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Curated Auction

1981 Lancia Beta Zagato Spider

At a Glance

2021 Engine Rebuild | South African Import | Solid Structure | Long Term Owner | Long MOT

  • Mileage~28,848 on clock
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Engine2.0-litre
  • LocationChalfont-St-Peter, Buckinghamshire

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£2,750
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£2,750

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

A true Italian drivers' car with driving prowess and power to impress.

Introduced at the Turin Motor Show in November 1972, the Beta was the first completely new vehicle developed by Lancia following its 1969 acquisition by Fiat. It replaced Lancia’s financially unsustainable bespoke engineering with a progressive platform featuring transversely mounted twin-cam engines, four-wheel independent MacPherson strut suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and disc brakes all round. Over its production life, the platform birthed six distinct body styles, none more striking than the 1974 Spider.

Designed by Pininfarina and hand-assembled by Zagato, the Spider circumvented era-specific open-top safety concerns through a rigid central roll bar paired with a modular removable targa panel and folding rear canvas hood. Beyond its technical credentials and contributions to Lancia's broader motorsport legacy, the vehicle gains significant rarity through its unique origins.

It was constructed via Complete Knock Down (CKD) kits shipped directly to South Africa rather than being exported as a fully completed Italian unit. Assembled in small batches of just a few hundred units per series, these vehicles incorporated locally sourced components such as glass, tyres, and interior trim to satisfy local content regulations.

Finished in 'Rosso Corsa' over a black interior, this 1981 Lancia Beta Spider Zagato was imported into the UK in 2016, and has been with our vendor since 2018. Having been preserved by the dry South African climate, it retains an exceptionally solid structural shell that is remarkably rare compared to original UK-market cars. Mechanically sorted following a comprehensive engine rebuild in 2021, this sound example requires only minor cosmetic detailing and fresh paintwork to reach its full potential, and it is accompanied by a fresh MOT. Combined with its scarce Zagato coachwork and factory CKD heritage, this car represents an exceptionally preserved, low-production chapter in Lancia’s celebrated history.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Peter the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

This practical 2+2 features an easy-to-operate roof, generous space, and exceptional handling.

Drawn to the Lancia from an engineering standpoint, Peter was equally attracted to its rarity and its appeal as a well-sorted, genuinely engaging drivers' car.

Used purely for leisure, the vehicle has been garaged continuously throughout his eight-year ownership, which began in 2018.

The car is being sold due to a lack of use and Peter will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below. Peter will be away in October, he is back on the 2nd of November so the new owner will be able to pick the Beta up after this date.

Peter
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Beneath the aged paintwork lies a solid foundation and a clean chassis.

Wheels and Tyres

The 14-inch universal 8-hole alloys present well, with no significant damage or signs of age.

The car is fitted with Continental tyres, except the rear offside tyre branded as a Rapid. They have a spec of 185/60/14 and are all over 20 years old. They have decent, even tread but show mild signs of age on the outer sidewalls.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The bodywork presents well, with no panel dents observed. All panels sit flush with the body shell, and the doors exhibit clean shut lines, albeit with some minor misalignment. The passenger doors operate smoothly, though they require a firm action to close completely.

Both passenger door bottoms show rust emerging beneath the paint, while the inside of the driver's door requires prompt attention. Overall, however, the dry South African climate has contributed significantly to the preservation of the car.

The underside of the car appears solid, featuring a sound floor pan and chassis rails. The base of the offside wheel arches shows minor signs of age, but the vehicle looks structurally sound overall, with the current MOT report raising no advisories other than the tyres.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

image

Paint

The Rosso Corsa paintwork has received a blow-over at some point in its history. While the colour density is generally consistent throughout, several touch-ups, blemishes, cracks, micro-blistering, and surface marks were identified during our visit. The areas around the bonnet, boot lid, and rear valance exhibit more pronounced imperfections beneath the paint layer.

Although the current finish remains presentable with a reasonable lustre, the vendor acknowledges that the vehicle would benefit from a fresh coat of paint, offering a sound and solid foundation for future refinishing.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The windscreen is a recent replacement and comes with a new trim finisher ready to be fitted. The remaining glass and rubber seals are generally in good condition, though some seals and the passenger-side window display minor paint overspray.

All lights and lenses are present and in good condition, and the exterior brightwork appears complete, albeit with similar traces of overspray in places. While the rear bumper shows evidence of a light knock, both bumpers remain securely mounted to the vehicle.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The well-kept interior is highlighted by its driver-focused instrumentation and supportive seating.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in good condition with minimal wear, offering ample support and comfort.

The carpets are complete and well presented throughout, showing no evidence of dampness.

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Dashboard

The dashboard is complete, though it displays mild signs of age alongside evidence of previous minor repairs on the passenger side. The facia, instruments, and switchgear are consistent with the age of the vehicle and would respond well to sympathetic detailing.

The dashboard clock is the only item reported to be inoperative.

