Description
When Gianni Agnelli took control of Lancia Automobiles S. p. A. he decided to provide full support via the incorporation of Fiat's technological ingenuity to the design of all Lancia models. In honor of Vincenco Lancia’s tradition of use of the Greek alphabet and to signify the beginning of a new era, the company’s new model was named Beta. It featured a transversely mounted DOHC engine, a 5 speed gearbox, rack and pinion steering, disc brakes all around and a Lancia-pioneered rear axle layout of parallel multi-linked MacPherson struts. Furthermore, the engine was placed at a 20 degree rearward angle to provide for better power delivery to the front wheels and a lower center of gravity. Of all the body styles offered, the Castagno and Castagnero-styled Coupe was used as a platform to design the most elegant version of all, the Spyder. According with the Italian tradition, a ‘spyder’ version would entail commissioning one of Italy's finest coachbuilders. Notably, this Spyder would involve two such coachbuilders, namely Pininfarina to style its silhouette and Zagato to build its body. The Spyder’s power came from 1. 6, 1. 8 and 2. 0lt engines and later by an optional supercharged version of the 2. 0lt engine (VolumeX) of outstanding 135bhp and 205 Nm output. Despite 9390 Spyders being produced in total, only a few did receive consistent and knowledgeable care to survive 4 decades later to this day.
The subject Spyder presented here was imported from the factory to Greece in 1978. After only 2 owners, it was acquired by a family of Lancia collectors who decided to restore it to original factory standards. From 2011 to 2013, a ‘nut and bolt’ restoration was conducted that entailed a bare metal respray of the accident-free body, a full retrimming of the interior in the original material, fitting a brand new Lancia soft top and a full overhaul of all mechanical parts including the engine, steering and suspension. Once the restoration was complete, the engine was stored for preservation purposes and an overhauled Volume X supercharged unit was fitted for local drives. After 5000km of testing, the car operates in ‘as new’ condition and presents in an immaculate cosmetic condition throughout. It is now offered with both engines and full history.
Specifications
Model year: 1978
Make: Lancia
Model: Beta
Version: Spyder
Body type: Targa
Body number: C 054650
Chassis number: 828 BS0/ 1* 003654*
Engine specifications: 1585cc, 4 cyl. in line, DOHC, Weber carbureted, 99 bhp and 135 Nm output
Engine number: 828Bthe details below, matching
Engine VX specifications: 1995cc, 4 cyl. in line, DOHC, supercharged, Weber carbureted, 135bhp and 205 Nm output
Engine VX cast number: 82309344
Transmission type: manual, 5sp
Exterior color: Bianco Pego
Interior color, trim: Nero, full leather
Ownership history:
1979-1996: Mr. J. P., Athens, Greece
1997-2002: Mr. G, P. and A. P., Athens, Greece
2003-current: private., Athens, Greece
Certification: Federation Internationale Vehicules Anciens (FIVA), Greece, A/ 3, awarded 2012
