With the sun finally creeping out from behind the clouds and the last throws of winter grumpily making way for spring flowers, it's nice to think about an affordable Italian roadster. Sure, the Ferrari 550 Barchetta is a great option if you own some oil fields in the Near East, but for most of us the budget will be a bit more modest. One of the more interesting options that would really set you apart would be to look at the Lancia Beta Zagato; if for no other reason than not many remain. Quick depreciation, spotty reliability and rust-prone panels mean these have become a rare sight in the U.S. However, two have popped up on Ebay that are near twins, though being born two years apart. Let's look at the elder first:
Year: 1980
Model: Beta Zagato
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 39,838 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction
CLICK FOR DETAILS:1980 Lancia Beta Zagato
Up for a NO RESRVE AUCTION is a 1982 Lancia Zagato vin ZLAFS00C3C0203559 the listing would not read this vin? sorry for the confusion one fine car! This car is out of an estate sale that has been consigned, has duplicte title paper work, clean, Has 39k original miles, Original paint, leather,top, outstanding condition, Everything in working order runs smooth, no leaks, the red paint gleams, the tires are original and have some weather cracks. This car has been in storage since 04. but started once a week!. The car has original tool kit, spare , car cover! please email me for any questions! selling as is! if you win please have the funds!
Holy mackerel, it's got the original tires on it! What an impressive condition example; it certainly looks nearly good enough to have rolled off the showroom floor and displays none of the normal wear and tear that is associated with these budget convertibles. With under 40,000 miles on the clock and being a California car, the concerns about what's underneath that polished facade are put at ease. What about the second example?
This 1982 also looks pretty stellar, sporting a different grill setup but otherwise nearly the twin of the earlier model. Condition also looks outstanding on this example overall, though unlike the earlier car it appears this car was resprayed at some point:
Year: 1982
Model: Beta Zagato
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 66,128 mi
Price: Reserve Auction
CLICK FOR DETAILS:1982 Lancia Beta Zagato
I have a very nice Lancia Zagato up for sale. This fun little Italian sports car reads only 66000 orig miles and runs and drives great with its peppy 4 cyl engine and 5 speed transmission,it's a joy to drive. The Targa and convertible top have been redone a few years back and look and work great. The paint on the car looks to have been redone at some point but not recent, it shines nice but not perfect. Bumpers and glass are near mint cond. the interior of the car is in very nice cond. no dash cracks,clean carpet,nice seats some seem separation on driver seat only .The engine is clean and runs smooth,the wheels are in nice cond tires should be replaced from lack of use. I have all books,manuals and some service records with the car. Please call or email with any questions. Thank You 1 603 387 1693
So it's a little less than perfect; I have no problem with that, although life in New Hampshire for a Lancia would give me a bit of concern. In this case, I'd spend a little extra to get the all-original California example. Hagerty lists top value of these cars around $12,000 and I'd expect the 1980 is heading that way; the 1982, while nice, probably is closer to half that value or slightly more, but I'd inspect it closely underneath before buying.
-Carter
