The
Beta
by
Alan
Cooper
at
40
he earliest publicity material I
have
for
T
languages, I believe this was issued
in 1973. The car featured
prototype
from the first production models.
The radiator grille
the vents behind
both
on production
rors seem
and the seat upholstery lacks the lat-
stitching across
eral
the
early coupe
early form.
The coupe was
came
and a 1756 producing 120 bhp. For reasons
chose
very positive comments from
depicting a
ly 2 x A410ng
brochure depicting another blue
inside
duced a very nice range brochure printed in 1975, and a
that
also features the Montecarlo and
on May
nous lime green,
short
In
the
lower than standard presumably
pondered
the coupe
four page leaflet printed in four
as
several details differ
of
which were chrome effect
models,
to
be
with
a choice
to
import
blue coupe
but
it
illustrates
31
1975 and
lived publication.
official press photographs and brochures the car sits considerably
if
they
is
a small
is
clearly a
is
black along
the
rear window,
the
of
a different design
the
is
dated March 2 1974, this shows the coupe in its definitive
built
on a shortened version
of
two
just
the
with
with
quite
the
car in the very sharp Maya Yellow.
the
is
dated November 1975
fitted
special suspension or maybe
with
door
mir-
centre panels. The English language press pack for
mildly
uprated engines a 1592 producing 108
smaller 1592 variant
the
UK
red seats, made from a simple single sheet roughstylish folds incorporated. There was also a larger
car,
series
two
press pack,
to
give
Written in response to the fact
first
announced here
prolific
surviving version, the coupe, with briefer notes on the
models. Every
or
corrections
tions
enough
information
American cars.
model in its own
venience
that
but
press at
the
maybe
the
HPE,
but
it
would
it
an
enhanced sleekness, I've often
and
of
the berlina platform and
are unclear Lancia (England)
even
so
time. A brochure
same one, on
as
those
with
a cover
seem
they
that
it
is
40
is
a piece concentrating on
effort
has been made to ensure accuracy
would
be appreciated in
to
comment
The
Montecarlo has been
right
that
deserves a separate article, any volunteers?
it
received a
the
In
Germany
fold
out
two
were announced
in
almost lumi-
that
this
just
put
wore the Beta badge
bhp
lot
of
was
issued,
cover
but
they
was
a rather
a couple
pro-
of
brochure
years since the Beta was
probably
more than
particular
briefly
omitted
as a marketing
recently. Colour combinations on early
1970s style, vivid velours clashed
worked on a Beta in a way
colour combinations were similar
Fulvia
they
to
fit
A fashionable executive in his weekend attire
with
with
description many
managed
ones
seats seem
in a
Lancia were very proud
including a full feature on their design in Rivista Lancia (issue 33) unfortunately
only
architectural manner the centre console looking like a central
deco building all made
nished
looked slightly inelegant and
the
1970s fashion perfectly .
tie dye flares must have been
a Beta in maya yellow and a red interior! Incidentally
to
with
leatherette or real leather seats are straightforward
to
two
tone
in Italian
with
a few wooden
employees in the boot? Early
the
most
other
but
any
addi-
there was
on the North
as
it
is a distinct
people
resolve the available colour combinations
have been in a velvet bolster/brushed nylon centre sometimes
variation which
so
I can tell you no more . The dashboard
not
con-
that
only
would
consider
the
of
the seat design in
the
height
trim
inserts and gear knob. Externally
had rather stylish yellow instrument
dials which were heavily criticised
the
point
dials
ing these dials
genuine series 1 coupes have been
so
certainly
socks
cannot really be sure and actually I
seem
speedo 'new old stock' on
cars
with
the
external finishes. Strangely
the
Italians could
to
those on
out
an
eye searingly bad vision in combination
it
colour charts seem
of
fashion by chocolate
where Lancia fitted revised
to
later
cars, I don't
fitted
rare here in recent years
wouldn't
off
to
to
remember seeing
were often bold in a very early
the
Fulvia 3
of
place on the
of
flower
to
be orange. I've never really
the
coupe and
need
count
them. Given this I
get
away with, some
but
whereas on the
Beta
power
the
'red'
for
the
interior,
but
to
fail
to
fully illustrate.
went
is
styled in
tower
brown
recall
in
UK
cars
that
to
take your
an
eBay
it
they seem
shirt and tie
is
Lancia's
the
the fabric
as
far
an
on
vinyl gar-
the
design
cars
MPH
as
almost
an
to
see-
but
you
art
of
Ap
ril
2012 1 Viva Lancia 113
Beta
berlina
Series
1 cutaway
drawing
Beta
berlina
Series
2 late
version
with
.
extended
gutter.
the early coupes
of
design
particular remains a masterful design
typical late 1960s/early
with
its central rib and
Lancia issued a
and on the whole
ing
to
the
with
the
lady-drivers
seats and
500 was near enough a family limousine maybe
Late 1975 saw the release
eral changes being
the
changes
rationalised
parts,
the
choice
of
tune
for
In
what
to
chose
unique features such
to
any other coupe variant. The car had a dedicated brochure
four languages. Lancia (England) even produced their
model
but
There were more technical changes on
were changes
sales
literature
tain dimensions
in 1975 Lancia were aware of, and had worked hard
issues which were
scandal I would strongly recommend
Geoff
Owen,
hand, there
about
Lancias,
The series
original radiator grille and
upholstery
have recycled photographs from
brochures show seats
than the earlier velvet/brush nylon combination. To add further confusion
is
the
that
gearbox, ' ... you
smoothness
.'
