Lot 202: 1981 Lancia Beta Montecarlo Partial Restoration Project

The Lancia Beta Montecarlo was a mid-engined sports car sold in the 1970s and very early 1980s. Named 'Montecarlo' (spelt all as one word and not as the Monaco capital), spyder versions of the coupe featured a unique roll-back manually operated targa-style convertible top. Based on the prototype Abarth 030, the car was known as the X1/8 (later the X½0) while in development and was intended to be a Fiat-branded 'big brother' to the Fiat X1/9. It had a similar mid-engined layout, with a larger engine and roomier interior. The car was passed to Lancia, and was constructed by Pininfarina, the original design company, in Turin, Italy. Production lasted from 1975 through to 1979 for the first series (S1), with a second version (S2) launched in 1980. Production of the Montecarlo ended in the following year. The Montecarlo, too, was the basis for Lancia's successful Group B rally car, the 037 which retained the centre section from the Montecarlo but little else. Its supercharged engine, while still amidships, is mounted longitudinally rather than transversely as in the Montecarlo. The example presented here today is sound enough and could certainly be driven during a light restoration with much of the work needed being simply 'TLC' and general servicing. It was the recipient of a new engine from the Monte Hospital in recent years as well as new brake discs and calipers in 2006. Over £1,200 was spent in the previous year obtaining a MoT test certificate, with the mileage recorded at that time being just 65,000 miles; 66,000 is recorded now. Offered here at no reserve, this spirited Italian sportscar will make a great project for the summer months.