Classics by the Beach: March, 2025

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This rather handsome 1981 Lancia Beta kicks off today's coverage of Classics by the Beach - southern Tasmania's best monthly cars 'n' coffee event - because: a, it's in very, very near to show room condition; and b, the Pininfarina designed, Zagato-built Spider was, as far as I know, never officially sold Down Under.  I've certainly not seen one here, anyway.  


Sadly, but, from what I can gather, not unjustifiably, the Beta played a very significant part in trashing Lancia's once proud reputation as Italy's premium car maker.  Many UK examples succumbed to rust - some so badly that it's said their engine / gearbox subframes were prone to becoming loose - although stories of entire engines falling out are most likely apocryphal.     


And Russian steel was not the cause!  Most experts now agree that, like many Fiats and Alfas of the era, Lancia's corrosion issues were caused by poor rust-proofing (no rust-proofing?), made worse by the rampant industrial action that plagued Italy's manufacturing sector during the 1970s.  That's truly sad, as otherwise the Beta was a very innovative car that's prized by enthusiasts even today.  


According to Wikipedia, there were only 9,390 Beta Spiders ever built (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancia_Beta, accessed 03 MAR 25).  However, that same source does not list how many of them were right hand drive but, given they were quite probably mainly for the UK and possibly South African markets, it seems likely that right-hookers would've been the minority of examples produced.  






Speaking of right- and left-hand drive cars, this delightful Porsche 914 takes the latter form.  Other than another 914 that races semi-regularly at Baskerville, it's the only one I've ever seen in all of Australia.





This breath-takingly beautiful MG TC really stood out.  The car's paint, panels and chrome were first rate, as was its interior.  Thanks to its owner for popping the bonnet and giving me a closer look.






A big thumbs up to the P-plating driver of this gorgeous Fiat 124 CC (the plates came off when he parked it, so maybe it's not actually his car).  It's alway great to see younger drivers in classic cars, especially when they seem to be enjoying the experience as much as he clearly was.  I'm sure his mastery of the manual 'box will serve him well, too!








I'm not sure where this Nissan Cedric fits in the broader taxonomy of 1970s Japanese cars, although I do suspect that it might be a JDM import rather than a rebadged Aussie-market Datsun 260C.  Why?  The headlights, forward-mounted rear view mirrors and tails lights don't seem quite right for a car originally sold here.  It's cool, no matter what its origin story is.









The Daimler Dart - aka SP250 - hasn't always got the love it almost certainly deserves.  Today's example - hailing from NSW - looked really, really good.  Its styling might be an acquired taste but I'd argue that the design has aged well, combining sporty looks, elegance and individuality.  




For sale.  Phone Norm on 0407 083 159.















Little Dick, the Riley hood ornament.






Did you enjoy this post?  If so, why not browse the rest of the uppermiddlepetrolhead site?  There are loads and loads of classic, sports and performance vehicles featured, as well as stacks of car shows and motorsports events.  Even better, you can follow either the 'blog itself or do so via Upper Middle Petrol Head's Facebook page.  And please do like, comment and share!






U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)




 

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