The Lancia Beta HPE is not your average classic coupé. It’s one of those rare cars that blurred lines in all the right ways, mixing performance, utility, and unmistakable Italian style. Designed in the golden era of the 1970s, it was Lancia’s bold take on what a family car could be, without sacrificing flair.
Lancia Beta HPE: Practical Meets Performance
Unveiled in 1975, the Beta HPE, High Performance Estate, offered something truly different. With its three-door layout and a capacious cargo area, it struck a balance between a sports coupé and a station wagon. This was Lancia’s version of the “shooting brake,” long before the term gained modern prestige.
While rooted in elegance, the HPE wasn’t afraid to flex its muscles. Thanks to its styling by Pininfarina and engineering rooted in Lancia tradition, it stood out as both a design statement and a capable everyday companion.
A New Kind of Coupé-Wagon
Unlike typical estate cars of the era, the Beta HPE brought modularity and luxury into a sporty package. Split rear seats folded flat to offer space or turned the cabin into a makeshift bed. It allowed you to carry long items without giving up passenger seating.
Venetian blind-style slats in the rear quarter windows gave the HPE its signature silhouette. This visual quirk wasn’t just aesthetic, it helped control sunlight and kept the rear goods area cooler.
Lancia Beta HPE Engine and Performance Highlights
The first Beta HPE models arrived with two engine choices: a 1.6-liter (103 hp) and a 1.8-liter (111 hp). Soon after, a 120 hp two-liter engine replaced the 1.8 in most markets. In its prime, the HPE could hit top speeds near 185 km/h, offering plenty of punch for a stylish family cruiser.
By 1983, the most exciting version debuted, the 2.0 VX. It used a supercharged 2.0-liter engine with 135 hp, made possible by a Volumex positive displacement compressor. It eliminated lag, giving you responsive performance across the rev range.
Refined Inside and Out
Inside, the Beta HPE mixed elements from the Coupé with its own unique layout. The rear seat setup was clever, offering flexibility rarely seen in sporty vehicles of the time. The dashboard evolved over the years, becoming more driver-focused and ergonomically refined.
On the outside, every new series introduced subtle updates. By 1981, matte black details and redesigned front grilles gave the Beta H.P. Executive a more serious, executive presence. The final 2.0 VX added a rubber spoiler for a sharper edge.
A Concept Reborn in a New Era
While production ended in 1984, the Beta HPE’s legacy lives on. Lancia recently revived the HPE acronym, now standing for High Performance Electric, with its Pu+Ra HPE concept car. It channels the original’s spirit with futuristic lines and nods to the iconic rear slats.
From stylish estate to electric pioneer, the HPE name continues to evolve with time, just like the original did.
Summary
The Lancia Beta HPE wasn’t just ahead of its time, it broke the mold entirely. It delivered performance without pretense and versatility without compromise. Today, its legacy as a truly unique Italian creation is being rediscovered by those who crave practicality with a twist of passion.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for historical and enthusiast informational purposes only. Vehicle availability and specifications may vary.
Source: Stellantis
