After driving the Via Flaminia 5 times with a Lancia Fulvia 1.3S, it was time for Dirk and Remco for a more serious rally weapon.
The ultimate dream for both is the Fulvia coupe 1.6 HF, also Fanalone called (Italian for large headlights). At the end of 2010 the dream came true through a fellow rally driver of the Via Flaminia. He still had an original Swiss car from 1970.
To make sure that it is a real Fanalone and not an after-build, contact was sought with some experts within the Lancia Club the Netherlands. It turned out to be a real one, the bodywork had started to be tightened, but otherwise the restoration had to take place entirely. At Franke Lancia in The Hague a plan was made for the restoration.
Subframe with engine, gearbox and front wheel suspension was removed. Subframe and suspension parts were made completely bare and sprayed. Engine was dismantled and proved surprisingly good when judging by a specialized engine overhaul company. All suspension rubbers of the engine, gearbox and subframe have been replaced. This entire procedure was repeated with the rear wheel suspension. Rear brakes also renewed and the interior was completely restored. After 8 months the car was ready and with only two weeks to drive in, the Via Flaminia came very quickly. However, during the Via Flaminia, the car did well, without a technical malfunction. The first evening we were approached by the hotel manager as Sandro Munari and Mario Mannucci, who became world champions in 1972 with a Fanalone. In short, not just a hotel manager who knows his classics, but for us a confirmation that we had restored a fantastic Fanalone with the help of Ben Franke in particular. During the rest of the Via Flaminia I had many positive reactions and for the 6, enjoyed the Lancia mother country in all its facets.
