The 1970 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1600 HF "Fanalone" holds a remarkable place in rally history and automotive engineering, representing the pinnacle of Lancia’s Fulvia lineup and Italian rally car design of the era. Named “Fanalone” (meaning "big headlights" in Italian) for its oversized lights, this model is revered for its success in rallying under FIA Group 4 and is the most desirable Fulvia variant. Car Cave has extensive experience with Fulvias, having serviced and sold many over the years. This example drives exceptionally well, with a smooth-shifting transmission and excellent start-up, making it a sheer joy to drive. Records show that this Fulvia spent most of its life in the sunny, dry climate of Sicily, which has preserved it beautifully. Finished in red with a subtle blue and yellow racing stripe, it features a black interior with original wood-grain finishes. This 1.6 HF has the look, stance, and feel to thrill any petrolhead. The period-correct 175/70R13 Pirelli Cinturato tires wrap around original 13” alloy wheels, and a full-size spare, tool kit, and jack are included in the trunk. Inside, a dog-leg 5-speed gearbox complements Veglia gauges for Olio (oil pressure) and Acqua (coolant temperature), Benzina (fuel) are located next to the tach and speedometer. In front of the passenger mounted in the woodgrain dash is a Temp Olio gauge to monitor oil temperatures. enhancing the car’s authentic Italian charm. The previous owner, a collector with a substantial car collection, spared no expense in making this Fanalone the best driving example on the road. He initially purchased the Fulvia for $97,000 on Valentine’s Day 2018 and invested almost $90,000 in a comprehensive mechanical overhaul throughout his years of ownership. Detailed receipts are available for review upon request. The Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) registration placard, proudly displayed in the rear window, adds to its provenance. Our Italian Lancia expert has verified that this is a documented, numbers-matching example, and the full registration file is included in the sale. Originally registered on May 5, 1970, in Trapani, Sicily, under Omodeo Russo Salvatore's ownership, the Fulvia was actively used, as shown by annual tax stamps over the decades of Sicilian ownership. It changed hands several times, including a transfer to Mirko Mangano in Palermo in 1998. Car Cave recently visited Palermo and can verify the weather is both hot and dry, perfect for preserving old Italian treasures. Beyond regular use, this Fulvia has lived through classic Sicilian racing events and participated in some classic enthusiasts driving events as evidenced by rally stickers. This was not utilized any sanctioned racing events or has a FIA registration. The 64th Targa Florio Rally in March 1980, one of Italy’s most iconic races is shown on the vehicle. The 65th Targa Florio Rally in March 1981, was a local event as this vehicle lived in Sicily where many 1.6HF Fulvias were featured. The Trofeo Florio 2000 on June 17-18, 2000, is featured on the coupe but race records show there were Fulvias entered but no 1.6 HF models participated in the race event The 1st Ronde Terre Sicane on April 23, 2006, another Sicilian rally event celebrating the region’s rally heritage. After more than 4 decades in Italy, the Fulvia was deregistered in 2015 and imported to the U.S. by Mr. Shraga of Scarsdale, NY. It was sold by Mid Century Motoring to a collector in Austin, TX, on Valentine’s Day 2018, where it remained for 6.5 years before being acquired by Car Cave. This numbers-matching Fulvia, boasting a recent comprehensive mechanical overhaul, is a rare and celebrated piece of Italian automotive history. Recently, we completed a lengthy road trip and a full mechanical review to certify this Fulvia as road or rally-ready. This example, with its documented journey from Italy to the U.S. and careful ownership record, is now ready for a new enthusiast to continue its storied legacy. Origins and Rally Pedigree The Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1600 HF emerged during the height of rallying in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as Lancia pursued motorsport dominance. Building on the original Fulvia design, Lancia crafted a rally-focused variant capable of handling the most rugged rally stages. The Rallye 1600 HF, with "HF" (High Fidelity) reserved for its performance-oriented models, became a rally icon. Homologated under FIA Group 4 regulations, it featured a 1.6-liter V4 engine with high-compression pistons, large carburetors, and optimized camshafts, achieving impressive power for its size. Lightweight construction, achieved through aluminum panels and a simplified interior, further enhanced its agility. Technical Advancements The Fanalone’s transverse-mounted V4 engine and close-ratio 5-speed gearbox provided exceptional balance and control. The suspension included independent front suspension and a rear beam axle, finely tuned for rallying. Equipped with Dunlop calipers and Girling discs, the brakes delivered reliable stopping power for demanding rally stages, while the V4 engine produced approximately 132 horsepower—a substantial output for a compact rally car of its era. The oversized headlights, designed for improved visibility in nighttime stages, paired with a lowered stance, reflect both rally functionality and Italian design heritage. Racing Legacy and Triumphs The Rallye 1600 HF quickly became a success, elevating Lancia’s reputation in motorsports. Its crowning achievement was in 1972, when it helped secure the International Championship for Manufacturers (predecessor to the World Rally Championship) for Lancia, laying the foundation for future legends like the Stratos and Delta Integrale. Collectibility and Legacy With its motorsport pedigree, advanced engineering, and Italian design flair, the Fanalone is one of the most sought-after rally cars among collectors. Limited production numbers—and even fewer in the “Fanalone” configuration—add to its allure. For rally car enthusiasts and collectors, the Fanalone is a pinnacle of Italian racing history, combining heritage, performance, and unique character. Today, well-preserved examples like this one, with a numbers-matching engine and extensive recent mechanical refurbishment, are rare treasures, embodying the glory days of Lancia’s rally success and the charm of Italian motorsport engineering.