Tag Archives: Zagato

1959 Fiat 750 Abarth Zagato Double Bubble

"Many a racer felt the sting of being passed and finishing behind a car emblazoned with the Abarth scorpion," is how RM Sothebys describes the results of the 1957 Mille Miglia, where an Abarth Zagato Coupe took first place in the 750cc class. There is something wonderful about surprising people in a tiny car. We haven't run our Abarth in the Mille Miglia, but we do love dropping tailgating SUVs from sight anytime the road gets twisty.

This example has some upgrades over a standard Abarth Zagato coupe. Inside you will find a fire suppression system, racing belts, and a roll bar, while under the hood resides a 903cc engine from an 850. With the lightweight aluminum bodywork, even a modest power increase should make for a noticeable improvement in acceleration.

Continue reading 1959 Fiat 750 Abarth Zagato Double Bubble

1993 Alfa Romeo RZ Trophy Race Car

Here's a race series that we had never heard of: The Zagato Trophy. This 8-race series honored the 75th anniversary of Zagato in 1993. 13 cars were constructed for the series, with Alfa Romeo even offering a 25% discount on the price of a new SZ/RZ to be entered into competition.

The series cars were not drastically altered from their original state. Changes were limited to a kit, which included revised shocks and springs, a racing exhaust, upgraded brakes, revised engine management chip, and a balanced engine. As for rolling stock, the cars rode on three-piece OZ Racing wheels shod in Pirelli slicks. And finally, each car featured a roll cage, 4-point racing harnesses, a fire suppression system, and the requisite tow hooks for track recovery.

1993 Alfa Romeo RZ race car Martin Dawes front yellow
Click to view listing

Year: 1993
Model:  Alfa Romeo RZ Trophy Race Car
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  9,000
Price: $93,000
Location: Kingswood, SA, Australia

1993 Alfa Romeo RZ race car Martin Dawes interior
Click to view listing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ Trophy Race Car

THIS UNIQUE ALFA ROMEO IS A MARTIN DAWES RZ TROPHY WINNING RACE CAR.ALWAYS GARAGED.FITTED WITH PERFORMANCE EQUIPMENT SUCH AS ARAGOSTA SUSPENSION,BREMBO 4 POD BRAKING SYSTEM , AFTERMARKET CPU CHIP,PERFORMANCE PISTONS AND CAMS,ROLL CAGE,SPARCO SEATS,OZ RACING ALLOYS,UPGRADED FUEL TANK ,PERFORMANCE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND MORE ,THIS CAR IS READY TO RACE. WORLD WIDE SHIPPING INCLUDED!

1993 Alfa Romeo RZ race car Martin Dawes busso V6 engine
Click to view listing

Based on the scant information on these cars, we believe that the RZ pictured was prepared fro Duilio Truffo to enter into the race at Monaco. Preparation time was so precious that the racing exhaust was never installed, leaving the catalytic convertor installed for the race. In spite of the this disadvantage, the yellow car, whose graphics were designed by Ercole Spada, managed a third place finish.

We're delighted to have come across the Zagato Trophy. The racing liveries, such as Martin Dawes getup on this RZ, seem at home on the decidedly homely Zagato specials Likewise, the SZ and RZ look at home on the racetrack. $93k is steep for what amounts to a rebodied Milano Verde, but the it's right in line with the market for these. Even if the Zagato is a forgotten series in international racing, it adds a neat bit of history without compromising the car much at all. If anything, it's a nice excuse to take an RZ to the track without reservation!

-Graham

1965 Lancia Flaminia Super Sport 3C

Mention coach builder Zagato and you are likely to get a strong reaction. Their early designs on the Alfa 1750 are legendary, graceful design to make a breathtaking car and clever craftsmanship that made the car both lighter and stronger. Jump ahead several decades to 1989 and the Alfa ES-30/SZ, based on the Alfa Milano chassis, could graciously be called polarizing. One accusation you cannot level at Zagato is doing something halfway. When they released a new car with their latest design philosophy, they went all in. Zagato’s swing for the fences philosophy meant that on occasion they hit a homerun.

Lancia was looking to get back among the upper crust of makes after it had been burned by its F1 efforts in the 1950s and their range topping car in 1957 was the Flaminia. When released, the Flaminia was available as a sedan, a coupe and a convertible with variants on each of the basic platforms and bodies. The top of the Flaminia range was the Sport which later evolved into the Super Sport. The first Sport had a 2.5L SOHC V-6 with 140hp (when fitted with the optional three carburetors), a 4 speed rear transaxle and an aluminum coupe body. In 1964 the engine was enlarged to 2.8L and was rated at 152hp when fitted with the optional 3 carburetors.

