1984 Lancia Beta VX Coupé, Registration no. B147 DRL Chassis no. 00489073

The first new Lancia of the post-FIAT take-over era was the Beta. Built between 1972 and 1981, the first Beta model was a medium-sized front-wheel-drive saloon powered by a transversely mounted twin-cam four of FIAT derivation. Engine sizes ranged from 1.3 to 2.0 litres, with corresponding variations in performance, while a five-speed gearbox was standard equipment. Coupé and Spider models followed in 1973. Built on a shorter wheelbase, this sporting duo used the same range of engines, with the addition of a 1,367cc unit, and succeeded in outlasting their saloon parent, Coupé production ceasing in 1984, one year after that of the less numerous Spider.

This rare right-hand drive Beta VX Coupé has the Volumex-supercharged engine; it is one of only 1,261 produced with this 135bhp power unit, which churned out an impressive 152ft/lb of torque at a lowly 3,000 revs. It is estimated that a mere 150 were imported into the UK. First registered in Jersey, the car was purchased in 1990 at 28,000 miles and was last used in 2005 (the current odometer reading is circa 37,000 miles). Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C registration certificate and a quantity of expired MoTs dating back to 1993. Re-commissioning will be required before the car returns to the road.