They also seemed
is
ideal for a family, in the land where Lambretta
went
to
1600 was
engines
the coupe engines.
appears
brand the 1300 simply
for
it
is
a small section on this issue and
two
but
most delicate and,
is
not
surpassed
'sales manual'
it
is
very factual although
of
that
deeper than
allow
the
now
into
to
be
as
their purposes
to
the subframe rear
or
press pack
relating
to
cause such
is
out
of
is
a very entertaining read.
1600 models changed very little visually,
this
is
confused by
upholstered all
with
70s
geometrical patterned design and
twin
vents
to
dealerships detailing the virtues
can
feel
a touring
to
of
the
the larger engine
that
production
1585cc and a 1300 coupe was added bringing
line
with
the berlinas, also there was no longer a special
an
attempt
as
a bench rear seat and a black radiator grille
they
but
in
to
this
mount
an
print
but
usually available for a
bonnet
as
is
later 'improvements
is
much more delicate than the later version.
the
car.
think
series 2 models . The most obvious
and indeed the full engine range was
of
to
'Lancia 1300 Coupe' and
decided
mounting
the technical data
issue in later years. For more on
that
the
the
the
early
over
often the
not
bettered by later revisions, using a
it
does have
snappy effect
This
is
much appreciated particularly by
that
the
that
was
increased
three engine capacities using
fill the gap left by
that
it
the
series 2 and in particular there
which are
were altered. I
you read
the
only change seems
marketing
cars,
however the German market
in
the
case,
display a
'.
The radiator grille
the
comment
of
a racing car getaway
coupe
has
four comfortable
was
was true?
in
size
the
Fulvia 3 Lancia
they
as
own
was a Beta after all!
rest
department
same brushed nylon rather
brochure on this
not
detailed in
book
it
is
think
it
to
"turning
is
resolve, the corrosion
back the clock' by
few
pounds second
ofthe
book, whilst
they
to
have been
who
the
bonnet
of
the coupe
the
norm and a
to
1995cc,
gave
not
well issued
clear
that
clear
that
the
retained
seemed
purity
, relat-
of
less
the
it
some
fitted
the
rust
to
sev-
but
cer-
even
not
the
the
some
cars
seem
to
in
in
to
book
parts
selves by showing
also at least one coupe brochure showing a picture
vinyl sides a feature I had only
but
if it
was
later?
On
the
gle piece glassed in
different grille in black
net necessitated by
was
buyers were
May
1104,2000-
the
coupe and
have been produced in
code, one
but
brochures
duced
colour choices appear
cars
later part
extensively revised Series 2 facelift (or
make sense
Seating
kinder on the eye, the dash
wood
design . A neat feature
the
in
more sombre
bonnet
headlights had returned
black surrounds. The previously rust prone rear side
changed
ment
outside
also introduced
The series
19761 found initial chassis numbers
early series
other
than this
leaflet '
with
some colours, for instance giallo Bangkok, being discontinued
of
This
toning
was
trim
radio. The whole interior became more sombre and upmarket
my
eyes
and
to
and fitted
have had vinyl piping, I presume this
refers
to
as
'garnish' and
both
variations on
confusing for
the
oblong
the
but
going
to
two
cars
2341
but I do
two
cars
the
complete range. The main large
with
a red 2000 and
they
examples being 'le Lancia Beta', 'choose a Lancia
the
Lancia
production.
down
ofthe
of
that
sort
in a
less
stylised shape and upholstered in a woollen cloth much
was deleted and
probably
not
colours, did
the
five bar grille had been standardised across the range and the
all stainless steel and the
through
thought
them
what
new
1995cc
lights in
with
five horizontal chrome bars and a different bon-
additional
only
as
have a long
were actually introduced in
to
of
an
not
know
several brochures were produced
two
versions, which confusingly bear
the
are absolutely identical. There were several range
Beta
series
have changed during the production
range continued
of
logic!). The interior was completely changed.
was
made cleaner looking and finished in black,
the
steering wheel was changed
the
new
so
interesting and quirky. The exterior, aside from
not
seem
to
the four separate
the quarter
is
what
the
marketing
the
same page
occurred on
is
it
for
cars
gained a different look by
the
style
height
option
wait
before
quoted
if
these are reliable. During
other a brown
the
most Italian car' and so on. Exterior
only
dash was a removable anti-theft
to
have changed greatly
door
light
glass.
department
of
of
green seats
the
us
pushing on towards 40 years
of
the
recently introduced
of
the
2-litre block. Power steering
on
LHD
vehicles unfortunately
it
was available
the
UK
in
an
old publication
format
brochure seems
metallic 2000 on
with
the
if
mirrors were given internal adjust-
introduction
you are in Italy 'series 3'
light
units
window
If
you looked carefully there
the
excel them-
one brochure. There
HPE
, probably
with
between March and
the
both
just
the
',
a small
of
to
a simpler
but
but
this
time
frames were
spare
that
have
an
adopting
RHO.
as
period
on
the
to
same
print
the
cover
UK
pro-
the
series 2
of
the
try
cover
but
at least
the
2-litre
with
error
HPE,
UK
1600-
of
in
the
to
for
is
sin-
a
Beta
coupe
14 I April
Series
2012
one.