Year: 1965
Model: Flaminia Super Sport 3C
Engine: 2.8 liter V6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: Unknown
Price: Auction estimate $290,000 - $360,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1965 Lancia Flaminia Super Sport 3C

One of only approx. 150 built
1965 Lancia Flaminia Super Sport 2.8-Litre 3C 'Double Bubble' Coupé
Coachwork by Zagato
Chassis no. 826232002060
This striking Zagato-bodied Lancia Flaminia Sport 3C Coupé features the Milanese styling house's renowned 'double bubble' body form in which low overall lines and a rounded streamlined shape are achieved by the simple but ingenious device of convex head-clearance roof bulges above each front seat.

One of the oldest and most respected of automotive design firms, Zagato was quick to exploit the popularity of the new GT racing category after WW2, supplying factory teams and catering for the privateer scene with road-able cars that could be driven competitively on the racetrack come the weekend. The creator of some of the most memorable designs of this, arguably Zagato's most productive period, was Ercole Spada. Favouring soft fluent, aerodynamic lines, Spada introduced the sawn-off tail on the Alfa Romeo Giulia Tubolare Zagato and was also responsible for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and 2600 SZs. His creations on Lancia chassis included the Zagato Sport/Super Sport variants of the Flavia, Fulvia and Flaminia.

Introduced at the 1956 Turin Motor Show, the Flaminia retained its Aurelia predecessor's mechanical layout, though Lancia's traditional 'sliding pillar' independent front suspension gave way to a more modern double wishbone arrangement. Aurelia carry-overs were the 60-degree, 2,458cc, overhead-valve, V6 engine and De Dion rear transaxle with inboard brakes. The Zagato-bodied Sport and Super Sport models shared a shortened wheelbase with the Touring-styled GT/GTL coupes and the Convertible, and all featured disc brakes and increased power. A 2,775cc engine was introduced for 1963, by which time the sportier Flaminias were capable of around 210km/h (130mph), while a high-performance triple-carburettor '3C' induction set-up was available as an option and is fitted to this car. A limited-slip differential was standard equipment and the Flaminia Super Sport was one of the first cars to benefit from servo-assisted disc brakes all round. Lancia's top-of-the-range Gran Turismo, it came very well equipped and was priced at the same level as a Maserati or Aston Martin. Marcello Mastroianni, Italy's most popular male film star, had his pick of the world's finest cars and he chose a Flaminia Super Sport Zagato. It was a proven design, refined and well equipped, possessing superb performance. It also had sufficient charisma to appeal to an international heartthrob.

This example of the last word in old-style Lancia design is one of only 187 Super Sport Zagatos made. For a long time, Lancias of this period were neglected classics so it is now a very rare car. The Flaminia underwent a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration between 2001 and 2003, which was undertaken by Auto Elite of Modena. Paintwork, upholstery, trim, carpets and chrome were all renewed, while the engine, transmission, brakes and suspension were all rebuilt. The car is elegantly finished in Navy Blue with Bordeaux leather upholstery, its original colour scheme. Since 2004 the Lancia has formed part of an exclusive private collection in the UK where it has seen little use but been kept in good condition by the in-house mechanic. Italian registered, this car is the height of understated elegance.

The Flaminia Super Sport is a very fine GT and the later 3C (three carb) is the most desirable model in the range. The car below is good example of a later Super Sport that was restored between 2001 and 2003 and is being sold by Bonhams in October in Belgium. Bonhams states that this 1965 Flaminia Super Sport is one of 150 made so its rarity and condition make this a very prized car for true connoisseurs that appreciate Lancia for makers of exquisite cars prior to being taken over by Fiat.

