Tag Archives: 1979

Lancia

1979 Lancia Beta Zagato Spider

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For an innovative company as Lancia, it was unfortunate that their short chapter in the US ended with the oft maligned Beta. This wasn't a terrible car, but it was the first Lancia to be developed under Fiat ownership and was designed down to a price, in comparison to earlier, better engineered Lancias. The Beta also got a bad rap from the alarming rate at which the car would succomb to rust, evening prompting a buyback campaign in the United Kingdom. In 1982, Lancia pulled out of the US market; their last car marketed being the Zagato Spider. While not a full convertible, the Zagato featured a roll hoop with targa roof panel and folding rear portion. Under 10,000 were produced, leaving this to be a rather uncommon Italian classic. This Zagato Spider for sale in Phoenix is being offered by the Arizona Chapter President of the Fiat Lancia Club.

1979 Lancia Beta Zagato

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Lancia Martini Racing themed livery in removable vinyl on four coats new paint (Aug 2010). Factory original type and color-sanded, buffed flat. Wheels refinished in silver metallic. Engine bay performance modifications include: 10-1 Pistons at .040 over, 40/80 Aquati cam, larger Weber 34mm DATR 2 barreled carb (brand new from box – not refurbished), lightened flywheel, 1” racing cam belt, 105 amp alternator, results similar to European spec yielding about 120HP vs original 90, 82 version 180 degree thermostat and lower fan temp switch, upgraded A/C on custom 4 row radiator, new compressor, much bigger condenser, new evaporator, 134a conversion, 3 electric fans (2 A/C and one engine).

Tightened suspension using all new “Beta Boys” bushes. New modern leather bucket seats. Much better for tall drivers over the originals. History: World wide production (1978-1982): 9390. Body styled by Pinninfarina, but built at Zagato factory. This is one of 2076 (828.BS1 FL) manufactured for the US market. Arizona car since new. 65,000 miles. Purchased new in Tucson, currently in Phoenix. Performance rebuild started in 2006 (at 50,000 miles). I have a highly complete and mostly “restored” Lancia Beta Zagato I have decided to pass on to a good home. These are very practical collectibles and I think a good investment.

As drivers and show cars they are more fun than most people realize. According to a book I have, there were only some 2700 of all variants of this model shipped to the US and not a great many more made worldwide. This example has a new paint job I would put up against any show car of the same model. The pictures do not do it justice, it really should be seen in person. There is over $12K of documented upgrades on the vehicle all since 2006. It went back and forth across the desert on a road rally and also to CA for Monterey car week so is well checked out.

Most recently I changed the radiator/ fan back to original from the modified ones using a brand new full copper core and did an AC a charge before summer. It has new tires and an impossibly rare new turn signal cluster. I have access to a set of the original seats separate sale if desired. I have driven 6 or seven of these and this is the tightest suspension of the lot. The engine is also the strongest in the lower registers. In fact the torque is so good it could really use longer legs in the gearing. Runs about 42 -4400 rpm at 75/80 and feels like it could go the same speed with less revs. This is an AZ car with no rust, that was a real problem with these. I have a 4” thick book of documentation from prior owners including original purchase in Arizona. Much more I could tell, but you just need to see it if that is at all possible. Don’t buy another one without considering this one strongly.

I also have two others including a parts car so I can give you +/- on other year variations and why this is the best if you call me to discuss. The car is just back from another 600 mile tour with other Lancias in northern AZ. So it is well checked out again, but it is 33 years old so there is always something left to do. Items I would mention to work on are a small header pipe exhaust leak, fixed once but a recent bump brought it back; electrical draw when cold, fine if you run it every few days but I keep it on a trickle charger anyway. It needs couple fixes on the interior including a new dash cover and a full hyde food treatment and other details I could mention but nothing serious.

That said, this is now only just 15K on a new engine rebuilt, total suspension and shock bushing upgrade, electrical, ac and cooling upgrades, etc, etc. You won’t find a better example to keep and use long term. I am an active member and current president on the AZ chapter of the Fiat Lancia Club. I have several collectible cars (to many now which is my reason for selling) but the Zagato is the one I take most in the summer and for distance trips. Also used for last minute car meets where I need something that looks good and I can start up right away. This car has been displayed on the Lawn at Concorso Italiano and numerous shows around phoenix gaining “best Lancia” at Belezzze di Italia last Feb.

