As we've discussed in previous posts, the Scorpion began as a Pininfarina's proposal to Fiat as a Fiat 124 successor. Bertone ultimately won the business, resulting in the Fiat X1/9. But, Pininfarina continued to develop its mid-engine concept, and went on to manufacture the car as an addition to Lancia's Beta model range.
Like so many powerful concepts, the Scorpion lost its planned 3L V6 in the transition from show car to production car. And naturally, some who bought the production version longed for the lofty power figures of the concept car. This example improves substantially on the 118 smog-strangled horsepower of the US-market 1800cc engine, first with an upgrade to a 2.0L unit from a European model (or a US 124 Spider), and then with a turbocharger kit.
Year: 1977
Model: Lancia Scorpion
Engine: 2.0L twin cam turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 52,540mi
Price: Auction
Location: Milwaukee, WI
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1977 Lancia Scorpion
Excellent original Scorpion with 160 to 180 hp fuel injected, intercooled Lancia engine. All mechanical sytems rebuilt: brakes, front and rear suspension, trans and clutch. Upgraded A/C with rotary compressor. Upgraded Pioneer Stereo/CD player and new speakers. Body stripped and repainted to correct original spider-webbing.of paint. Near mint original interior with original floor mats. Upgraded 15 inch wheels with new Yokohama tires. A spectacular looking and driving Lancia, the way it should have been.This car was featured in Car & Driver magazine in 1984 with a turbo charger of that era added to the original 1800cc engine to show what the performance should have been.
Call for more info. (414) 350-3199
The result of the turbocharging exercise is an estimated 160-180hp, which should faithfully replicate the 180 or so horsepower that one might expect from a 3.0L V6 from around 1977. As much as we love the Busso V6 from Alfa Romeo, we can't help but admire the relative ease with which one can add a turbocharger to this platform. No custom axles, no custom shift cables, no custom engine mounts - just a plump turbo and some plumbing and the power is ready.
One might argue that a car in such nice condition deserves to be kept a time capsule, and we're inclined to agree with such thinking ourselves. But, the spirit of the car is corrected with the turbocharger, as Pininfarina certainly did not design the car with US emissions laws in mind. The buyer of this car might end up spending quite a bit more than typical market price of a similar Scorpion, but doesn't that reflect the desirability of hot-rodded Scorpion?