Lot details
Registration No: EVX920Y
Chassis No: 137A50005813
Mot Expiry: Sept 2009

Introduced at the 1975 Geneva Salon, the Lancia Beta Montecarlo was designed and built by Pininfarina. A mid-engined sports car with its roots in the Italian Carrozzeria's Abarth 030 and Fiat X1/8 (later X1/20) projects, the newcomer was tenuously linked to the rest of the Lancia Beta range via some shared drivetrain components. Equipped with all-round independent coil-sprung suspension, front / rear anti-roll bars, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes, the Monte Carlo was powered by a 1995cc (120bhp) DOHC four-cylinder engine allied to five-speed manual transmission. Praised by the contemporary motoring press for its Ferrari-esque styling and nimble handling, the model could be had in coupe or spyder guises (the latter incorporating an oversize sunroof). Marketed as the Scorpion in America complete with smaller, detuned 81bhp engine, raised ride height and prominent impact bumpers, it proved an expensive flop. Relaunched in 1980 after a brief production hiatus, the Montecarlo Series 2 was visually distinguished by a new grille, door mirrors and wheels etc. While, under the skin it had benefited from improved brakes, more engine torque and some 70kg worth of weight saving. Tipping the scales at just 970kg, the revised two-seater was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 9 seconds and 120mph. Of the 7,595 Montecarlos sold worldwide, just 286 Series 2 cars are thought to have UK supplied.

Finished in black with beige cloth upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (electrical equipment), "very good" (engine), "excellent" (paintwork, gearbox, interior trim) or "beautiful" (bodywork) order. Said to have had "one lady owner from new" and to have covered just 20,300 miles (a figure apparently substantiated by the "original stamped service book"), we are further informed that 'EVX 920Y' retains its "original supplying dealer number plates and window stickers". Reportedly the subject of numerous "annual 'Cryla-Gard' anti-corrosion inspections" as confirmed by the accompanying "warranty certificate book", the Lancia also retains some twenty-two MOT certificates. A rare machine made doubly so by its condition, this appealing Montecarlo Series 2 Spyder is offered for sale with "original handbook and wallet, two sets of keys" and MOT certificate valid until September 2009.