This Zagato Spider is arguably one of the best Betas I've seen and the asking price of $6,400 seems reasonable considering the ownership history, description and work done to it. The Martini decal certainly isn't too overstated and adds a bit of interest to this car. Any classic Italian car purchase is a risk, but the owner of this Beta has taken out a lot of the guesswork.

-Paul

Fiat

1979 Fiat Strada

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When it debuted in 1978, the Fiat Ritmo, known as the Strada in the US market, was quite different from the other small cars out there at the time. It was also quite a departure from its replacement, the venerable 128. It's distinctive front end and sunken in round headlamps was the work of Bertone, while the rear hatchback added versatility. Power came from a 1.5 liter, twin cam four cylinder with 69 horsepower mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox. Stradas are virtually impossible to find no matter the condition these days, as the tin worm took its toll on most of them. This three door model for sale in California is remarkably in tact after undergoing a restoration.

1979 Fiat Strada

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Up for sale is an excellent 1979 Fiat 138 3 door Strada Hatchback. This rare and utilitarian FIAT has recently received a cosmetic restoration, including paint. It runs smoothly and gets great fuel economy. The body is very straight and the paint presents beautifully. Remarkably, this FIAT is completely rust free! Interior is very good and there are sheep skin covers on the front seats. Wheels are rare Abarth Pirelli rims with excellent tires! Fiat is back after a 30 year hiatus but there is nothing like owning a classic one! I am very motivated and need to get this vehicle on it's way due to space constraints. NO REASONABLE CASH OFFERS WILL BE REFUSED!

While certainly unique, the Ritmo and Strada just don't have the same kind of following as the Volkswagen Golf and Rabbit of the same era. They are virtually an unknown commodity even amongst the most dedicated car enthusiasts. Therefore, the Buy It Now price of $6,000 seems a tad steep, as this isn't one of the more desirable Ritmo Abarths. While the exterior looks sharp with the Abarth wheels, the interior still is in need of some proper detailing. As is, I'd say this car might be worth $3,000 to $4,000 at the most, which is below the starting bid.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

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Instead of locking them away in a museum or private collection, vintage racing is a popular way to combine your enthusiasm for classic cars while enjoying them as they were meant to be. It also gives the general public an idea of what these cars looked like in action when they were new. The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT is a popular car for amateur competition, thanks in part to their stout engines and superbly balanced chassis. This particular GT for sale in Richmond, Virginia has been set up to resemble rally cars from the period and has had a slew of appealing modifications carried out.

1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

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I am relisting this car as the buyer sent a deposit but did not complete the transaction nor did he respond to my emails. Had he responded with a legitimate reason, I would have refunded the deposit. But anyway, I am in a serious bind for space so I must sell by beloved Alfetta GT coupe. It has a fresh 2 liter Twin Spark engine equipted with Columbo e Barianni cams, new piston and liner set, EB Spares headers, Jim Steck 8 wire distributor and 45 mm Webers....all new within the last 36 months. It has only been driven on nice weekends since. The chassis is rust free havin been garaged its entire life. For you guys that know Alfas, I have included pics of all the usual rust spots. The suspension has IAP rear springs, Spax shocks, GTV6 front torsion bars and the bushings have been renewed with Delron where possible. It was fitted years ago with a Shankle shift kit. The car is lowered about 1" in the back and 2" in the front. The brakes were rebuilt about 18 months ago including new brake hoses and a new clutch assembly was fitted. The wheels are period correct 7X15 Ronals as was fitted to Alfa's rally cars of the period and consistent with this car's rally motif. It has a stainless Euro rear bumper and I have the front Euro bumper if the buyer prefers it to the lights.

