Description
The Lancia Beta Montecarlo appeared in the mid-1970s as a very distinctive model in the Lancia line-up.
Although it bears the “Beta” name, it shares little with the other models in the family.
While saloons, coupes or Beta HPE are front-engine front-wheel-drive, the Montecarlo adopts a far more sporting layout: a mid-rear mounted engine and rear-wheel drive.
The project was born in the early 1970s at Pininfarina under the code name 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 twin-cam four-cylinder derived from the famous Lampredi engine.
Eventually, Fiat decided to entrust the model’s marketing to Lancia, to offer a sportier, more exclusive car than the Fiat X1/ 9.
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1975, the Lancia Beta Montecarlo immediately won over with its taut, clean lines drawn by Paolo Martin at Pininfarina.
Compact and low, it adopts the codes of the mid-engine sports coupés of the era, with two seats, a short wheelbase and MacPherson independent suspension.
Under the rear bonnet sits the 1995 cm³ twin-cam four-cylinder Lampredi engine, fed by Weber carburettors, developing around 120 bhp.
Paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and a kerb weight of under a tonne, this engine allows the Montecarlo to reach almost 190 km/ h, while delivering very balanced handling, often praised by the automotive press.
The first series was produced from 1975 to 1978, in coupe and spider with a targa roof.
After a brief interruption to address a braking issue, the car returned in a second series in 1980, now simply called the Lancia Montecarlo.
This evolution is marked by a few styling tweaks, different wheels, an improved braking system and a slightly updated engine with electronic ignition.
Total production remained limited, with fewer than 8, 000 units built by Pininfarina at Grugliasco, which contributes today to the rarity of the model.
The Montecarlo also played an important role in competition.
Its mid-engine design formed the basis for the Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo, which won the World Sportscar Championship in the 2-litre category in 1980 and 1981, and directly inspired the development of the famous Lancia Rally 037, the future World Rally Champion.
The example shown here is a 2-litre 1982 model, corresponding to the last Montecarlo produced.
It is equipped with the 1995 cm³ twin-cam four-cylinder developing around 120 bhp, mounted in a rear-centre position and paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, an architecture that gives this small Italian coupé a dynamic balance and sporting character very typical of early 1980s European berlinettas.
French registration.