I Viva Lancia
Early
Series 2 berlina
interior.
were
other
significant changes. The edge
of
the
changed, instead
edge
giving
compare
don't
possibly
a sort
an
earlier and later car side
have a press pack
to
increase headroom
changes behind
single piece
to a two
this clearly made
sits behind. The
wiched between
only
reason
for
original smoothly curved edges
of
squared
off
for
this facelift range
or
the
rear
bumper
piece welded
it
easier
to
join
joint
was spot welded
the
lips
the
change
the
of
the
rear panel and valance,
probably
this construction may also be more rigid . Unfortunately
the
seam also became
an
annoying moisture
many coupe owners will be aware. In
good
measures
front
so
to
have survived in much higher numbers
be partly
the
rust scandal and possibly
under
the
to
reduce corrosion including plastic wheel arch liners at
perhaps we shouldn't complain. This series
due
to
additional rust proofing applied in
the
buy
back scheme. There were a
completely revised electrics, electronic
to
the
ferent engine tunes . Due
Italy
the
limits in
became
instead being
ca
These
1979 initial
2000-016001
1300 and 2000
The brochures
1300 had its engine increased
part
of
the
Beta range and lost
just
rs appear
a slightly simplified version
to
imported
have been introduced in
chassis numbers said
but
these
would
share
for
these
slightly crazy engine capacity related speed
don't
seem
the
same chassis sequence .
cars
were as
selves, plain blue covers and a more
sporting dimension' proclaimed
that
was issued in several languages. The German market brochures were very
the
outside
similar on
least
during
part
Europe this being
Lancista reading this
but
of
this series, wore different upholstery
the 'L' cloth familiar
can
the
different on
confirm? Automatic transmission became
at around this time utilising a British
as
retrospect cannot be seen
duced a
new
booklet entitled 'information
format and covering
and
white
drawings and a
particularly successful. The
both
coupe and
quite
strange
smaller than its competitors, 'MAN
to
park in
town
and very easy
. Its proportions a
of
the
roof
along
the
the
effect,
if
you have never noticed this
by
side and you will
so
to
improve
where
together
panel
with
I'm unsure
rigidity? There were
the
rear panel was changed
at a seam hidden
to
the
rear reinforcing panel
the
lip
of
roof
see
what
why
the
reinforcement sand-
whether
remains lost in
other
than
unnecessary scrapping
few
ignition
the
to
to
make sense
grown
up
market
cover
of
the
inside.
to
Gamma enthusiasts. Maybe a German
AP
design
for
HPE.
It contains some rather quirky black
attempt
SIZE
The Beta Coupe
time
but
I suspect
the
trap
respects
the
leading
ledge created
to
corrosion,
though
Lancia
of
Beta coupe does seem
earlier series, this may well
the
UK
around
of
some earlier
changes under
, thermostatic intake and dif-
to
1301
cc.
unique
of
the
the
The 1300 also
features
fitted
larger capacity versions.
UK
in January/February
be 1300-016001 , 1600-032901 ,
as
it
seems unlikely
up
in
tone
as
the
inside, '
BETA
common
for
that
market,
from
cars
built
in Italy and which in
sales
division pro-
the
tone
most
Cars
but
salesmen' this time in a small
to
explain
why
is
based on
highly
the
re
gutters had
has
it
was
further
by
the
that
the
bonnet,
previously
cars
COUPE
brochure, one
in
the
responsive,
proportions
a flat
try
I mean. I
done,
from
bumper
that
is
the
that
as
built
the
time
cars
that
them
the
for
the
rest
an
option
Beta
is
to
in
the
-
at
a
by
the
AS
of
,
of
German
w
as
specially commissioned
Ermenegildo Zegna best
of
more expensive
the
human body, and this gives
its competitors
whereby
appear identical
came w
HPE
but
market
Series
two
coupe seats. Superb l ' cloth (also used in the
known
SEAT
ith
the
to replace
'.
in Spain
SEAT
than
During
the
would
to
the
models
1919cc version
have never seen one
by
Lancia from
for
leather.
the
time
of
lUXUry
their 'yachting
' range
car ideal dimensions unrivalled
the
S2FL
cars
build both Coupes and
built
in Italy
but
to
the
twin cam. I have a brochure for
built
coupe. This arrangement was
for
the
of
SEAT
tailors
and
cloth makers
of
clothing. Cloth was
an
agreement was made
HPEs
and these
Gamma
by
cars
any
meet local tax regulations
)
of
the
Apr
il 2012 I Viva Lancia 115
The
bold
and
much
criticised Series 1 instruments.
Latest style
dashboard
in this case
from
a Series 2 facelift spider.
short lived
control. Small numbers
Africa presumably,
Fulvias, and
Italy)
the
bulkier redesigned bumpers (except
bumper
lights, seat upholstery, steering wheel
other
and 2000
not
but
brought
with
appeal
style
black cover. The brochure features a red
and 1600
By
distribution and marketing. They issued their own brochure
publication
cynical amongst
model name. The press pack
1982. This version had been available in Europe
assume
adverse
of a new
only offered in
was much wider.
probably
time
UK.
