• Extensive mechanical rebuild in 2010

 • Structurally solid

 • Striking colour scheme

 • Restomod flare

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.

 • Low mileage since extensive rebuild

 • Comprehensive set of invoices from marque specialists
 • 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. 

 • 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.

While rocking a restomod vibe, the Montecarlo could easily be returned to a standard look without too much work.

 • 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.

 • 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 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.

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.