Lancia Beta Coupé of the 1st series (1975): Elegant company for Arend

In an old advertisement we read this text from Lancia: “That every Lancia is a collector's item, turns out to be a fable.” But nowadays that has completely changed; Lancia's contributions to automotive history have now become real collector's items. The desirable Lancia Beta Coupé certainly belongs in the category of most beautiful classic cars.

Italian temperament

The Italian temperament is clearly expressed in the sporty lines of this coupé. As a hobby car, driving this elegant Italian is mainly relaxing. At the same time, she responds lightning-fast to the accelerator if you want to experience the 'kick' of speed. Driving a Lancia is an unforgettable experience, in which distinction and sportiness come together effortlessly. A car for enthusiasts like Arend's is hardly found in this condition these days. The love affair with this Lancia Beta Coupé is purely emotional, hopelessly subjective and completely justified.

Warm feeling

Anyone who gets behind the wheel is immediately taken back to the warm feeling of the 70s. Arend can best describe that feeling himself, and he is happy to tell the special story behind his Lancia Beta Coupé.

Italian collector

Arend: “I came into contact with an Italian collector with a treasure trove full of Italian thoroughbreds, Alfa's, Fiats and Lancias. The Lancia had been in the middle of a large barn for fifteen years, covered in dust, but still in good condition. That meant little rust, but a lot of dents and scratches. After some negotiations we came to an agreement, on the condition that the Lancia Beta Coupé had to be able to be started for transport to the Netherlands. It arrived there in September 2023.”

Car life boring?

Arend: “Maybe you have to be a bit peculiar, but I want to drive something that you hardly see on the road anymore. Not a mass-market car, but a car that stands out. And this Lancia Beta Coupé definitely does that!”

Character and beauty back

The restoration started with a thorough technical service, in which belts, hoses, filters and fluids were replaced for a second life. The gearshift mechanism was also addressed and the car was prepared for the registration inspection. This work was carried out by a fine classic car garage from Kampen.

After that, all demountable body parts were removed and the Lancia Beta Coupé was completely dedented, sanded and straightened. In the meantime, Arend could look for missing parts, while various other parts went to the chrome shop.

The paintwork was done professionally, which is clearly visible in the photos, and in the original colour Grigio Ascoli, which the Lancia Beta Coupé more than deserves. After more than eight months, the original charm had fully returned.

This car absolutely deserves the predicate of character and beauty. The small power that was needed to bring this classic back to life, Arend has already forgotten. The Italian lines and the striking interior are widely appreciated. This Lancia Beta Coupé is simply beautiful, tasteful and easy to drive in modern traffic, with the added bonus that it completely revives the 70s for Arend.

(The article continues below with the photos.)