Frankfurt 1983
which I am yet
hands again this
up
umex although
turbocharging,
as
it
all
went
sour between Fiat and
of
Beta
but I do
in
In
1981
cars,
Delta, black exterior trim, side rubbing strips,
find evidence
it
the
of
this
In
autumn
before
I only have a
Lancar limited. Much
Thailand
a further revision was made
The main changes were
but
finished in black) plus new interior trim including new interior
detail changes. The engine range
as
before plus
was
the
of
the
time
that
publicity had produced severe customer resistance
that
produced
extra smoothness and performance
the coupe. The brochures on this range
as
six year corrosion warranty could
not
for
introduction
time
showing the
well, although the 1300 and 1600 were never offered in
Lancia (England) was
for
coupe and
us
might
Fiat inherited large unsold stocks in the
two
colours red or black
1983 Lancia introduced a volumex version
unexpected given
but
this time, unlike the Trevi, the car was offered
UK
issued press pack and a general full range press pack for
but
there
to
acquire. The marketing
time
to
they
had
as
the
first Delta
coupes were also built from
not
know for sure, by Daihatsu
but I don't
an
the
certain specific markets such
was
an
was
to
know
much about these.
to
the
the
i.e. version
2000 carb model
of
power
steering
front
of
no
HPE,
given
think
this was
for
the
UK
the
introduction
a full volumex
outside organisation in
made
of
steer a careful path when extolling its virtues over
turbo
coupe
adoption
the
1300 which retained early style
with
fluted centre,
was a new
with
Bosch L jetronic.ln
was
to
of
the car
below
2000
more and Fiat auto
the
issues
so
they
market coupe was issued on June
not
but
in the rest
HPE
of
Lancia in the
the
supercharging system
had been announced at
SEAT
culminating in
with
the
of
the
latest grille
boot
spoiler, black sills and
new
1366cc for the 1300, 1600
a generally available model
as
RHD
i.e
solve.
Australia. This series
production and along
the
i.e.
version refreshed
follow
the
the waist facing
throughout
(UK)
of
the
last couple
could miss 'Beta'
from
1981
UK
and
In
the
of
Europe
of
of
the
Trevi volumex some
and coupe press pack
UK
the
form
VW
(KD
parts in South
who
had
built
S2FL2
(series 4
as
seen
gear lever and
practice I can-
corporate Lancia
out
and lists 1300
the
had taken over
as
a combined
of
years the
off
the
so I think
UK
the coupe, this
it
the
the
the
coupe
the
for
sale in the
Heron
ofthe
the
same time.
is
recent
addition
choice
who
that
that
had changed
of
taking
on
the
of
a
UK.
22
fair
was
was
as
well
set
vol-
The main changes over the
Weber dca36 carburettor and an Abarth
bonnet
bulge
to
accommodate
clutch, black
in
wing
and Zegna grey/black check woollen upholstery. The colour choice
extensive
UK
cars
very rare outside
cars
quite limited, there
trating
able
inspired addition
part
proper factory issue English language Volumex
they
appear very rare and
side this brochure
and covers
some
issued
The volumex
duction
the
to
basic concept remained constant,
many
umex coupes were imported, the first chassis
940350 and the final 950000.
appears
worthy
been higher
volumex
may well have been scrapped
In
introduced in
front
edges, leather steering wheel rim, uprated suspension, bronze
in
the
UK
also had Recaro
received a sports steering wheel.
UK
to
be 100 per cent sure
number
did exist, I only have this brochure in French and Italian and even these
other
that
run
of
the
that
and long term SORN/off the road. The survival rate may well have
the
of
market
cars
as
does
is
the
1300, 1600, 2000ie and the volumex.
countries in Europe a simpler poster style brochure was also
folds
out
was
that
spanned over
competition
roughly 40 remain in
but
because
has
become
UK
the
Beta
1981
i.e.
were
as
follows, supercharged engine using a
built
the
air dam, rear spoiler restyled and extended over
than on
front
the
UK,
is
a brochure produced by Lancar, quite simple and illus-
complete
they
do
not
seem
they
don't
in the same style
to
a large picture
the
final development
when production ceased. It
the
the
prey
air intake, higher final drive and larger
the
i.e.
but
seats,
these were optional in Europe
the parts microfiche suggests
with
but
it
appears
not
appear in the spare parts microfiche and
to
follow
turn
up
10
years there were many changes in detail
Based
upon
the
supercharger
of
pre-war
just
to
Limited
special
HiFi
is
probably
each car was modified by Tickford additions being a
the
rootes style supercharger, small
there was still more choice in Europe.
Sales
material for the volumex
optional side striping. I have never been
that
these stripes were a
Fiat/Lancia format. I have never seen a
as
as
UK
donate this item.
coupe brochure
anywhere very often. From
the earlier issue
of
a volumex coupe engine bay.
of
the
Beta
good
as
it
number
the statistics at howmanyleft.co.uk it
split virtually 50/50 between road-
is
approved for vintage racing
MGs
so
sadly some restorable
and
editions
most well known limited edition,
the
rear
tint
glass
was
more
but
that
but
is
In
Germany and probably
coupe, during a pro-
ever was and still ahead
is
said
that
imported
seem
French market
cars
UK
but
no
doubt
the
out-
different inside
only
150 vol-
is
said
to
cars
is
the
but
of
be
the
Unique rear seat
16
I April
2012
of
early 1300 coupe.
I Viva Lancia
Series 1 spider
note
the
lack
of
bars
above
the doors.
Series 2 FL
spider.
Voxson radio and graphic equaliser,
gold wheels, Pirelli
to
have been
modified from existing stock. The brochure for this
very small leaflet
a
tion
of
300 and
coupe
but
ed glass. It appears
Lancar adopted a 5tratton bodykit
ing colour coding and Exip alloy wheels,
pink metallic. It appears
one still exists. There
as
the
prize in a Prisma test drive competition.
