Lancia Beta Spider 2000

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Launched in 1972, the Beta was the first all-new car made by Lancia under the ownership of their new parent FIAT. 

Designed and tooled within a very tight timescale, it was kept within budget thanks to the use of the lusty and well proven twin-cam FIAT powerplant, albeit heavily reworked to improve performance and to drive the front wheels rather than the rear, ranging from an 82bhp 1.3-litre to a 122bhp 2-litre.

The chassis, suspension and interior were very definitely the work of the Lancia engineers and possessed all the qualities one would expect from this revered marque – arguably the greatest of all the Italian manufacturers, Ferrari included. The independent rear suspension was particularly ingenious and was widely copied by other manufacturers as FIAT neglected to patent the design.

The Beta range consisted of a 4-door saloon, 3-door sports estate (HPE), the mid-engined Monte Carlo, 2+2 coupe and the 2+2 Spider, the latter styled by Pininfarina but built by Zagato. Only 9,390 Spyders were made before production ended in 1984 and just 13 of the 2-litre models are still registered in the UK today making this a very rare beast indeed.

First registered in June 1980, this 2-litre Spider has had just three owners from new and last changed hands in 2006. The original handbooks and service book show it was originally supplied by Lambs (Continental) Ltd from their Hornchurch dealership to a Mr Platford from Great Warley, Essex.

The service book has four service stamps up to June 1986 by which time the car had done 31,320 miles. The current mileage of 46,900 is believed to be genuine however there is insufficient documentary evidence to warrant this. About six years ago the car was professionally restored including a full respray in silver and the fitment of new headlights, a new hood, new clutch and cambelt and four new tyres. The interior appears original and is very good for its age and still has a period Radiomobile stereo fitted.

Dry stored for the last four years, the car has just been recommissioned for sale and is due to have a new MOT before the auction. All the original Lancia tools (including the correct long plug socket) are in the boot.

To call these Beta Spiders rare is an understatement yet spare parts are easy to come by and they are huge fun to drive with superb handling and a decent turn of speed. This cherished three-owner example could well prove a shrewd investment at the modest guide price suggested today, especially as it seems that Lancia may soon cease to exist as a brand if current car industry rumours prove correct.