Luscious 1982 Lancia Zagato
Lancia Zagatos have not been expensive recently, nor are they currently, but I have a suspicion this will change over the course of the near future. In the 1980s, the “not quite a convertible” style was popular as evidenced by this Lancia, the AMC Eagle/Concord Sundancer, and the Toyota Celica Sunchaser. The seller of this car is right that these are tough to come by in nice condition, but even this clean example isn’t commanding a fortune. This example has only 55,566 actual miles and is being sold by the second owner who has owned it since 2004. Find it here on Craigslist in Florida with a $4,500 price tag. Thanks to Patrick S. for sending in this cool convertible!
Despite needing a good cleaning, the engine bay is rust-free and most importantly: there is an engine! This is a four cylinder Fiat product. An interesting excerpt from Wikipedia describes the assembly process; “The construction process was complex, with coupé bodies-in-white being delivered to Zagato for the roofless conversion, then back to Lancia for rust-proofing, then back to Zagato for paint, interior and trim, and then back to Lancia for a third time for engine installation and final assembly.” The seller states that this car is running and driving as well as reliable. I agree with the seller that this would be a good daily, especially for an enthusiast.
The interior of this car is very simple and straight-forward, which is proof that not even the Italians escaped the plastic simplicity of the 1980s! While a design like this may not be for everyone, I enjoy it for what it is. The aftermarket radio is surely an upgrade from whatever would have been installed originally, but I feel that it takes away from the design of the interior and if it were my car I would be putting it back to stock. You’ll also notice a shifter there that happens to be connected to a five-speed manual transmission.
The convertible top has been upgraded with a more durable material, which is always a plus when buying an older convertible. The seller is moving to a condo and needs to free up some space. This 1982 Zagato is being sold as a packaged deal with a 1979 Zagato parts car as well as “Lancia paraphernalia and more.” Would you daily this Lancia?
Auctions Ending Soon
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now2 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now2 days$4,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now2 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now4 days$10,500
1974 Datsun 260ZBid Now6 days$460
Comments
The car has the standard Fiat 2-litre twin cam as used in the Fiat Spider 2000 and Brava
I had a hard time finding conclusive information on that. Thanks, I’ve corrected it.
Not quite. Lancia engineers worked over the Lambredi and this 1982 engine was significantly better in the Lancia…having owned both 1982 models.
Okay, I’ll give you that. It’s true that the engine was tweaked and ‘breathed on’ by Lancia arguably making it a better engine. Nonetheless, it was still basically a Fiat engine.
According to my source:
“The Lancia engineers made changes to the engines fitted to the Beta range. These included a bespoke cylinder head which incorporated hemispherical combustion chambers, altered valve timing, new inlet and exhaust manifolds as well as different carburation. These modifications resulted in higher horsepower and torque figures for the engines used in the Beta. In addition the mounting points on the engine block were different so as to allow for the transverse installation as opposed to the longitudinal installation utilised by the rear-wheel-drive Fiats. For these reasons the engines are not interchangeable between Betas and contemporary Fiats such as the Fiat 132.”
You win and explains why these engines are so much better.
Having had a Spider and a 124 vert, this looks like a get in and drive good deal! Thankfully it’s all the way on the other side of the country.
I like the coupe’s better but this is still kind of a cool vehicle.
I agree with the Coupes. However, the model that really gets me revved up is the HPE (High Performance Estate). Also, the unique Zagato has some choice lines.
Always had a love of Italian cars. Lancia along with Alphas and Ferrari are the
way to go.
I would love this one .the only thing that kills it (dont get mad) is its the 5 speed being im 51 and with bad knees it would kill me.if i was a lot younger i would take it as it is and love rowing those gears.
If it has survived this long and is rust free, then it’s a pretty safe bet that it will last for a lot of years to come. While they are a stunningly beautiful car and are amazing to drive, Lancias (along with Fiats and Alfas) from this era had a reputation for “short-gevity”. I’d have it in a heartbeat if it wasn’t for the fact that the Pacific Ocean stands between me and it. Life can be so cruel!
Great listing. No interior shots and no mention of the blister in the drivers front door or rust on the rear edge of the left front fender lip.
luv how they take some stylin cues from one & graft it to another & swap over from this one to the other. Liked my Beta & see it here and in the Falvia’n Fermia or whatevers correct name. I even see our 850 and the 124s – all in this one car.
Thanks Andrew!