-Jim

1972 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato

Its very interesting to me how each of the styling firms in Italy has distinctive features that seem to carry across their different designs. Perhaps when you first see the shape you don't immediately recognize the designer, but once you know it makes sense. Vignale and Touring had inspired if conservative designs; increasingly both Bertone and Pininfarina captured the angular market. Giugiaro's work at multiple firms carrys a signature blend of angles and curves, but one of the most distinctive in my mind are the Zagato designs. Be it an Aston Martin or an Alfa Romeo, the Zagato brand meant one thing - tight curves that pared down the shape to a bare minimum, flowing tightly around the wheel arches with minimal overhangs front and back. Some of the best known Zagato work is with the Alfa Romeos and Aston Martins of the 1960s and 1970s, but one neat car they really added a lot of character too was the already colorful Lancia Fulvia Sport:

Click to view listing

Year: 1972
Model: Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato
Engine: 1.3 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 21,000 mi
Price: $38,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1972 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato

Click to view listing

Here is for sale my 1972 Lancia Fluvia Zagato Sport 1.3, this car has a Florida clean title, I am first owner since it was import from Italy, runs good, looks great, all work on this car, take advantage of this opportunity, I am selling because need the space and the money too, any question please write to me at tony1961@msn,com

Click to view listing

When talking about really classic Italian designs, both the Fulvia and Zagato's work usually make the mark, and the combination here was both inspired and unique. Though certainly some aspects of the design are reminiscent of the NSU Ro80, the Fulvia Sport stands on its own as a truly neat design. This is the way to buy one; a one owner car that is in pristine condition - and the Zagato name doesn't break the bank here. Whereas an Aston will set you back the best part of a few million dollars, you can get into a similarly styled Lancia for just under $40,000. That strikes the middle ground on the Fulvia - cheaper than some of the most expensive models but about double what a condition 1 1.2 from the same year will set you back. It seems appropriate given the unique nature of the car that this should be the case, and I'd still consider $38,000 to be a reasonable asking price for such a cool car!

-Carter

1987 Maserati Biturbo Zagato

The Maserati Biturbo has always been a car that fascinated me; perhaps it's that I grew up in the 1980s where box-tacular designs were the norm, but there was something about the styling of the Biturbo that I always found appealing. It was tight and compact, sporty with enough flare that it really stood out. I was especially a fan of the dished wheels and still am. Compared to the somewhat oddly proportioned Quattroporte III, the Biturbo just looked right. That continued under the hood, where from a performance standpoint the Biturbo was fairly impressive; at least, on paper. In an era where 140-150 horsepower was considered "good", the twin turbocharged V6 put out a lofty 180 horsepower. Not all of that transferred into pulse-pounding performance, but still it was more than adequate for the time period; remember, that's more than some American V8s were pushing at the time. Still, the Biturbo didn't gain the best reputation, meaning you can pick up clean examples today for not much money, such as this clean example from Ocean Drive Motors:

Click to view listing

Year: 1987
Model: Biturbo Zagato
Engine: 2.5 liter twin-turbocharged V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 29,008 mi
Price: $9,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1987 Maserati Biturbo Zagato

Click to view listing

1987 MASERATI BITURBO

MODEL: BITURBO ZAGATO
DRIVE TYPE: REAR WHEEL
CYLINDERS: 6
HORSEPOWER: 180.00 BHP (1325 KW) @ 6000.00 RPM
Hp / LITER: 90.0 BHP / LITER
FUEL FEED: FUEL INJECTED
BLOCK: ALUMINUM
HEAD: ALUMINUM

STOCK #: 8029
ODOMETER: 29,008 MILES
EXTERIOR COLOUR: SILVER
INTERIOR COLOUR: TAN
VIN #: ZAMPM1106HA331332
PRICE: $9,500.00
FEATURES: SERVICE RECORDS, NO RADIO, CONV. TOP NEEDS REPLACEMENT, RE-BUILT ELECTRICAL RELAY BOARD,

*VERY LOW MILEAGE – EXCELLENT SHAPE*

Click to view listing

Though they look very similar to the sedan, the Spyder version of the Biturbo was styled by Zagato and rode on a shortened chassis, making it strictly a two seater. The color combination on this particular car is nice and understated; red and white were quite popular, so it's nice to see something a little different. While I'm not a fan of the overly-plush looking seats from 1980s Maseratis, overall the condition of this car inside and out is very clean. There are some needs, such as the replacement top, but if you're on a budget and want some unusual Italian fun in the sun, this Biturbo could be a fun sun project car. Overall it is priced pretty accurately in the marketplace for these Biturbos.

-Carter

Double Take: 1980 and 1982 Lancia Beta Zagatos

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:

Click to view listing

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

Click to view listing

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!

Click to view listing

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?

