[{"id": 6685579, "authorName": "citroends21", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/citroends21/", "bidAmount": 3000, "content": "$3,000 bid placed by citroends21", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1628614202, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6685663, "authorName": "brighton_corgi", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brighton_corgi/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Any rust?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1628615080, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6685705, "authorName": "beNGK", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bengk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "not enough keys, I'm out.", "likes": 13, "timestamp": 1628615512, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6685855, "authorName": "mikesz", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mikesz/", "bidAmount": 3200, "content": "$3,200 bid placed by mikesz", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1628617010, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6685923, "authorName": "ari_k", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ari_k/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Buongiorno principessa!!!!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1628617618, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6689674, "authorName": "Jdubbya", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jdubbya/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Always liked the looks of these.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1628640936, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6689891, "authorName": "Ed_L", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ed_l/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "\u201cThis 1981 Lancia Beta Zagato is one of 75 Special Edition examples produced,\u201d\n\nI\u2019d be very interested to learn the source for this. \n\nThe 1979 black & gold version was the \u201cLimited Edition\u201d with a total of 500 produced. But AFAIK the 1981 \u201cSpecial Edition\u201d was only \u2018limited\u2019 to \u2018as many as we can sell.\u2019 It\u2019s not impossible that there aren\u2019t many of these; US Lancia sales were pretty slow in 1981- 82. But is there some documentation for the claim that only 75 were built?", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1628644121, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6689974, "authorName": "Blizzard340", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/blizzard340/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I am a huge fan of the JPS Europa. Huge fan of the Black and gold Cosworth Vega. On the Lancia though - I just can't get past the stripe that goes over the front end. BTW I had a friend who had one of these, also in one of the black and gold paint schemes. There had to be more than 75 produced. I used to see them all the time in Seattle and Southern California when I would visit in the 80's.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1628645103, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6690116, "authorName": "Ed_L", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ed_l/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "BTW, the new owner will want to consider replacing the tires with the correct size -- 185/65-14", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1628646963, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6690202, "authorName": "citroends21", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/citroends21/", "bidAmount": 3500, "content": "$3,500 bid placed by citroends21", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1628648552, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6690266, "authorName": "Magnum308 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/magnum308/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Ed_L the information from the original owner said only 75 made in 1981 the balance made in 1982. Supposedly only a few 1981s made it to the US market- documented Hemmings June 2012. Link below - vehicle shown in magazine is this Lancia being auctioned.\r\n\r\nhttps://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/lancia-vinta-tutto-1981-lancia-zagato", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1628649844, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6690340, "authorName": "951ltwt", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/951ltwt/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "ah yes, di Lancia Smokey andda di Bandit edizione\n\n I always liked these Beta SEs back in the day, perhaps because of my obsession with 70s SE Trans Ams.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1628651457, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6691648, "authorName": "TheLawWon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thelawwon/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Pic 116 is priceless.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1628694955, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6697374, "authorName": "BAMF", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bamf/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is one of the nicest ones I've seen for sale. They are fun to drive. GLWTA", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1628735853, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6698079, "authorName": "TzucuNY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tzucuny/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Ed_L I had an almost identical 81 Zagato that I sold a couple years ago. When I advertised it as 1 of 75, based on the claim from the Hemmings article, the Lancia guys were quick to correct me. Apparently the person that has that Zagato made the claim and Hemmings took their word for it. Many Lancia guys said the same thing as you did, that there were way more than 75 made in 81. Someone even had an article from back then stating that. It even seems that more 81 than 79 come up for sale, at least from what I\u2019ve seen in the past few years.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1628772597, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6698872, "authorName": "Ed_L", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ed_l/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TzucuNY : Hemmings Sports & Exotics was an interesting magazine, but their fact-checking was nearly non-existent.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1628783306, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6703083, "authorName": "Drsmoke", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/drsmoke/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I own the same car.\n1981 lancia beta zagato spider special edition. \nAir conditioning works perfectly,no leaks.\nLeather seats are perfect.\nPower windows have been upgraded to go up and down super fast.\nSilk custom car cover,with original lancia umbrella in the trunk.