Lancia Fulvia S2 1.6 HF Lusso

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“On back roads the HF really comes into its own. Power comes rushing in from 3,000rpm right to the top of the curve at 6,000rpm and it can be thrown into a corner, sticking resolutely to the line chosen. Lifting off in a corner will produce a slight degree of tuck-in and in extreme conditions the back can be hung out neatly, with the front wheels pulling the car round. This must be one of the safest cars to drive really fast on twisting roads.” Autocar, November 1971.

A brilliant car from the outset, Lancia’s plucky little Fulvia got better still in 1969 with the launch of the HF 1600 which secured Lancia’s first World Rally Championship crown in 1972. A road-going ‘Lusso’ version was also available (Tipo 814.740/741) with extra equipment such as stainless steel bumpers, flared arches and the same Campagnolo alloy wheels as the competition HF.

The interior was also less spartan with an attractive wooden dash, radio, improved switchgear and heating/ventilation controls. Production ceased in 1973 after just 3,690 Lussos had been built of which perhaps only around 400 were in RHD making this a rare find indeed (although we are delighted to have two such cars in this catalogue).

Dating from 1972 this particular Lusso spent its first couple of years in Jersey, being first UK registered in December 1974, hence the ‘N’ plate. In the current ownership for the last 13 years it has had 7 former keepers, the vendor acquiring it in 2003 from a gentleman who had owned it for 9 years. It comes with an extensive history file dating back to 1984 at which point it had covered some 24,500 miles, a total which has now risen to some 92,800 miles.

Clearly a fastidiously maintained example, it has never wanted for anything and the history file takes some time to wade through, perhaps the most significant bill being for an engine rebuild in May 1990 at 61,880 miles which included a reground crank, new main and big end bearings, bores re-honed, rebuilt cylinder head, plus numerous other items. A new timing chain was also fitted at 64,722 miles.

The bodywork and structure have also been well maintained with bills charting various repairs over the years including a new aluminium bonnet at some point with external release pins. The boot lid and both doors are also lightweight aluminium.

During the current ownership the front sub-frame has been professionally refurbished including the incorporation of stainless steel elements using specialist welding techniques. New engine and gearbox mountings have also been fitted along with a new crankshaft oil seal, various new gaskets and a check-over of the Solex carburettors by marque specialists Omicron in November 2014.

In generally good condition throughout and said to drive as it should, it certainly started promptly and ran beautifully as we manoeuvred it for these photos. It comes with the aforementioned history file, an MOT valid until June 2016, 22 old MOTs back to 1985 at 40,569 miles, an owner’s handbook and a workshop manual. The original steering wheel and bumpers are also included as is a stainless steel exhaust, the vendor preferring the sound of the mild steel unit currently fitted.

Any Fulvia is a treat to drive with superb handling and an addictively rev-happy engine but the 1.6 is definitely the one to have (if you can find one) making this rare and pampered Lusso a seriously tempting proposition at the modest guide price suggested. Ideal for fast road use or for conversion into a full-on competition car, either way we love it!