In
Europe there
able
as
an
able
the
to
edition
add more detail
wheels,
Turini (also
spoilers and stripes,
brochures on them. Zagato produced some coupes
these seem
is
be appreciated.
P6
tyres and numbered badges. The colour choices seem
the
same
as
the normal coupe probably because the
with
just
it
cost an additional £545.67
they
still charged extra for metallic paint,electric
that
out
unknown
was
also one
was
a limited edition
of
300 on the
Laser
which again had special alloy wheels plus stripes and a
as
a berlina) produced by Chardonnet, the French importers,
but I do
to
have
only
been one
about
HPE
note
on
The spider and
of
the
first series.
Pininfarina designed
model which followed
being changed. The second series saw
appear
to
the
top
of
the
spider followed
1300 version. Both series one and
ingly always
the coupe
black or beige vinyl.
although some details did appear on very late
Showing the practical
HPE
arrived later than
the
the
Pininfarina proposal closely only
have been aimed at increasing
the
doors and frames around the
the
same changes
trimmed
but
without
In
in a
mid-brown
the
option
Europe there
side
of
front
and rear spoilers, striping, black and
one picture on
of
300 the
HPE)
not
know much
these editions, or any
and
the
spider however Zagato
two
of
the
HP£.
the
front
over
number
as
an
as
to
white
which had a bodykit and special alloy
off
designs shown at exhibitions. If anyone
remaining
official
option
they
even produced one in a lurid
how
many were modified
coupe produced
of
200 coupes by Fissore (also avail-
about
Spider A brief
closest
the
as
spiders had unique seat designs seem-
vinyl,
cloth upholstery most being trimmed in
was
relatives
the
coupe
introduction
body
rigidity in particular bars
door
the
coupe except there was never a
the
later
no
52FL2
cars
model
cover. The car
the
list price
for the
either
with
special
other
but
still
built
the
of
windows.
cars
had similar seats
version
such
as
cars
is
very half hearted
was
of
the standard
windows
is
in single figures.
with
of
in
minor
modifications
In
of
the
and
volumex
but
at least
Martini stripes
these or have any
trim
but
editions,
it
time
to
be part
production
details
other
respects
the
spider
exposed fuel
were
an
edi-
tint-
includ-
with
would
that
over
to
Series 2 FL
cap
grille,
second series, except for
path
had been rechristened 'High Performance Executive'. The
berlina floorpan
versatility and sporting
terpiece
ture
sic by now. There seems some
sold in the
form
1976 which
rare in the extreme probably because their sheer usefulness means
ity
common
Fiat take
from scratch in such a short period. The berlina
Fiat and
short lived cooperation
design and engineering input, the rear suspension
piece,
also developed their
ury touches expected
1756 versions
an
dows and a completely altered rear
visibility, the engines changed in
styling and detail alterations .
added electronic ignition, changed the upholstery
made
back
cleaner look
the craziest interior designs ever fitted
the Bellini styled dashboard
wall features, concealed interior
coupe rolling
with
no flap
production stopped
The
HPE
'High Performance Estate' arrived
to
the coupe
of
1 970s style
I am convinced
UK,
only
but
the only information I could find shows first imports
would
were used hard and driven
as
you
off
the
but
it
was
never offered
in
the
with
production ending at
so
managed
style. The interior design
if
the
it
would
the
Beta
collectors guide suggests they were
make
them
would
expect.
Berlina
The version
LPG
Extensive
of
The next change was rather
that
started
over
it
was a remarkably accomplished car given
it
is
also rumoured
frequently copied
with
version was added which
alterations were made for
other
detail changes including extending
the
car instead
with
the late style grille, inside it received
it
to
with
over
own
tune
of
Lancia. Early
the 1438 later superseded by a 1297 and
of
ending in line
but
SEAT
assembly line
1982
two
years before the coupe.
lack
of
a 1300
to
combine near berlina space
rear seat had been a piece
have been a highly prized collectors design clas-
doubt
as
second series, whatever
into
the
ground
and
all announced
have some technical
Citroen. However
the years by
for the Fiat
cars
was
probably an Italy
the
window
line
with
At
around
radical.
On
to a mass
the
whole interior
door
handles come
in
Spain.
with
injection
only
it
followed a similar development
the
to
whether
or
the new Delta style
a few months before
same time, by
HPE
of
with
the early
with
cars
of
living room furni-
the series one
imported
the
case
even
the
later series
was built on
Trevi
in
1972 barely three years from the
is
it
did include a
other
manufacturers, and Lancia
twin
cam. It was also full
were available
second series, deeper side win-
angle were adopted
the coupe and there were many
the
same time
the
with
the
rear window.
the outside
produced car. Most famously
that
said
input
is
a well known master-
to
match the coupe and
roof
the
was
to
it
to
have been styled by
left
over
lot
as
1438, 1592 or
at
the same
only
option
as
the coupe
gutter
right
berlina gained a
what
must be one
full
of
slightly
mind, and
that
time
hatchback
was
a mas-
HPE
was
in 1592cc
to
be April
early
HPEs
the
was
designed
from Fiat's
of
Lancia
of
the lux-
.
to
improve
52FL
to
the
off
was a bit
the
it
the
are
major-
not
time
they
of
the
of
as
April
2012
I Viva Lancia 117
The
much-copied rear suspension; this
differ in
detail
from
early cars.
a shock
to
the
were
The final berlina was
but
with
into
the
received
version which had cleane r styling at
improved
senses back then. It seems
imported
to
the
UK
all 1600s.
the
a conventional rear end designed
UK
in 1600 and 2000 versions
the
i.e.
and
seats and
Trevi (three volume) basically
volumex
door
trims without
North
I cannot claim
Berlina, coupe,
to
meet strict safety and emission regulations
technical specification
and engines
advance
power
they needed. Oddly
never
applied
I am
not
brochures
ification
to
know a lot
HPE
and Zagato (spider) were all available
s.
strangled
of
the
European market
to
sure which models were sold in Japan, I only have Japanese
for
the
as
the
North American
This included
by
anti-smog controls. Fuel injection was offered in
the
coupe and these all relate
the
European spider.