\nBrand new Kenwood Bluetooth stereo with cd player,4 new speakers front tweeters,power amp,and electric antenna. \nNew brakes,New clutch,New soft rear window.\nCarpeted lancia mats with gold lancia logo.Newer tires, fluids and belts all changed. Ansa exhaust.\nItalian amber high beams.New battery.\nCar was used on a photo shoot last year on channel 4.\nOne of the best left in the country\nAny takers?\nRberger7571@gmail.com", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1628815232, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6703366, "authorName": "Ed_L", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ed_l/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Drsmoke : you've got to be kidding. \n\nYou can't hijack an @bringatrailer auction by offering your own example of the same car for private sale.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1628818841, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6703750, "authorName": "Drsmoke", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/drsmoke/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Not hijacking anything.\r\nYour car is a perfect example worth every bit of the $3500 bid.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1628827566, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6709328, "authorName": "agingengineer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/agingengineer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What's going on with that oil pressure?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1628896137, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6710261, "authorName": "Magnum308 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/magnum308/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Cluster was acting goofy, it seems to be working now but gas gauge bounces around. I disclosed any issues I had before listing. Video was made a few months before listing.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1628914816, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6711613, "authorName": "Koala5590", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/koala5590/", "bidAmount": 3600, "content": "$3,600 bid placed by Koala5590", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1628962464, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6716962, "authorName": "Missthe70s", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/missthe70s/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Looked at these and ended up with a VV Scirocco. I was traveling at the time and was concerned about service facilities. Damn nice rendition and a piece of automotive history. Too old now to invest energy to make it the treasure it will be. Someone buy it and relive time.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629056467, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6718036, "authorName": "citroends21", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/citroends21/", "bidAmount": 3700, "content": "$3,700 bid placed by citroends21", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629063901, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6718957, "authorName": "arrhbillie", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/arrhbillie/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Whoever took the photos must be on EI, my grandsons would have done a better job. Gorgeous car, I hope the photos don't impact the sale..... maybe some editing would help.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1629087667, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6719100, "authorName": "szoket2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/szoket2/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I actually saw the car yesterday afternoon and rode in it. (Thank you, Keith!)\r\nI have to say that the photos do not do justice to this car. It is in amazing shape. Dashboard, carpets, trunk, the engine bay: it looks like maybe 2-3 year old car, except the engine bay is so clean as if it was brand spanking new. Even the plexiglass cover over the fuses looks as if it was new. \r\nThe paint is a shiny as when new. Yes, it is a repaint and the gold lines are only about 98% perfect. Still a beauty.\r\nAll the rubber parts are in perfect condition. Obviously lots of hoses are new in the engine bay. But just one indication how well this car was kept: when Keith mentioned that the tires will need a replacement I felt the sidewall with my fingers and they felt like brand new tires I just put on my own car. Then I looked on the date code and it really was from 2000. Whatever climate controlled room held this car for 20 years (actually 40) it really was the perfect climate.\r\nThis is more like a one owner car, with the owner having been a mechanic or somebody who owns a mechanic shop and kept this car in mint condition. Could be displayed in a Lancia museum no problem.\r\nThe car pulled strong, but it will need new shocks and new mufflers as at least one of the mufflers has a hole on it. Not urgent, but needed.\r\n\r\nIf I don\u2019t bid on it furiously, it will be because I had not previously realized how much more sophisticated and complicated these cars are than my lowly \u201881 Fiat spider. It is quite a dilemma because even my wife approved of this car and she\u2019s really only into old cars as long as they look like they just rolled out of a new car dealership. \r\n\r\nIn short, if you are in the market for one of these cars than this one is to get. You can drive it as is. And then over time get the shocks, the muffler, and if you really want to have air-conditioning long-term then get the AC leak fixed.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1629111316, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6719150, "authorName": "Magnum308 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/magnum308/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Szoket2 thanks for stopping by and checking out the Lancia, she is truly a great example. I am by no means a professional photographer an will utilize a photographer in the future. Black cars are very difficult to represent in pictures. Non of the pictures are touched up which is what I the was desired by BaT bidders.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629116133, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6719628, "authorName": "motobowtie", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/motobowtie/", "bidAmount": 3813, "content": "$3,813 bid placed by motobowtie", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629125405, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6722437, "authorName": "citroends21", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/citroends21/", "bidAmount": 4000, "content": "$4,000 bid placed by citroends21", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629145342, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6723935, "authorName": "Martyopp", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/martyopp/", "bidAmount": 4321, "content": "$4,321 bid placed by Martyopp", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629151715, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6724681, "authorName": "BetaGuy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/betaguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I am very familiar with this Special Edition Zagato. My sons and I have owned 6 Lancia Beta Zagatos and this one is by far one of the best that I have ever seen. I only hope that whoever buys this one lives outside Ohio so I finally have a chance for first place trophies instead of second when we have them in the same show. I like that the seller has been very transparent with the descriptions.