THE KNOWLEDGE
1972 Nov Beta saloon arrives (UK Jul 1973)
1974 Mar Coupé 1600 (108bhp) and 1800 (120bhp) launched
1974 Sep Spider 1600/1800 introduced; Coupé 1600 comes to UK
1975 Apr HPE added Jul Spider 1600 in UK
1975 Sept Second Series: 2000 (118bhp) replaces 1800
1977 Mar Coupé 1300 added
1978 Sep Third Series: trim changes
1981 Sep (UK May 1982) Fourth Series: more rust protection, power steering, new trim, grille and bumpers, injected 2000IE (122bhp), electric windows, steel sunroof
1982 Spider production ends
1983 Jun Volumex, with Recaros on Coupé
1984 Coupé/hpe production ends
FACTFILE
Sold/number built 1974-’84/111,801 Coupés, 71,261 HPES, 9400 Spiders
Construction steel monocoque
Engine iron-block, alloy-head, dohc 1297/ 1301/1366/1585/1592/1756/1995cc ‘four,’ with twin-choke Solex/weber, Weber/ supercharger or Bosch L-jetronic injection
Max power 85bhp @ 5800rpm to 133bhp @ 5500rpm Max torque 79.5lb ft @ 3300rpm to 152lb ft @ 3000rpm
Transmission five-speed manual or threespeed Lancia/ap automatic, FWD Suspension independent, at front by lower wishbones rear twin lower transverse links; Macpherson struts, anti-roll bar f/r
Steering rack and pinion, standard power assistance from ’81 Brakes discs, with servo
Length 13ft 1in-14ft 1in (3990-4290mm)
Width 5ft 4-61/2 in (1630-1690mm)
Height 4ft 2-31/2 in (1270-1310mm)
Wheelbase 7ft 7in-8ft 4in (2310-2540mm)
Weight 2182-2635lb (992-1195kg)
0-60mph 12.3-8.9 secs
Top speed 101-124mph Mpg 22-33
Price new £7046 (HPE 2000, 1979)
CLUBS
Lancia Motor Club lanciamc.co.uk Viva-lancia Forum viva-lancia.com Lancia Beta Forum lanciabeta.co.uk
SPECIALISTS
Betaboyz lanciabetaparts.co.uk
Ricambio International ricambio.co.uk
The Italian Job italianjobauto.com
Richard Thorne rtcc.co.uk
Omicron Engineering omicron.uk.com
L&M italiancarservicing.co.uk
The Monte Hospital dev.montehospital.com
Lancia Vintage (Italy) lanciavintage.net
WHAT TO PAY* Hpe/coupé/spider
Show/rebuilt £18,000/20,000/22,000 Average £6000/7500/8500 Restoration £1000/1500/2500