- Seller: Stephen P
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Mileage: 96,624 Shown
- Chassis #: ZLAFS00C6B0202602
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 2000cc DOHC Fuel Injected 4-Cylinder
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Slipping behind the wheel of a small Italian classic is an utterly joyous experience. Cars like this 1981 Lancia Beta Zagato feature nimble handling, amazing brakes, and engines that deliver their power willingly and enthusiastically. This Zagato offers all that and more, because it presents exceptionally well, and a recent retrim has left the interior as fresh as a daisy. Declining health has forced the current owner to make the heartbreaking decision to part with this gem, so he has listed the Zagato exclusively with us at Barn Finds.
Lancia’s relationship with North American buyers was an “on again, off again” proposition during the 1970s. It suspended sales in 1980 as it fought to address some inherent issues, but returned in 1981 with a revamped model lineup. It was slow going initially, reflected by the fact that this Zagato was 1-of-791 to find a buyer in 1981. That makes it a relatively rare beast that is guaranteed to turn heads. Its White paint is in good order, presenting extremely well for a driver-grade classic. It and the steel that it cloaks are free from major defects, and there are no rust issues to cause the buyer sleepless nights. The Zagato follows the traditional Targa theme, with a hardtop over the front seats, and a soft-top behind the B-pillar. Both are in exceptionally good condition, with the hardtop able to be stowed in the trunk when the occupants crave a wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. One attractive feature of this system is that it offers the possibility of four different configurations. With both tops in place, it is effectively a Coupe. The buyer could remove either top independently, or both to transform the Zagato into a genuine Targa that maximizes all that Mother Nature offers. There are no visible issues with the trim or glass, and the Zagato’s beautiful 14″ alloy wheels feature center caps made specifically for this car.
After taking a sabbatical in 1980, the 1981 Zagato hit the showroom floors with some welcome updates. The company breathed on the DOHC 2.0-liter four. Fuel injection and other evolutionary upgrades pushed power and torque from 87hp and 105 ft/lbs to 108hp and 114 ft/lbs. The power feeds to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, while power assistance for the steering and four-wheel disc brakes creates a total driver’s package. The power and torque figures look modest by modern standards, but they are deceptive. With a curb weight of 2,778 lbs, the Zagato offers surprisingly lively performance and the ability to cruise effortlessly on the open road. However, point this classic at a ribbon of twisting tarmac and it springs to life to provide one of the most engaging driving experiences on four wheels. This wonderful little gem has a genuine 96,622 miles on the clock, and as can be seen from the photos, it gets regular exercise. It runs and drives well, and is a turnkey proposition for the new owner.
The Zagato is a wonderfully versatile vehicle, with an interior that will seat four. That is surprising for a car of this type and size, raising the possibility that it would be ideal for an enthusiast with a young family. The seller treated the interior to a recent refresh, and it presents nicely. The Red and Black upholstered surfaces perfectly contrast the exterior paint shade and are free from wear and other problems. The plastic components have survived well, while the gauge cluster features a clear lens and crisp markings. The Lancia is fitted with air conditioning, although it currently doesn’t blow cold. Otherwise, everything works as it should.
Some classics don’t age well, with their styling looking tired and dated. The 1981 Lancia Beta Zagato has avoided those problems, with an almost timeless elegance. This classic is in excellent condition, and its rarity means that the new owner is unlikely to find an identical example when they are out and enjoying all that it has to offer. Therefore, if you wish to experience what is undeniably a genuine driver’s car, this affordable Zagato deserves a closer look.
68?
And with mailbox stickers no less!
I always also worry when I see the dreaded dashboard and steering wheel covers.
Love the looks of the Zagato though….have since they were new.
Steering wheel cover’s pretty much a necessity in Arizona summers, unless you wanna keep oven mitts handy. Dashboard cover is also NBD, as either the dash is already cracked on top (nearly all of them are on these by now), or the owner added the cover early enough to prevent it. Accuform makes molded ABS dashcaps for these, and Covercraft makes a more nicely-tailored Dashmat.
Mailbox stickers on the doors appear to be applied on some sort of backing, maybe just a magnet? Prolly used for some sort of road rally or group touring event, maybe related to the ham radio callsign decal on the tail.
I’m hardly going to trust that those covers aren’t COVERING up something….like damage from before they installed them!!! If someone wants to sell a car they need to remove them!!! Same with the mailbox numbers!!
Too bad it wasn’t any closer, but if it was it would rusted away. The dessert preserved it well. Are most of the mechanicals Fiat?
The engine is a variant of the famed Fiat twincam designed by Aurelio Lampredi, most notably used in the Fiat 124 among many other models, tho’ Lancia was the first to adapt it to a transverse FWD application, which required some modifications (e.g., the cam boxes have altered oil drains to account for the block being leaned over by 20°).
Aside from that, and a few very minor parts-bin items like some brackets and lightbulb holders and such, nearly everything else of any significance about the Beta is unique to the Beta, designed in-house at Lancia by stylists and engineers who remained on staff after the Fiat buyout. The Zagato spider variant was designed (from the B-pillars back) by Pininfarina but fabricated from Beta coupe bodyshells at Zagato.
Midwest-Bayless can supply most parts you’d need in the US, and there’s also BetaBoyz in the UK stocking and reproducing many rare Beta parts/upgrades, EU vendors like Bielstein (not the shocks company) and Martin Willems, and of course eBay (don’t overlook the Italian version, eBay.it).
My 81 Zagato’s engine seemed much more powerful than my 81 Fiat Spider’s engine. Both had fuel injection, but throttle response and torque were superior in the Lancia. The Lancia also had a higher redline and sounded great (compared to the Fiat). Not sure if there was a different cam or what. Sold mine cheap but would love to have another…if it was free of rust and electrical issues.
I have an 82 Zagato with only 62k genuine on it ,I rebuilt the engine after i bought it because i wanted to do some Croft modifications, oil pan splash plates etc .love the car great fun, I am looking for a drivers side window regulator the electrical one, thanks.
I can’t see this without hearing “Beeta” in Clarkson’s voice.
Also, the mailbox numbers are awesome!
had its brother in (was it ’83 in ’83?) L’s Beta Coup. Even w/automatic it was a great car.
I like the top here.
The monticarlo is best I think (were there 5, 6 models?). Mid engine and even more style. None of those made it to Goldie’s (local junk yard – all Italians), not much later they closed.😭