With a history nearly as long as the automobile itself, it is somewhat surprising that Lancia was never able to build a bigger presence in the US. Despite enthusiast and critical favorites like the Aurelia and Fulva, by the late 70s and early 80s, Lancia was competing in a congested GT market with the likes of BMW, Audi, Alfa Romeo, and Japanese marques, as well as parent company Fiat. Faced with perceived reliability problems (mostly derived from the US emissions-burdened carbureted cars) and anemic revenues, Lancia, along with the Fiat, exited the US market in 1982. That’s not to say they weren’t making nice cars. The cars were in fact nicer than their pricepoints allowed. The fuel-injected 2.0 Litre DOHC motor introduced in 1981 was better tuned to the emissions regulations and many of the reliability issues were alleviated in its last two years. Nevertheless, it was too little too late to turn a profit, despite needing export markets to keep volumes high enough to cost-justify their production in the first place. Whilst the US missed out on some of the exquisite Lancias like the Delta Integrale and Ferrari-powered Thema 3.2, we did get some interesting variations on the Beta platform including the mid-engine Scorpion and Targa-roofed Zagato, as well as the handsome 2+2 Coupé like the one presented today. With less than 55,000 miles put on by a single owner, it is as honest an example of a Beta Coupé as there has been on the market in some time. As a 1981, it has the original 120-hp fuel injected motor and five-speed gearbox. It wears its original silver metallic paint with no bodywork and only one small spot of rust disclosed. Black leather upholstery looks to be in stellar condition, as do the dash and carpets. This Beta Coupé is also well documented, including manuals, sales brochure and original window sticker. Though there aren’t many to track, prices for Beta Coupés are on par with their early 80s contemporaries like the BMW 320i and VW Scirocco, ranging from a couple thousand for cars needing some TLC to Concours-quality examples fetching five digits. Whether or not a Lancia Beta Coupé has the fan base to support it being investment-grade like the BMW or Scirocco remains to be seen, but it’s a unique Italian GT that can certainly be enjoyed in the meantime. Find it here on Craigslist in Lakeville MN for $7,500.
