1978 LANCIA BETA MONTE CARLO Spider, Same owner since 1986

The Monte Carlo spider is a 2 seater mid engined sports GT. styled and produced by Pininfarina in the Pininfarina factory . it only bares Lancia monica's due to Fiat group marketting & politics at the time (indeed the project was started by Fiat. not Lancia). Power is the classic Fiat twin cam in a mildly tuned 2 litre form. Very few Monte's survive today. It offers exotic mid engined motoring in a car that is cheap to keep on the road: simply. easy to work on and still well supported with spare parts (c/o the Monte Hospital)

Very reluctantly offered for sale. I have owned this car since 1986. its part of my life . but I have been working abroad for some years now so the time to part has come .

This car is a great user.
Its last major run (around 4. 00 miles ago) was all the way back to the factory where it was made just outside Turin. including up and over the Swiss Alps in both directions. a run I've done in it twice
Has just had (last week) a new MOT and is driving perfectly. after which I took it for a run up into the Pennines (Buxton) last week. great fun. Condition wise its mechanically very good indeed
Engine was professionally rebuilt (rebore. new pistons. new shells etc. ) around 12. 00 miles ago. effectively a new engine . now just nicely run in
Gearbox was replaced about 20. 00 miles ago (the original gearbox had a bearing failure). had a new clutch and thrust bearing at the same time
Extensive professional restoration of the chassis around 5 years ago. at which time the turrets were completely rebuilt (documented with many photo's). since when it has lived in a garage and only been out in fine weather : structurally it is extremely sound.
Cosmetically could use a little TLC
The paint is tired and in some places has discoloured. it would benefit from a tidy up and respray
interior has been retrimmed in genuine Connolly Leather (I collected it myself from their old factory and have the receipt from Connolly Bros !) but it has picked up some marks. could do with a clean reconditioningThe roll up roof has been replaced at some point and does not have the original straps (all of which broke decades ago). This is perfectly good for keeping the inside dry if you get caught in a shower when out driving. but if you wanted to bring it back closer to concours. modern replacements are available from the Monte Hospital if you wanted to refit these as part of a restorationWill come with a box full of history. also many spares including a rear bumper (the original currently fitted has degraded badly)


Available for viewing by appointment only at weekends since as noted I am now working abroad. Obviously I will demonstrate it running to serious buyers and take them for a drive. but NO joyriders . if you want to drive it yourself. buy it ;-)

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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