Description
Offered for sale is a 1977 Lancia Beta Spyder 2000 - a stylish and increasingly rare Italian classic, famously designed by Pininfarina, and hand-built by Zagato.
This example presents as a solid, usable classic that has benefitted from significant restoration work in the past. The body is straight and completely rust-free following a comprehensive bare-metal restoration. The car still shows very well today, as the photos demonstrate. On close inspection, the paintwork exhibits some imperfections, including areas of light orange peel. Regardless, it remains more than presentable and suits the character of a car that's intended to be enjoyed rather than hidden away.
The interior is tidy and largely original in appearance. There are minor imperfections such as some fraying to the carpets and a couple of missing minor trim pieces. It has a very rare option and comes with electric windows that work flawlessly.
Mechanically, the car performs just as you'd hope from the infamous Lampredi designed 2. 0 twin-cam engine. It starts, drives, and stops well, delivering a special and enjoyable experience on the road. The engine pulls nicely, and the car feels lively and usable. There are a few quirks: Reverse gear can occasionally be tricky to select; it can be slightly reluctant on cold starts; and some of the gauges are inoperative. None of these detract from the overall usability, and are very much in line with keeping in the character of a 1970s Lancia.
Overall, this is a very presentable, usable classic ready to be driven away and enjoyed for the summer, that offers a huge amount of charm, style, and rarity for the money. Pininfarina designed, built by Zagato, powered by Aurelio Lampredi's legendary twin-cam. The Lancia Beta Spyder is a head-turner to say the least, with an undeniably legendary story behind it.
This particular car has undergone a comprehensive restoration in the past, documented in exceptional detail. Included with the vehicle is a DVD and booklet chronicling a full bare-metal rebuild, covering everything from initial strip-down through to welding, bodywork, and repainting. The level of documentation provides real insight into the work carried out and adds confidence in the structural integrity of the car.
In addition to the restoration records, the car is accompanied by a substantial history file containing a large number of invoices and receipts accumulated over its lifetime, totalling many thousands.
During current ownership, the car has been garage kept, and given the TLC it needed with an interior refresh.
With values of Italian classics continuing to rise and good Beta Spyder's becoming increasingly difficult to find - particularly rust-free examples - this represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a rare and stylish open-top Lancia that can be enjoyed immediately.
