Lancia Beta Forum

Beta Saloon for sale on Gumtree

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/1977-lancia-beta-2000-saloon/1002278560 (http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/1977-lancia-beta-2000-saloon/1002278560)

What did you post that for?
Now I have to talk myself out of it. I've wanted one of these for a long time now and not having to cross the water but just a 200-mile round trip makes it a very cheap car! The fact that it's a 2.0 only makes it better as I can't imagine a 1.3 one of these really being usable on modern roads.
Looks like a bargain for someone or a Christmas present for my wife ::)

Yep, looks like bargain of the week, if only I had the garage space. I would not hang around too long.

Peter

That look absolutely lovely, and a bargain to boot! Even got the Cromodoras'. I hope this goes to someone on the Forum!
Best,
Chas and Anne. :)

It does look like a very nice example.

A great opportunity for someone to grab a proper bargain....

Gonna take a look on Friday if he still has it, and then drive it home if all is as it appears!

good luck you'll really love a berlina built like a tank, very roomy and comfortable but still with great handling

Let us know how you get on. It has sparked some interest on the LMC Forum too!

thought it has had 1300 headlights fitted but from the quick internet check I made turns out it is a 1300 that's had an engine transplant

Registration   DCP714S
Make   LANCIA
Model   BETA
Description   1300
Fuel Type   Petrol
CO2 (g/km)*   Not Available
VRT % Rate **   Not Available

Date of Liability   01 04 2013
Date of First Registration   16 09 1977
Year of Manufacture   1977
Cylinder Capacity (cc)   2000cc
CO2 Emissions   Not Available
Fuel Type   PETROL
Export Marker   Y
Vehicle Status   SORN Not Due
Vehicle Colour   BROWN
Vehicle Type Approval   Not Available

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1977-LANCIA-BETA-1300-BROWN-/110899090899?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19d219d5d3&nma=true&si=EBSqc1u%2BDjygviLbozQXT8ePvmw%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1977-LANCIA-BETA-1300-BROWN-/110899090899?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item19d219d5d3&nma=true&si=EBSqc1u%2BDjygviLbozQXT8ePvmw%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)

Hopefully the parts are still with the car

ah I remember it on ebay now looks  like it could need a fair bit of recommissioning perhaps the new owner bit off more than they could chew? Will be interesting to hear what it's really like. 

What he told me was it was a 1300 but when he needed a gearbox for a 1300 coupe he rallies,, he couldn't find one so he ended up buying a two litre engine and box and fitting the pair and putting the 1300 box in the coupe or something along those lines. A "story" always makes me a little apprehensive when buying anything.  The phone line was bad when I was talking to him so I'm not clear on the details but he got the car MOT'd recently so it must be rolling well or am I presuming too much?
How reliable is the UK's MOT system when it comes to impartiality and is the MOT a credible report on the overall standard of the car within its' remit especially with regard to structural rust and rot which would be the major concern here, the general condition of the body being my second highest concern?
Anyway, hopefully it'll prove to be a worthwhile trip on Friday provided of course that it isn't sold in the meantime.

Hi

My view on the MOT is that it should give you a good confidence of structural rigidity, mechanical items are ok relating to suspension, steering and brakes and a number of other functional items. So long as you do not expect a concours car, it should be safe to drive and function ok on the road. As ever it will depend on the human tester to report what is real or not of course.

Peter

I think the northern Irish test differs from that in the rest of the UK not sure if it is easier or harsher than the main UK one but it ought to give a small amount of confidence.  I gather that it will be exempt from testing in Ireland not sure if that is a good thing in general or not I think there are plenty of classic cars over there that would fail a UK MOT running around because of it.

the story sort of makes sense although the car already had the 2 litre engine in when it was on ebay the lower ratios on a 1300 box are ideal for racing and they are difficult to find so if he bought this car for the gearbox and now wants to recover some cash from it it does make sense.

If I remember correctly there was a request for a 1300 gearbox for someone in Ireland recently? So makes sense.

Peter

NI mot test is much more strict when compared to mainland mot test.

They will fail you if the underside is caked in mud !!

Glad to hear the test is strict.
I'm always afraid of signing a blank cheque with something like this.
The story regarding the reason for him purchasing it was that it had been converted to the 2.0 but the sale included the original 1300 running gear and the original seller wanted rid of the lot and wouldn't sell the 1300 engine and box unless he took the whole package, so I'm hopeful all will be well.
Bringing a gallon of oil and a gallon of coolant with me and a little piece of wire with two male spade terminals to jump out the fan stat just in case!
Anyway, as I say, time will tell.
Full report on Friday or Saturday evening plus a few photos if a) I buy it, and b) it makes it home!

Nearly went to see it myself when it was on eBay. NI test should at least ensure sills, subframe etc. are solid.

So far nothing to report!
Work in the form of a customer's electrical distribution board melting and haltimg operation has left me working flat out for the last few days contrary to plans of a couple of days off and I'm about to go in again to start finishing up, if you follow me.
The upshot is that I haven't got to go and view the car yet but I'm hopeful he still has it and I might find time during the coming week.
Anyway, I'm disappointed the way things worked out but my business must come first or I won't have any cars at all!
Watch this space 8)

Did you manage to get a look at the Beta saloon ... or are you still buried with work?

Absolutely up to my armpits at the moment.
It's the joy of being self-employed during the recession.
When a job is offered, you have to accept it and its attached requirements which in this case means seven-day weeks to bring it in on time but the downside is as you can see from this post that I have NO time to play and I really want to have a look and hopefully buy this car.
That said, I don't have dibs on it so if you or anyone else on the forum fancies taking a look please don't let my interest stand in your way as it could be sold to a breaker before I get a chance to get my butt in gear and get to see it.
Still, I'd love the chance to fill the space in my garage with it........