Penned by Ercole Spada at Zagato, Lancia’s Fulvia Sport was born with competition in mind, with Zagato’s peculiar bodywork designed specifically to provide better aerodynamics and reduce weight over the Fulvia Coupe upon which it is based. Built across two distinct series undoubtedly the rarest and most desirable variant is the Fulvia Sport 1300 Competizione.

The Fulvia Sport 1300 Competizione proved hugely successful in period, especially in Lancia’s native Italy where the model secured class victories in the Targa Florio in 1968, 1969, and 1971. Modifications included lightened aluminum bodywork, Plexiglas windows, and wheel arches widened to house Campagnolo 6J13 wheels. Output remained unchanged from the Sport 1300 but Zagato’s fanatical attention to detail in shedding every possible ounce resulted in a much more competitive car. Only twenty-seven were built with the majority campaigned by well-known Italian teams, such as Jolly Club and Squadra Corse HF, as well as well-heeled privateers like the example offered here.

Chassis number 001909 was originally finished in the distinctive shade of Rosso San Siro and delivered to its first owner, Claudio Cadlolo in the spring of 1968. Cadlolo was no stranger to Lancia in motorsport, with previous entries from him seen as early as 1962, racing a Lancia Appia. Registered in Rome as ROMA B62915, Cadlolo immediately took to campaigning his new Fulvia in hill climbs and events across Italy, with his car entered by “Cantera” across at least eight events during the 1968 season, with Cantera’s best result being a 2nd place finish at the Svolte di Popoli in August of that year.

After the 1968 season, the Fulvia was sold to Leopoldo di Lucia. Retaining the same Roma registration and colour scheme, the car is easily identifiable in period photos throughout further events in 1969. Like Cadlolo, di Lucia was no stranger to racing Lancias and with his Fulvia he competed in at least seven events across 1969, including securing victories at Coppa Primavera and Sarnano – Sassotetto in April and July 1969 respectively.

Following its retirement from racing in the summer of 1969, di Lucia would continue to race in other cars (namely a Stratos) but despite this, the Fulvia remained in di Lucia’s ownership until 2008, when it was purchased by Neale Shepherd in the UK. It remained with him until the car was acquired by the current owner approximately a decade ago, sourced via Vere Lancia, a very well-regarded Lancia specialist in the Netherlands. Vere Lancia were tasked with finding an exceptional Fulvia Sport 1300 Competizione for the current owner to use and enjoy in events and according to the consignor, chassis number 001909 fit the bill perfectly. It was found to be very well preserved in di Lucia’s ownership, still highly original and in good running condition when purchased, even still fitted with an original enamel team badge fitted in period that remains fitted to this car today.

Upon purchase, Vere Lancia was tasked by the consignor with undertaking a complete restoration to ensure the car was once again ready for competitive use. The car was stripped back to bare metal and was refinished in its as-raced ‘Macciocca’ livery. Upon completion of the restoration, the car campaigned on the Gran Premio Nuvolari in September 2016 and Targa Florio Classica in 2017. Afterwards, the car was shipped to the owner’s home in Southern California, where it has remained ever since. Adding to the car’s provenance, the car’s history file is extraordinary, including many period documents and photographs, as well as a letter from di Lucia to the current owner. Finally, di Lucia’s winner’s trophy from the Sarnano – Sassotetto in July 1969 accompanies the car.

With only twenty-seven Fulvia Sport 1300s built by Zagato to Competizione specifications, it is said that there are fewer than 10 examples remaining today. This example’s provenance is fascinating, having been raced only in 1968 and 1969 and then being preserved by the second owner who raced the car in 1969 for nearly forty years. Highly eligible for historic racing events both in the US and in Europe, this would be a fabulous addition to any collection of competition cars for the enthusiast looking to stand out from the crowd.