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1629162715, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6725655, "authorName": "RonPatterson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ronpatterson/", "bidAmount": 5000, "content": "$5,000 bid placed by RonPatterson", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629204153, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6725663, "authorName": "arieh", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/arieh/", "bidAmount": 5555, "content": "$5,555 bid placed by arieh", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629204420, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6725730, "authorName": "Magnum308 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/magnum308/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Production info listed below:\r\n\r\nViva-lancia.com/betadante/betanumeri\r\n\r\nThe Lancia in this auction is a 1981 s4 spider zagato Production 791 worldwide. Only a small percentage were specials and a small percentage made it into the US market.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629205443, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6725749, "authorName": "RonPatterson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ronpatterson/", "bidAmount": 5700, "content": "$5,700 bid placed by RonPatterson", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629205718, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6725756, "authorName": "arieh", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/arieh/", "bidAmount": 5855, "content": "$5,855 bid placed by arieh", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629205824, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6725760, "authorName": "RonPatterson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ronpatterson/", "bidAmount": 6000, "content": "$6,000 bid placed by RonPatterson", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629205878, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6725763, "authorName": "arieh", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/arieh/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "GOOD LUCK RON. ENJOY A NICE CAR. THIS WAS MY TOP LIMIT", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1629205942, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6726006, "authorName": "Serviceguru", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/serviceguru/", "bidAmount": 6200, "content": "$6,200 bid placed by Serviceguru", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629209116, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6726019, "authorName": "Magnum308 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/magnum308/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I cannot believe no one saw my Easter egg, BaT hawks are slipping these days.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1629209278, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6726972, "authorName": "mrcouope", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrcouope/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "went to see white one parked 25+ years last week... same key as my gtv :) walked away", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629220757, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6726971, "authorName": "glpatrick", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/glpatrick/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "As a Lancia owner many times over and someone who competed with this Exact car I will chime in. Up until a few days ago we had the Highest price ever sold on BaT for a Lancia Zagato. It was extremely nice! Ours sold here in 2017-it is in the Archives, a Red 81. \nI say that as we always knew if this one was at the Car Show, especially the Italian Car Show each September in Columbus, Ohio we would more than likely Lose as in person it was a terrific example, always got a lot of attention-among cars dramatically more expensive! \nThe Original owner had many Lancia's-Beta Zagatos, Scorpions and as a previous poster mentioned as to the storage it was always very well presented. \nWhile I have not seen this one recently, The Current/Seller here, has experience with these and actually did work on our 81 Zagato that Sold here on BaT so I would ask any questions as I am sure he will continue to be transparent. \nLast minute Bidders you will win a car that is unique, will definitely get attention & intrigue and has a good support community should you need anything", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1629220904, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6727005, "authorName": "glpatrick", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/glpatrick/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@mrcouope\r\n25 years of sitting is a killer of any car for sure! I would walk away as well or buy for parts as I have done with a few Lancias. \r\nThis car was not neglected as we saw it yearly and the owner was meticulous in his presentation at the shows.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1629221105, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6727326, "authorName": "squalo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/squalo/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had one just like this one 30 years ago. It was and still is the best driving fwd car i've ever driven. Amazing feel. Comfy too. it was our \"family\" car - booster seat fit right in the back. Loved the 3 way top.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1629223856, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6727728, "authorName": "Wolfenhaus", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wolfenhaus/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "very cool car", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629226089, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6727930, "authorName": "mcmitch2112", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mcmitch2112/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I live in Westerville, and I'm disappointed I've never seen this beauty. My dad talked me out of buying a Zagato for my first car.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1629227010, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6728526, "authorName": "Mustang15", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mustang15/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This auction will be a Beta test.