Another Beta back on the road

[rossocorsa]

it's a shame that no one does an update on the original coupe wheels in 7 x 15 really, but i guess there's not enough demand unlike for 'grales and Alfas

[squiglyzigly]

Nice find Eric

I like them a lot. Would look superb with the rim polished.
Might have to wait until furlough finishes and I know I’ve got a job to go back to.

[squiglyzigly]

it's a shame that no one does an update on the original coupe wheels in 7 x 15 really, but i guess there's not enough demand unlike for 'grales and Alfas

That would make a nice wheel.

Something that always bothers me with aftermarket wheels is weight.
The original beta wheels only weight about 5.5kg as opposed to most 7x15 wheels coming in a 10kg.
I’ve got a set of forged oz 7x15 and even they tip 9kg.

Apart from performance they affect ride quality.

Thoughts? Am I just being fussy?

[mangocrazy]

Something that always bothers me with aftermarket wheels is weight.
The original beta wheels only weight about 5.5kg as opposed to most 7x15 wheels coming in a 10kg.
I’ve got a set of forged oz 7x15 and even they tip 9kg.

Apart from performance they affect ride quality.

Thoughts? Am I just being fussy?

Not at all. I agree entirely. Makes a very noticeable difference in so many aspects of a car's performance.

I'm surprised that a forged Oz wheel is that heavy, though. My only experience of Oz wheels is on two wheels and a set of forged Oz wheels from an RSV Factory completely transformed my Falco.

[WestonE]

I agree on the weight of some wheels. The pepper pot Integrale wheels are surprisingly heavy (and it is focused on the outside edge) compared to my Azez A with both in 7 x 15. Unfortunately in pot hole land light wheels are too frequently broken wheels. Especially when they are running low profile tyres.

Modern BMW wheels are very heavy as I experienced switching from summer to winter tyres and they still have a nasty habit of breaking from pot holes. But they do provide a huge amount of grip.

Beta wheels are frequently bent but rarely broken. When getting Beta wheels re-furbished I always had them spun on a tyre balance to weed out the oval ones!   

 

[squiglyzigly]

I definitely prefer the correct period fit and feel of the 175/70 profile rubber.  Was running 185/60 on my coupe for many years but 175/70 does feel just a tad more delicate and comfortable on the road.

I fitted new correct H rated Pirelli P1 175/70/14 tyres to the car last year and despite managing to get these for less than £160 shipped from Germany have found them to feel just right (for me). 

I think anything new from most reputable brands even in the standard size is likely to perform considerably better than either cheapo or aged rubber of wider section/lower profile.

Any more pics of the car?

Popped in to see a buddy this week and he took a few snaps.

[squiglyzigly]

Couple more. . .

[WestonE]

What a fantastic car! I used the gear knob and lever from one of these on one of my Beta Spiders and loved the design.

[HFStuart]

Very impressive. The Berlina love is slowly but surely growing.

On the wheels I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one that's toyed with the idea of custom made 15s but £1000+/set is a bit much for a nice to have and they would inevitably be heavier unless magnesium but that's stupid money.

[mangocrazy]

What a beautiful car, Ian. Top work. In my earlier years of Beta appreciation I always overlooked the Berlina saloons, but they are really growing on me now. Very classy.

[squiglyzigly]

What a beautiful car, Ian. Top work. In my earlier years of Beta appreciation I always overlooked the Berlina saloons, but they are really growing on me now. Very classy.

I was exactly the same. Never gave a Berlina a second look 30 tears ago. Spent many years bouncing from coupes to HPEs with the occasional spider thrown in. Perhaps it’s an age thing but I love the way this drives, feels and looks now “I’ve” got a few more miles on the clock.

[rossocorsa]

What a beautiful car, Ian. Top work. In my earlier years of Beta appreciation I always overlooked the Berlina saloons, but they are really growing on me now. Very classy.

I was exactly the same. Never gave a Berlina a second look 30 tears ago. Spent many years bouncing from coupes to HPEs with the occasional spider thrown in. Perhaps it’s an age thing but I love the way this drives, feels and looks now “I’ve” got a few more miles on the clock.

I have to say that they seem much better built than coupé and the interior space is fantastic. I haven't owned one for 20 years though.