Description
The Lancia Beta Montecarlo appeared in the mid-1970s as a very unusual model in the Lancia range. Although it bears the “Beta” name, it has little in common with the other models in the family. While saloon cars, Coupés or HPE Betas are front-engined front-wheel-drive, the Montecarlo adopts a much more sporting layout: a mid-rear engine and rear-wheel drive. The project began in the early 1970s at Pininfarina under the codename Fiat X1/ 8, initially envisaged to replace the Fiat 124 Coupé. After the 1973 oil crisis, the idea of a V6 was abandoned and the project evolved into the X1/ 20, equipped with a two-litre double-overhead-cam four-cylinder derived from the famous Lampredi engine. Ultimately, Fiat decided to entrust the marketing of the model to Lancia, in order to offer a sports car more exclusive than the Fiat X1/ 9.
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1975, the Lancia Beta Montecarlo instantly charms with its taut, very pure silhouette designed by Paolo Martin at Pininfarina. Compact and low, it adopts the mid-engine berlinetta styling of the era, with two seats, a short wheelbase and McPherson-type independent suspension. Under the rear bonnet sits the 1995 cm³ four-cylinder double overhead cam Lampredi engine, powered by a Weber carburettor, developing around 120 bhp. Paired with a five-speed manual and a weight under a tonne, this engine allows the Montecarlo to reach nearly 190 km/ h, while offering very balanced handling, often praised by the specialist press.
The first series was produced from 1975 to 1978, in coupé and spider with a targa roof. After a brake-related interruption, the car returned in the second series in 1980, now simply called Lancia Montecarlo. This evolution is distinguished by a few styling tweaks, different wheels, an improved braking system and a slightly modernised engine with electronic ignition. Total production remained limited, with fewer than 8, 000 examples built by Pininfarina at Grugliasco, which today contributes to the model’s rarity.
The Montecarlo also played a significant role in competition. Its mid-engine layout served as the basis for the Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo, which won the FIA World Sportscar Championship in the 2-litre category in 1980 and 1981, and would directly inspire the development of the famous Lancia Rally 037, future world rally champion.
The example shown here is a 2-litre version from 1982, corresponding to the last Montecarlo produced. It is equipped with the 1995 cm³ double-overhead-cam four-cylinder producing around 120 bhp, mounted in a mid-rear position and paired with a five-speed manual, an architecture that gives this small Italian coupé a dynamic balance and a very typical sporting character of early 1980s European berlinettas.
French registration.
