Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo
The Lancia Beta Montecarlo (called 'Scorpion' in the USA) was a beautiful mid-engined sports car designed by Pininfarina that achieved far greater fame on the race track than in showrooms. The road car was powered by a 2.0-liter twin-cam four-cylinder engine mounted transversely behind the driver, providing good balance and handling. However, it was the turbocharged racing version that became truly legendary. The Lancia Montecarlo Turbo, competing in Group 5 silhouette racing, dominated the 1979, 1980, and 1981 World Championship for Makes. The racing car used a supercharged version of the engine producing over 400 horsepower in a car weighing under 800 kg, and its victories at Mugello, Silverstone, Nürburgring, and other circuits are the stuff of motorsport legend. The road car Turbo was never officially produced, but the non-turbo Montecarlo was a genuine driver's car that suffered primarily from early Series 1 braking issues (since corrected in the Series 2). The Pininfarina-penned body remains one of the most elegant mid-engined designs ever created, and the Montecarlo is increasingly appreciated as both a desirable road car and a racing icon.
Series 2 cars are preferable as they have improved brakes. Rust is the main enemy — check sills, wheel arches, and engine bay. The Fiat twin-cam engine is well-supported with readily available parts. Mid-engine bay access is limited. Pininfarina body panels are becoming scarce. Check for evidence of overheating (mid-engine cars run hot).
Approximately 7,595 road cars were produced across Series 1 (1975-1978) and Series 2 (1980-1981). The car was briefly withdrawn from sale to address braking issues. Bodies were built by Pininfarina.