Lancia Beta Montecarlo Series 1

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Paint it red and call it a Ferrari. Who would know? Well, how many people under the age of 30 will be familiar with the Lancia Beta Montecarlo? When was the last time you saw one?

This Series One model is a rare beast and is easily identified by its solid (rather than glazed) rear buttresses. Of 7,798 cars produced, there are only around 70 Montecarlos registered in the UK - and that includes Series Two cars and Spyders. All were fited with Lampredi's 2-litre twin-cam inline-four developing 118bhp and good for a top speed of 120mph. 

First registered in March 1978, XLM 972S has led a charmed life and would appear not to have been overworked, if the 69,642 miles showing on the speedometer is correct. In fine shape but by no means concours (as is reflected in the very reasonable estimate), it is fitted with the later S2 glazed buttresses which we understand was common on UK S1 cars due to issues over restricted rearward visibility.

The car has an MOT to June 2019 (no advisories) and there is a collection of service invoices going back to 1990. It has only recently had a new fuel pump and a new windscreen fitted. The Monte Hospital supplied it with a new water pump in 2015 and it also had a new alternator and camshaft oil seal fitted in the same year.

The car also comes with some tasty spares: a set of twin 40 Dellorto carburettors and manifold, four Volumex alloy wheels, and a highly desirable 037 rally car twin headlamp grille conversion.

Mid-engined, styling by Pinifarina, engine by Lampredi: it could be a Ferrari, but the Montecarlo is much easier to live with and a lot less expensive. A baby supercar in many ways, the Lancia’s rarity, styling and performance make it an attractive proposition. One to watch.