Description
Lancia Beta HPE 1600 | 1981
Highlights:
– 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, petrol, 5-speed manual transmission
– Designed by Pininfarina
– Reclining rear seats forming a sleeping space of approximately 2 metres
– Rare oil level check readable directly from the instrument panel
– 95,000 km, used as a second car and always kept in a garage
The seller offers for sale this 1981 Lancia Beta HPE 1600, powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. This example is presented as a three-door, four-seat body style, in keeping with the HPE’s distinctive shooting-brake design, and features reclining rear seats that fold to create a loading and sleeping space of around two metres in length. The car shows an odometer reading of 95,000 km and has reportedly been used as a second car for most of its life, kept in a garage rather than parked outdoors.
Among the more unusual details of this example is an oil level check that can be read directly from the instrument panel, a feature not commonly found on cars of this era. The car is fitted with rear disc brakes and a five-speed gearbox, and the underbody and engine bay carry factory anti-corrosion protection which, according to the seller, has been certified.
Introduced in 1975, the Lancia Beta HPE (High Performance Estate) was the sporting shooting-brake derivative of the Beta range, styled by Pininfarina to combine the practicality of a load-carrying tailgate with the profile and driving position of a coupe. Positioned above the Beta saloon and coupe in character if not always in price, the HPE was offered with a range of four-cylinder engines across its production life, from 1600 through to 2000 and, later, the supercharged Volumex, and became known among enthusiasts for its balanced handling and comfortable long-distance manners. Its combination of everyday usability and sporting intent has made surviving, well-kept examples increasingly sought after among Italian classic car collectors.
The 1600 version fitted to this car offers a lighter, more nimble driving experience than its bigger-engined siblings, while retaining the model’s well-regarded road holding and the flexibility of the folding rear seats and tailgate, useful for owners who wanted a practical everyday classic without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
