The issue of a completely new kit, with completely new molds, is always a cause for celebration. Even more so when it is of an obscure Lancia from the pre-Fiat era. So of course I had to have this new Italeri kit of the Fulvia HF in the 1972 Monte Carlo winning livery.
The kit is typical Italeri, not as high quality as Tamiya and with some bizarre decisions around where to mold parts together and where to offer a separate piece. But it goes together reasonably well, with one note on fit.
The oddball narrow-angle V4 is well modeled. Getting the blue stripe on the valve cover, unique to the HF version, was a bit of a struggle, and the distributor could be better detailed.
A tidy fit in the engine bay. The battery is moulded in to the chassis with the inner fenders.I added wires and fuel lines.
The interior is well done but not extravagant.
The hood hinge involves the cabin ventilation system and the firewall, and prevents to a certain degree easy installation of the chassis. In particular the leading edge of the front inner fenders had to be cut away to allow it all to be inserted.
Nonetheless the kit builds up nicely with a small PE sheet adding to the detail. I love the light roof pillars giving it a definite '60s vibe,
The Fulvia was a very successful rallye car. This 1972 version was the last one to won the Monte Carlo, with the Stratos taking over as works car in 1974. The Stratos was designed after the takeover by Fiat and benefited from Fiat's access to the Ferrari parts bin for the 2.4 litre V6.
My collection of pre-Fiat Lancias includes the 1953 D20 (Targa Florio winner driven by Umberto Magliori) and the 1960 Flaminia GT, a high-end Gran Turismo with either 2.5 or 2.8 litre V6 engines.
The full set of Lancia race cars is shown next. The ESCi Beta Monte Carlo is not shown as it is an older build and not really up to snuff.
What's next? Hard to say! Stay tuned.
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