Vehicle Description
"The Zagato was designed as a targa type of "convertible" with the
option of removing the solid panel above the driver/passenger
and/or folding the soft rear window area. The Zagato starts, in a
sense, as a Beta Coupe, with a floor pan and body panels being sent
to Zagato (Zagato is an independent coachbuilding company and total
design center located northwest of Milan, Italy) where the car is
turned into a targa. Zagato begins with standard rear quarter
panels, adds the center rollbar section and reinforces the area
behind the seat, all of which goes to strengthen the open body.
There is also some minor modification to the rear taillight panel
and one reason Zagato does the work is that the car requires a fair
amount of handwork, which is best done by an independent design
firm. After the cars are "targa-ized" they are shipped to Lancia
for rustfproofing, then back to Zagato for paint, trim and
upholstery, then back the 70 miles to Lancia for drivetrain...which
may help explain why the Zagato cost over $1300 more than the
Coupe." - Road & Track October 1979
Lancia Beta Vx (Volumex) specs:
Engine size: 2000 cc
Number of valves: 8
Comp Ratio: 7.5
Boost PSI: 6.5
Intercooled: no
HP @ RPM: 135 @ 5500
Torque RPM: 152 @ 3000
0-60 MPH: 8.3 seconds
"Only about 300 Beta Volumex cars were sold in the UK" - Lanciana
April 1991
This two owner, 1979 Lancia Zagato offered here was purchased from
the original owner, a doctor in the San Francisco Bay area in 1984.
The car has been enthusiast owned and never been exposed to snow or
salt and was seasonally stored indoors. In 1990 the car was
repainted in its original Rosso Corsa, and the body was found to be
in excellent shape. In 1992 a Volumex supercharged (Italian)
engine, 5 speed gearbox, complete with all ancillaries, radiator,
fan, exhaust manifold, downpipe, Volumex hood, grille, headlight
frames and badging were sourced from L&M Supplies (Lancia parts
specialist) and shipped from the UK. The installation occurred in
1993 in the US. In 2004, and extensive engine service was performed
by Steve's Service Center in Marne Michigan and has been used
sparingly and properly stored since.
Today, as a result of responsible ownership, this Lancia Zagato
remains in excellent overall condition. The exterior paint, now 27
years old, still shows excellent with lots of life. The original
interior is wonderful featuring excellent seat upholstery, near
perfect dash, tidy carpeting and excellent glass. The engine area
featuring its Volumex engine remains unrestored and very clean, the
truck area is complete including full size spare and lining, The
underside remains completely original and excellent in all areas
including floor pans. Longitudinals and inner rockers. The rear
fold down window and targa top remain very nice, fully functional
and creates a great open air driving experience. The car also
features 4 Cromodora Daytona wheels fitted with Pirelli P6000 Sport
Veloce tires. Our test drive revealed a spirited sports car that
pulled strong in all gears, responsive handling, good straight
braking and provides excellent feedback to its driver. It possesses
all the characteristics and all the allure of Italian Sports Cars
of that era. Lancia has been creating sports cars since 1906 and
has a rich and long history in many types of racing competition.
The Zagato offered here is special in many ways as it has been well
preserved, represents an era that is now ganing much traction in
the collector car world and fitted with an authentic Volumex 2.0
liter engine which sets it apart from the rest.
This car is offered with extensive documentation including Lancia
and Volumex related literature and service history. This car also
comes with its original Lancia branded wheels and original Zagato
hood shipped at the buyers expense if chosen.
To see over 80 photos of this car, including under carriage please
visit our website www.grautogallery.com
Gr Auto Gallery, LLC and our sister company, Wheelz Sales and
Leasing Inc. makes every effort to represent each vehicle
accurately and with integrity. We also welcome third party
inspections when necessary. Although we try to do our very best to
be accurate in our description writing we are human and do make
mistakes. Unless otherwise noted, All vehicles are sold AS IS, No
Warranty Expressed or Implied. All sales final.
