Lancia Beta Montecarlo

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The Lancia Beta Montecarlo was a Pininfarina designed masterpiece originally commissioned by Fiat in early 1970 as an upmarket alternative to the dinky 1,300cc Fiat X1/9 which was already in an advanced state of development.

Initially conceived as a 3.0-litre V6, the fuel crisis in the early ‘70s dictated a rapid change of strategy. In the end, the wonderful Lampredi designed two-litre twin-cam used across the Fiat empire was chosen, production getting underway in 1975. Although badged as a Lancia, it was actually made by Pininfarina and was the first car designed and made in their own factory.

Of the 7,798 made between 1975 and 1981, only 55 left the plant in 1978 - and none at all the following year as Pininfarina struggled with the introduction of the 2nd series car which accounted for just over 2,000 of the total produced. These later models can be distinguished by their split front grille and distinctive glazed rear butresses.

During its manufacture, 220 were set aside and converted into the stupendous Lancia 037, the successor to the immortal Stratos. The majority were sold as road-going Homologation models, the rest being used on the International rally and racing circuit, winning the 1983 Manufacturers World Rally Title in the hands of such legends as Markku Alen and Walter Rohrl.

Sadly, the history file for this very early and well preserved 1978 2nd Series car was lost before the car came into the vendor’s hands, so the indicated mileage of 69,000 cannot be verified. Its powder blue paintwork looks in keeping with such a mileage and the vendor informs us that as far as he can see it has never been welded – possibly a first for a Lancia of this period!

MOT’d until February 2016, this distinctive piece of 1970s Italian design flair still looks fresh 40 years after launch. With fewer than 100 Montecarlo models still registered in the UK, it is also an exceedingly rare machine.

CATALOGUE AMENDMENT: Bidders are advised that upon inspection there is evidence of welding on this car.