The Beta gets a bad rap as the car that gave Lancia a great headache in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the catalyst behind the company's exit from the UK market in the early 1990s. What has become the butt of jokes in certain automotive circles spawned a very curious model was spawned: the HPE, or High Performance Estate. Based on the longer wheelbase of the Berlina, this two-door shooting break appeared three years after the Berlina and Coupe arrived on the scene. Towards the end of the production run, the HPE was offered in VX trim, which included the supercharged, 2.0 liter engine that produced 133 horsepower. These VX Betas are almost extinct from the scene these days, but this HPE VX for sale in the Netherlands is bound to have Lancia (and estate) enthusiasts drooling.

1985 Lancia Beta HPE VX

HPE Volumex in excellent condition. In my posession since 2001. Engine and suspension overhaul 2007. Well maintained, carefully restored. Complete maintenance file available. Ready for daily use, a pleasure to drive. Lack of space forces sale. Car can be seen and tried in Hilversum, Holland.

At a tad over $8,800 USD, this is one pricey Beta. Usually, if you can find a Beta in similar condition in the US, you'd probably wind up paying around $5,000 to $6,000 at the high end. You certainly wouldn't be likely to come across a VX model, however. A few years ago, Audi showed a TT Shooting Break concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. I've always wondered why this vehicle configuration isn't more popular, because, for a single guy like me, having a two door performance car with a bit of increased practicality is just what the doctor ordered.

-Paul