The door cards are complete, displaying mild signs of age. The driver's side lock button requires replacement, though the original component is retained with the vehicle.

The remainder of the interior trim remains in good condition.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are consistent with the generally well-maintained condition of the cabin.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

A lively twin-cam engine, sharp independent suspension, and beautifully balanced front-wheel drive.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine started without issue to demonstrate the start the cold-start process. The oil pressure gauge registered a swift rise, with a slight tap by Peter, with the oil pressure warning light extinguishing immediately. The engine delivered a characteristically vocal note with a steady, rhythmic idle. A minor amount of exhaust smoke was observed upon start-up, though this dissipated completely as the engine reached operating temperature. Throughout our visit, the engine remained free from any untoward mechanical noise.

The engine was rebuilt in 2021 and has covered approximately 2,000 miles since. The ancillary components and hoses present well, with Peter having undertaken much of the routine maintenance directly. A new starter motor has also been fitted recently.

The five-speed gearbox operates without any reported issues, delivering a precise and positive shift. The clutch has been recently replaced and demonstrates a clean, consistent bite point.

image

Suspension and Brakes

No untoward noise was observed from the wheels, and while minor cabin rattles and light movement were noted over uneven surfaces, these remain typical for a open top vehicle of this era. The suspension negotiated bumps smoothly, with no clunking or knocking from the running gear.

The brakes operate effectively, with the four-wheel disc setup delivering strong, fade-free stopping power.

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The Drive

The 2.0-litre twin-cam engine played a pivotal role in delivering sophisticated, high-performance engineering to mainstream production cars. For the Beta, Lancia adapted Fiat’s core engine design by angling the unit backwards at 20 degrees, pairing it with bespoke intake and exhaust manifolds to increase power output and produce a distinctive engine note. Derivatives of this versatile engine block went on to secure an extraordinary ten WRC Manufacturers' Championships for Fiat and Lancia.

Eager and torquey, the carburettor-fed 2.0-litre Lampredi twin-cam engine pulls strongly and smoothly from low speeds. Immediate, crisp induction roar gives way to a steady, linear surge of power. The steering remains precise and compliant, free from wobbles or knocks, while the direct gearbox operates smoothly without crunching, its shift action becoming noticeably lighter and more fluid as the running gear reaches operating temperature.

The car covers ground with confidence and ample grip. During a five-minute test cruise at approximately 50 mph, the engine ran smoothly, proving refined and entirely free from pops or misfires. The stainless steel exhaust system, combined with new engine mounts, contributes significantly to the vehicle's quietness and overall ride refinement. Furthermore, Peter reports no issues regarding engine temperature or oil pressure.

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Electrics and Other

The Targa panel provides a snug, secure fit to the bodyshell, while the rear folding soft top operates smoothly, raising and lowering without issue.

A modern digital audio unit featuring USB and Bluetooth connectivity has also been retrofitted.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Since its UK import in 2016, approximately £6,000 has been invested in maintenance and upkeep, highlighted by an engine rebuild.

Built and registered for the South African market, this October 1981 registered car is believed to have been kept inland, as evidenced by its solid structural condition. It retains its 2014 South African title alongside UK import documentation dated circa 2016, confirming approximately ten years in the UK, the last eight of which have been under current ownership.

The vehicle's UK provenance is well documented, beginning with a Betaboyz invoice for various mechanical maintenance components. Subsequent history includes invoices for extensive work, highlighted by a 2021 bill totalling £4,315 for brake overhauls and a complete engine rebuild. The initial UK-registered owner also invested approximately £1,500 in ongoing maintenance and upkeep.

While the Lancia now qualifies for historic vehicle status, making it both road tax and MOT exempt, it is accompanied by a recent MOT certificate.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
03-08-2026 MOT 28,837
05-08-2021 MOT 27,604
04-03-2021 Engine Rebuild
02-04-2020 MOT 27,111
18-03-2019 MOT 25,374
06-02-2018 MOT 18,850
20-01-2017 MOT 18,475km
03-08-2016 Independent Service
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Beta Spider Zagato
  • Transmission 5-speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 30-10-1981
  • CC 1995
  • Mileage ~28,848 on the clock
  • History Since 2016
  • Colour Rosso Corsa
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # ZLA828B5100005740
  • Engine # 828B10000360968
  • Last Service 03-08-2016
  • Engine Rebuild Yes in 2021
  • MOT Yes Exp: 02-08-2027
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 1
  • Tyre Brand 3 Continental + 1 Rapid
  • Tyre Age 20 years +
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Owned ~8 Years
  • Key Feature Rare South African assembled Zagato
  • Vehicle Registration RKU 311X
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2-door Targa
  • Auction ID 4030
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Chalfont-St-Peter, Buckinghamshire

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £2,750
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    1981 Lancia Beta Zagato Spider
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    Auction Ends Thu 15th Oct at 7.40pm
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    £2,750 bid by Hewitt05.10.26 @ 10:36:31
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Beta like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Chalfont-St-Peter, Buckinghamshire

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