Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1600 restoration Pt.6. Stripping the paint reveals shocking bodywork repairs 

Sorry that was me. I took my grandmother's Allegro and made it look like a Fulvia. It has lasted quite well. Great to see if again.

Harry needs to look carefully at the log book. It may read Austin Allegro.

Don't you just love it when your car's in a workshop and they call to say 'you need come and have a look at this'.

Bloody hell. Reminds me of that iconic Peugeot 206 advert with the Indian guys.

FOR SALE: Rebuilt Lancia engine....

The world needs more people like Harry. He always looks at the positives.

Let's be honest, the guy who filled & finished it prior to this historical find was a true artist..... Oh and con is missing in his description too 😂

While Harry speaks in glass half full manner, most of us would be in fetal position, sobbing in the corner of the workshop.

Next episode; Harry discovers that the Fulvia Sport is going to cost more than the Espada to restore 😳

I made the same fundamental mistake with the restoration of my De Tomaso Pantera. I started off with the grimy bits, rebuilding the engine and gearbox and suspension, before turning to the bodywork. I thought it was bad but discovered it was catastrophic. Rightly the car should simply have been parted out. But by the time I discovered the parlous state of the body, I was financially so far committed that I simply had to continue to the bitter end. When I was done I had spent almost double what it would have cost to buy a similar car in similar condition. That said, as the years went by the car appreciated and eventually caught up with my investment so I am probably now in the black once more. And I get the satisfaction of knowing that I preserved a car that otherwise would have been destroyed. So press on regardless, regardless of cost. It will only be foolish for awhile!

The new benchmark" a three hoover car".

“You were only supposed to take the bloody doors off!”

Despite the bad news, I'm really enjoying your current restoration project series. Thanks for all the great content.

Republic of Italia has to offer you honorary ambassadorship for your efforts to make this Zagato great again, Harry!

Its no surprise to see a patch work quilt on a Lancia, they were rotten at 5 years old, worth nothing until 15 years ago but they have always been loved, this one is for sure and I'm loving the resto journey on Harry !

This made me want to cry! Whoever did the filler work was a real artist....

Anyone remember Chop-Shop on docovery channel with Bernie and Leepu? All of their cars were filled and painted like this, I remember as a kid thinking that didn't seem right...

I actually marvel the "filler artist" who did this! All surfaces had been smooth and clean.

It’s going to be a superleggera with all that filler removed

Thank you for the courage and transparency! There’s a lot to learn from this

I'm very thankful that people like you are spending money to keep the Italian car history alive for future generations 👌👍

The fuel filler cap looks okay though.... Christ, and I thought my body was in bad condition. You are a brave and optimistic man Harry. Hope it all comes good in the end.

When you see how much a feature that rear crease is on the red one it's incredible no one noticed it was missing on this one. Hats off for bringing it back to life!

Reading the comments, I'm amazed that people haven't comprehended Harry's attachment to this actual car, and his determination to sort it out as a "driver". If restoring an Italian car, with no sentimental value, the lesson here is strip it to metal BEFORE you rebuild the drive-train, floor etc.

On the plus side, it'll weigh a fair bit less lol

In America we call filler "bondo." That car was previously owned by James Bondo.

Doing my SAAB, right now. Proper steel. Harry, for all the emotion you must feel, seeing this, it's going to a great project.

We see the dark side of restoration for profit, and then the bright side of care and attention. Such as it is, that little Zagato is going to be one hell of a memory, something to be used and cherished. Bravo Harry, i am sure she will repay you with many happy smiles of motoring.

This is the rare Zagato Isopon model

This is exactly the reason why I take a weak magnet when buying classics.

Reste fort Mr M. I'm pleased that there are people with the commitment and wherewithal to do the right thing. It does us all good.

The pain of the expense will be nothing compared to the pleasure you’ll get from seeing this put back together and knowing its been done right. Can’t wait for the next instalment.

Wow! Brave video. I can imagine Harry is thinking in the back of his mind “how much is this going to cost to sort out?” But then again, there’s something really satisfying in investing in a restoration, all these artisan skills of Sam and his team and the outcome, if the right decisions are made, will be fabulous to behold. Good luck Harry, sure it will be incredible in your hands!

Italian car goes out for a paint job and returns 30% lighter.

Really enjoyed seeing/hearing an open discussion about problems and solutions. Thanks 👍🏻

It breaks my heart to see what someone did to this car in a previous life! Thank you so much Harry for sticking with it, it will be amazing if and when you get it finished.

Thank Christ the barley harvest was a good one!

Wow, I have never such an extreme patchwork of body panels in my life. Honestly, the fact that this Zagoto was even remotely presentable beforehand is a testament to the quality of the body filler that was used. Amazing that it wasn't all cracking and falling off. Unbelievable.

Harry, we have all been through this experience at the body shop...makes you instantly sick to your whole being, but you have a team there and its all positive and onwards.

