Descripción
1979 LANCIA BETA BERLINA 2. 0 AUTO
Continuing a tradition established by founder Vincenzo Lancia of naming his early vehicles after letters from the Greek alphabet, the 'Beta' was launched in 1972 to symbolise a new beginning for the car maker under new ownership by Fiat. The Berlina had fastback styling although the boot was of traditional operation and not hatchback. From a technological and design perspective the engineering was pure Lancia detailed, well engineered finesse. The motoring press praised Lancia's new car, which was very advanced for its time, for its zesty performance and excellent road-handling characteristics. All in all the Lancia Beta was seen as a very charismatic drivers car and it went on, in all guises, coupé, spider, HPE and Montecarlo to become the best selling model ever launched by Lancia, up until that time. A high performance two litre twin-cam model (+20% torque) was introduced in 1975 and automatic was optioned from 1978.
Supplied new on 27th June 1979 by Colebrooks Ltd. on the Island of Jersey, this top of the range two-litre Berlina was specified with automatic gearbox, metallic silver paintwork, stereo and blue cloth. Mr. Stevens took the car from Jersey to Isle of Mann in 1980 where the Beta stayed for 20 years, covering just 24, 000 miles in that time. He continued to use the car sparingly when he moved to Solihull before selling the car to Mr Collins, a Lancia enthusiast in 2003 who has kept the Beta garaged ever since, albeit with formal ownership transferring to his closest friend's father in 2013 until being registered back at Mr. Collins address, this time in the name of his friend. Essentially this car has spent 99% of its life and miles in the care of two gentlemen and today's low mileage of just over 30, 000 miles is supported by the service history, old Mot test certificates and time-warp condition.
This is as solid a Lancia I have ever seen as they are notoriously rusty! The car was fully ziebarted from brand new and it is quite impressive how well kept the underside is when you put it in the air. The last owner had the car fully waxoyl protected also less than 12 months ago at a cost of £450.
It was then purchased by another Lancia enthusiast from Lancashire, whom I have just taken the car in part exchange from against another classic.
It starts on the button and drives very tightly with excellent transmission and ride comfort. The lively two-litre engine delivers a satisfying engine note, the interior has been beautifully preserved and has even retained its 1970's Lancia new car smell. Carpets are perfect and the original Lancia overmats are also in excellent order. Door cards, buttons, belts and switches are virtually as good today as they always were.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the best remaining righthand drive Lancia Beta Berlinas. With not another beta berlina for sale anywhere it really is a very rare car indeed.
Part exchange is welcome with any modern or classic car irrespective of value.
Export enquiries welcome.
Nationwide delivery at £1. 50 per mile one way.