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1629229867, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6728592, "authorName": "carcraaazy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/carcraaazy/", "bidAmount": 6300, "content": "$6,300 bid placed by carcraaazy", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629230189, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6728613, "authorName": "Anonymous", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Reserve not met on 8/17/21 at $6,300", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629230311, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 6728629, "authorName": "carcraaazy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/carcraaazy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@magnum308 Is the protocol for the seller to contact the highest bidder and see if a deal can be worked out?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629230393, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6728649, "authorName": "Serviceguru", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/serviceguru/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I was not able to get back in time as I got logged off. Dang", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629230508, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6728665, "authorName": "Serviceguru", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/serviceguru/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Last I saw I was high bid then I got logged off. Good luck to seller. I hope you come to terms.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629230617, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6730275, "authorName": "Magnum308 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/magnum308/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Carcraaazy please contact me if you are still interested", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629238274, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6730794, "authorName": "SubGothius", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/subgothius/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Magnum308 Looks like I'm late to this party, but just for the record:\r\n\r\nThat production figure of 791 is for Series 2 FL2 (aka \"Series 4\") specification, which can be visually identified as having the flush-mounted, stainless-framed, shield-shaped split grille with a small Lancia badge, as well as a revised steering wheel with a fluted horn button cover and a perfectly spherical shift knob.\r\n\r\nThat series may have Zagato (Beta spider) production dates across '81-82 but were only sold for the '82 model year in that body style. I'm confident in stating all 791 of these were exported to the States, as I have never seen mention nor photos of any S2 FL2 (S4) Beta spiders outside the States that weren't re-exported from here, and I've been pretty active in all the Beta enthusiast groups online for a couple decades now.\r\n\r\nSeries 2 FL (aka \"Series 3\") had the recessed grille with huge Lancia emblem as featured here, with production dates across '78-81 for model years '79-81, of which 2076 were exported to the US. However, documentation seems to be lacking as to just how many of these were carbureted '79s vs. injected '81s (no model year '80s were exported to the US).\r\n\r\nOf these, a Limited Edition (LE) of exactly 500 were produced with this black'n'gold livery for model year '79 (as @Ed_L noted earlier); that proved popular enough that US dealers demanded it remain available by special order for '81, hence those being known as Special Edition (SE), as correctly denoted here.\r\n\r\nTo my and Ed's (and really, anyone's) knowledge, no verifiable corporate documentation exists as to just now many SEs were produced. I've seen figures ranging anywhere from dozens to hundreds (albeit never more than the 500 LEs for '79), and while a few recent claims tend to cite 75, that's probably just echoing the dubiously-sourced figure from that one Hemmings Sports and Exotics magazine article.\r\n\r\nI'd never seen that particular figure mentioned anywhere before, but even if \"they only sold 75 worldwide\" (and of course only the US got any SEs anyway), for all we know that could just be one particular dealer's record of SE sales, and/or perhaps sales for some single calendar year, if not just pulled out of thin air entirely. It doesn't necessarily mean only 75 were ever made, as US Lancia dealers were glutted with remaining unsold stock well into the early-mid '80s after Fiat-Lancia exited the US market.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1629246067, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6731092, "authorName": "Magnum308 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/magnum308/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@subgothius so in short what is your final conclusion? You have got to admit hell of a lot more rare than most cars even with the numbers you posted. These cars still don't get the love they deserve.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629251307, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6731093, "authorName": "LanciaDave", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lanciadave/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@SubGothius Excellent information and points there, thanks for that. \r\nIn regards to; \"for model years \u201979-81, of which 2076 were exported to the US. However, documentation seems to be lacking as to just how many of these were carbureted \u201979s vs. injected \u201981s\", that may be the case but from my observations over the years, I can say with certainty that the majority were 81's with the 79's being far less common. \r\n\r\nAnother differentiator about the US '82 MY cars was besides the chrome shield around the grill, is that they also have different hood hinges that are taller and help the hood clear those when opening. They look the same when closed but you notice looking at the back of them with engine compartment open. \r\n\r\nIt is nice to see these great cars starting to get some notice and interest. There are several online sources to assist those with an interest in this storied marque in general and this great model in particular. I hope the new owner will enjoy it for years to come. Viva Lancia", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629251310, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6731162, "authorName": "Ed_L", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ed_l/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good luck to @Magnum308 and @carcraaazy -- I hope something can be worked out.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1629252741, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6731396, "authorName": "Ed_L", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ed_l/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "\"but from my observations over the years, I can say with certainty that the majority were 81\u2019s with the 79\u2019s being far less common. \"\r\n\r\nIt's been a couple of decades since the last of my three Beta Coup\u00e9s, and it may be possible that the relative distribution of Coup\u00e9s was different than Zagatos. But with the Coup\u00e9, at that time I saw about an equal number of '79s and '81s.