Although its terrible notoriety for corrosion surely played a key role in Lancia’s tragic downfall – in the UK at least – the Beta HPE has always appealed for its style and practicality.
HPE stands for ‘High Performance Estate’, of course, and while the concept wasn’t new, Lancia was one of very few companies to go mainstream with a niche shooting brake. It formed part of the Beta range, which also included the Berlina, Coupé and Spyder.
Fiat’s acquisition of Lancia in 1969 was slightly troubling for marque enthusiasts, but the 1972 Beta suggested they had little to worry about. It was the first car developed under the (slightly) more financially responsible Fiat, though Lancia engineers were given a lot of freedom. The result was a suitably advanced front-wheel-drive replacement for the Fulvia, and the only big-ticket item that Fiat insisted upon was the adoption of its twin-cam engine. Not really a hardship for Lancia, that brilliant Lampredi engine was tweaked for Lancia’s needs by Ettore Zaccone Mina, the man behind the Fulvia’s V4.
In 1973, the Beta Coupé followed the Berlina. A very different car, with all-new bodywork – styled by Aldo Castagno and overseen by the Fulvia’s designer, Pietro Castagnero – on top of a shortened platform, it remained a full four-seater and was powered by the same 1.6- and 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines, with fully independent suspension and all-disc brakes.
A ‘regular’ coupé was only the beginning of the range expansion. The Pininfarina-engineered and Zagato-built Spyder came next, and the HPE was the final piece of the Beta puzzle later that year. In order to maximise practicality, it made use of the Berlina’s longer wheelbase and softer suspension for maximum comfort, passenger space and luggage capacity. Yet forward of the B-pillar it was pure Coupé, and the doors had unique window frames.
In 1978, as with the rest of the range, the engines were updated and available in 1.6- and 2.0-litre capacities. Automatic transmission and power steering became optional and, a year later, the HPE was established as its own model, losing the Beta name from its badge. Fuel injection was offered on top-of-the-range 2.0-litre models from late 1981.
With a minor facelift in June 1983 came the ultimate VX model. Also known as Volumex, this flagship saw a Roots-type supercharger added into the mix for a 135bhp power output. Cosmetic changes were subtle, but a new bulge in the bonnet, front spoiler and discreet ducktail on the tailgate mark it out. The power hike wasn’t huge, although an uplift in torque to 148lb ft was more noticeable, and stiffer springs helped to keep the car planted. Production of the HPE Volumex totalled 2370, with just 186 right- hand-drive cars coming to the UK.
Production of all Betas came to an end in 1984, and the entire range is often dismissed thanks to its (much-deserved) reputation for rust. But if you can find one that’s survived more than 35 years, chances are you will enjoy it for the refined, sprightly and stylish compact Italian shooting brake that it is.
Lancia Beta common problems
• It really goes without saying, but this is a car that needs an extremely thorough inspection for rust. On the underside, the big problem comes from moisture getting into cracking and flaking underseal.
• Body panels can be hard to find, so keep an eye out for badly repaired ’arches and door bottoms. Check for corrosion on the tailgate, and the strut mounting points.
• Engines are pretty reliable if well-maintained, but should have had a top-end rebuild by now. Check the oil level and its cleanliness in the top of the Volumex supercharger.
• Synchromeshes are a little weak, but stiff, difficult shifting usually means worn linkages.
WHAT TO PAY
Right-hand-drive cars are rare, but can be found for between £4000 (for a runner in need of some attention) to about £12,000 for one of the best.
Volumex models are the most desirable, and carry a premium. Expect to pay upwards of £15,000 for a good example.
Many more Betas survive in mainland Europe so, if left-hand drive doesn’t bother you, this is the best place to look. Prices are a little higher.