Good for you Harry for sticking with it, seeing it back then at such an impressionable age means emotions outweigh everything, my road in West London had two notable cars when I was a schoolboy a Mk IX Jaguar that was taller than me and later a white Toyota 2000GT. Other cars got into my blood but that's another story.

I remember about 20 years ago there was a shortage of filler in the industry.

Someone, somewhere, must recognize the car and feel embarrassed

So much respect to you Harry. Car shell is basically a write off but when you framed it as an exercise of demonstrating these British artisans craftsmanship its of limitless value. Loving this, thank you!

Nice Fillervia Sport. Love how Harry keeps his chin up and just gets on with it, can't wait to see the new metal in place.

To be fair, whoever did the filler-work was an artist!

Am I alone in wondering how the missing lines were not noticed without the need to strip all the paint and filler and find the car was actually supposed to be a different shape? Would having other Zagatos mere feet away not help?

Been watching your channel for a while now and can't remember ever hearing you deflated like that before. Can't wait for the one where you pick it up and it's all smiles as it takes you straight back to '72.

The great Harry Metcalfe buying a pup is more inspirational than you can possibly realize to us mere mortals. Looking forward to the build.

Thank you, Harry. Another car in the right place.

No matter how she looks, paint depth gauge and magnets are your friend

Excellent video as always. Harry, Thanks very much for these fantastic cars and the work thereon. The craftsmanship throughout many videos is breathtaking!

Even though I have a stalled XJC project of my own (so am following your XJC restoration with much interest) I have to say this is, perhaps, the most fascinating video series you've put up so far, Harry. Much like your Espada series, where we were introduced to the amazing talent of Ian Tyrell, we now get to see what real craftsmen can do to restore what is such a little gem of a car. Heavy news for you to be sure, and you have my sincere sympathies, but also a tremendous addition to your channel. I can't wait to see the end result. Good luck with it!

Thank you sir for the great video, I've always loved Lancia cars, your doing great things. From JDS in AZ usa

"Hope you enjoyed this video...". "Enjoyed" isn't quite the right word. I feel your pain, Harry!

Some things don’t just polish out! Kudos Harry for wanting to restore a car because you have a connection with it and it brings back memories. Sometimes there’s more value in something than simply what it costs.

Wow. This was tough to watch, yet still incredibly fascinating. Best of luck to you Harry with moving forward on this project. (As well as to all of the amazing craftsmen whose hands your Lancia now finds itself dependent upon for its revival.)

Wow....very sorry Harry. Look at the bright side, at least you are rescuing a car that is personally special to your life. This car, I could tell from your first videos, is going to be a life long family keeper anyway👍.

Third in... and looking forward to this being completed. Good lord... what have previous owners done to the Zagato??? Love this car. Think of this though Harry... without all that filler, it's 50+lbs lighter now and lighter means faster. :) and once it's done you'll likely have the nicest Zagato in the UK.

I bought a 1968 Fiat 124 Sport Coupé that I'd fallen in love with years before, as a teenager. It turned out to be almost as bad as this Lancia when I wanted to restore it: in fact, worse in some places, with sheets of aluminium pop-rivetted in and body filler applied over that! The holes in the outer door sills had been stuffed with newspaper and taped over with masking tape and then thick black underseal paint applied over that! And I bought it from a reputedly 'honest' dealer...! Not having Harry's resources, what was left of the body was eventually consigned to a skip but at least the salvageable bits went to another Sport Coupé owner to help keep his on the road!

It’s amazing how skilled some metal workers are: it’s going to take top skills to repair that shell and a lot of dosh ! Looking forward to seeing it finished.

When plasters do car repairs, would have been good to see that first repair being done.

I presume Harry keeps no secrets from his wife, although the final bill for this might be his first. Good luck, Harry.

Hats off to you firstly for being the saviour and to these guys whose skills are off the charts Together you make life interesting and these videos are pure class Fabulous efforts

The last scene of this video was magical. Please capture some more of the hand work on this car, I love seeing real bodywork being done on a real car. Chapeau to you sir for taking us with you on this journey!

The Metcalfe cheque book’s getting a proper workout this year. I don’t suppose Mrs Metcalfe wanted a holiday this year any way! 😆

It's a good job you've had a good barley harvest on your Farm Harry, to cover some of the cost !!!!!

" We like a challenge". Well, then- consider the challenge issued, good sirs. Can't wait to see your work. Brave lads indeed.

I’m so impressed at the odd little flashes of optimism, although clearly they’re are really working hard to find the silver lining behind that little thunder cloud. As a dedicated old petrol head I usually watch HG filled with envy but the emotion this time is very different. Sorry “H” that can no longer be called a car, or even a body shell that is what is known as a smart collection of scrap. I really feel for you. Good luck and best wishes for a happy outcome.

