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).
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.
I cannot agree more about this vehicle. I am biased because my first car was a Beta Coupe. It is a very under-rated vehicle and deserves far more respect as an engineering masterpiece of its time. I have owned a '92 MR2 and driven lots of exciting machinery. Few compare to the Beta in terms of all out perfect handling and poise. If you see one buy it!
I have the standard list of complaints about my Beta experience:
* Leaking/Rusting around the windshield
* Complete rebuild of clutch and transmission at low mileage
* A slow, but persistent stream of engine component failures.
Overall, when this car ran it was a blast to drive. It wasn't so much like driving a car, as it was strapping the car on and going driving.
If you have the means to keep an excellent mechanic on retainer, this is a fun car to own as a second vehicle.
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