Just in case anyone is interested, I am selling my Scorpion: 1976 Lancia Scorpion for sale | Hemmings Motor News Send me a PM if you are serious, and would like to know more details about the car. Thank you, Tim
Got the crap scared out of me by a professional race car driver in one of those back in '76. Took me for a drive around the neighborhood, I was never the same. Great car, very zippy for its time. Looks like a fair price as well. Want to swap even up for my 2000 BMW M roadster? Dave
Thanks guys for the kind words about the Scorpion. I really appreciate it. BTW: Here is a little more info on the car that is not stated in the Hemmings ad: Engine: It has been fitted with the a slightly larger, factory euro spec Weber carburetor (the very same carb that came from the factory on the Montecarlo in Europe), which has been completely rebuilt and properly jetted. I have been told that this strictly bolt on/bolt off "modification" gives approximately a 20% increase in the intake charge flow, this is versus the smaller USA spec carburetor. The neat thing is, the car has always passed the strict CA bi-annual smog inspections since installing this larger Euro spec carburetor. The timing belt has been installed in 2009 when the head was rebuilt with a complete valve job done by Dino Motors in San Mateo, Ca. The timing belt appears to be fine and was inspected several weeks ago. I understand, some suggest to replace it every five years, no matter how many miles are on it. Two reputable Italian car mechanics in my area, suggested to me I replace the timing belt at the 10 year mark. Having said that, these mechanics know how I use this car and how it is has been stored in doors. Transaxle: Shifts great, no crunching. Re-freshed bushings in the linkage. Re-fresehed engine mounts. Suspension: this particular Scorpion also has had the factory euro spec (Montecarlo) springs installed, which give the car a more even and slightly lower ride hight. Koni of North America, rebuilt the period correct "Koni Red" struts at all four points. The car has a nice overall balanced/civilized feel to it. A/C: I had the factory A/C pump rebuilt about six or so years ago. This is the "York" piston type of pump, which was built in Italy. It is the same type of A/C pump that came fitted to other Italian cars, like Ferrari & Maserati of the same period. Although the A/C coolant has been converted to 134 and it works, it does not blow that cold. I have been told that an upgrade to a Sanden rotary pump is the way to go. This marginal A/C had never bothered me because I just roll the windows down or run with the top open sometimes. Then again I am lucky enough to be able to live in the mild Norther California climate. Brakes: Work great. The car stops fine. The hoses have been refreshed. The booster was rebuilt back in the 2006 time frame. Cosmetics: The paint is mostly original, not perfect, and has had some "touch up" work done in some areas. Overall the exterior finish is very nice with good patina. The car was awarded third place at the 2009 Concorso in the Lancia class, so it presents very well. Interior: In fabulous shape and the pearl beige (factory color) leather seats are in outstanding condition. The carpet is in great shape as well. This Scorpion sees about a 1000 miles per year of driving at the most. Over the past three years or so, it has been more like 500 miles/year, if that. When it is stored, it has always been run, if not driven at regular intervals. The fluids are kept fresh. Really, with this Scorpion, one can go straight to the driving part and enjoy it right away. It is difficult to find a nice, un-molested, example like this. Dave, In most cases I'd be very interested in a swap with the BMW M Roadster. The M Roadster is a wonderful car. However at this point I have too many cars, at least this is what I have been told, and need to thin them out a little. Thanks again, Tim
Tim, Great job on putting together an excellent ad complete with decent photos showing so many details of the car and the superb condition it is in. Good luck with the sale. Anyone looking for a good clean and solid Scorpion would do well to check out yours. Mark
Love the Scorpion. If I had the space and money right now that would be a no-brainer purchase. Good luck with the sale.
If I lived closer to it I swear I would drive this into the office on the 2 or 3 days per wk I go in there Always loved these cars and this one looks flipping solid. Also-great color
Sorry, but that is because Scorpions came pre-molested to the US. The Montecarlo springs, Konis and a proper Weber are steps toward un-unmolesting what the car was supposed to be in the first place, a Montecarlo. And then why stop there? Car had so much potential as designed w/ the V6 before the mid-70s fuel crisis robbed it of the horsepower it deserved. I agree yours is a nice example, but not that most others save for ricer wings are molested.
My Dad bought a '76 Beta new. I got to drive it after he had it for 2 years because of reliability issues. Fun car to drive! I always lusted after the Scorpion. I spotted on win traffic one night - actually, I heard it first. I remember a distinct "whine" from that engine that was unique.
Great car, great color, great condition, great price. Good luck with the sale, Tim. This car is very close to what the "ideal" Scorpion is in my mind (for the collector, at least): Original or near-original in cosmetic appearance, with mechanical upgrades and improvements taken from the Montecarlo. Plenty of Scorpions have been modified over the years, some tastefully and some not so much. Many of these modified cars are valuable and important to the Scorpion story, as they are the ones that truly explore and make full use of that wonderful chassis' potential. . . . and others among these modified cars are cheap, nasty abominations that weaken the Scorpion's legacy. Plenty more Scorpions have been lost over the years to collisions, rust, and neglect. Very few remain in a condition to remind us and allow us to experience what the Lancia Scorpion was and is in its original form: A delightful, simple, elegant little sports car that is civilized and practical enough to be driven every day and enjoyed by the driver and passenger . . . with a chassis, suspension, and pedigree of a thoroughbred. Again, good luck with the sale -- I hope you find a deserving home for that gem. Cheers, Tony K.
Wondering if you saw mine -- I have a red '77, and used to own a light metallic blue '76. The blue one has been all over Ohio, the red one mostly Cleveland and Toledo. - T
I knew the Hemming's car from when Doug Guidi owned it. Probably have some old photo of it from back then.
The one I saw was either the light blue metallic (same color as my Beta) or silver. I actually saw it in Myrtle Beach, cruising the strip. Our Beta was so well maintained and cared for...yet the rear suspension rusted through the trunk by '82. Too many West Virginia winters, I guess.
Whoever buy or bought this car and need help with service or parts, let me know as I'm expert on the Scorpions/MonteCarlos and Betas. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Where's the lancia here? Great great pic-these cars have always blown me away-just a killer design. I've always wanted to pick up one that needs paint, give it a solid respray and just take in the confused looks while driving it
For those who care to know, the Scorpion sold this past August while in Pebble Beach, right during the Monterey Car Week. A passerby, spotted the car and just had to have it. The buyer told me that examples in this kind of condition are not to be found where he lives. The Scorpion is now on it's way to it's new home in Europe, and to a very appreciative new owner. Saying goodbye is never easy. I now miss the Scorpion so much, I have a hankering to find a nice S1 '75 Beta Montecarlo. I know, I must be crazy! Image Unavailable, Please Login
Congrats on the sale! While I selfishly wish that such a nice car in such a rare color would stay on the same continent as myself, it sounds like it's going to a good home where it will be appreciated!
