1981 Lancia Montecarlo Spider

WHO Nick Leviton MILES 51,434 PROVENANCE In family from new MODS Tuned in period HOW MANY LEFT 35

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD IT?

It’s been in our family from new, purchased by my late uncle Peter Ashton in 1981 from the West Country Lancia dealer in Devon. It became mine in 1997 following his passing. The car remains unrestored and in totally original condition, is used in the summer only, never allowed to get wet, and is polished but maintained with no expense spared with regular servicing and cam-belt changes.

HOW MUCH HISTORY?

Being in single family ownership from new it has a complete history detailing every service and part purchased and even all of its old tax discs and documentation. The car has appeared in many magazine articles including Classic & Sports Car, Practical Classics, American Classic and Viva Lancia, the Lancia Motor Club’s newsletter. It’s a little bit of a screen star too – it appeared in two episodes of The Bill as a static prop back in the late 2000s, near the end of the series.

WHAT’S LEFT TO DO ON IT?

The car has nothing left to do on it at the moment. However, as she ages many of the electrical components and plastic parts are aging too, so great care is taken to maintain them.

HAS IT BEEN MODIFIED?

Upgrades include an Ansa fourbranch exhaust manifold and system, Tarox disc brakes, twin Weber carburettors and upgraded camshafts, all of which was carried out when my uncle bought the car in 1981 so the modifications are very much part of its history.