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1976 Lancia Beta HPE

Registration Number: PRR 995R
Chassis Number: 828BF054804
Recorded Mileage: 76,800 miles

- One private owner from new
- Very original example, with comprehensive history file

Introduced at the March 1975 Geneva Salon, the Lancia Beta HPE was more of a ‘lifestyle estate’ than a serious load lugger. Indebted to the existing Coupe and Berlina variants for its visage and wheelbase respectively, the newcomer was powered by a choice of 1600cc, 1800cc and (later) 2000cc ‘twin-cam’ engines. Sharing the same all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering and five-speed manual transmission as its siblings, the High Performance Estate was praised by the contemporary press for its performance, handling and roadholding being labelled ‘a driver’s car’. Known simply as the Lancia HPE from 1979 onwards, the stylish three-door remained in production until 1984. Sadly, Lancia’s well-documented rust issues mean that survivors are a rare sight on today’s roads, especially in RHD guise.

This super early Lancia 1600 HPE was registered new in 1976 to its first and only private owner, finished in Lancia Lord blue with a contrasting red cloth interior. The original bill of sale shows the Lancia being purchased when new with a Fiat 124 Coupe in part-exchange. The Lancia has clearly been well maintained over the years, as shown in the comprehensive service history accompanying the car. In the history file we find original service book, hand books, every MoT certificate, service bills, also both sets of keys with Beta enamel key rings and original tools. This well preserved example is fitted with its original radio, rear blind and rear seat cushions. Looking through the file we see that prior to being stored from 2002 around £3,000 was spent on servicing, clutch and attention to the suspension. In 2004, after a period of storage, the car was recommissioned with service and new cambelt, stainless centre exhaust, rebuilt brake calipers, and new fuel pump. Although MoT, ULEZ and tax exempt, this wonderful survivor will be nonetheless be supplied with a freshly issued MoT certificate.