1978 Lancia Beta Montecarlo Series 1
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Highlights
• Extensive mechanical rebuild in 2010
• Structurally solid
• Striking colour scheme
• Restomod flare
The Appeal
Putting the words Italian and two-seater together usually sounds expensive, but Lancia’s Beta Montecarlo of 1975 (’77 in the UK) went a long way towards changing that. Powered by Fiat’s very capable dohc four-cylinder sitting amidships, it was revvy, nippy and chic.
This particular example takes all of that and adds a slight ‘restomod’ flavour with a custom paint scheme, some added exterior trim and a considerable mechanical fettling.
The Pininfarina-styled sportster is quite a rare beast in Britain - (how many other reasonably-priced mid-engined cars can you think of?), and it still boasts all the features we loved about it back in the Seventies – except now with even more exclusivity.
The Pininfarina-styled sportster is quite a rare beast in Britain - (how many other reasonably-priced mid-engined cars can you think of?), and it still boasts all the features we loved about it back in the Seventies – except now with even more exclusivity.
The History and Paperwork
• Low mileage since extensive rebuild
• Comprehensive set of invoices from marque specialists
• The odometer now reads 2839 miles
• The odometer now reads 2839 miles
The Lancia’s array of MOT certificates tell us that the car had clocked up 65,120 miles before its series of restorations, beginning with an engine rebore in 2004. A far more extensive mechanical restoration was undertaken between 2008 and 2010, which encompassed the engine, brakes and suspension, as well as some bodywork corrections including the replacement of the door skins.
The present owner re-upholstered and re-installed the original seats with new bolts. The vendor informs us that Lancia specialists have been used throughout for parts.
The Exterior
• Striking yellow and black paint scheme
• Refurbished alloy wheels
Well, you’re not going to lose this one in a car park – that’s quite a colour – and it has been nicely applied. There are no streaks or inconsistencies, and the finish retains a good gloss across the whole of the body. Panel fit is tight with lids and doors (reskinned in 2010 don’t forget) showing narrow and consistent shut lines.
The deep aftermarket front bumper/spoiler also looks good, as does the rear bumper, both plastic parts matching the finish of the metalwork and lining up neatly. The contrasting black powder-coated window frames look very good, remaining free from any bronzing / discolouration and showing no signs of bubbling from corrosion beneath. The rubber weather seals appear similarly healthy.
There are some small accents of chrome (on the A-pillars) and brushed metal (Door handles, air scoops) and both look quite presentable. The eight-hole alloy wheels were refurbished in 2008 and have seen relatively few miles since. They remain in excellent condition and complement the car well.
The deep aftermarket front bumper/spoiler also looks good, as does the rear bumper, both plastic parts matching the finish of the metalwork and lining up neatly. The contrasting black powder-coated window frames look very good, remaining free from any bronzing / discolouration and showing no signs of bubbling from corrosion beneath. The rubber weather seals appear similarly healthy.
There are some small accents of chrome (on the A-pillars) and brushed metal (Door handles, air scoops) and both look quite presentable. The eight-hole alloy wheels were refurbished in 2008 and have seen relatively few miles since. They remain in excellent condition and complement the car well.
While rocking a restomod vibe, the Montecarlo could easily be returned to a standard look without too much work.
The Interior
• Minimalist sports interior
• Reupholstered seats
• New steering wheel
The Lancia’s cabin sports a clean uncluttered look, looking all the more minimalist for being trimmed almost totally in black, save for the striking red seatbelts. The judicious use of red stitching – steering wheel, seats and gear gaiter – also help to bring all the elements of the cockpit together. It’s all done very neatly with such details remaining sharp.
The seats were reupholstered in 2018 and still look new. They look in no way incongruous because nearly all of the other interior plastics and materials are also in excellent condition.
Carpets and mats are clean and well-fitted, as are the materials of the door panels. Those wrap around dashboard extension / arm rests are firmly mounted and the handles below solid. Looking up. The panelled roof is also very smart, while the OMP carbon fibre gear knob and leather steering wheel are nice features giving the cockpit a purposeful feel.
The seats were reupholstered in 2018 and still look new. They look in no way incongruous because nearly all of the other interior plastics and materials are also in excellent condition.
Carpets and mats are clean and well-fitted, as are the materials of the door panels. Those wrap around dashboard extension / arm rests are firmly mounted and the handles below solid. Looking up. The panelled roof is also very smart, while the OMP carbon fibre gear knob and leather steering wheel are nice features giving the cockpit a purposeful feel.
The Mechanics
• Comprehensive engine rebuild 2008-2010
• New tyres
• Solid underneath
Within the Montecarlo's engine compartment, everything looking strong and fit for purpose. Remember, there are a lot of components in here which have covered fewer than 3000 miles – notably perhaps, the bright red silicone hoses which appear very healthy (and striking). Most other rubber / plastic parts appear equally good, with junctions, fastenings and connections looking clean and in good order.
The engine itself appears to be free of leaks as does the transmission. The surrounding engine bay and suspension towers appear solid.
The engine itself appears to be free of leaks as does the transmission. The surrounding engine bay and suspension towers appear solid.
The underside of the Lancia appears equally healthy. Suspension and brake assemblies appear free-moving with all components easily adjustable, The underside of the body tub sports a good degree of weather sealing and the exhaust appears to be in good condition. The red accessorising caries on under the car with the anti-roll bars being a nice touch. The Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres appear very new.
Summary
The Lancia Montecarlo is a slightly niche classic- perhaps more so with the aforementioned restomod vibe – but it's one of those cars that, when you see instantly you think; oh yeah – they’re rather good.
And indeed, this one is rather good. It’s been doted on by a series of enthusiast owners who have sought to preserve, upgrade and improve the car, and this example is refreshingly different, while engaging with all the classic drivers’ wish list of qualities.
It has character, individuality and marque pedigree, and this well sorted example will be a hoot to drive. It’s a yes from us.
And indeed, this one is rather good. It’s been doted on by a series of enthusiast owners who have sought to preserve, upgrade and improve the car, and this example is refreshingly different, while engaging with all the classic drivers’ wish list of qualities.
It has character, individuality and marque pedigree, and this well sorted example will be a hoot to drive. It’s a yes from us.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1978
- Make Lancia
- Model Beta Montecarlo
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 2,838 Miles
- Engine size 1995
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Yorkshire
- Country United Kingdom
23
bids
- Ma•••• £17,750 24/07/22
- mo•••• £17,500 24/07/22
- co•••• £17,250 24/07/22
- Ma•••• £17,000 24/07/22
- el•••• £16,000 24/07/22
- co•••• £15,750 24/07/22
- mo•••• £15,500 24/07/22
- Es•••• £15,250 24/07/22
- mo•••• £15,000 24/07/22
- co•••• £14,000 24/07/22
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