Click to view listing

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:

Click to view listing

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

Click to view listing

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

Click to view listing

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

1960 Fiat Abarth 750GT Zagato Sestriere

One of the more memorable Abarth models are the so-called "Double Bubble" models; those "Bubbles" are the giant intake scoops that adorn the rear of the car to suck air in to feed that monster powerhouse 750cc Fiat-sourced motor. Okay, so it's not the fastest car in the world; but these little Italian coupes still were formidable race machines with good balance, lightweight and tenacity. Despite a great reputation, their polarizing looks have kept them much more affordable than equivalent Porsche models like the 356. Today, there's a nice 1960 example on Ebay:

Click to view listing

Year: 1960
Model: 750 GT Zagato
Engine: 0.75 liter inline-4
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 86,571 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1960 Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato

Click to view listing

960 Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato Sestriere
s/n 734541, engine number 100D.000 1372493
Red with Black Interior

Built using Fiat’s 600 as a basis, the Abarth 750 GT was an attractive and competitive Zagato-bodied car that helped establish Carlo Abarth’s firm as a manufacturer of sports cars and not merely tuning components, which is how the company started in the 1930s. Using the floorpan of the 600, Abarth fitted sleek and lightweight Zagato bodies and significantly revamped the motors, fitting lighted and balanced flywheels, and high performance internals including crank, high compression pistons, larger valves, upgraded valve train, and performance camshafts. The resulting displacement was 747cc instead of the 633cc of the standard engine, and nearly twice the power output.

Introduced in 1955, the cars were entered in races almost immediately and were quite successful on both sides of the Atlantic, achieving second in class at the 1956 Mille Miglia, and winning its class at the 1957 Mille Miglia. The cars also achieved class and overall victories at the 1958 and 1959 Rallye de Sestriere. Four out of five examples entered finished the 12 Hours of Sebring, one of which one its class, while another achieved second at the SCCA races at Palm Springs. As was common among Italian cars of the period, the 750 GT Zagato evolved continuously and the Sestriere variant arrived in 1959, which differed in detail and was named for the victories at the Rallye de Sestriere.

This particular example had a long term owner in Southern California for at least thirty years, and the car could be seen at the annual August festivities in Monterey for many years, having been driven up by its enthusiastic owner. Interestingly, the car is aluminum bodied, while most of this period were steel-bodied. Based on the serial number, it is likely that this car was produced in 1959, though it is titled as a 1960, likely the year in which it was first sold, which is a common practice for old cars.

Today, the car is in presentable and attractive condition, with some patina. The body is generally straight and solid, with a few minor areas of electrolysis, such as on the right C pillar and right rocker panel. There is a dent under the right headlamps and one in the right door as well. The body is straight with good fit, likely as good as if not better than when new. The paintwork is in good shape and is reasonably high quality, with some orange peel and a few signs of wear in the form of chips and small scratches. There is some checking present on the roof. The chrome is generally very good, although the hubcaps show some patina. The glass is in good shape, with minor wear to the windscreen. The car has Year of Manufacture yellow license plates.

The interior condition is consistent with the exterior, with strong overall presentation but some patina. The upholstery is in very good shape, while the carpets are good. The dashboard is nice, with lovely Jaeger Abarth instruments. The trim and controls are in good shape. The door weather seals have perished.

The engine compartment is very clean and has a vintage appearance with no untoward or inappropriate modernizations. It is fairly well-detailed and the motor appears to have been well-maintained. The engine is built on a 100D block, indicating it is a Fiat 600D motor. The front compartment is solid and has seen some restoration work in areas, but is unrestored in others. The spare and windscreen washer fluid bag are in place.

This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a Zagato-bodied Abarth with longtime California history. Fundamentally excellent, this example is in nice driver condition and can be driven and enjoyed as is, or sympathetically restored.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This car is sold AS IS without warranty. A 10% deposit is due upon the successful completion of the auction. Remainder of payment is due within one week of the end of the auction, and prior to the delivery of the vehicle. Fantasy Junction reserves the right to end this auction early in the even of the sale of the car outside of eBay. Inspection is available and encouraged, and should be arranged and completed prior to the completion of bidding. A final bid (if reserve is met) is and should be considered a sale and acceptance of terms, and the vehicle is AS IS and WHERE IS. If you have NEGATIVE or ZERO feedback, please contact us prior to bidding. Please contact us for names and phone numbers of local professionals familiar with this type of car, whom you may interview and with whom you may arrange an inspection. If you are concerned with what the car may need, an inspection is an excellent way to remove surprises. Please allow for normal wear and tear items based on the age of any car and restoration if applicable. Please use your better (or even your best) judgment. We have done and will do our best to describe the car faithfully and correctly, and would like you to know and understand exactly what you are bidding on.