Success
is
versions.
the
America
about
the
cars
which eventually gave
Zagato received
cars
.
or
a late version.
that
only
by
Pininfarina. This was
but
for
some reason
We
also
didn't
rear and revised
concealed
and
Betas
for
frequently
the
addition
the
to
early versions in
failure?
The
anti
roll-bar
and
a small
number
of
the
final Beta berlina
imported
the
UK
never
the
facelifted
inside including
door
receive
trim
handles.
Japan
the
North American market.
but
were
the
modified
cars
that
the
same spec-
necessitating revised
of
very unsightly bumpers
S2FL2
changes
cars
the
arms
were
car based on
In general the same sort
the
following relates mainly
other
comprehensive. Rust
with
make
subframe and its mountings,
it
is
usually localised and
probably the rear inner wheel arch and strut
oughly
especially where
back seats
Corrosion at
cars
easiest
were
all
the
and a
panels
ply take
neat wiring
possible check
charger
All
can be
Maintaining a Beta
that
entertainment can be had
tend
anything turns
can
be high
several specialist suppliers across Europe plus quite a few in
world
surprising
know
as
the tensioner
from
same
what
some
fit
another which all adds
sometimes are
Montecarlo) should have a deeper impeller
a one size fits all item.
should be well
modern
Most importantly
to
it, difficult
fuel injection probably provides
coupe,
most fans
still a sharp drive, very spacious and
than any
very cheap
classics.
an
advert
so
it
is
always best
of
checks you'd make
to
models, please also bear in
vehicles
or
model. Ironically the one area
check this
as
with
a sunroof,
area
to
not
fitted
other usual weak
bit
of
luck new panels can still be found and there are newly made repair
for
many areas. Mechanically
the
usual care, look
without
is
in
trim
is
difficult
can
be all part
to
be permanently watching eBay
but
. I have also spent many hours cross checking parts
what
for
example
the
1.9
as
some Renaults? Conversely
will
fit
or are suitable, Lancia made many detail changes over
less
obvious than others
cars
spider
would
of
the
to
is
ofthis
age
is
to
the
tower
well
but
the
bottom
it
is
repair. Front inner wings
with
plastic liners.
any bodging evident. Check
how
the
good
order
important
to
source used.
is
of
the
up
eventually
sensible prices new
items were shared across
that
for
a volumex supercharger belt,
version
of
not
quite
So
within
the
it
never gets excessively over complicated.
the
to
say
which version
of
any series or
regard
more glamorous models. Whichever you chose they are all still
buy
so
a good one
the
of
course a
it
is
unusual
the
not
too
pull back
this
the
the
meets
is
not
very practical
of
the windscreen
usually at its worst in
areas
of
any
for
a complete original looking engine bay and
car drives. On a volumex it
as
second hand prices are high and supply limited.
both inside and
a whole
lot
fun, parts are difficult,
looking
but
a Fiat Regatta
same car and wheel bearings are apparently
so
to
the
fun. After market items
right, for
long
as
you take
capabilities
Beta
is
a really great car
the
an
early series one coupe are probably
as
the
most desirable. Then again a series 2 Berlina
to
go
and physically inspect
with
coupe
but
mind
that
word
associated
to
find no corrosion irrespective
that
front
cross
difficult
to
boot
carpets and inspect
the
boot
can
Sills
tend
30
plus year old car. With some patience
the
cars
out
more challenging than
for
those elusive parts and wise Beta owners
for
it
can be a long
or
used
the
1.7
diesel cam belt tensioner
it
is
unwise
a second hand part from one
instance water pumps
the
of
a home mechanic and unlike more
is
best, on a sensible level a
best mix
as
with
has
got
to
any classic apply
will hopefully also be relevant
this
is a brief
with
the
very rarely exhibits corrosion
member
repair. The worst
floor, ideally you would remove
is
corrode badly on
to
as
that
but
all Lancia berlinas more solidly
be
does corrode
tower
and
the
as
part
of
also quite
the
corrode
are very strong
items are rarely available new and
can
Italian manufacturers, did you
time
of
the
the
common
bottom
at
their
how
the
is
critical
but
not
impossible, much
elusive part. Remarkably almost
wait
. Asking prices
still be found and there are
that
the
to
make assumptions
that
for
most after market suppliers sell
to
understand
to
drive
with
attributes
best bargain amongst Italian
the
to
the
overview and
Beta
area
only way
the
buying process!
corners and
the
so
engine sounds and
that
owning
the
to
save money,
belt itself originates
are listed
volumex (and
a really alive feel
S2FL2
but
not
but
in reality
of
the
is
though
on a Beta
to
thor-
whole
area
especially on
is
not
early
cars
extremities
you should sim-
the
rest
Beta
a volumex
is
the
it
super-
an
MGB
for
of
the
about
might
as
the
HPE
the
as
parts
the
it
same
the
years
correct
Beta
with
cars
car.
