•One of a mere 882 examples of the desirable 1.3 HF model built
•Delivered new to France
•Believed only circa 22,000 kilometres from new
•Highly original
•Concours prize-winner

The introduction of the Fulvia saloon in 1963 maintained Lancia's reputation for innovation in automobile design. Designed by Antonio Fessia, the boxy-styled Appia replacement featured an all-new, narrow-angle, V4, overhead-camshaft engine; front wheel drive; independent front suspension by double wishbones; and disc brakes all round. The Fulvia was described as 'a precision motor car, an engineering tour de force', and was lauded by motoring journalists as a jewel of engineering and forward thinking design, as well as being delightful to drive.

A 2+2 coupé on a shorter wheelbase was launched in 1965. Though mechanically similar, the beautiful newcomer had all the visual presence its progenitor lacked and came with a 1,216cc engine producing 80bhp. In 1967 the model was up-rated with the 1,298cc, 85bhp engine, becoming the Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Tuned, lightweight 'HF' versions provided increased performance and formed the basis of the Squadra Corse works team's highly successful rally programme that saw the Fulvia HF 1600 secure Lancia's first Manufacturers' World Championship in 1972. Although their symbol was a galloping elephant, these cars were true paragons of lightness and efficiency. Producing 101bhp at 6,400rpm, the Rallye 1.3 HF's engine was the most powerful 1,300cc unit used in a Fulvia. There were only 882 cars made, compared with 1,258 Fulvia Rallye 1.6 HFs produced between 1969 and 1970, and these rarer early 1.3-litre cars are becoming more sought after than the 1,600cc versions.

This Fulvia Rallye 1.3 HF Coupé was delivered new to France in 1968. The car changed hands in 1971, moving to the Montpellier region, and from then onwards stayed with the same French owner until 2008, being kept in excellent and notably original condition. It is recorded on file that in the early 1980s the car had covered only 15,000 kilometres (believed the correct total from new). After an engine rebuilt around that same time, the odometer was zeroed and only some 7,700 kilometres were covered subsequently, making the total distance from new approximately 22,000 kilometres.

Changing hands in 2008, the Fulvia was then cosmetically restored to the highest possible standards by well-known Dutch Lancia specialist, Franke in The Hague (Den Haag). The engine was overhauled again, unnecessarily as it turned out, while other mechanical works carried out at that time included overhauling the brakes, clutch, starter motor, etc.

Boasting beautiful paintwork, the car remains highly original and we have been advised that it retains full matching numbers, including those of the body panels. This car's quality was recognised at the Paleis Het Loo Concours d'Élégance in 2010 where it was a prize-winner in its class 'Cuore Sportivo'. In addition to the concours prize, the car comes with an instruction manual; Dutch registration papers; a copy of the old French (second-owner) Carte Grise; old French number plates; a photographic record of all Franke's 2008 work; and invoices for the last sympathetic restoration totalling over €30,000.

Original and unmolested Fulvia 1.3 HFs being hard to find, this car represents a rare opportunity to acquire a superb example of this desirable model, offered in wonderful and highly original condition by only its third owner.

No Reserve