1973 Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1600, S2, RHD

Zagato. A name that will instantly conjure images of striking, stunning, lightweight, rare and racy designs of sheer coach-built beauty to any petrolhead’s mind. The brilliant Fulvia didn’t escape the Zagato pen either and the results are astounding. It’s as good to drive as it is to look at. It sounds the part and garners respect wherever you choose to take it.

 

We first met this car at a local show around 5 years ago, where it won the best on display, it also won our hearts and I’d always said I’d be honoured for it to grace our threshold and here we are! A beautifully restored car, in cracking mechanical and aesthetic order, in the best possible specification, being one of only 33 remaining RHD U.K cars, it is a very rare and special thing.

 

With its aggressively raspy slant V4 engine providing a very respectable pull, it is easy to see how these cars were very competitive in their day when pitched against the German and British cars of the era. It is super light, as evidenced in the razor-sharp steering feel, it turns in so quickly and never seems to run out of grip. The cabin is snug and cossetting, but unlike a sports car of the time, it is buttery smooth and the ride quality is up there with the very best Rolls Royce had to offer all helped by the years of innovation Lancia engineers brought to the world, like the boot hatch opening on an electric motor allowing for air flow and access to the rear end!

 

The car presents very well throughout, thanks to the restoration it has had, it starts with ease and pulls very well indeed, with the rolling road printout showing 5bhp more than standard. The real standout on these cars however, is the outrageous comfort that a car of its size has absolutely no right to offer! The way it holds the road just needs to be experienced to be believed, it would feel utterly alien to the modern car driver! If only manufacturers could drive one and see how far wrong, they’ve gone, it’s exquisite!

With only 4 previous owners, this car has enjoyed long, caring ownership. A big history file, two sets of keys, a beautiful original sales brochure, plenty of magazine articles, invoices, correspondence from owners and rare series 2 instruction book accompanies the car, detailing the restoration, engine rebuild and freshly re-trimmed interior too. It looks as fresh as it drives, smooth, calm, but yet fast and furious! The engine note from the V4 is utterly brilliant and everyone that has driven it, just cannot believe how smooth and comfortable it is, universally loved would be the right terminology.

 

We aren’t known for our love of FWD cars, but this really is a different kettle of fish. As per usual with Lancia, ground-breaking engineering, a car manufacturer’s rule book ripped up and thrown out in a way that only TVR could match, all their own ideas and being the first manufacturer to create double wishbone suspension, monocoque chassis and the telescopic damper, they have had more time than any to get it right and it really shows when you’re out on the open road, a true marvel.

 

You’d be hard pushed to find a car with more charisma and character. Everyone comments on it when you’re out and about, it’s fun, feisty and seriously rare in its original specification. RHD, 5 Speed Dog-leg gearbox, Cromodora wheels, 4 fresh tyres and MOT’d and serviced ready for a new owner to enjoy, we think this car represents cracking value for money in the current market, with so few remaining, the opportunity won’t crop up all too often!

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS OWNERS: 4

TRANSMISSION: 5 speed dog-leg manual

ENGINE CAPACITY: 1.6 Litres

ENGINE SPECIFICATION: Slant V4

Maximum speed  118 mph

0 – 60: 11.5 seconds

Power: 120 bhp

Torque: 153.0 Nm

PRICE: £39,995.00 - ONO