Beschreibung:

The introduction of the Fulvia saloon in 1963 maintained Lancia’s unparalleled reputation for innovation in automobile design. The boxily-styled Appia replacement featured an all-new, narrow-angle (13-degree) overhead-camshaft V4 engine; front wheel drive; independent front suspension by double wishbones; and disc brakes all round. A 2+2 coupe on a shorter wheelbase was launched in 1965. Though mechanically similar, the newcomer had all the visual presence its progenitor lacked and came with a 1,216cc engine producing 80bhp. Tuned ‘HF’ versions provided increased performance, while for the style conscious there was the eye-catching Sport Zagato, characterised by one of the eponymous Milanese carrozzeria’s typically lightweight and aerodynamic bodies. The shape was penned by Ercole Spada, arguably Zagato’s most important post-war designer, who had forged his reputation for creative brilliance with the iconic Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato of 1960. Introduced in 1967 with the 1,298cc (87bhp) engine, the Zagato was later offered with the 1.6-litre 115bhp HF unit, a sparkling combination with a top speed approaching 120mph. A five-speed gearbox was standard equipment from 1971. Production ceased in 1972 after Zagato had manufactured around 7,000 cars, a mere 800 of which were the ultimate 1.6-litre version. Lighter and more nimble than the standard-bodied cars, the Sport distinguished itself in competition, particularly in long distance events. Fulvia Sport Zagatos scored highly in the Sebring 12 Hours and Daytona 24 Hours (where a Sport earned a class win in 1969). 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. This left-hand drive Fulvia Sport Zagato has an interesting history: one of the last built, this 1972 model is number 703 out of the 800 1.6-litre cars made. Originally sold and used in Italy, it was procured in the mid-1980s by the Zagato brothers for Aston Martin chairman Victor Gauntlett and restored for him during the time of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato project’s development. From then onwards ‘001703’ resided in the UK until early 2004, when it was imported into the USA by an Aston Martin enthusiast. The 1980s factory restoration is no longer fresh, but the car has been loved and used as daily transport by its most recent London-based owner, treated to specialist servicing and ongoing mechanical refurbishment. The current vendor has continued with this program, with a recent service at Paul Glynn Motorsports in Rowley, MA. It is offered complete with original Italian and UK registration papers, owner’s manual, bill of sale from the last UK owner, and US import documents confirming taxes paid. This lovely Lancia represents a rare opportunity to own and enjoy an authentic Zagato-bodied car with a fascinating, documented history and copious maintenance records for a relatively modest price.