"For UK-based buyers, a highly competitive fixed-rate shipping quote has been secured for: £1,500 via Freight Factory for all cars sold by this seller on auction.
Global shipping options also available, contact henry@freightfactory.co.za for estimated shipping quotes"
Global shipping options also available, contact henry@freightfactory.co.za for estimated shipping quotes"
Highlights
- Believed one of only 334 Series 1 RHD Spiders built
- Extensively upgraded by Giuseppe Signorelli with Alquati conversion when new
- Extensive list of other improvements including Stilauto Milano alloys
- Rust-free example having spent its life in the temperate climate of Pretoria
- Desirable Rosso Corsa over Nero Cuoio leather colour combination
- Currently part of a carefully curated private collection
The Appeal
The Montecarlo began life as a Fiat, but a car this clever could only have been a Lancia. Short, squat, and mid-engined, with that sonorous Lampredi twin-cam, the Montecarlo, rather than the X1/9, was really the baby Ferrari. It would go on to spawn one of rallying's greatest cars - the Tipo 037.
Just 789 RHD Series 1 cars were built, of which only 334 were folding roof 'Spiders' like this car. It is a later Series 1, first registered in 1978 to a German engineer who worked for BMW South Africa. In line with many contemporary reviewers, he found the standard car a little lacking, so quickly despatched it to local Pretoria specialist Giuseppe Signorelli to sort it out. He fitted the full Alquati conversion including twin IDF carburettors, improved air box and induction, Abarth branch exhaust manifold, quad exhaust pipes, Conrero high lift camshafts plus gas flowed and ported cylinder head. Elsewhere the car got Italian Stilauto Milano 15 inch Pentastar alloys, uprated Koni dampers, and slotted discs, colour coded trim and Delta Integrale quad headlamp setup.
The result was and is one seriously capable and highly bespoke Montecarlo. This is arguably the car Lancia should have first launched. Painted in classic Rosso Corsa over Nero Cuioi bovine leather, it absolutely looks the part. It is in very good condition thanks to a life at high altitude in South Africa.
The car has been in the private collection of the seller for some years and is reported to run and drive very well. Early RHD Montecarlos are a rare find. This one is surely amongst the best-specified and preserved of those available.
The vendor says:
“Having spent its entire life in the temperate climate of Pretoria at 1800M above sea level, this Montecarlo Spider defies UK perceptions, it is as dry as can be, no rot, no rust, just dry and straight uncorroded metal, find another one like this?”
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1978
- Purchased new by a German engineer working for BMW South Africa
- Upgraded by Giuseppe Signorelli when new as detailed below
- Part of a carefully curated private collection in South Africa
- The vendor states the car has covered low mileage as shown on odometer
- International shipping options available via Freight Factory at pre-negotiated rates of £1,500 from Cape Town to Felixstowe, UK
Upgrades applied when new or in period:
- Full Alquati conversion
- Twin IDF carburettors
- Improved air box and induction
- Abarth branch exhaust manifold
- Quad exhaust pipes
- Conrero high lift camshafts
- Gas flowed and ported cylinder head
- Italian Stilauto Milano 15 inch Pentastar alloys
- Uprated Koni dampers
- Slotted discs
- Colour coded trim
- Delta Integrale quad headlamps
The Condition
- Finished in Rosso Corsa paintwork which presents well with few indications of age
- Folding fabric soft top roof in black
- Vendor states car has rust-free and straight bodywork
- Bodywork benefits from temperate climate of Pretoria at 1,800m above sea level
- Body colour bumpers and Delta Integrale headlamp conversion
- Underside as shown in photos
- Italian Stilauto Milano 15-inch Pentastar alloy wheels
- Nero Cuoio high quality leather interior in very good order as shown
- Personal steering wheel and gear shift
The Mechanics
- 1,995cc @Lampredi’ twin cam 4cyl engine
- Manual 5-speed transmission
- Full Alquati conversion by Giuseppe Signorelli when new
- Extensively upgraded in period as detailed above
- Sparingly used as part of collections for many years
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