1971 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato

This vibrant Series II example was built in 1971 but first registered in the UK in March 1974. This may suggest that it spent its early life in Europe before being imported here at the later date. Since that stage this rare car has been through the hands of six previous keepers. This Zagato was believed to have spent much of the 1980’s and ‘90’s in a barn before being rescued around 15years ago. At that stage the Zagato was converted to a race car specified to HSCC 70s Road Sports regulations. This transmogrification included sand blasting the shell down to bare metal, welding, and wax-oil treatment of all hollow and concealed spaces. The car remains fully Waxoyled underneath to protect her from any future rust. Extensive stiffening of the chassis was also undertaken together with reinforced sills and cross members. A full roll cage was fitted (reduced to just a roll hoop, now), as were double anti-roll bars up front, lowered suspension all round, and Delrin suspension mounts and bushings replacing the original rubber items. The Lancia was thought to have last raced in 2010.

Thereafter the Zagato was barn stored again until early 2024 when current owner, Terance, acquired the car. Since then, Terance has spent well over £10,000 converting and recommissioning the diminutive Lancia back to an enjoyable road car. It’s a rare one, too, with just 60 examples thought to remain on UK roads today.

The Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato is a striking looking car, if a surprisingly diminutive one at less than 14 feet long and just over 5 feet wide. The bright Mars Red livery, gold finished alloys and yellow hued, quad headlamp setup makes this a guaranteed head turner. Given this is a car which has spent a considerable time in various barns, it will come as no surprise that there are some cosmetic issues.

Our operations team note a number of imperfections, many of which have been captured in our photographic package. These include some dull and fading paintwork in places, foxing to the brightwork, misaligned hinged panels making for inconsistent shut lines and some ripples on the roof and boot.

All that aside it is a charming and characterful car that will inevitably bring a smile to many an onlookers’ face. The front bumper has been deleted, and the inspired Spada fastback design is generously glazed and features his signature coda tronca, or truncated tail. The Zagato also features the unusually long and florid, chrome model badges front and back as well as Zagato “Z’s” on each front wing. The Lancia features its original 14-inch Cromadora magnesium alloys which are shod in brand new 185mm section Pirelli Cinturatos. The vendor notes that the headlamps are obvious modern interpretations of a Daytona Competizione style but that the original units are included in the sale.

The Zagato’s cabin is a period delight and, in one key way, even better than the original. In 1971 this Lancia would have featured a black vinyl interior but now it proudly exhibits the almost impossibly “squishy” looking Zagato designed seats recovered in supple black leather. These superb seats have also been re-foamed and are reported to be as comfortable as they look. A brand new, black carpet set is fitted over Dynamat together with new door cards and rear seats benefitting from a more serviceable backrest from the Fulvia Coupe. Securon inertia reel seatbelts have also been fitted both front and back.

The dashboard fascia looks fantastic with its honey coloured wood veneer finish. The original gauges are Veglia Borletti items with yellow mph increments overlayed atop the fitted kilometre per hour speedometer. Three smaller, auxiliary gauges sit between the main pair and above a strip of pictorial warning lights. A charming three spoke, wood rimmed steering wheel is fitted which is believed to be a period Nardi-manufactured, "Meko" branded wheel. Which is also mounted on a spacer to improve the typically Italianate driving position. A discreet Retrosound Bluetooth MP3 head unit is installed as is a later voltmeter. 

The boot is surprisingly commodious and practical and is finished in edge bound, fitted black carpet and matching side panels. The corrugated boot floor appears solid and provides a home to the fuel tank.

Despite this car’s racing past, the engine remains mostly standard. The Ettore Zaccone Mina V4 engine is of a fascinating design with the angle of the V so shallow that a single cylinder head could be used to cover all the cylinders, with one cam each for intake and exhaust valves. The engine is also canted over to allow for a lower bonnet line. 

There are a few minor engine upgrades noted, however, including an oil cooler and open trumpets with Pipercross socks. The twin Solex carburettors have been recently setup by Airey Tuning, resulting in an impressive 102bhp, a dozen or so more than the original specification. Timing and valve clearances have all been recently checked and the V4 shows strong compression on all cylinders.

Additionally, all fuel and brake lines have been replaced, and the brakes and servo have all been rebuilt. The radiator has been chemical dipped, flushed and pressure tested, and all fluids, including gearbox and differential oil, have been replaced. The steering box has also been fully rebuilt and the race modified drop arms and track rods replaced and setup by legendary Lancia specialist Tanc Barratt, with the handling now reportedly spot on. A full rewiring has been undertaken with a modern fuse box and relays fitted. A new, over-specified battery and a high efficiency Spal electric fan are also present.

The under bonnet condition is generally good and original looking. Some areas of red finish, such as the cam cover and brake servo, are a little chipped and flaked, but nothing a little remedial attention couldn’t easily address. Quite a lot of earlier welding and patching is in evidence underneath the Lancia, but no obvious corrosion is in evidence with the diligent Waxoyling seeming to have paid dividends.   

Although owner, Terance, confirms he inherited no paperwork when he purchased the Lancia, he seems to have accumulated a fair bit since then. Of course, the V5 registration document is present classifying the Lancia as an Historic Vehicle and so MoT exempt and zero rated for vehicle excise duty.

The bulk of the remainder consists of numerous invoices for wide ranging work undertaken since the beginning of 202 and amounting to in excess of £10,000. Other highlights include an original Fulvia repair manual and a period instruction booklet and a number of complex looking wiring diagrams and a Lancia Fulvia book.

Prior to Fiat’s arrival in 1969, Lancia were renowned for their use of the highest quality materials and components and the integrity of their fitting and finishing. With Lancia haemorrhaging money, however, Fiat needed to quickly rein in that proclivity. With the Series II Fulvia Sport Zagato launching in 1970, many in the know regard this of the last of the true, pre-Fiat Lancias. It also remains significantly the best value way to wrap yourself in an esteemed Zagato by Spada body. 

This example is a lovely one. It has clearly enjoyed a life well lived with an interesting and diverse back story. With so much recently and shrewdly spent and much care and attention expended keeping the dreaded rust at bay, this is a reassuringly futureproofed example of a very rare breed. Surely a deeply exciting ownership prospect for the legion of Italian sports car connoisseurs out there.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £16,000 - £20,000.

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’.