Yesterday's Bertone X-1/9 represented Bertone's successful bid for a Fiat 124 Coupe successor, but what if Pininfarina had won the business?  Well, we'd have seen a Fiat Montecarlo or Fiat Scorpion in place of the X-1/9.

Following Lancia's takeover by Fiat, the automaker sought profitability in its Beta lineup, the last of which was the mid-engined Monte Carlo.  A tough sell to fans of early Lancias, it featured a DOHC Fiat 4-cylinder, known as the Lampredi after its designer, rather than a bespoke Lancia unit.  After establishing itself as a true innovator in engine design, producing the worlds' first V6 engine, Lancia had stooped to purchasing its engines from the outside?  One could do much worse than a DOHC Fiat engine!  But, Lancia fans love Lancia engines.

Year: 1977
Model: Lancia Beta Scorpion
Engine: 1.5L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  61,900 mi
Price: $14,500

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1977 Lancia Beta Scorpion

Selling my beautiful 1977 Lancia Scorpion with 61,900 original miles and clear box A title.

This is a rare rust free scorpion with the rear glass buttress windows(one of 430 imported).

She starts right up with no smoke and runs and drives very well. Straight body with shiny deep black paint. Re done interior with supple leather seats and console. excellent carpet and all interior plastic refinished in factory color. Good glass , working clock and added heat/sound insulation. Fabric top in very good original condition.refinished wheels with new tires. Newer battery, new oem carb, s.s flowmaster muffler and vitaloni side view mirror. Detailed engine bay with custom insulated heat shield. De smogged and a/c removed by previous owner. included with sale are original charcoal canister, original mirror and 4 new drilled brake rotors as well as 2 factory reprint service manuals, period promotional materials, fuse location manual,original jack and lug wrench, ignition key blank and numerous receipts including engine refurb etc. Quality custom California car cover included.

This Scorpion is a wonderful true sports car with a well sorted DOHC 4 cylinder mid engine(original) and 5 speed transmission. This is a 41 year old low mileage car and as I am not a dealer or car flipper there is no warranty. In the interest of full disclosure, here are the known issues: Brakes are ok but not great-system was flushed about 21/2 years ago.Tach is sometimes erratic, mechanic suspects a ground issue but I don't have the time now to pull the instrument cluster to clean the contacts. Note all visible grounds have been cleaned or replaced within the last year. Does not effect drivability. Passenger side power window slow going up but working just slow. Aftermarket stereo/cd doesn't appear to be hooked up. Car has a great exhaust note so never a priority. Drivers side lumbar control wand is seized-common issue- new updated part can sometimes be sourced from England as well as working original part. Not really a problem.

I am a collector/enthusiast and don't need to sell her but I don't have much free time lately to drive her or my other classics. I want My car to go to another enthusiast who appreciates this seldom seen Italian Beauty. Tons of positive attention at car shows!

Serious buyers only. No low ballers or tire kickers. Please don't waste my time or yours. Happy to answer any questions. A non refundable $500 deposit with balance due by bank wire transfer within 7 days. After money clears I will express you the title and bill of sale. Shipping is buyers responsibility and I can assist you. . VIN # 137AS0101547. Please note, not all scorpions have power window option, mine does. Thanks for looking!

Today's example exhibits remarkable condition at a reasonable mileage.  Clearly the car was enjoyed, and even more evident is the fact that it was cared for properly.  The location lends itself to the reportedly rust-free condition as much as it does to the re-trimmed interior - that Arizona sun will bake interiors mercilessly, given the opportunity.  The traditional list of faults provides enough work to get to know the car, but not nearly enough to detract from its value.

The ad doesn't state as much, but we'd go so far as to state that one could not rehab a typical Scorpion to this condition for this price.  Low mileage, presentable paint on a straight, rust-free body, an intact top, and clean, cared-for mechanical bits - were there ever a Scorpion to buy, this is the one.