Please note that it has not been adapted to the US spec front mounts but it goes with the car. The car was painted 2 years ago and the paint is in very good order and shows very well. At that time the large USA spec side markers were replaced with Euro units. The car was a 1st place winner in the only show it's been in. The interior has new new grey carpet and new after market seats in black with red stitching with the doors upholstered to match. The sunroof doesn't leak and the mechanism is in good order. Its a 35 year old Alfa so its got a few niggles: the right turn signal is not working, there are cracks in the dash, the drivers door doesn't lock with the key and there may be a few other minor issues I've forgotten. Having said that, all the big money has been spent on this car and what it needs are easy fixes. Its a strong runner,a ton of fun to drive and cruises effortlessly at all legal speeds. I truly hate to part with it but I must. I have some travel over the next few days so if you have questions, please be patient and I will get back to you ASAP. Thanks for your interest.

The driving lights, bumper deletion and black chin spoiler give this GTV an aggressive stance. Normally, modified Alfettas are not my favorite, but this one, with its lack of rust, Twin Spark engine and tasteful upgrades ticks all the right boxes. It’s a shame the owner had to relist this car due to an uninterested party, as this is a vintage Alfa that could be enjoyed both on the road and in competition and deserves its due respect. For the work that has been done to it, not to mention the condition, this is an economical way to sample the Italian classic car experience.

-Paul

Lancia, Modern Classic

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe

The Lancia Gamma Coupe has more than a few things in common with the Fiat 130 Coupe we featured yesterday. First, it's no coincidence that its styling is similar to the 130 Coupe, as both cars were styled by Pininfarina. Second, these two big coupes were never sold new in the United States. Third, they are quite a rare sight on the road today, no matter what country you are in.

I'm a big fan of the Gamma, as it has a bit of a budget Ferrari 412 air about it. The Gamma draws off of some of the Lancia Beta suspension technology and employs a horizontally opposed four cylinder engine, a departure from the Lancia norm. This particular Gamma coupe has the later Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, which is a welcome upgrade on the reliability front versus the carburettor setup. While these engines offered good torque, they were nortorious for overheating and had issues wearing out camshafts. The power steering system was driven off the cam belts and at full lock, these belts could fail - leading to a dangerous situation, to put it mildly. Along with the horrible press the smaller Lancia Beta was garnering in the press due to rust issues, these were indeed dark days for Lancia.

Barring all the issues, these are pretty coupes that have aged well. I haven't seen a decent example of a Gamma for quite a few months, but this one in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, looks to be a well cared for example.

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe

Lancia Gamma 2500 ie Coupe with lots of history.

The seller's description is lacking, to say the least. €7,700 (~ $10,043) is strong money for any Gamma coupe. From the pictures, it does look like a clean, well cared for example. The Nardi wood rimmed steering wheel and shifter knob complement the tan interior and the metallic brown fits the car's '70s flair quite well. It would be awesome to ship this over stateside, as there are few, if any Gammas roaming US roads. If you had a good mechanic and a back channel to parts in the Old World, this would be a practical classic; one which exudes class, good taste and which would make you the hit at car shows and club events.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta was the successor to the Alfa Romeo 1750/2000 Berlina, and if any car had big shoes to fill, it was this one. The 1750 was a popular sight on Italian roads in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and served Italian police faithfully. The 2000, while less common, had a 2 liter twin cam four cylinder that was equipped with dual carburetors (mechanical fuel injection taking place of the carburetors for the US market). When the Alfetta arrived, it harkened a split in the upper reaches of the Alfa lineup. The Alfetta served as the more middle range vehicle, while the Alfa 6, a very rare sight these days, took the flagship role.

Here is a well-cared for 1979 Alfetta for sale in Rhode Island for a reasonable $5,500.

1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta on Hemmings Motor News

A very nice rust free California Alfa. Well serviced/kept. Stainless Euro bumpers fitted. BBS and factory alloys. Very fun to drive. $5,500 obo

These Alfettas have never been hugely popular with collectors and Alfisti alike, but they are an inexpensive way into Italian car ownership versus the more desirable GTV coupes. The slimmer Euro bumpers are certainly a nice touch and with a little adjustment to the front wheels' offset, you would have a nice, unique alternative to the more popular BMW 320i of the same vintage.

-Paul