Lancia : Beta

Launched in 1972, the Lancia Beta was the marque’s first new design after joining the Fiat group, blending traditional Lancia engineering flair with Fiat-sourced mechanicals. It introduced front-wheel drive to the brand, paired with lively Lampredi-designed twin-cam engines in capacities from 1.4 to 2.0 litres. Styled by Lancia’s in-house Centro Stile, the Beta came in a wide range of body styles: the practical Berlina, the elegant Pininfarina-influenced Coupé, the sporting HPE shooting brake, and the distinctive Zagato Spyder with its targa roof. With supple suspension, sharp steering, and superb high-speed stability, the Beta earned praise for its refinement and driver engagement. Rust issues blighted its reputation early on, but well-kept examples now show why it was one of the most advanced and versatile Italian cars of its era.

Magazine Articles

  • CAR Magazine cover

    Alfa Beta

    World exclusive: Philippe de Barsy drives Lancia's new saloon - 'a car in the great Aurelia tradition'

    CAR Magazine · December 1972
  • CCC Magazine cover

    It's all happening

    Another quick spin (third lap Paddock Bend, Brands Hatch, to be exact) came our way in the shape of the New-to-Britian-but-announced-in-Italy-last-November Lancia Beta

    CCC Magazine · September 1973
  • CAR Magazine cover

    Giant Test

    Reliant Scimitar GTE v Lancia Beta HPE

    CAR Magazine · September 1976
  • CAR Magazine cover

    Giant Test

    BMW 320i v Alfetta GTV2000 v Lancia Beta Coupe 2000

    CAR Magazine · December 1976
  • CAR Magazine cover

    The Top Ten

    £3001 - £3500 : Lancia Beta 2000

    CAR Magazine · February 1977
  • CAR Magazine cover

    Newcomers : A Beta for the better

    A Lancia less the ugly bits

    CAR Magazine · March 1979
  • CAR Magazine cover

    Long Term Test : Rough with the smooth

    Our Lancia 1600 coupe hasn't been perfect, but 30,000 miles on and it can still make every journey a pleasure

    CAR Magazine · May 1979
  • CAR Magazine cover

    Giant Test

    Lancia Beta 1600 Coupe v VW Scirocco GLI v Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint Veloce

    CAR Magazine · November 1979
  • CAR Magazine cover

    Giant Test

    VW Golf GLI v Lancia Beta Spyder

    CAR Magazine · October 1980
  • CAR Magazine cover

    Giant Test

    Lancia Beta Coupe 2000 v Renault Fuego v VW Scirocco GTI

    CAR Magazine · February 1981
  • CAR Magazine cover

    Newcomers : Executive Injection [Lancia HPE]

    Fuel injection for the 2.0litre plus power steering put new life in Lancia's squat three-door

    CAR Magazine · June 1982
  • CCC Magazine cover

    Free Wheelin'

    Lancia Coupe 2000IE

    CCC Magazine · July 1982
  • Practical Motorist cover

    New car impressions

    Lancia Coupe Injection

    Practical Motorist · August 1982
  • CAR Magazine cover

    Newcomers : Supercharged by Lancia

    The rennaissance of the supercharger continues at Lancia in the Vx HPE and Coupe

    CAR Magazine · August 1983
  • Motor cover

    Road Test

    Lancia HP Executive 2000 VX

    Motor