There’s some intrigue with imports that were seen on occasion in America but are quite a rare sight today. What about a Renault 15/17? Rover 3500? Our Pick of the Day is a vehicle in a similar vein, a 1975 Lancia Beta Berlina listed for sale by a Florida dealer on ClassicCars.com. (Click the link to view the listing)
The Beta was introduced late in 1972 and produced through 1984. Equipment was rich and contemporary for the time: DOHC inline-four, five-speed manual, rack and pinion steering, fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts, and four-wheel disc brakes. The Beta was produced in both FWD and RWD configurations depending on the body style, of which there were many: four-door Berlina “fastback” sedan, Trevi notchback sedan, Coupé, Spider/Zagato convertible, HPE three-door shooting brake, and the mid-engined Montecarlo/Scorpion. The latter was the only RWD Beta of the bunch.
All Betas save the Trevi were imported in the U.S. from 1975-82 at various times. Of course, this being post-1973, all featured ungainly federalized bumpers that affected the Beta’s clean looks, especially the Berlina’s. A 1.8-liter with 86 horsepower was initially offered, then upgraded to a 2.0-liter in 1979. The Berlina was last imported in 1980, with the Zagato being the sole American offering in 1982 before Lancia left the American market.
Based on the trunklid badge, this Lancia Beta Berlina is equipped with the 1800 engine. Interior shots show the five-speed manual (a positive sign for a U.S. import) and sunroof. Seller states this “very rare and stunning Lancia” comes with “extensive documentation and records of the vehicle” including “repair receipts documented since 1979” and “original books and documents.”
This unusual Italian can be yours for $17,999. Hungry for some brio for the new year? Maybe this 1970s near-luxury saloon is the answer to the question you’ve been asking.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I don’t normally throw shade on dealers, but rare does not always equate to valuable. As a past owner of two Beta Zagato’s the price for this 89,000mi Berlina is absolutely nuts…That’s good Fulvia money….
The first view appeared to be a Chevette clone.
Exactly what I was thinking!
You’ve got it the other way around. The Beta was introduced in ’72. The Chevette didn’t come out until ’76. GM actually purchased some new Beta’s and engines/drivetrains and used them to copy design. Styling, the chevette was similar to Berlina but smaller and kept rear wheel drive. Their next car copied the Beta setup with transverse engine and front wheel drive, initially 4cyl, as the Chevy Citation. Of course it had GM execution and Chevy quality, where the Beta had Italian styling and engineering and Lancia luxury. Drive both and you’ll see how they compare.
The price is a little high here for a Berlina, but a very well kept example.
Transverse FWD car?
Sounds so 1959!
It’s got the central shape of the Renault 16, w/o the hatchback…
It looks like a Chevette to me.
Big Junk in a little package
Very ugly
Very ugly.