1981 Lancia Beta

Zagoto Convertible

VIN: ZLAFS00C5B0202686

Here’s another rare, extremely nice LANCIA we’ve acquired for our great Ebay customers.  This two-door Convertible represents the zenith (and final years) of what many of us consider one of the last “true” affordable Italian sportcars from the marques that flourished in the 1960’s and ‘70’s.  Because of the uniquely constructed rollbar targa top and folding rear window configuration (designed by Pininfarina and built by Zagato for Lancia) this Spider had the best of both worlds; it was a fun, safe summertime convertible AND a warm, dry hardtop for those chilly spring or fall drives!  Please contact me here at BEST AUTO with any questions about this car.  My name is Mark Thompson and my direct number is 206/914-1173.  You’re welcome and encouraged to make an appointment during business hours to inspect and go for a test-spin. 

Here’s a little Lancia background info we came across while researching this convertible:

The company was founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia with the first production model coming out of his Turin factory in 1907.  Lancia has won more World Rally Championship (WRC) victories than any other manufacturer.  The Theta model of 1913 was the first car in Europe to feature an electrical system.  The marque introduced many important innovative developments to the automobile industry including the load-bearing (monocoque) body shell; independent front wheel suspension; and the incorporation of the transmission tunnel into the car’s floor.  Lancia was also the first manufacturer to offer production V4 and V6 engines.  In 1969 the company became part of the Fiat group and it wasn’t until 1977 that Lancia models were first offered in the United States through the Fiat dealership network.

 

The company chose the name “Beta” for the launch of a new model line in 1972.  It was meant to symbolise a new beginning reflecting the founders use of the Greek alphabet to name his vehicles during the early days.  Lancia had used the first letter “Alpha” in 1909, but the company chose not to this time around because of its similarity to competitor Alfa Romeo.  Betas came in a number of different body styles.  The four-door sedan had a distinctive wedge-shape appearance and was called the “Beta Trevi”.   A two-door hardtop coupe came next followed lastly by the Spider convertible, called a “Zagato” in the American market.  

 

 All versions had DOHC engines, five speed transmissions, rack & pinion steering, independent suspension all around and four wheel disk brakes.  The Beta models were the first Lancia’s available with an automatic transmission option.  Several were produced with British Rootes-type superchargers and were known as Volumex models. 

 

 The Fiat DOHC four-cylinder engines were laid out by Aurelio Lampredi of Ferrari engine-building fame and were considered to be one of the most advanced designs in the world at the time.

 

 All variations of the Beta line were well received by the motoring press and public when launched and praised for their lively performance, road-hugging and good handling characteristics.  Zagatos were regarded as a “driver’s car” with plenty of character and were competitively priced.  Production ran from 1972 until 1984. 

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION:

The un-retouched photos really do tell the story.  The grille badges give reference to the owner’s involvement in US Lancia club activity and add a very cool vibe!  It’s very obvious from even a casual going over that this convertible was loved by its long-term owner!  The exterior still wears its original, very bright red factory paint.  All the glass is good.  The trim shows well.  Cars here in the Pacific Northwest hate body rust and we find no evidence of any here!  Yes, we get a bit of drizzly rain, but hardly ever any snow so our winter roads are never salted.  Besides, I’m certain this car’s not seen many winter roads during its lifetime.  Please feel free to climb over, under and around the Zagato - I know you’ll come up smiling!

Take another good look at the interior pictures.  The original factory carpets and black leather upholstery, both front and rear, are in great shape – no wear through, loose seams or soil.  I’m quite impressed with the condition of the dash gauges.  They still look as clear and bright as the day this car left Italy 28 years ago!  From my photos you’ll see the odometer reads just 71,500 miles.  While this represents a five-digit counter, I’m fairly certain this must be the actual miles based on condition and the lack of over-all wear & tear.

Mechanically the Lancia appears strong and in good shape.  Even after sitting in our storage warehouse for a few days at a time it’s never failed to start right up literally at the first crank – you just can’t beat these high-revving fuel-injected DOHC four cylinders!  The five-speed transmission shifts between gears as it should.  The brakes feel just fine to me.  The P205/60R14 Goodyear Eagle HP radials wrapping the 14-inch alloys have at least 75% tread wear remaining all around (I love the yellow Ferrari center caps!).  Having owned a select number of Italian cars over three decades, I’ve developed a great appreciation for their style and overall driving experience.  I KNOW you’ll be proud to own and drive this wonderful convertible.

