Lancia - Fulvia Hf 1600 Gruppo 4 - 1970

Chassis no. 818540-001623

The Lancia Fulvia Coupé Rallye 1.6 HF – Group 4 is a 1970 example of extraordinary historical and technical interest, equipped with a rare “816540 AR 1016” Esper Meccanica engine. It is an official Squadra Corse unit, which according to research appears to have been used on an official Fulvia that won a race in 1970, corresponding by engine number and period specifications.

The car is identified by the code 818540 at its original structural points, including axles, engine supports, wishbones, rear upright, leaf springs and engine cradle. The bodyshell has been reinforced according to the specifications of official competition cars, with extensive welds at all sheet-metal junctions, confirming its Group 4 racing setup.

The configuration includes a close-ratio gear with a competition clutch, steering with linkage derived from Flavia, racing exhaust manifold, a competition electrical system with an external three-branch configuration, twin fuel pumps with a reserve tap and a tank in the rear compartment with a filler neck on the fender. The setup is handled by reinforced Koni shock absorbers, while the bonnet features external quick-release opening and the cabin is equipped with a sport dashboard and trip master.

Between 2016 and 2017 the car underwent a complete and meticulous restoration.

The bodyshell was fully stripped of paint, aligned in a jig, and restored with the replacement of the sills and the rear sheet. The floors were repaired and straightened, dents fixed, and the entire structure treated with protective materials prior to the final paint and polishing.

The mechanicals were completely rebuilt: the engine was disassembled and rebuilt with cylinder head revision, new valves and springs, valve guides machined, bearings and studs replaced. The cams are new, as are the oil pump, gaskets and seals. The close-ratio gearbox was updated with new gears and the differential fully rebuilt. A new CO.ME competition clutch was also installed.

The chassis has been brought back to racing specification with refreshed Koni shock absorbers, a reduced-ratio steering box with Flavia linkages, a new aluminum fuel tank, bearings replaced, new front end and steering heads, revised joints and a completely renewed braking system with rebuilt front and rear calipers and Ferodo Racing pads. Also the brake pump and hoses are new.

Further work affected every functional component: parking brake revised, twin fuel pumps with new hoses and fittings, original-era carburetors rebuilt, reserve tap renovated, new water radiator and water pump, ignition distributor gear replaced, oil radiator rebuilt with new hoses, leaf springs restored, exhaust and silencer new, exhaust manifold rebuilt to original spec and engine and gearbox mounts completely replaced.

The electrical system was completely overhauled, without retaining any original wiring. The vintage battery cut-off is retained and refurbished, historic electronic ignition installed, and SEV alternator, distributor and starter motor overhauled. All cabling, cap, spark plugs and ancillary components are new. Instrumentation, controls, lights, taillights, license-plate lights, horn, wipers and heating system have all been fully revised. The front lighting includes four new Carello headlights and turn indicators. The fuel tank float has been replaced.

Completing the setup are five new competition tires on refurbished and rebalanced rims, interiors with new carpets and coverings while keeping the original seats preserved, new plexiglass windows, replaced body seals and HF decals faithfully recreated according to period specifications.

The engine is a former official Lancia Squadra Corse unit in HF 1600 “Fanalone” specification, while the car is recorded to have participated in the 1975 Sanremo Rally, where it was entered and classified with the crew Delfino – De Negri.

The Lancia Fulvia Coupé, presented in 1965, represents a milestone in the marque’s sporting history. Compact, refined and technologically advanced, it quickly became the base of Cesare Fiorio’s racing department, evolving into the legendary HF versions and the famous 1600 HF “Fanalone.”

The Fulvia HF 1600, with a 1.584 cm³ V4 engine and race-output powers up to about 160–165 hp, was a standout on the international rally scene, contributing to Lancia’s world titles in 1972 and 1974, with drivers such as Sandro Munari and Harry Källström.

This example, chassis no. 818540-001623, represents a rare testament to that golden era of rallying. Equipped with a former Squadra Corse Lancia engine (spec 818540 VAR 1016), consistent with competition units of the period, it preserves a significant trace of its possible sporting career.

Between 2016 and 2017 it underwent a complete and rigorous restoration, performed with full respect for the original racing configuration, restoring every component to peak sporting efficiency.

Today this Lancia Fulvia 1600 HF is not only a historic car but also an authentic testimony to the great era of Italian rallying: a rare specimen, fully restored, with substantial technical, historical and collectible value, ready to be preserved or used in historical events and competitions.

Car visible in Modena, Italy.