Description:

Ex- Works Lancia Fulvia Series 1 1600HF “Fanalone” – 1969 Sebring 12 Hours

Chassis 818.540*1002*

•    Believed to be the earliest surviving works Fulvia HF
•    Huge history folder
•    FIA papers
•    Comprehensive report on the car from the marque experts, Omicron, can be supplied to serious potential purchasers.

Believed to be the oldest surviving Lancia 1600 HF ‘Fanalone’, this works car was supplied by Reparto Corse to Algar Enterprises Inc, the US Lancia importers at the time, for them to run at Daytona and Sebring in 1969, being driven in the latter by none other than former Grand Prix driver, Innes Ireland. Having been in the same ownership in the UK for the last 20 years, this highly significant Lancia ex-works car is now being offered for sale privately by its collector owner.

The works team, HF Squadra Corse Lancia - as described in ‘Lancia Racing’ by Nigel Trow (page 119) - entered this car in the 18th Annual Sebring 12-Hours classic, run on March 22, 1969. Both this car and a works Fulvia Zagato were entered with the necessary paperwork being handled by Algar Enterprises, as Lancia’s official US representative. 

The car offered here was driven by the great Scots racing driver Innes Ireland – past winner of the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen and later renowned Formula 1 correspondent for ‘Road & Track’ magazine in the US. His co-driver for the 12-Hours was Mike Tillson. Unfortunately, during qualifying in Florida, senior team-mate Umberto Maglioli broke the no. 3 connecting rod in his Fulvia Sport Zagato, which forced the team to cannibalize Ireland’s HF Coupe (this car) for its 1.6-litre engine, with a 1.3-litre power unit being substituted in ‘1002’ for the classic Sebring race. In spite of this handicap, Ireland and Tillson managed to finish in 27th place overall, Innes driving for no fewer than 9½ hours and then writing a typically amusing article entitled ‘12 Hours Hard Labour’ which was published in the famed British weekly magazine ‘Autocar’, recounting the full story of his race. This car was subsequently entered for the following Sebring 12-Hours in 1970 by Robert Clark co-driving with Wayne Marsula. 

The car is currently fitted with a 1600 HF motor (818.540*008003) breathing through 45mm twin-choke Weber carburettors (as used in later factory racing cars) and new old stock Mondial 10.5:1 compression-ratio pistons. The engine was rebuilt as recently as 300 miles ago (before the car went on static display) with all parts crack-tested and ARP connecting rod bolts being used.

Onboard safety features include a full Halon fire suppression system and new fuel cell bladder as required for most Vintage racing events. The car is offered with current FIA papers and temporary FIVA card, while its log book confirms active use of this car in Vintage racing events from 1984 through 1999, including such prestigious venues as Laguna Seca, and the Tour Auto.

Since 2005, the car has been on static display as part of a collection of fine motor cars and has been started periodically but not run in anger. As an old race car it naturally has a few battle scars to the paintwork but is entirely rot free. Given its significance as a works car, the new owner may decide to embark upon a full restoration, or a general recommissioning, leaving as much of the car as original as possible. Either way, the car will require some work before returning to the road or track and this is reflected in the price.

The car can be viewed by appointment near Bristol airport in south-west England, where it’s currently in storage. 

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