The 1974 Lancia Beta Coupé Group 4 represents a fascinating chapter in the evolution of Italian rally engineering. Prepared from new by the Lancia Works department, this chassis was among a select few transformed for high-level competition. It initially served as a Group 3 entry before being homologated to the more extreme Group 4 specifications by summer 1974. This evolution allowed the car to compete against the most formidable machines of the era. Collectors prize such vehicles for their direct link to the Lancia factory’s legendary motorsport division.
Extensive Competition History with Scuderia Grifone
Purchased by Scuderia Grifone for the 1974 season, this Lancia campaigned heavily across Italy’s most demanding rally stages. It wore the iconic white livery with blue bonnet stripes, piloted by Bruno Ferraris and Daniele Cianci. The car participated in prestigious events like the Rally Sanremo and the Targa d’Oro during its active years. Furthermore, it remained in competitive use until 1980 under the ownership of Roberto Beretta. This long-term racing tenure is meticulously documented in the car’s Italian Libretto and historic images. Such a continuous and transparent racing pedigree is exceptionally rare for 1970s rally cars.
Exceptional Cosmetic Preservation and Time Warp Interior
Visually, the car remains an incredible time-warp example that has not been modified since its final outing in 1980. The exterior still carries the Beretta-Lecco livery, showcasing the scars and character of a true competition veteran. Inside, the cabin features a dashboard of Lancia Works origin that perfectly matches the 1974 FIA homologation papers. This level of preservation allows onlookers to experience the cockpit exactly as the drivers did decades ago. It successfully blends the raw aesthetic of a race-worn machine with the integrity of a well-kept artifact. Every switch and gauge tells a story of high-speed Italian mountain passes.
Mechanical Restoration and Recent Rally Eligibility
While the body remains original, the mechanical components were fully restored by the renowned Italian specialist Facetti in 2017. This work ensured the car could return to the track without compromising its historical significance. More recently, over fifty thousand Euro was spent in 2024 and 2025 to further prepare the car for modern historic rallying. These investments included work on the suspension and running gear to meet current safety and performance standards. Consequently, the car competed successfully in the 2024 Modena Cento Ore. It is now fully eligible for the FIA European Historic Rally Championship and Tour Auto.
Engineering Excellence and Rally Performance Specs
The 1974 Lancia Beta Coupé Group 4 is powered by a high-output 1.8-liter twin-cam engine optimized for rally endurance. This 1,756 cc powerplant features dual carburetors and was built by Lancia Works to withstand the rigors of multi-day stages. The engine sends power to the front wheels through a close-ratio manual gearbox designed for rapid acceleration. With its reinforced chassis and integrated roll bar, the car offers a visceral and connected driving experience. It delivers the sharp handling and mechanical feedback that defined Lancia’s dominance in the 1970s rally world. This setup remains a potent choice for today’s historic competition events.
Summary of a Documented Works Prepared Legend
This 1974 Lancia Beta Coupé Group 4 stands as a unique opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of motorsport heritage. Being one of the earliest examples prepared by Lancia Works, its provenance is beyond reproach. The combination of untouched cosmetic history and recent Facetti mechanical work makes it a dual-purpose masterpiece. It is equally suited for a world-class museum display or the start line of a historic rally. This Lancia represents the spirit of an era when production cars were pushed to their absolute limits. It remains a definitive example of Lancia’s uncompromising commitment to performance and competition.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
