G'day everyone,
I registered here back in 2009, but never posted, which I will explain.
Back in 2007, I inherited my father's Beta Spyder as he was too old to drive it anymore. Having lived all it's life in Hong Kong, the car was shipped to Australia. Unknown to me, regarding the condition, my father said she was in good nick. Well, she was like swiss cheese. Rust and body filler everywhere. Plus the paint has had it's day.
So the car lived on my front lawn for a few years, trying to find a panel beater that will do an excellent job and not rip me off. Found a bloke who was only a few minutes drive from home and added myself to his waiting list. So a few more years went by and 6 years ago, he told me that he had room in his 8 car shed and to bring the car over.
So she sat there for 6 years and work has finally begun end of last year. So looks like she will be completed, possibly within 3-6 months time.
Will be expensive as I will need attention to the interior and also get that engine turning and then, running. Also the challenges of getting the car engineered for Australian compliance. Also having issues with the rear seat belts as the engineer wants retractable sash belts (some may have seen my post on FB).
Reasons why I am going through all this when the expense will probably be more than what the car is worth....
Well, my father had it since new. We always had Lancias in the family and this was the last one in his list of owning Lancias (2000 Coupe, HF Fanalone Fulvia 1.3, HF Fanalone Fulvia 1.6, Beta HPE and the Spider). Lastly, it was the first car I was taught to drive in so it has a special place in my heart.
Thanks for reading!
![Smiley](http://www.betaboyz.myzen.co.uk/forum/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)
Simon