1976 Lancia Beta Coupe 1.8L twin cam 4 cylinder from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
Awesome, fun, fast, safe, reliable, and totally drool inducing classic
Faults:
Only ever had things need changing as required. Such as brake discs and pads, and general servicing. Clutch went around 200,000km, and it has had two starter motors and a water pump.
Most reliable car I have ever had; the harder you drove it the better it was. Ran rough if you babied it around.
She is off the road at the moment as I am giving her a full restoration.
General Comments:
I think if you saw God's resume he would have Lancia suspension engineer listed as prior employment; the handling is that good. There are cars that achieve higher lateral Gs and faster acceleration etc, but in a Beta Coupe the whole lot just comes together in such a way that you "feel" so much more.
So much personality and character as well; my car is the first car I ever owned, and is the only car I will never part with. I want to find three more for my kids as well.
You could describe a spirited drive as the most fun you could have with your clothes on.
Surprisingly practical too, with a large (for the size of the car) boot and good fuel economy (except when you are really going hard).
One of the most under-rated driver's cars of all time. Most comments against them are from people who have never owned one. And such a gorgeous shape, really timeless and needs to be seen in the metal to be fully appreciated.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th June, 2015
11th Jun 2015, 22:52
I totally agree with turning the radio off; such a great sounding engine. Much nicer than in the Fiats, which is interesting as it was a similar engine. Much better head though.
4th Jun 2015, 09:06
Wow, I had a 1981 Beta Coupe, also a 1.8 twincam, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was actually quite reliable during the two or so years I had it in the late 1990s, and only the automatic choke was a bit temperamental during winter.
Agreed on the suspension, although mine had a stiffer set of springs from the previous owner, this is the one car I could throw into practically any bend at almost any speed, and the car just gripped and turned. It was like it wasn't FWD.
And it was a beautiful car - I got stares from people at the lights, and they would come up to talk to me while gassing up the car at a petrol station.
The sound of the engine was beautiful. I ended up turning the radio off because it just messed the sound of the engine. I got rid of it before it started to rust, but also because some parts were getting difficult to find - like the door window glass. But that car was so much fun.