It’s like Frankenstein. I bought a cottage in our village I though worth saving. Turned out I’d bought a building plot. Luckily I had the same genius artisans you have and we made a lovely little dwelling.

Looks like the car flew into the scenery and tumbled a few times.

You must appreciate the sheer artistic value in the shaping of the filler especially the depth of it. The perpetrators were sculptors! Thumbs Up great series

I love that you stay so positive .

Hope the harvest yield is good this year . .going to need it for jag and this ouch... But worth it, cars like these need to live on.. enjoyed , thanks for sharing..😎👍

Seems like it had a secret life as a stunt car in the WIld West... and it was raining all the time

Your commitment to the car is incredible Harry.

This is just a fine illustration of how advanced this particular Lancia is - extensive use of metal/epoxy composites. All that extra weight improves traction too! What's not to like? I applaud the spirit of innovation exhibited by the previous re-builder.

Ouch! This always was my favourite car of yours Harry - it'll be magnificent when finished and will definitely remain the one I want to take home!! :-)

Shocking 😱... but this will probably end up as the nicest Fulvia in the UK SOON. 👍🏻 Old Italian cars are either A) A lace-curtain of rust, or B) A patchwork quilt, as Harry's seems to be! 😵

I admire your courage Harry and to be fair if I owned that car and had the funds I'd restore it too. Looking forward to the next installments.

When you have a passion AND the money, even an American Ford Pinto is worth restoring, including hand fabrication of body panels from sheet steel. I love that there are people like Harry out there willing to show the world what this poor car needs.

Hi Harry, What a shock this must have been, as a Lancia owner and enthusiast I was also shocked, I think you need a lie down now. Bob

Somebody somewhere must be saying “remember doing that!” Got it moved on! Surprised Harry with all his knowledge and experience didnt pick this up, the car isnt even the right shape in some areas

'We can save the filler flap. and build a body around that'. I respect how positive you remain after that.

Wow this is so crazy. Thanks for showing this and that you are still on to make it nice again. Will be a fun little car than.

That would be a very solid car by Bermuda standards. For every MOT equivalent I used to plaster increasing amounts of filler and then top coat on our 20 year old Subaru Vivio. As long as it was cosmetically ok it would pass.

I’m reminded of the episode of Father Ted, when Ted tries to remove a small dent in a Rover 213 “... with the tap of a hammer”.

Keep going Harry the car is going to look great at the end, chin up!

We love to see these horrors, Harry. Keep it coming! Looking forward to progress in next vid!

Just goes to show you - that even an expert like Harry can end up with a lemon if they don't to a proper pre-purchase inspection. Paint thickness gauge is an absolute must when buying any classic car!

I would say that it looks like it has been rolled.

I brought a 1973 beetle like that! Took me a year to sort it. Nice feeling when done. Good luck for the rest of the work, it will look a million dollars when done!.

Wow, this is truly horrendous. Kudos to you Harry and the guys for taking the time to put right decades of abuse and neglect.

Opinion: I think you'd do best to get these guys to fabricate complete new panels. It would also be fascinating to see.

As tough as it sounds, I would almost patch it up so it's solid if the goal is to race it. Seems a shame to spend all the money and man hours restoring the lines in each panel only to risk knocking it..

Thanks for the informative series.. don’t see many (any?) comments from other Fulvia Sp Zagato owners.. it’s surely not out of the norm for a car of this age, character and origin, to have led a full life .. from proud new owner, to questionable second-hand status, to “flip it” cosmetics.. But it happens frequently. I’m happy to own an early alloy body 1.3 Sp Zagato with loads of repairs from a life of racing and shunts, but it was loved enough to be repaired, repainted and returned to the road. Mine has flaws, it has filler, but it retains the contours, the paint isn’t cracking, I see no corrosion, so the chassis remains solid and stiff. I’m sorting it out after years of little use. It is becoming a fantastic road car, and the cosmetics are to me an integral part of its history, its personality, and its charm. The prior owner is quite a character and I am reminded warmly of him by the little things he did. So, yes, these old but cherished machines are always hiding splendid little details and reminders of their past lives. I might have paid a little too much to buy a classic car, but I’ve never ultimately regretted a purchase, and I’ve grown to love each and every one. Cheers!

Such a special piece of automotive art. So glad it is being saved. Ercole Spada’s little avantgarde girl.

Harry the only youtuber I take off adblock so he can kept getting the funds to restore these cars. Poor guy hahaha.

Just clearcoat it and race it. Looks cool like this, fix it when you retire the car.

Some work is needed there, All I can say is you're a brave man Harry. Not going to be a cheap rebuild now.

Feel for you Harry. I have been through this twice with a Triumph Stag from Switzerland- I think it was the same repair shop that had added the Frankenstein arches and sills also. Great positive approach as I had to take otherwise you’d have gone mad by now and given up on the cars. Good look and hope the guys pull off a some great work to salvage as much as possible. Best Regards Ian