Vehicle Description
This front-wheel-drive masterpiece is stored in our
climate-controlled warehouse in Aiken, SC, and comes with a current
South Carolina title. The vehicle listed is now owned, maintained,
and driven by Car Cave. For additional photos and information,
please visit www.carcaveusa.com. A full walkaround video is also
available on our YouTube channel at financing, you can apply
directly with our lending partner, Woodside Credit, here: offering
competitive rates and flexible terms to make driving your dream
vehicle more accessible. Additional lenders and financing options
are available; please feel free to contact us for details.The 1970
Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1600 HF 'Fanalone' holds a remarkable place in
rally history and automotive engineering, representing the pinnacle
of Lancia's Fulvia lineup and Italian rally car design of the era.
Named 'Fanalone' (meaning 'big headlights' in Italian) for its
oversized lights, this model is revered for its success in rallying
under FIA Group 4 and is the most desirable Fulvia variant.Car Cave
has extensive experience with Fulvias, having serviced and sold
many over the years. This example drives exceptionally well, with a
smooth-shifting transmission and excellent start-up, making it a
sheer joy to drive. Records show that this Fulvia spent most of its
life in the sunny, dry climate of Sicily, which has preserved it
beautifully. Finished in red with a subtle blue and yellow racing
stripe, it features a black interior with original wood-grain
finishes. This 1.6 HF has the look, stance, and feel to thrill any
petrolhead. The period-correct 175/70R13 Pirelli Cinturato tires
wrap around original 13' alloy wheels, and a full-size spare, tool
kit, and jack are included in the trunk. Inside, a dog-leg 5-speed
gearbox complements Veglia gauges for Olio (oil pressure) and Acqua
(coolant temperature), Benzina (fuel) are located next to the tach
and speedometer. In front of the passenger mounted in the woodgrain
dash is a Temp Olio gauge to monitor oil temperatures. enhancing
the car's authentic Italian charm.The previous owner, a collector
with a substantial car collection, spared no expense in making this
Fanalone the best driving example on the road. He initially
purchased the Fulvia for $97,000 on Valentine's Day 2018 and
invested almost $90,000 in a comprehensive mechanical overhaul
throughout his years of ownership. Detailed receipts are available
for review upon request. The Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI)
registration placard, proudly displayed in the rear window, adds to
its provenance.Our Italian Lancia expert has verified that this is
a documented, numbers-matching example, and the full registration
file is included in the sale. Originally registered on May 5, 1970,
in Trapani, Sicily, under Omodeo Russo Salvatore's ownership, the
Fulvia was actively used, as shown by annual tax stamps over the
decades of Sicilian ownership. It changed hands several times,
including a transfer to Mirko Mangano in Palermo in 1998. Car Cave
recently visited Palermo and can verify the weather is both hot and
dry, perfect for preserving old Italian treasures.Beyond regular
use, this Fulvia has lived through classic Sicilian racing events
and participated in some classic enthusiasts driving events as
evidenced by rally stickers. This was not utilized any sanctioned
racing events or has a FIA registration.The 64th Targa Florio Rally
in March 1980, one of Italy's most iconic races is shown on the
vehicle. The 65th Targa Florio Rally in March 1981, was a local
event as this vehicle lived in Sicily where many 1.6HF Fulvias were
featured. The Trofeo Florio 2000 on June 17-18, 2000, is featured
on the coupe but race records show there were Fulvias entered but
no 1.6 HF models participated in the race event The 1st Ronde Terre
Sicane on April 23, 2006, another Sicilian rally event celebrating
the region's rally heritage.After more than 4 decades in Italy, the
Fulvia was deregistered in 2015 and imported to the U.S. by Mr.
Shraga of Scarsdale, NY. It was sold by Mid Century Motoring to a
collector in Austin, TX, on Valentine's Day 2018, where it remained
for 6.5 years before being acquired by Car Cave. This
numbers-matching Fulvia, boasting a recent comprehensive mechanical
overhaul, is a rare and celebrated piece of Italian automotive
history.Recently, we completed a lengthy road trip and a full
mechanical review to certify this Fulvia as road or rally-ready.
This example, with its documented journey from Italy to the U.S.
and careful ownership record, is now ready for a new enthusiast to
continue its storied legacy.Origins and Rally PedigreeThe Lancia
Fulvia Rallye 1600 HF emerged during the height of rallying in the
late 1960s and early 1970s, as Lancia pursued motorsport dominance.
Building on the original Fulvia design, Lancia crafted a
rally-focused variant capable of handling the most rugged rally
stages. The Rallye 1600 HF, with 'HF' (High Fidelity) reserved for
its performance-oriented models, became a rally icon. Homologated
under FIA Group 4 regulations, it featured a 1.6-liter V4 engine
with high-compression pistons, large carburetors, and optimized
camshafts, achieving impressive power for its size. Lightweight
construction, achieved through aluminum panels and a simplified
interior, further enhanced its agility.Technical AdvancementsThe
Fanalone's transverse-mounted V4 engine and close-ratio 5-speed
gearbox provided exceptional balance and control. The suspension
included independent front suspension and a rear beam axle, finely
tuned for rallying. Equipped with Dunlop calipers and Girling
discs, the brakes delivered reliable stopping power for demanding
rally stages, while the V4 engine produced approximately 132
horsepower?a substantial output for a compact rally car of its era.
The oversized headlights, designed for improved visibility in
nighttime stages, paired with a lowered stance, reflect both rally
functionality and Italian design heritage.Racing Legacy and
TriumphsThe Rallye 1600 HF quickly became a success, elevating
Lancia's reputation in motorsports. Its crowning achievement was in
1972, when it helped secure the International Championship for
Manufacturers (predecessor to the World Rally Championship) for
Lancia, laying the foundation for future legends like the Stratos
and Delta Integrale.Collectibility and LegacyWith its motorsport
pedigree, advanced engineering, and Italian design flair, the
Fanalone is one of the most sought-after rally cars among
collectors. Limited production numbers?and even fewer in the
'Fanalone' configuration?add to its allure. For rally car
enthusiasts and collectors, the Fanalone is a pinnacle of Italian
racing history, combining heritage, performance, and unique
character.Today, well-preserved examples like this one, with a
numbers-matching engine and extensive recent mechanical
refurbishment, are rare treasures, embodying the glory days of
Lancia's rally success and the charm of Italian motorsport
engineering.
