When was the last time you saw a Lancia Zagato (or any Lancia for that matter)? It was a small, Targa-like sports car built by Lancia in Italy (under the supervision of Fiat). It was imported from 1975 to 1982 and then Lancia did another disappearing act in the U.S. This ’79 Zagato may be the black and gold Special Edition, but it’s a non-running project now that may have been sitting in the woods for a while. If you’re looking for something to occupy your weekends, this Lancia can be found in Chico, California, and is available here on craigslist for $1,000. Barn Finder “numskal” has been busy finding tips like this!
On its home turf, this car is known as the Lancia Beta Spider, but when it got to the U.S., the name was changed. The Beta was a whole line of new Lancia autos in 1972 that covered nearly every body style. Standard fare with a Lancia was a DOHC engine with a 5-speed gearbox (automatic optional), independent suspension, disc brakes, and rack & pinion steering. So, they were probably state-of-the-art machines for their time. Lancia’s dealer network was rather sparse in the U.S., so finding one was a challenge and then getting service done another.
The seller’s car should have a 2.0-liter motor and we’re told it has an automatic tranny. These were not necessarily well-built vehicles and U.S. inspectors visited the plant in Italy to see what could be done to improve the products sold in the U.S. Over their eight-year run, only 9,390 Zagato’s were built and who knows how many made it to the U.S. or how many have avoided the crusher.
We’re told no attempt has been made by the seller to start this car, so what you see is what you get. The canvas top is shot, exposing the interior to Mother Nature. So, you’re likely to have your hands full if you have a desire to restore this rarity. Or you can use it for parts if you happen to already have one of them. It comes with “new” roller tires, so hopefully moving it around won’t be hard.
Cool little cars, but no way would I take this. Best bet is find one that’s already been gone through. There is also a problem of finding anybody willing to work on them.
One look under the deck lid tells me the twin cam 2.0 has been replaced by a GM V6. I want to say it’s a Buick 3.3 or 3.8 but I might be wrong. One thing for sure is it’s definitely a GM V6.
Yup, but this appears to be a GM 60° V6, rather than the Buick 90° V6 variants you mentioned. Valve covers appear to be from a Fiero L44 V6, upper intake plenum from a Cimarron LB6 V6, not clear if the base engine itself is either of those 2.8L units or another in the same family.
A while ago I’d posted this to the Lancia Beta Appreciation Society group on FB, as this may be the only Lancia Beta that I (or anyone else there) has ever seen with an engine swap from another model entirely (well, aside from the several swaps done to mid-engine Montecarlo/Scorpion siblings to the Beta).
Apparently this swap was done about 20 years ago by American Lancia Club member Dwayne Helgerson. The car’s (rare for a reason) stock auto transmission failed, and nobody knew how to rebuild it, but he’d done other swaps before and decided to tackle one here. Reportedly the job was done to an evidently high standard, fully drivable, and shown at various ALC meets, tho’ it was prone to snap half-shafts due to the increased power.
As the late Mr. Helgerson passed about a decade ago, this seller is apparently his landlord for the shop he’d rented in Chico, who acquired it via lien sale.
Incredible. Such a same it has been allowed to reach this state.
:-) I had a great mechanic not too far from there, in Redding. Great memories!
Sitting on a trailer or a rollback truck is the natural habitat for all things Lancia
Wrong. How many have you owned?
THAT STATEMENT IS SO TRUE, and YES, jwaltb, I HAVE owned a Lancia Beta HPE, which happened to be in the wrong state, but in the wrong state, California! These aren’t worth $1,000 running today!
Have you ever owned one? I took delivery of Beta Berlina w/optional A/C.in 1978. The Lampredi designed DOHC I-4 was a gem as was the 5 speed gearbox. The drive train was bulletproof. The car was surprisingly affordable to maintain. Follow the factory service schedule, being sure to change the Gilmer belt every 17.5K miles, and you were good to go. I enjoyed driving it more than my earlier BMW 2500. After 12 years of family ownership with different drivers, the car was sold to a collector halfway across the country. Despite years of nasty North East winter weather, he got a rust free Beta.
It’s sad to see her like that. Zagatos are indeed cool little cars. I generally steer clear of “TurDuckEn” style arrangements, and prefer to remain Brand-Pure, but if somebody elects to take this project on, that American V6 will prove to be a real benefit. It’s no secret that rust was a huge issue, but in the right hands, along with a proper budget that can probably be resolved.
Most vintage Lancia, Fiat, Bertone fans know of this place, but for whomever buys this project you’d do yourself a favor by checking out Midwest-Bayless in Ohio. They stock new, NOS, and good used parts for that car, along with other cool old Italian rides. I use them a lot. They’re awesome…Speak with Nick.
midwest-bayless.com
love the enthuasist to new guy helpers ! Had some Lancias from 50s – ’80s and really enjoyed. Do ur self a favor’n follow the ‘blood lines” (Beta Coup thru Zadalgo’n more). It’s not only interesting but fun, informitive and addicting. To own the cars – over the top by today’s standards. Alll I can say is “Try it, you’ll like it!”
Signed
“A Lancia owner form the (’50’s -) 80’s”