Beta
to
the
but
is
the
the
that
do
if
but
is
not
is
built
In
the
UK
even
to
due
to
the
view
sons
428,372 Betas
family tree
9000, Prisma and Delta . More
ably
the
asset
ally well made and durable. On
most
whole
same
UK
rust they
face.
rust scandal and
the
model
to
think
good
drive,
time
were
is
the
subtle and elegant style and
package
time
. Back in
and
if
you
more
this day
as
differently. Firstly over a period
of
all types plus
of
designs including Thema, Fiat Croma, Alfa Romeo 164,
it
was amazing when you consider
the
Ford Cortina , Morris Ital and Vauxhall Cavalier. A
brilliant Fiat
into
meet
often talk
less
a failure. Well I
twin
a single car being
the
seventies
a past
owner
about
Finding
Unless you are looking for
sale and restoration projects
18
I April
2012
I Viva Lancia
turn
the
Beta bears a very heavy burden in
well educated
know
the
design can be seen
importantly
cam which
top
of
the
quite a lot
what
how
they
and
a
Beta
an
early model there
up regularly on
motoring
I am biased
is
not
this there are sporting versions
HPE
both
is
surprising
loved
but
of
Betas
only
that
sports car and family car
of
people
there are
about
12
to
of
all versions are a remark-
that
sporty
even manages
owned
is
rather than talking
the
car
with
owning
is
still a steady
eBay.
It
is
the
enthusiasts may well
years Lancia
be at
the
UK
but
a Lancia in
a big grin on
difficult
media
many
rea
built
the
top
of
a
SAAB
competitors
further
also exception-
with
to
combine
at
the
the
about
their
flow
of
cars
to
assess
-
at
the
the
for
a
Volumex engine
bay
.
Beta
technical
documentation
I used
to
my
slightly obsessive
brochures.
thing
ferent
ommend
ex
manual. Talking
cars
long
which
publication
recent print, briefly covers
German
volumex
reprinted several times
information
up
really
tion
are
for
at
around
slim manual which detailed
There was
The Bosch
ner
comprehensive
have been similar publications
them
of
technical
but
The
often
control
cars
Anyone
obtain a copy
Just before I close a small piece
definitive
taking
but
I asked Tim
'
Information
little because
years ago. I personally have some build
before
Tim has generously agreed
on
collect literature
collection
ploded
that
to
to
handy
series
as
I have never seen one.
they
the
would
but
I decided
to
It
is
all fascinating (at least
new.
As
well
ones for
turns
as
you learn
is
no
by
cars. Lancia
about
worth
the
two
the
. The
North
they
equipment
would
the
chassis
then
as
front
anyone
with
diagrams are very useful
of
which
up
on
the
more
adequate and can cause confusion
by
'Revue
'Verlag buchelli' nicely illustrated
. They
did
late 1979,
having a
large manual Lancia produced concise manuals
but
not
very comprehensive
cars
which
the
time
the
one
issued
injection
automatic
bodywork
volumex
information
American cars had their
were produced
changed regularly,
be
better
seeking
more
of
Guy Croft's
date
for
the
time
to
research this
number
what
on
all Lancias
I
think a lot
and
it
is
like
to
know
on
all Lancias,
to
the
drive Betas and microfiche
eBay
didn
system was covered
gearbox a year
cars
keep and
point
where I now
brochures I have parts books
a Beta
to
acqui
Lancia issued a very
quite
differences
technique
produce
most
copy
S2FL2
for
often, irrespective
it
automobile
most
models aside
't appear
with
more
a separate technical data
of
the
of
this in
is
worth
having. The
cars came
the
changes
coupe/HPE
repair manual
for
only
received,
, there
might
but
they
explained
knowledge
book
Modifying
The
final Beta
production
generally
the
so
for me,
is
954124 and
information
ofthis
era
of
the
paper archives were destroyed in a
just
that
build
date
then I got
build
have over 100 Beta related
to
me) and I still occasionally find some-
re
the
one
probably
is
to
modern
data
the
even
very useful. There
' in French
update
covers
is
not
the
latest
but
they
out
and
on
the
combined
by
a separate
or
so
earlier. In
for
the
other
versions
at
least in English, a duplicated
have been a
own
technical
are
quite
as
with
by
an
expert
on
the
twin
and
end
of
information,
many
thanks
unfortunately
it
was
built
is
is
very scarce and even in Italy there
date
the
any
of
model
owner
their
info
car he
for
if
on
for
relevant
thick
from
but
the
readily available elsewhere
print
did
format
for
car and
and a separate
coupe, I suppose there
numerous because
other
cam
tuning FiatlLancia engines.
to
still available and
not
of
Regional reports
NEWS FROM THE NORTH OF
SCOTLAND
I have been very busy
organisation
Dunkeld,
read
time
events. The Glamis Castle weekend
ally
forth
but
this
it
will
to
think
will
be July 7 and
get a good
is
one
. Please l
of
the
GNW
by
the
time
all
be
of
forthcoming
turnout of
et
with
the
at
you
over, and
8.
We usu-
Lancias
me
know
you
are
May,
as
well
in advance.
The Scottish
Fife
is
to
venue
this
the
Hill
and Gardens near Cupar.
