1977 Lancia Beta Coupe review from Australia and New Zealand
"High performance and great looks"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
It would be quicker for me to list the things that have not gone wrong.
Since purchasing this car, the engine has practically been rebuilt and the clutch and gearbox replaced.
There are a number of very small rust spots around the front windscreen.
The vast majority of the work carried out on this car has been due to very poor maintenence by the previous owner.
The key to (happily) owning a Lancia is keeping a high level of maintenance and having a great mechanic (many thanks to mine).
General comments?
I have driven a number of different sports cars including a relatively modern turbo-charged Toyota MR2. However, nothing I have driven is as exciting as my Lancia Beta.
The features that this car had as standard equipment in 1977 are impressive even by today's standard: Four wheel disc brakes, fully independent suspension, anti-roll bars just to name a few.
The car looks great, the performance is fantastic for the size of the engine and, coupled with great handling, it is a pure joy to drive.
Recommended reviews
  | Beautiful to look at, a nightmare to own |
  | Drive one hard and fall in love, buy one forever. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 21000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 30th August, 2001 |