Not an MX5

[John&Luke]

Hi everyone. With both my Mk1’s tucked up for the winter have taken on a ‘fill in’ project Unfortunately it’s not an MX5 - however, before you all roll your eyes it’s definitely car related so I thought I would share. Not intending to post a lot on the project but hope you find the following pictures of interest.

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It’s a very modified Lancia Beta coupe fitted with a middle engined Alfa Romeo 3lt V6.

Lots for me to do. Plenty to keep me busy over the winter.

J

[blackyb]

Bring it on. Once had a drive in an Intergralle, what a beast, wish I could have afforded to buy one.

[Mazda Mender]

Get them posted ....we are all petrol heads regardless of makes buddy.
M-m

[GlennyGills]

Fully agree with the sentiments.

[John&Luke]

Well you asked for it.

Job #1 SORT the wiring

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A bit of a buggers muddle once the dash removed

Stripped out a lot of redundant wires (that’s about a third of it)

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And fitted a temporary dash.

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Good news she still runs

[blackyb]

Auto electrics gives he the shivers so rather you than me.

Wiring a house up not so much.

[Mazda Mender]

I see a good challenge.
M-m

[graymattor]

As M-M says were all petrol heads here so appreciate all projects, especially when its a cool and fun looking as this one

Another one of your builds that's going to be a great follow and ready

[Lumphammer]

What an interesting car John, what's the story behind it?

[John&Luke]

What an interesting car John, what's the story behind it?

Glad you think it’s of interest. My understanding is the car was originally build in 2008 as a Group B rally tribute in the style of a Lancia 037. I did look but couldn’t find £250,000 sitting around for one of them.

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The car was well know about 10 years ago and has seen some history on the historic rally circuit

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A friend of mine (a big Lancia nut) brought it about 6 years ago and stored it away. A couple of beers over Christmas and the deal was done. Maybe a mid-life crisis, but who doesn’t love a rally car? It’s like having a full sized scalextric sat in the garage, very much like a MX5 just brings a smile to my face. It’s nuts!!!!
My plan is to just gently restore it. Repaint, and sort out all the bits that need addressing. It’s a rally car so rough and ready. I have a target of having it back on the road by the summer. But we will see

All the old electrics ripped out now.

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Next job this coming weekend is to remove the front subframe blast and paint it.

[John&Luke]

Quick update. Front crossmember full of tin worm. It’s Italian after all

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So dropped the front subframe so I could look at replacing/patching. Decided to go the replace route. No replacement sections available so after measuring all the critical dimensions made up a simple section ready to weld in.

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Whilst the subframe was off had it sand blasted and I have given it a coat of etch primer ready for a coat of chassis black.

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[GlennyGills]

Looking great - Keep us posted

[Lumphammer]

Good stuff John. Your usual high quality of work, please post more about how you do it, the panel looks great!

[Ceef]

I think I met the bloke who built it in or around Chorley years and years ago I’m sure. A mate had an old GTV6 off him as he dealt in old Italian car parts.

I’ve seen the Beta at some Italian car shows in years gone by too. There is a similar Alfasud.

The chap who built it I believe does front and rear frames to add to a Monte Carlo now to start 032 rep builds. He has the 032 thing bad.

[John&Luke]

Update on progress.
Engine bay (the boot space) stripped out. Rust cut out, plated and then filled before priming. A long progress, hard areas to fill and sand to make look factory.

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At this point the front subframe and all the steering, braking and clutch gubbings removed so the car was on a makeshift frame on castors to add moving. Once I was happy with the engine bay I stonechiped the firewall and front arches and the underside of the bay.

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Ready now for the top coat - I’m using a direct gloss rather than base and lacquer as direct gloss would have been the factory finish back in the day.

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Next job to paint the slam panel and top of the inner wings.

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Wishbones shot blasted, painted and rebushed ready for the rebuild.

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At the same time, repairs done to both roof gutter lines that were rotten. Bonnet stripped the primed and removed the back bodywork.

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Then to reassemble the front end, subframe, steering etc and get her back on four wheels

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Still so much to do…. But generally pleased with progress.