Eyeing Off a Beta Coupe - What am I getting myself into?

[shelton97]

Hey All,

New here. Located in South Australia.

I've been eyeing off this Beta Coupe for my first ever project car (https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/redhill/cars-vans-utes/lancia-beta-coupe/1212365032).

I don't have huge experience with cars but I'm keen to learn a new hobby. So basically, I was browsing online with a mate who has a passion for restoring old Japanese cars and this caught my eye. He said if I liked go for it, but suggested I snoop around forums online for input from those who "know" Lancias. Just wondering if you guys had any thoughts, tips etc. before I commit to a purchase. Anything I should I should ask / check if and when I do make the 3 hour trek to check it out.

Look forward to hearing from all of you!

[peteracs]

Hi

Welcome to the forum.

I am sure a few of your fellow folk from Oz will be along to comment, there are some great examples over there and some have had serious rebuilds. Parts are not so plentiful as I understand it, but not impossible, especially as this is a later car.

Suggest if possible go with someone who knows these and their issues.

The big amount of work tends to be, front wings, both inner and outer, sills, rear inner wings. Ideally remove the rear seats and check there and in the boot around the wings. The petrol tank is often rusty on top, though not possible to check with dropping it, depends on the climate it has been in of course.

Assuming the cambelt has been on forever, then run the engine as little as possible, you may regret it if you run it too long without replacing.

$1500 AU sounds not too bad given that I understood these can be more expensive than in the UK! Though looking at the interior et al, that figure will probably be irrelevant given what you probably will spend eventually depending of course on where you want to end up with it!

Peter

[George-S]

Hello,

Well from my experience so far with the coupe i have simply expect rust ..
Defo check the following for rust.

Both rear arches on mine were completely rotten.

Check the rear gutter make sure that hasn't rotten

Fuel tank as mentioned another good point but often if its only a pin hole or 2 can be fixed.

Also check the front and rear windscreens they often rot when water gets in between the seals  can be a complete pig to fix if it has.

Really take your time looking round the car I have found countless holes that were otherwise not visible before purchasing.

As for the car itself yeah mainly would say depending on condition expect a decent amount of welding and body work.
Cant speak for the engine because I am not at the point yet ! xD

I was super worried before purchasing my coupe that i wasnt going to be able to take the challenge on :/
And similar situation to you my first restoration car so was equally as concerned trust me!
But I am 3 years in now and i couldn't be happier or prouder of my purchase .. lots of blood sweat and tears ahaha but well worth it in the end i think
Lots of really helpful people to ask and highly recommend the facebook groups also.

Hope you go ahead with it ! and good luck

[rossocorsa]

Rust is the biggest issue as said above but TBH all cars of this era have similar problems. They are sophisticated cars but mostly in a elegant way so most things aren't difficult just merely different. Parts are more difficult to find than many but that not so bad kind of adds to the fun going on internet parts hunt! You can find most things with perseverance