Click to view listing

I like that these cars have been driven and used - it's a nice change from the stereotypical roll the car out of a trailer for the show. As a result of that, it's not a perfect example; there's some botched paintwork and the shine on everything isn't condition one. But it certainly makes a special and unique driver in the current state. The best part is that you can get into a neat Abarth 750GT like this one for around the same price as a wreck of a 356; they share a lot of characteristics, but if you want to save a bit of money and stand apart from the crowd, the Abarth is the way to go!

-Carter

Beta Brothers: 1981 Lancia Beta Zagato and 1977 Lancia Beta HPE

Click to view listing

Ah the Lancia Beta. Fodder for the petrolhead who will point out that everything which has four wheels and Italian is crankier than a two year old who missed a meal. This was the car that brought Lancia to their knees and would turn out to be a big factor in their pullout from both the US and UK markets. However, should this car be maligned as much as it is? Maybe it's about time for a second look. Let's check out two rather different Beta models, starting off with this red Zagato for sale in Massachusetts.

Click to view listing

Year: 1981
Model: Beta Zagato
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 84,000 mi
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1981 Lancia Beta Zagato

Click to view listing

1981 Lancia Zagato Targa Convertible. Unsually excellent condition exterior, interior and mechanically. I purchased the car from the original owner about 5 years ago and have put on less than 2000 miles. Always garaged either by me or previous owner. Have all receipts, owners manual, repair manual, window sticker.

Exterior: Sporty, original Rosso exterior. No accidents, no dents. Rubber bumpers are clean and don't sag over front turn signals. Paint is original, shiny and presents extremely well. Hairline cracks around gas cap- but not chipped. Chrome is clean and not pitted. Glass is clean and not scratched. Targa top fits tightly and is not cracked or chipped. Vinyl convertible top is original, in excellent condition and fits tight - plastic window is cloudy and I haven't tried to polish it. All latches for both the targa top and rear convertible top work perfectly. The original Lancia sticker is on the plastic rear window. I have the original convertible top boot, too. Wheels are in great condition with virtually no curb rash and original "L" center caps are not cracked. Tires all match and have plenty of tread. Rear taillights are clear and not cracked. Rear emblems are original. No missing parts or trim. No rust other than very small, area on the rocker panel right behind the rear wheels (see photos) otherwise absolutely rust free. Overall, the exterior presents beautifully.

Interior: Black leather. Very, very clean with the only issue being the seams coming apart and some color wear on the driver's seat which is easily repaired. Other than that, the upholstery is clean and not ripped, the door panels are clean and, again, not ripped or torn. Everything works - intermittent wipers, A/C blows cold and ventilation system ie: fan, defrost, heat - works perfectly. AM/FM stereo cassette is original and works great as well as the electric antenna. All gauges work, though fuel gage bounces around when 1/2 full. Power windows work, but occasionally blow fuses (hand crank is visible in photos). Carpet is perfect original and has drivers side carpeted mat. Digital clock works. All interior lights and dash lights work. Rubber gaskets around doors are pliant and no leaks at all. Door jambs are clean and no rust. No missing parts or trim.

Mechanical: Drives great. Timing belt was replaced by previous owner. I had a center muffler custom made when I bought the car. Rear muffler is fine. New battery. Brakes, suspension, work fine. Transmission shifts cleanly (as clean as a FWD car can) and doesn't grind in any gear. Steering has great feedback and no issues there. Engine is well maintained and fuel injection system works fine. Check out the photos to see the clean engine compartment. Clear plastic fuse box cover is cracked, but still there. New radiator fan switch installed within the last two years and that works fine. Trunk is perfect with original spare wheel, jack, tool kit and spotless carpeting. I have a made to order California Car cover as well.

This Lancia Zagato is a unique and extremely fun car to drive especially with the targa roof off and the rear top down. You've got room for kids in the backseat and the trunk has decent space. There were 2400 Zagatos imported to the US between 1979 and 1982. The 81's and 82's had fuel injection and slightly increased horsepower. If you are familiar with this model and Betas in general, most survivors are in poor condition cosmetically and mechanically. I'm selling because I have several cars and my storage situation is in limbo. Please give me a call with any questions or if you would like additional photos. Josh - 617-510-0338.

