Hiding in this garage is a vehicle that could be ideal for enthusiasts seeking a small Italian classic. This 1981 Lancia Beta Coupe might not be a fire-breathing beast, but it has avoided the rust issues that often plague the marque. It is in excellent mechanical condition and is ready for action with a new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting the Beta listed here on Craigslist near Oracle, Arizona. The seller set their price at $6,400, but it appears they are willing to negotiate.
Lancia released the Beta in 1972, with the Coupe joining the party in 1973. That variant remained in production until 1984, during which the company sold over 111,000 examples globally. This 1981 example is a survivor that presents nicely in Silver. The paint hasn’t developed any matte areas or patchiness, thanks to its garage-kept history, which has protected it from harmful UV rays. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but some readers will already wonder about rust. That isn’t a concern, because the Arizona climate has protected it admirably. The factory sunroof allows wind-in-the-hair motoring for those who prefer Mother Nature’s cooling to air conditioning. The alloy wheels are spotless, and the glass is clear.
Small Italian sports cars typically don’t deliver enormous power, and the ’81 Beta Coupe is no exception. Its DOHC 2.0-liter four develops 108hp and 114 ft/lbs of torque. Thankfully, power feeds to the road via a five-speed manual transmission, and not the three-speed automatic that hampered outright performance. The power and torque figures are modest, but with a curb weight of around 2,580 lbs, the Beta is a surprisingly energetic little beast. The seller recently fitted a new exhaust and battery, investing over $2,000 to ensure that this Lancia is a turnkey proposition. For those doubting the mechanical hardiness of the Beta, it is worth remembering that Top Gear UK undertook a special episode in 2007, driving three cheap classics across Botswana. Jeremy Clarkson chose a Beta Coupe that had obviously led a hard life. It suffered a few glitches along the way, but completed the journey to almost universal amazement. Therefore, treating this Beta with respect should allow it to ply our roads reliably for many years.
This Beta might be relatively cheap, but its interior is nicely equipped by the standards of the day. In addition to Black leather trim, it features air conditioning, power windows, a rear defogger, a tilt wheel, factory floor mats, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. The dashpad has cracked in a couple of spots, but a mat would disguise that shortcoming if the buyer didn’t wish to splash the cash on another pad. Otherwise, the condition is impressive, with no major faults or issues. The leather looks soft, the plastic has survived the Arizona sun, and the carpet is excellent.
Lancia was once a powerhouse in the World Rally Championship, sweeping all before it with the Fulvia, the 037, and the Delta Integrale. However, the vehicle manufacturing industry places little emphasis on sentimentality. Showroom success is what matters most, and Lancia is failing badly on that front. Production volumes are at their lowest in the company’s history, and it would be unsurprising if Stellantis chose to “retire” the brand in the next few years. Therefore, preservation could be crucial so that future generations can appreciate the marque’s vehicles. This 1981 Beta Coupe is in excellent condition for its age, offering its new owner the opportunity to do so. It is affordable, and the recent mechanical work would allow the buyer to enjoy its sparkling performance immediately. I believe that it will find a new home, because the seller’s price is very realistic. Do you agree?
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