1977 Lancia Beta 2.0 *Sold £6,900*

Description

• LHD Swedish Import
• Very original
• Rare sought after early model
• Part of a private collection

When Fiat finally gave Lancia the resources it needed, Lancia did a proper job producing the Beta Coupe. A driver’s car, chic styling and impossibly good looking.

Lancia. One of the most evocative names of Italian motoring. The firm has been responsible for some truly great cars.

This one has been with the vendor since 2018. He knows the Lancia very well, so we’ll stand back and let him tell it’s story. Please also see our lot gallery for some of the huge portfolio of images of this lovely Lancia.

FDL 824 (Swedish registration number – since we listed this, the car has been registered in the UK  with TRJ 267R) is an early left-hand drive, manual Lancia Beta 2.0. Built in 1977, it was first registered in Sweden on 11th February 1980 and was reputedly owned by the chairman of the Maserati Owners Club, Sweden who looked after it well.

I purchased the Beta in 2018 with the intention of keeping it and driving it on the quiet, well-maintained roads in Southern Sweden. This I did, and enjoyed summer outings there with my son, going to numerous classic car meets. When Covid struck, the car was effectively laid up for two years and in February 2022, I imported the Lancia to the UK (all taxes and VAT paid with NOVA obtained).

Since its arrival in the UK, the car has been in dry storage and well maintained. The cambelt and tensioner were replaced in September 2022, a correct Lancia alloy spare wheel sourced from Betaboyz (for some reason the original was missing), fuel pipes and filter replaced, new battery and spark plugs installed, and importantly, it’s been Waxoyled.

Mechanically the car is in very good order with the engine readily firing into life and gears easily selected. The cleanliness of the engine bay, including the underside of the bonnet, illustrates that this Beta has been well looked after. Bodywork is also very good with no rust in the sills, wheel arches, valances, floor, boot and inner wings. Underneath, the car is very sound.

The odometer reads 03,778 Kilometres (approx 65,000 miles).

Stainless steel bumpers and original Lancia alloy wheels are in fine order with only a few minor marks. The wheels retain their original centre caps. Tyres are not worn and retain good tread.

The paintwork looks great but does have a few stone chips and age-related marks that have been touched up.

FDL 824’s interior is very original, just look at that 70’s colour scheme. Being an early car, it has the wood trim on the centre section of the front console. The original carpets are all in good condition as are the door cards. The headlining although a little dirty, is free from any rips or tears. The Lancia is fitted with a lovely wood rimmed Momo steering wheel.

You’ll see from the interior photographs that the only work still to be done to the car is to repair the cover of the driver’s seat and the rear passenger headrest. Sun damage really has taken its toll on sections of the fabric.

Inside the boot, the original carpet is in place with a very few blemishes. All controls and dials work as they should. Exterior lights all work and are in good order apart from a small crack in the rear lamp on the passenger side.

The history pack includes the Swedish registration documents, all the UK importation paperwork and the UK service work documentation. UK registration of this Beta has now been received.

Our View

These early Betas are now rare and collectable, especially when in this condition.

Realistically reserved and ready for a new home. Good luck!