Listing locally as well. Buyer arranges pickup and shipping. Payment by Cashier's Check.

On Aug-05-13 at 09:44:29 PDT, seller added the following information: Took the Lancia out for a few test drives this weekend and the engine is stumbling at low revs. Since the car had been in storage for awhile could be due to stale gas and/or the fuel injection system. Please call with any questions about the drivability. 617-510-0338.

Click to view listing

For spending at least the last five years of its live in New England, it’s amazing the tin worm hasn’t set in more on the bodywork. This is also an original car, which makes it stand out from the crowd of refurbished Betas that still exist. It’s rare that you see a Lancia on US roads, let alone a Beta. Less than 3,000 of these Zagatos were ever brought to these shores and fewer still are on the road. This red targa offers the chance to amaze and astound at your next Italian car meet up or car show. If the mechanical issues are not too involved, $5,000 to $7,000 would be a realistic range for this example.

Next up, we have the Zagato’s long-roofed sibling, the HPE, or High Performance Estate. Few automakers have had a crack at the shooting brake model over the years, but Lancia, ever daring, decided to have a go in the 1970s. Offering a bit more practicality to the Beta formula, there were fewer than 1,000 of these two-door estates brought to the US. This HPE for sale in North Carolina is a little more rough around the edges than the Zagato above, but is complete and a prime candidate for a bit of a refresh if one desires.

Click to view listing

Year: 1977
Model: Beta HPE
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 33,800 mi
Price: No reserve auction, starting bid $4,500

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1977 Lancia Beta HPE

Click to view listing

Buyer to pay all shipping costs. Can be picked up at my location.

1977 Lancia Beta HPE in very good original condition. One of only a few survivors to be found. I have owned it for over 2 years and have really enjoyed driving it. I have owned a Coupe and a Berlinas and can say the HPE is the more desirable and fun to drive. Even today it appears stylish in design. A real eye catcher. I had the timing belt and bearing replaced as well as a new fuel pump. The engine runs very strong and does not smoke or use oil. AC is cold and transmission and clutch work flawlessly. It has less than 34000 miles and retains the original paint which needs a good buffing but is presentable as is. There are several small dings and some scratches which have been painted over poorly. Also, surface rust was removed from pillar on drivers side and repainted along with left front fender. The car has never been wrecked just some small dings. I have found no rust to speak of other than some surface spots.

Interior is original leather and looks very good. Only one small wear spot on drivers seat. The car was in storage for over 16 years thus the low miles and condition. With new paint and head liner the car would show well. It does leak around the windshield if driven in rain. I purchased it to drive and have enjoyed it. Due to medical problems I can no longer drive it without pain. If you are reading this I do not need to tell you how rare the HPE is. There were only just over 400 imported to the US. Has clean North Carolina title. Email me with any questions. Car is for sale locally and I reserve the right to end auction early.

I looked for an HPE for five years before I found this one. When was the last time you saw an HPE in this quality, original condition for sale? Includes original shop manual. Buyer to pay all shipping costs. I will assist in loading. No international buyers. Will ship to US buyers only. $500.00 deposit required in 24 hours of end of sale. Balance to be paid in three days or less.

Click to view listing

While they are rare, at $4,500, we may be close to the maximum value of an HPE in this condition. It seems this one is mechanically sound and while it wears the original paint, a respray wouldn’t hurt the appearance, along with some refreshed trim, if you could source such parts. For someone seeking Italian flair with practicality, there are few choices out there if you are stateside. With a little bit of time, effort and money, this could certainly be made into one sweet looking HPE.

-Paul

1973 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato 1600

Zagato has always been good at turning the ordinary into extraordinary. And so it goes with the Junior Zagato, based off the Alfa Romeo 1300 and 1600 105/115 series Giulia coupes. These were very modern looking cars for their time, with fastback styling and headlamps made flush via Perspex covers. The Zagato 1600 wound up being a tad longer than the 1300, with a longer sloping back and slightly revised rear panel. Just over 400 of these diminutive sports coupes were made and but a handful exist in the US. This one for sale in Michigan is one of them.

1973 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato 1600

1973 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato 1600: 402 produced, 12 in the U.S. I imported the car in 1977. The car is in excellent condition, no rust, drives great, new interior. 33,750 miles. Price: $64,000

We featured a 1971 Junior Zagato 1300 last year, which had a starting bid of $28,500. At $64,000, this is quite a dear price for this small Alfa and is closing in on exotic territory. This car has been for sale since late last year, so I'd suspect a little will have to come off the asking price to move the metal. I'd suspect it might wind up selling eventually for somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000.

