There are sensible ways to build production cars, and then there’s the Lancia way. This 1981 Beta Zagato demonstrates that, with the build process requiring multiple moves between two factories. It is believed that the company lost money on every car produced, helping to explain why they are relatively rare. The good news for enthusiasts seeking an Italian classic is that this Lancia has avoided the rust issues for which the marque has become a virtual poster child. It runs and drives, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Araknid78 for spotting the Beta listed here on eBay in Elyria, Ohio. The buyer set their BIN at $9,950 with the option to make an offer.
Lancia launched the Coupe version of its Beta in 1973, with the Convertible variant joining the party in 1975. Marketed as the Spider in some countries, it was known as the Zagato in North America. It received that badge due to the collaboration between Lancia and Zagato during the build process. Lancia shipped completed Coupe bodies to Zagato, where the roof was cut away and additional bracing added to ensure the body retained structural integrity. The bodies returned to Lancia for rust-proofing, before once again heading to Zagato for paint and other trim assembly. That helps to explain why Lancia couldn’t turn a profit on these classics if they wished to sell them at a competitive price. This Zagato left the line in 1981, finished in Red. It’s a bit of a surprise packet, because while the paint looks tired, its rust problems seem relatively minor. It appears that there might be small bubbles developing in the hood’s leading edge, along with another in the rear quarter panel just behind the driver’s door. Crawling under this classic reveals that it may have been undercoated early in its life, which is why the floors show only a few spots of surface corrosion. The paint is tired, but both sections of the top are in good condition. So far, this Zagato looks like a winner.
Italian manufacturers enjoy a well-earned reputation for producing cars with bubbly little four-cylinder engines, and the Beta Zagato is no exception. This car’s 1,995cc fuel-injected four sends 108hp and 114 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle. The Zagato isn’t a fire-breathing monster, but that peppy little motor will happily sing all day. The car’s lack of rust isn’t the only slice of good news. The seller doesn’t mention documentation confirming the odometer reading of 66,000 genuine miles. However, this little gem runs and drives, allowing the new owner to revel in the Italian motoring experience before hitting the workshop during winter to address the Zagato’s cosmetic needs.
Trimmed in Black leather, the Zagato’s interior hasn’t fared as well as its body. Fragile trim and plastic are known problems, as demonstrated by the cracked dashpad. The radio is gone, and the heater controls are swinging free. However, the Black leather seatcovers are free from rips and splits, and might present well if handed to a specialist for careful conditioning. The back seat looks really nice, and there are no major problems with the door trims. Throw clean carpet into the mix, and this Lancia’s interior could present quite nicely without costing the new owner a fortune.
The sensible way to conduct business in the automotive industry is to ensure that every vehicle you sell delivers the company a profit. The Lancia Beta Zagato’s convoluted production process virtually guaranteed that this wouldn’t happen, which may explain why the company only sold 9,390 examples of a car with such crisp styling. Rust has inevitably claimed a few scalps, but our featured car has avoided the worst of those problems. I believe that the seller’s price is optimistic, but the fact that they appear willing to negotiate may improve the situation. Are you tempted to ask that question?
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