The Lancia Beta was launched in 1972 as a five door hatchback, with engines ranges from 1300 to 2000 cc. This car was clearly based on the more close co-operation with Fiat, and the engine were all derived from the TC unit used in the 124 and 125.
Over the years many version appeared, including the coupe and the HPE, which was a sort of two-door shooting brake.
The final version to appear in 1980 was the Trevi, which sported a conventional trunk design and was designed as the top of the Beta range, with a more luxurious interior and more importantly the 2 litre engine was now equipped with fuel injection, resulting in a much more refined running of the engine than the raw 2-litre carb version.
The top of the range was the Volumex version, which was fitted with the compressor based on the Roots principles and that was tested in Fiat’s rallye programme of the mide seventies. Maximum power increased from 122 to 135 BHP, but the fuel injection was replaced again by normal carbs. It all did little to increase the popularity of the car. The reputation of the Beta had been tainted by excessive rust damage and the almost proverbial Italian electric problems. Production was halted in 1983, to make way for the Thema, introduced in 1984.
Shown is a Trevi at the parking place of Magny Cours, during this year’s Tour Auto.
"I find the whole business of religion profoundly interesting, but it does mystify me that otherwise intelligent people take it seriously." Douglas Adams
even though it is a very boring and common roof line,those italians still added some very good looking things, like that "air intake" and the door handles the gucci, of cars