helping to support the indicated mileage of 48,944.

Ex-Works HF rally cars aside, the Sport Zagato is the most desirable and collectible of all the Fulvias and undeniably one of the most striking designs of its era. These period coach-built motor cars are becoming more and more sought after and this rare example seems very reasonably guided, especially considering the amount of time, money and love invested in it.