-Paul

1979 Lancia Beta Zagato

The Beta Zagato, known as the Spider outside of the US, was Lancia's last ditch attempt at trying to salvage what little market share they had left stateside. Featuring a targa top with a fold down rear roof section, these were actually designed by Pininfarina, yet built by the coachbuilder whose name the car bore. You can find a few of these Beta Zagatos left, but many are rust buckets and specimens that would take the most ardent Lancia enthusiast to resurrect. This car for sale in California, however, has benefitted from some recent refurbishment and is ready to be enjoyed by the next owner.

1979 Lancia Beta Zagato

Click to view listing

Springtime is near and summer around the corner. This wonderful Lancia Zagato Convertible is ready to be enjoyed! For a smart collector/enthusiast who wants to drive a head turning, unique, fun, exotic Italian roadster without breaking the bank, THIS IS YOUR CAR. These cars are scarce in this kind of condition but as only the second owner I got the car from a very well to do owner who drove it sparingly, maintained it beautifully, and kept the mileage low. I can detect no accident damage ever, and the car has absolutely no rust that I can find or detect which is to be expected be a California Car from new.

In the past year I took a very good car and made it excellent by taking care of three major areas that always need attention on older Zagatos: First, I completely redid the interior upholstery to an exact match of the original shapes and patterns. See the photos. Everything you see on the seats is new front and back, and looks exactly like it came fom the factory however in a much more durable ambla type material that looks and feels like the fragile Italian leather used original, but will not shrink and crack while you enjoy top down motoring. Speaking of top, the wonderful targa convertible top and rear window are brand new just 5 months ago also, and the car comes with a perfect condition boot cover for when the top is down. Also inside there was only one hairline crack in the original dash top, however a very high quality molded replacement has been professionally fitted and is undetectable from a new dash which is what it looks like.

The rest of the dashboard and instrumentation is original and working. The clock keeps perfect time, the lighter works to charge the cell phone (or light a Gitane....if you must -this car has never been smoked in!) and the factory original radio works however I never use it and will find the removable antennae mast before delivery. The power windows both work, however characteristically slow as they all are. The heating and a/c system is intact and working, although it may need a charge as I dont use it but the compressor kicks in and all things work and blow as they should. Most of these systems have been removed, but that really hurts the character of the car as a possible tourer.The condition inside is that of more like a one or two year old car. I took the floor mats out for the photos just to show the factory carpet has no wear at all. Likewise the trunk looks perfect. (The tire will be back on the apare wheel on delivery. All four tires are a brand new set in the correct size as well.

Mechanically the car is a joy and currently needs nothing I know of. I just did the full power steering rack replacement with a newly rebuilt unit that has a lifetime warranty and it is dry and perfect. The car drives great with a smooth gearbox in all five speeds, and amazing brakes and a silky smooth engine that is economical and perky. Why sell it now that it is so nice? I have just finished my long 3 year body off Triumph TR250 restoration and it will do the driving duty this summer as I try to finish a Lancia Fulvia and my E type. I have really enjoyed the Zagato roadster but I want it to be used and enjoyed now that I have finished another roadster. Please ask all questions and be amazed at the very reasonable reserve that will be met soon if anyone out there knows a bargain. This is a good car, without the nagging achilles heels of others. You can sometimes find these cheap, but you will have an unpleasant dog of a car needing thousands of dollars to get it to where this one is, if it can be gotten there. You see most of these cars are rusty, and its a dedicated enthusiast that wants to tackle that. Dont get e rusty Lancia. Please start with a good car. This one lets you start enjoyiong it right away and it will be a super bargain for someone. these are well supported by parts specialists and people are really discovering Lancia. grab this one, and you will enjoy it or years to come as they go up in value. Ask any and all questions. Cheers- Bob.

Betas have a bit of a notorious reputation for being cars that rust and mechanically troublesome. Noted automotive journalist Jeremy Clarkson himself referred to this car as a problem child, but then again, no one had tried to drive a Beta Coupe across the spine of Africa before. Last year, a documented Beta Zagato owned by the Fiat Lancia Club president brought $6,400. An example like this will probably bring a little bit less; perhaps somewhere in the $4,000 to $5,000 range.

-Paul