Lancia dabbled in Greek letter naming of its vehicles at the turn of the century, making its way through a succession of Greek letters before moving on to the Roman roads naming convention. Among our favorite of the old Greek models was the Lambda, a 70mph 1920s unitary body feat of design and engineering. The Roman road names began (we believe) with the Astura, and continued through the end of Fulvia production.

The reintroduction of Greek letters was accompanied by a Fiat takeover and a new lust, by those responsible for the corporate coffers at least, to introduce scaled production and profitability. Lancia vehicles had, to this point, been the dreams of engineers, and sold with high prices to compensate for low production. With Fiat at the helm, the Beta series was introduced with lofty production targets and reduced development spending; understandably, many Lancia engineers walked out during this transition.

Year: 1979
Model:  Lancia Beta Zagato
Engine: 2000cc 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  77,607
Price: Auction
Location: Palm Harbor, FL

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1979 Lancia Beta Zagato

108hp 2.0l Twin Cam 4-Cylinder
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
Factory Air Conditioning
4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo
Leather Upholstery
Bucket Seats
Dual Recliners
Power Windows
Variable Speed Wipers
Digital Clock
14” Alloy Wheels
Solar Tinted Glass
Front Disc Brakes
…And MORE!
VIN: 828BS1200828
MILEAGE: 76,607 miles

Contemporary automotive press were not easy on the lack of build quality observed in the new Fiat Lancias. The electronics use full-power switching - no relays to be found - so do not expect optimal hot performance from a Beta with original electrical systems. Timing belts on the Fiat power plant must be replaced every 30,000 miles to prevent damage to the interference engine due to timing belt failure. Suspension components can be difficult to source, and the soft brake lines are a known failure point. See more at Hemmings' review of the Beta Zagato here.

We are clearly not big fans of the Fiat takeover of Lancia, but we see the appeal of these cars in the context of when they were offered new. American cars were struggling through a thorough rethinking of powertrain engineering and vehicle dimensions, and the Italian offerings like this Beta Zagato offered a much less compromised take on what a smaller aspirational vehicle could offer. This minty Beta Zagato is definitely a tempting way to experience that period of automotive history.

-Graham