Lancia Beta
(1972 - 1986)
Brand:
Country:
Italy
Lancia Beta: All 27 models
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Car articles about Lancia Beta by year
Forty years old, the Lancia Beta series has matured into a classic. This applies to the now rare saloon as well as the pretty coupé, the open Spider variant, the practical HPE and the sporty Montecarlo. This report briefly introduces the reader to the model series and shows the different variants in old and new pictures, supplemented by sales brochures from the time.
Family coupés with a power output of around 120 hp were rare on the German car market in 1975; apart from the Capri II, there were only imported models available for less than DM 20,000. These included two Italian models that were identical in many details but differed considerably in terms of shape and price, as this test shows.
After Fiat had rescued the luxury brand Lancia in 1969, the Beta Series 2 in particular was intended to revive Lancia sales from 1976. The factory promised "a comfort sedan that is unparalleled in its class". The stylistically and technically revised Beta also had sporting talent. This test report from 1976 explains whether the hoped-for success would have been possible.
Based on the Lancia Beta Berlina presented in 1972, a whole range of variants was created. The HPE sports estate impressed with its elegance, sportiness and versatility, but the early examples have become very rare. This driving report is about a 1600 version and is based on current and historical images.
When the Lancia Beta Montecarlo was launched in 1975, there was actually already a mid-engined sports car in the Lancia range, namely the Stratos, which rushed from rally victory to rally victory. And the Montecarlo should actually have been born as a Fiat, but as is so often the case, everything turned out differently. The compact sports car remained exclusive and ultimately reached customers in two series, while racing modifications ensured success in the one-make world championship and the DRM. This driving report portrays a Lancia Montecarlo from the second series and tells its story, illustrated with many pictures from then and now, supplemented by a sales brochure and a sound sample.
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