CONDITION:

As a respected Ebay seller with many satisfied online buyers, I want you to bid with confidence knowing that this Zagato runs and drives as it should and that it is being properly represented to you!  In total, this is a very clean, smoke-free car.  I take great pride in the vehicles we sell and feel that you should know as much about them as possible.  Accordingly here is a list of the good and also things needing attention: The car idles, runs and drives as I feel it should:  strong battery and charging system, no overheating, and no brake pull or alignment issues!  I had my mechanic do a quick once over last week and found no issues to address.  The only real issues I find are the factory A/C system wants to blow warm (so I’d suggest a refrigerant recharge next spring) and the driver’s window is a little finicky coming up.  The red paint is in very good overall condition and still holds quite a shine with only a few edge chips here and there.  You won’t find rust bubbles in any of the usual spots under the paint. The entire undercarriage is in great, solid condition for a three decades old car! 

Please BID WITH CONFIDENCE and know that you are purchasing a nice car from a respected Ebay seller.  I want you to be happy with your purchase (and with me) and that’s the main goal!   Please don’t be upset if I miss a minor flaw or you are required to spend a small amount on an unforeseen problem!  No used car is perfect.  Having said that, I have every confidence this vehicle could be driven cross-country tomorrow.  We’re always happy to work with any transporter you choose however, you’re welcome to do what many of our previous buyers from as far away as Alaska, Arizona, the Midwest, Florida and even the Mexican Baja have done – fly in (We’ll pick you up at Sea-Tac International a few miles away) and then begin a road trip the same day!  C’mon, I think we’re about over the worst of the winter weather here in the Pacific Northwest and this car would be a blast to drive home just about anywhere!

Please Note:  We will NEVER, EVER “shill” or falsely "bump-up" an auction (a violation of eBay rules and also Federal Law) and we will NEVER solicit a “Second Chance Offer” from ANY Bidder! 

Because of the amount of money involved in buying a vehicle, we require that new eBay members with a feedback history of five (5) or fewer transactions call or email before placing a bid.  If I don’t have this initial contact, your bid may be cancelled.   The phone number to talk directly to me, as outlined above, is 206/914-1173.  Please feel free to call any time during the auction.  My name is MARK THOMPSON.

A Few Additional Terms and Conditions:

Please check the photos over closely and call with any questions BEFORE you place a bid!  You’re encouraged to inspect the vehicle at our premises on weekdays, so send your representative early to be sure you don't miss this one. We reserve the right to cancel your bid if you have any negative feedback.   Additionally I reserve the right to end the auction early if the car is no longer for sale or an acceptable offer has been agreed to.  A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 48 hours of the auction’s end.  Because of the high fees they charge, we accept PAYPAL for the deposit only.  The balance is due by cash or certified funds within seven days unless prior arrangements have been made with us.   Please remember you are bidding to buy and I fully expect the winning bidder to fulfill their Ebay contract!  You’re not bidding to hold, inspect or then come test-drive the car later -- You’re more than welcome to do this before the auction ends.

If you do decide to have the car shipped home, there are numerous vehicle transport companies to choose from.  We ship vehicles regularly and I'd suggest that you get a transport bid from www.U-ship.com.  Transporters will bid delivery of the vehicle and you'll be able to choose who you want to use.  As an alternative, you might also get a quote from Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS).  They're Ebay's preferred transporter and have a link attached to the Ebay Motors home page that I suggest looking at (see link below).  The zip code for pick-up would be 98028 to get an instant on-line quote from either source. The shipping of the vehicle and company chosen are the responsibility of the BUYER.   Here’s the DAS link:

http://pages.motors.ebay.com/services/das-shipping.html

I’m happy to assist by transporting your purchase to the nearest DAS terminal located in Lakewood, WA for an additional $100. DAS normally charges about $200.00 to pick up at our door.  Make sure you inquire with your shipper about insurance coverage on the vehicles they transport. The vehicle can be stored free of charge at our location for up to two weeks after the auction ends.  After that period storage is $20 per day.  We are open for vehicle pickup 10 – 5 pm during the week and Saturdays.

The Buyer will be responsible for the licensing requirements in their state of residence.  If you live here in Washington State we’ll need to collect the 9.5% sales tax, title preparation, transfer and registration fees (meaning you’d only pay the $50 doc fee if you live elsewhere).  Because the car is advertised and for sale locally, we reserve the right to cancel this auction early if it’s no longer available for sale here online.  HINT: Contact me early-on!  Many of the cars we list sell to an early bird that works out a deal DURING the auction.  Don’t snooze and lose!