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1629260231, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6731534, "authorName": "SubGothius", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/subgothius/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@LanciaDave - That '79/'81 ratio you've noticed is interesting, as I'd noted just the opposite. Reckon it might depend where in the country we are -- particularly if you've happened to be around the Ohio area, as Consolidated Stores Corp. (now Big Lots) in Columbus bought much of the remaining stock to liquidate after Fiat-Lancia pulled out of the States, so later-model Lancias and esp. Zagatos wound up over-represented in that region in the years to follow.\r\n\r\nI noticed that difference in the hood hinges myself when I recently bought an '82, which also allows the hood to stand open nearly vertical without support from the prop (which really just becomes a safety catch here), whereas my '79's hood leans back by about 15\u00b0 or so against the prop.\r\n\r\n@Magnum308 - As you might surmise from the above, I'm a big fan of the Beta and these Zagato spiders in particular. Quibbles over exact production/import figures aside, they're inarguably rare on the ground here in the States, and getting rare in the UK/EU as well. I've loved the look of them since I was a wee lad, and love them even more now that I've owned and daily-driven one for the past 17 years, and maintaining it myself has given me a thorough appreciation for all the clever and sophisticated engineering under the skin, as well as the impeccable handling, ride, and overall driving manners on the road.\r\n\r\nAny Lancia Beta is probably the most \u201cmodern\u201d classic one can still buy and maintain affordably, being the first car mass-produced to the full engineering formula that ultimately prevailed in the industry worldwide \u2014 transverse FWD, DOHC engine, 5-speed transaxle, rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, and fully-independent strut-based suspension with a multilink rear. Few cars had any of that, let alone all of that when the Beta debuted in 1972, nor many more when it retired a dozen years later, but in the decades to follow all that became standard equipment across models in nearly every marque and market segment.\r\n\r\nAs such, a Beta gives you the familiar and reassuring driving feel of a completely modern car, yet with classic Italian style and sporting verve -- IMO a combination unmatched in any other model. I'm pleased to see these long-overlooked underdogs are finally starting to gain some belated but richly deserved appreciation and admiration.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1629270992, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6739193, "authorName": "Roverguy67", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/roverguy67/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My twin brother had one of these while in High school( 1984/5/6), in Springfield ohio..... He drove like a mad man, and that car just kept going...... His car looks just like the one here, but it was in pretty tatty shape when he bought it. This car looks to be in VERY good shape. These are very cool, rare, and highly engineered cars. I hope this goes to a good home, where it can get the TLC this one needs! Good luck with the auction!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1629390833, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6742063, "authorName": "Rick", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rick/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "At this price point on anything less than 25 , it's all about color", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629405428, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6766940, "authorName": "Fiatplus", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fiatplus/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@subgothius and @Ed_L , I have a 1979 LE here for service. It's a non California model, with the automatic. Of the 500 produced, any idea how many of the 49 state automatics were made?\r\n\r\n@Magnum308 , if whoever buys your car is interested, I have the mufflers new.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1629763216, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6767878, "authorName": "Ed_L", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ed_l/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "\"It\u2019s a non California model, with the automatic. Of the 500 produced, any idea how many of the 49 state automatics were made?\"\n\nMore than the number of boats that needed the automatics as anchors...", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1629781611, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6836495, "authorName": "SubGothius", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/subgothius/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@FiatPlus - If that's a drivable car, and with the resources at your disposal, I'd expect you could increase its value and market appeal by swapping out that auto for a salvaged manual setup. The autos may be relatively rare, but this is one case where rarity certainly does not translate to valuable.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1630641438, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6837957, "authorName": "Fiatplus", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fiatplus/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@subgothius, I was more interested if you or Ed knew how many of the 500 LEs made were automatics. I know there were 500 total automatics, that they were sold only in 1979, and that after the last automatic car was out of warranty that all spare parts and tooling were destroyed. While I was running my shop and working with the importer the official \"fix\" was to install a 5 speed. I still have the entire set up from the last Beta I parted out that I saved just for that.\r\nThis option has already been discussed with the car's owner. He feels going fuel injected, like the car in this auction, was the direction he would go if required.\r\n\r\nIf you know the number that would be great. Not concerned about value, just how many were made.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1630683823, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7294499, "authorName": "Rey949", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rey949/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi is this car still available?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1636944691, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 8484633, "authorName": "Magnum308 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/magnum308/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Yes the Lancia is still available!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1651512411, "type": "comment"}]