Beta Saloon

[haryjames]

Hi all, I'm a new member, I bought the saloon that was advertised on Gumtree, as highlighted in an earlier forum post.

I'm a classic car enthusiast, not particularly Lancia, though I've always loved the marque.

Finding my feet a little with the car and so far I'm delighted.

Initial impressions are that the car is pretty amazing, I don't think it's seen welding and the bodywork, bar a few small areas, is really really good considering it's bare metal repaint was c 15 years ago.

The interior was retrimmed to a high standard and is pretty much as new, the 2.0 litre engine was I believe rebuilt c 7000 miles ago and having driven the car c 60 miles or so to date it's great to drive.

I'm having my mechanic go through the car over the next few weeks, general recommissioning, fuel and coolant flush brakes etc etc etc and should know a bit more following.

It's recently passed an NI MOT test, which is a very stringent (direct Ministry of Transport Centres, i.e local garages are not authorised to undertake) test, so I feel reasonably confident driving it in the interim.

I've got a few questions and would really appreciate any help:

The colour is a dark brown with a little reddish tinge, I guess a very dark burgundy in certain lights, anyone know what it's called?paint code?

How many Beta saloons are still registered in the UK?

Where would be best for spares etc?

I'm a true classic car enthusiast and  initially just really didn't want the car to be broken up, but I'm feeling glad I've "rescued" it and looking forward to getting the car fully sorted and doing some driving.

Many many thanks for any help.

[thecolonel]

Welcome, you've come to the right place
Best information,
Best parts locator
Best/most helpful members.

Hope you really enjoy the car, 
someone will be,along soon to
Confirm the colour etc.

Geoff

[peteracs]

Hi

Welcome to the forum and glad to hear the car has gone to an enthusiastic owner.

Can I suggest that even if the cambelt was only changed 7000 miles ago, the age also should be considered and it should be changed if that belt has been on the engine for a few years already.

Peter

[lanciamad]

Welcome to the forum
This is the place to be for any info and advise, however unusual the problem, one of us will have some knowledge of it.
Looks like you've got a real good car there.
http://www.lanciabetaparts.co.uk/ is always a good start for parts, the forum, and of course keeping your eye on ebay.

Marcus.

[MattNoVAT]

Welcome to the forum Ian,

As others have already said, you've come to the right place for all things Lancia Beta.   

I think all of us on here are pleased that the car has found a new home with an enthusiast rather than being snapped up and dismantled for parts.  I and others on here look forward to hearing about your progress and we are all ready and willing to chip in with help & advice.

Are you based in NI?  If so whereabouts?  (My wife is from NI and hence we are over there a frequently)

[haryjames]

Hi, many thanks to date for the comments and help, I'm sure lots more questions will follow.

Any ideas on that paint question ?

Thanks

[MattNoVAT]

Have you looked inside the boot (underside of the boot lid) there should be a paint code sticker in there. That should have the colour and code on it.

Or can we get a picture of the car posted up to help identify the correct colour?

The gumtree advert is no longer available :-(

[HFStuart]

Where would be best for spares etc?

Welcome to the fray.
Many general service parts are available through motor factors
E-Bay throws up some of the more unusual parts
Lanciabetaparts has some bespoke and remanufactured parts  - and the range is increasing all the time
The you are into the specialists  - many of these are overseas - see this thread http://www.betaboyz.myzen.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=224.0
Finally you'd me amazed at what people on here have in their sheds / lofts / garages (most on a 78 spider in my shed for instance) so just ask and there's a good chance something will come up

Stuart

[haryjames]

Hi, thanks again, I note from Zagato's post that the link is no longer available from Gumtree, I will get some pictures up in due course.

Is there a way to find out how many cars of a particular model are still registered in the UK?

[MattNoVAT]

There is a website called "Howmanyleft" out there on the web, I think it's based in S.Ireland so may end .IE but a simple google search should return the results.

If I recall correctly the results are a little difficult to interpret at times, but you may be lucky with the sedan.

Don't think there are many left in the UK, there is half a dozen that we know of but who knows how many are actually out there, only DVLA / DVLNI could give an accurate number of SORN & taxed vehicles.

[haryjames]

Thanks, yes I am based in Northern Ireland, North West.

According to "How many left" there are only 2 Sedans on the road, surely this can't be correct?

Ian

[MattNoVAT]

How far from Limavady?

I know of 4 on the road for certain, but either way its very very few.

[haryjames]

Amazing they are now so rare, I'm doubly glad this one isn't going to be broken.

It's a genuine one owner car, I've spoken to the guy who had it from new, really helpful, he's sending me the original invoice and spare key.

I actually live in Limavady.

[MattNoVAT]

My wife's parents live in Limavady - so that's handy :-). Next time we are over we'll have to meet up.

That's a real bonus that you can get the purchase paperwork etc from the original owner.

[TreviDash]

Great news!

Sounds a bargain purchase.


Photos retrieved






The eBay auction from back in July:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1977-LANCIA-BETA-1300-BROWN-/110899090899


I think your colour is Rosso Amaranto, code 158

[droptop]

Good that it's found a home.
I was just unable to find the time to have a look at it myself but that's how it goes.
I hope you enjoy it and maybe we'll see it next summer in the All Italian meet in Lisburn!