1973 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato 1600

Road or race – what will you choose? This 1973 Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1600 Sport is one of just 62 examples built, making it a highly desirable collector’s car. It was originally sold new to a lady in Dover who owned the car for a decade. It was then used in a number of amateur motorsport events by its second owner between 1981 and the early 00's, it has been modified with a half roll cage and Sabelt harnesses paired with the original seats to meet basic competition safety requirements. However, these modifications are reversible, and the car can be returned to its original factory specification with relative ease, offering flexibility for either road use or continued motorsport participation.

Finished in Burgundy, the Lancia presents well. There are a few minor signs of patina and blemishes showing through in places, but nothing excessive. We did notice the front nearside wing has been resprayed, the passenger door does not open from the outside, and the boot lid does open from the motor but will not shut without a helping hand.

Starting with the Cibie spotlights, unfortunately one of the covers is cracked and there is a piece missing, but with that said, you do see them pop up every now and again for sale. The headlights are in good condition; there are some light scratches on the Perspex light covers, which is pretty inevitable over the years. The front has also seen the bumper removed for a cleaner look – a popular thing to do with Lancias and Alfas of this age.

From the side, the car looks to be nice and straight with a level swage line, equal door gaps and no dings or dents. In place are the original Zagato Milano wing badges, which are in good condition. The chrome wing mirrors and door handles have some light tarnishing, and the window trims are in good order with a bright finish. The windows themselves are free from any noticeable or excessive scratches. One window is covered in stickers, wearing them like badges of honour from various events entered. The seals do have some light perishing, which is worse in places than others.

Around to the smooth rear end – this has also had the bumpers removed for a super-smooth finish. The window sits evenly within the aperture and both light lenses are free from any splits or cracks.

The optional Cromodora alloy wheels are finished in silver. There are some bits of paint which have come off, but these could easily be refurbished by your local wheel refurbisher. A matching set of Vredestein Quatrac 3 tyres are fitted, all of which have plenty of tread remaining.

Inside the Lancia, the interior does have some patina, mainly noted on the beige leather seats. These have worn in places and have started to crack and discolour with age. There is a set of Sabelt harnesses installed which expired in 2013, so they may need to be replaced depending on the event you are entering. The door cards are in the same material and do have some scuffs and some distortion to the backing board.

The dashboard is in good condition, as is the wooden fascia. A Moto-Lita steering wheel is fitted, which does have some wear to the rim, and just behind, the instruments are said to be working correctly. The odometer shows 8,126 miles, which is thought to be 108,126 miles. All the switchgear is said to function correctly apart from the heater fan, which has not been investigated; the switches do have some patina in keeping with the age of the vehicle.

You will have no doubt noticed the half rear roll cage with a fixed diagonal. This is bolted to the floor and wheel arch tubs, so could easily be removed if required. The carpets are in quite good condition with just a small amount of wear to the driver’s heel pad. Inside the boot is clean and tidy with the spare wheel in place. There is also the rear seat base included, which has been removed because of the roll cage.

Fitted with the V4 1600cc engine running twin carburettors, there's nothing quite like the sound of a revvy V4 on carbs, we’re sure you’ll agree.

Producing approximately 115bhp, the 1.6-litre fires up and quickly comes to a smooth idle, with no issues reported when revving or driving the car. It is said to run well, and looking around the engine bay, there were no visible leaks spotted.

Fitted with a five-speed dog-leg gearbox, the gears are easily selected with no issues or untoward noises coming from the transmission. The Lancia stops as well as it goes, in a straight line and with no problems reported.

Under the car, there are some areas where the underseal has started to flake off, but in general, it presents well all over with minimal surface corrosion on the suspension components.

Unfortunately, there isn’t really any history with the car. We know from the window stickers it competed in several events from around 2007 to 2018. The main ones appear to have been around 2010, where it was most active in the Wales Three Castles Rally.

The previous keeper owned the Lancia from 2006–2023, when the vendor became the owner and used it as a fun weekend car.

One of 62, this 1973 Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1600 Sport is a pretty rare thing. It does appear to have been used in mature competition rallies around 2010. The roll cage is only a bolt-in item, so the car could very easily be put back to standard, as the base for the rear seat is included.

Registered as a historic vehicle, the car is MoT and tax exempt, making it a very affordable and desirable classic to own, and we think it will fetch between £18,000–£23,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.