A Lancia Scorpion is not exactly the kind of car that pops into mind when considering likely suspects for long-term, single-caretaker ownership. However, this has to be the lone example of a notoriously needy car that has been in the right hands since new, as most Scorpions by this point – the few that still exist – have succumbed to rust or neglect, or both. This Scorpion is listed here on eBay with one bid to $9,250.
The Pininfarina-designed Scorpion is an acquired taste. Some might consider it sporting; others striking; and others, downright unattractive. No matter what, you won’t miss the Scorpion in the parking lot. The flip-up headlights were always my favorite feature, seemingly the car’s most delicate feature. The incredible thing about this particular car is just how pristine it remains, with the paint still glossy and the taillight lenses still full of color.
Oh, and that carpeting! Bright blue rugs and a dash to match make this the epitome of a 70s Italian machine. The seller is not overstating the matter when he notes that this long-time owner has clearly cherished this car. The Scorpion looks like new inside and out, despite racking up a respectable 113,000 miles from new. I doubt highly that most U.S.-market Scorpions have been with this committed of an owner, nor have many racked up six-digit mileage.
The seller notes that documentation is strong with this car, which is a must-have if you’re going to pay real money for an oddball project car like this. The listing mentions that the “…motor was completely rebuilt in 2012, along with the installation of a new clutch,” which suggests a level of commitment to preservation that should inspire confidence from potential bidders. There are simply next to none of these Scorpions left, and certainly none as nice as this one.
This would be a potential $28-35,000 auto if the miles were not excessive. The historical significance is well documented with the Lancia scoring World Championship Titles from 72-78, beyond with the Delta model. A well-built, engineered auto, many Pininfarina models and certainly rally racing bred. The seats should be examined as well as the rust issues, if any. All can be addressed and if bought at around $15,000 or less, buyer cannot go wrong.
Abarth designed, built and ran all those race winners. FIAT supplied the running gear, Lancia the badge.
Scorpions can be great, you need to tune engine and brakes for that to be the case.
Hahaha.
Shows true dedication to the “Best bad idea”, ethos.
Cheers
These are wonderful cars.
Originally conceived of as the x-20 Pinninfarina Concept for a replacement for the aging 124 spider. That job felt a Bertone’s x-19 and this car was produced as a Lancia.
It was the first car entirely designed and built by Pinninfarina.
Although handicapped by US emission rules, the Lampredi twin cam for is a delightful engine, easily upgraded to produce much more power. The Lancia version actually had a unique block, and shared no moving parts with Fiat versions.
they are a delight to drive. Obviously be careful of rest issues and check the brake system.
Funny enough, they just used the standard Fiat block on the Montecarlo/Scorpion, as these didn’t need the mounting boss for the right-side jackshaft bearing carrier that FWD Betas had, to allow for equal-length halfshafts that eliminated torque steer.
Handy to know if you want to do a swap from any 2-liter Fiat donor. Just make sure you retain the Lancia cam towers, which have modified oil drains to account for the engine being leaned over by 20°.
Electrical system-brought to by Lucas-The Prince of Darkness.
I had a 76 Lancia HPE, absolute WORST electrical system created. 21,000 mi California car in Riverside.
I GAVE it away for some cement work!
Lancia never used Lucas. Nearly all electrical faults on Italian cars are caused by bad grounds or incompetent owners. The grounds you just clean and add a dielectric grease, I still haven’t figured out how to fix a bad owner, but they are great to buy a good car from cheap.
Good looking car.
What lurks under those fluffy seat covers?
I hear these are rare to find in good condition…
I like the tray to put parts in while you are fixing the engine.
I thought that was a dustpan.
That’s known as the “tractor seat”, actually a heat shield for the spare tire.
There are “0” bids. The $9,250.00 is what the seller is asking for as an initial 1st bid.
How rich! More like mini Fiero.
The Scorpion came out a about 12 years earlier than the Pontiac, so there’s that
At the time, it was a pioneering use the transverse engine/front wheel drive mechanicals from a family car in a mid engined sports car.
Unlike the tractor engine used in the Pontiac, it had it an advanced twin overhead cam engine, designed by Lampredi of Ferrari
I would bet you somebody at GM looked at this car before the Fiero hit the drawing boards.
The J-car design was a poor copy of the Lancia Beta coupé
The Oldsmobile and Buick Aero Backs were graceless imitations of the Lancia Beta and Gamma four doors
and if Pininfarina’s Cadillac Allante was any closer to its very similar design for the Lancia Gamma, they would’ve had interchangeable parts
but yeah, it’s just a smaller copy of the Fiero. Except I think it’s bigger.
Mini.
Figure of speech
For many years Lancias have been under-appreciated in the U.S., so prices here remain very low. Ignore the mileage; look at the amazing condition. That means the first owner really looked after it well. This is a bargain, and if a Lancia (Fulvia) didn’t already stand in my garage, I’d be all over it.
I had a beautiful 78 Beto. Lovely car, fast and beautiful.
no one knew what it was
Beto O’Rourke?
Fulvia is so much nicer.
The same man designed the two cars
Build quality of the Fulvia is superior- and why they went broke
The Beta’s engine is legendary; the Fulvia’s? not so much
Both are nice looking, but to my eye, the ultra-clean Beta is one the best looking cars ever.
and: being from Miami, the Beta had a/c!!
The Montecarlo/Scorpion was designed by Paolo Martin at Pininfarina.
The Fulvia was designed by Piero Castagnero at Lancia.
The Beta coupe and HPE were designed by Aldo Castagno at Lancia with consultation from Castagnero.
Exactly, subgoth
The Fulvia and Beta were the work of Castagnero at Centro Stile Lancia
How? I have a Fulvia zag in the garage now, I still prefer a beta, either coupe or Montecarlo/scorpion. To me they look better, definitely drive better and are all around a better cars. The one area the Fulvia Zag does exceedingly well as that the seats are the most comfortable and supportive I have every sat in.
What I am seeing here via comments is almost disgusting. The lack of knowledge of this marque is limiting its value as well as nonfactual rust and brake problems. Facts be known, the cars were average in both areas for their time period. Few if any other brands survived rust during their manufacture in this time period. Ask me how I know with my experiences with my 1972 Porsche 911 and my 1979 Porsche 928…….total disasters with many , many problems such as electrical, oil leaks and, yes, much rust and rain water leaking issues. The brakes of the Lancia were light years ahead of anything else of the time in production cars and if repaired according to the recommended changes, they perform excellent. They all have some kind of issue but…..the Lancia has the World Championship records to show…..others including AUDI, their principal competitor, do not.
SOLD for $10,850.
Ended:
Sep 24, 2023 17:01:52 PDT
Winning bid:
US $10,850.00
[ 8 bids ]
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Located in: Rockford, Illinois