Auto e Moto d’Epoca - Bologna 2023

[sharknose]

Hello Beta lovers ...

Last weekend I visited Bologna where I was able to admire a lot of classic cars in two days, but I left with a bitter taste because I only saw 3 betas... One white spider 1600 (S1) for 26,000 euros and two HPE 2000 (S2) betas, each asking about 12,000 euros. But I haven't seen a single beta coupe... Italians say betas are very rare even in Italy, unlike the fulvia coupe and other Lancias... it seems to me that the prices of all cars have exploded, and the same applies to model cars. In Padova, you could buy 10 models in 1:43 scale for 50 euros, that's gone. But I made a good loot in terms of models because I found 5 beta coupes at used model dealers, 4 in 1:43 scale (Minichamps beta coupe S2 FL, Hachette, Norev beta coupe S2 FL2 and Solido beta coupe S1 (about 45 years old model )) and the Holy Grail in the form of a Beta coupe S2 from Mebetoys Mattel in a scale of 1:25 (about 45 years old). I paid 180 euros for all 5... Now I have 5 small models of my car... There were also about 10 Montecarlo betas at the fair and only one Gamma berlina and one Gamma Coupe each...

Have a nice day ... Marko

[capriblu]

That last picture brings back fond memories.  In the early 90s a ran an identical (albeit RHD) early Face Lift 2000 HPE in the same "Amaranth" colour for several years as my daily driver.  Chris Bastow at Betacar rebuilt the engine with higher compression pistons and it absolutely flew.  I travelled the length and breadth of the country and I cant ever remember it leaving me stranded.

If the car in the pic really is as nice as it looks then I think I2K Euros is still relatively great value - sorely tempted!

[The_Matrix_Master]

Is the spider actually a S1?
Would have expected to see Glass edge to the top of the window with the Targa off
Picture looks to me like it has the roof cross/ strengthen bars in situ. S2 Pre facelift?
The door mirrors don't look right shouldn't they have been the conical type on the S1?
Anyone in the know?

[peteracs]

Hi

You are correct, the Spider is S2 with the roof bars. I am biased of course, but for me the extra rigidity and the later engine outways the bar-less look of the S1 as a practical car.

Peter

[sharknose]

Good morning ...
Excuse my ignorance boys, I was sure based by appearance off the bonnet that it was the first series beta spider, but I forgot details about the appearance of the targa construction. You can see the car at the link

https://www.silvauto.it/auto/lancia-beta-1600-spider-tipo-828-bs0/

And the link for white HPE

https://www.classic-trader.com/de/automobile/inserat/lancia/beta/beta-hpe-2000/1976/357564

Have a nice day ...

Marko

[peteracs]

Hi Marko

Not a problem, thanks for listing the photos.

It is an often made mistake between S1 and pre facelift S2 cars.

Peter