Tel
. 01674 672111
donaldjsmithOl@btinternet.com
if
sensible and sold
the
Beta material and
of
which
there
the
later cars, I
more
so
manual
of
the
is
with
which
the
volumex
doesn't seem
main manual
but
still contained
book
date you can
produce
of
manuals was changed
those cars Lancia issued a
the
book
addition
but
more
comprehensive version
books,l
things
from
that
would
I had never seen in
Tim Speechley
the
in
November
for
1978
separated
a Beta registered
is
happy
coming
I have
to
be
on
year.
ofTivit
Mansion House
are three
would
to
their
car
than a
series you
a Haynes manual
later variations, a
for
I have never seen
relating
side
type
onwards
by
organise passes,
Italian Car day in
May
It
as
workshop
on
the
series one
own
, in
the
most
and one in
to
cover i.e.
which
was
the
that
was
find
. In
owners, these
an
updated
technical data.
one
for
in
the
same man-
there was a very
am
not
sure
the
emission
to
these
of
the
be well advised
print
at
Fiat
is
not
recorded
1984.
to
quote
flood
but
into
versions
from
to
accept enquiries
the
end
of
27. A
different
will be held
Donald J Smith
or
07739897477
most
got
dif
rec-
the
and
thin
or
same
updated
it
is
addi
one
Trevi.
might
booklet
how
water.
a
UK
for
:
is
very
many
nothing
'.
1978
at
by
available .
additions please send
of
-
so
-
to
email
only
to
tim
I
hope
that
.speechley@fiat.com and he
this
has
been
informative
them
in
to
Viva
Lancia!for a
will
if
anyone wishes
future
check
to
issue.
if
the
make
AlanCooper
alan.c.ia@ntlworld.com
Welcome
The Club
bers
Karl Helgesen Hampshire
William Corke Surrey
James Costello &
Lorenzo Lopez Santana
Sarah Heath-Brook
Andrew
Richard Sweeting West Yorkshire
Os
AndrewWatt
David Blumlein
Tim
Andy
Peter Bridger East Sussex Fulvia 3rd
Howard
Peter Clarke Berkshire
Steven Tildesley Leicestershire
Matt
Mark
Steve Bestwick &
Jo Musson
Geoff
AnneYoung
DannyCami
Nick
Citra Susanto
Simon
Robin Davis Gloucestershire
Anthony
Richard
John & Pauline Reeder
John Hart Buckinghamshire
Peter & Lesley
Rowbotham
John
Robert Lawlor West Sussex
Philip & Emily Wales Somerset
Richard Gorman
Charles Frodsham Glamorgan
Neil Wardman West Yorkshire
Bashir Khwaja
Steve Hinson Lincolnshire
Eliyahu Solomon Singapore
Mark
David Relph Kent
Michael
Mark
Philip
Giles Usher
Trevor & Joy Pullen Hampshire
Gareth Shipley
would
who
ian Owens
Lane Dorset Belna Late Standard Berlina
Cocks
Evans
Jaques Surrey
Phillips Surrey Aurelia B20
Sed
Ingham
Muddle
Bennett
Smith Shropshire
Nixon
like
have
joined
Froggatt
Papworth
don
&
Galliers-Pratt Hereford &
Whitehouse
Whiting
to
to
welcome
in
the
London
Essex
London
Hertfordshire
Cheshire
London
Norfolk
Oxfordshire
new
the
last
few
following
months
members
new
(and
:
2 Beta
2nd
Fulvia 1 st Series Coupe
Fulvia 2nd Series Coupe
1600HF
Fulvia
3rd
Gamma 1 st Series
Fulvia 3rd Series Coupe
Beta 3rd Series Coupe
Series Coupe
Se
2000VX
HF
2 Delta
Hampshire Beta 2nd Series Coupe
Nottinghamshire
London
Belgium
Hong
Kong
France
Worcester
London
Norfolk
Kent
East Sussex
USA
London
Hertfordshire
Derbyshire
Gloucestershire
London
Clwyd
Flavia Convertible 1.8
Beta 1 st Series
Delta
HF
integrale
Lambda 1 st Series Torpedo,
Aurelia
B12
HF
2nd
Convertible
2nd
1600HF
B20
3rd
HF
HF
2nd
HF
B20
HF
integrale
Series Coupe
HF
Series Coupe
integrale
Turbo
Series Spider 2000
GTTouring
integrale
integrale
Delta
Aprilia
Flavia
Vignale, Flavia Coupe 1.8,
Fulvia
Aurelia
Rally 037,
Ypsilon
Fulvia 2nd Series Coupe
Fulvia 1 st Series Sport 1.3
Fulvia
Delta
Delta
Astura 3 rd Series
Convertible
Flaminia Coupe 2.5
Pininfarina
Beta
Fulvia 1 st Series Coupe 1.3
Montecarlo 2nd Series Spider
Fulvia, Montecarlos, Themas
Flaminia
Beta Montecarlo Spider
Delta
Beta 1 st Series Coupe
Aurelia
Delta
returning)
Series Berlinas
ries Coupe
integrale
Coupe
6th
Series GT
Series Berlina
4th
Series
integrale
Martini
Pinin Farina
3rd Series
information
comments
mem-
1.3
Coupe
Evo 1
Vignale
2000,
1600
Evo 1
1.8
Coupe
Evo 2,
3B
2000
16v
GT
8V
is
or
---
April
2012
1 Viva Lancia 119
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