Highlights

Rare Series 1 example: one of only 3,558 produced for all markets, with hardly any others registered in the UK
Engine upgraded from the original 1.6-litre to a 2.0-litre Lampredi Twin-Cam unit
Comprehensively restored in 2018, including a strip to bare metal and respray in bright red
Full interior re-trim completed in late 2025 in a period-correct colour scheme
Comes with two targa roof panels in different styles
Sourced from southern Italy in 2017 and imported to the UK in 2020
Mileage cannot be verified

The Appeal

Designed by Pininfarina and hand-built by Zagato, the Beta Spider hails from an era when Lancia was still engineering cars with a "cost-no-object" philosophy. It was complicated to make, as you can well imagine, but the effort was worth it. This is one of the prettiest Targa-topped coupés of the 1970s.

With only 3,558 Series 1 examples produced across all markets, survivors are increasingly scarce and hardly any are registered in the UK.

This 1975 example was discovered in southern Italy in 2017 and subsequently underwent a comprehensive restoration the following year. The bodywork was stripped to bare metal and repainted by a Fiat specialist in Italy, while the mechanicals were refurbished and the engine upgraded to a more powerful 2.0-litre Lampredi Twin-Cam unit. Further work has included a timing belt replacement in 2019, new anti-roll bar bushes and replacement CV joints. Most recently, a full interior re-trim was completed in late 2025, finished as close to the original colour scheme as possible.

Now on UK plates, the vendor describes the car as driving much better than expected for its age, with a healthy engine, smooth gear changes and effective brakes. A handful of minor niggles are noted, including temperamental wipers and some stiff seat runners, but none are considered serious. This is an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a well-restored example of a charismatic 1970s Italian sports car.

Key Information

Mileage: 117,686 km (estimated; the odometer has gone around the clock and currently reads 17,686 km)
Country of origin: Italy (now registered on UK plates)
Technical inspection status: Exempt from MOT and road tax
Technical specs: 2.0-litre transverse DOHC four-cylinder petrol, five-speed manual
Paperwork: V5C present

The Detail

Engine upgraded from the original 1.6-litre to a 2.0-litre Lampredi Twin-Cam unit
Timing belt replaced in 2019; new anti-roll bar bushes fitted and CV joints replaced
Boot area completely re-trimmed
Original wheels refurbished and fitted with new tyres
Underside coated with stone-guard for protection
Two targa roof panels supplied in different styles
A new rear hood section has been fitted that sits tightly
Front lights free from chips; grille in good condition with no splits
Front bumper, door handles and window trims have a bright chrome finish
Bonnet aligns uniformly with wing rails and grille; doors align straight
"2000" and "Lancia B" badges both in good condition
Rear bumper has small areas of chrome missing around the number plate area
Several very small paint blisters on one side of the bonnet, described by the vendor as almost impossible to see
Original steering wheel present
Spare wheel, wheel brace and jack present
Windscreen wipers are temperamental, and the wiper stalk has been snapped off, though the switch can still be operated
All important gauges work, but some secondary gauges do not function at present
Seat adjustment runners are very stiff and need easing; seat backs operate correctly for rear entry and slide movement
One heater control lever has become disconnected
The vendor states the engine runs well with no unusual noises
The vendor reports gear changes are positive and smooth, and that the brakes work very well for a car of this era

BEFORE YOU BUY

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