"The Zagato was designed as a targa type of "convertible" with the option of removing the solid panel above the driver/passenger and/or folding the soft rear window area. The Zagato starts in a sense as a Beta Coupe with a floor pan and body panels being sent to Zagato (Zagato is an independent coachbuilding company and total design center located northwest of Milan Italy) where the car is turned into a targa. Zagato begins with standard rear quarter panels adds the center rollbar section an...d reinforces the area behind the seat all of which goes to strengthen the open body. There is also some minor modification to the rear taillight panel and one reason Zagato does the work is that the car requires a fair amount of handwork which is best done by an independent design firm. After the cars are "targa-ized" they are shipped to Lancia for rustfproofing then back to Zagato for paint trim and upholstery then back the 70 miles to Lancia for drivetrain...which may help explain why the Zagato cost over $1300 more than the Coupe." â€" Road & Track October 1979 Lancia Beta Vx (Volumex) specs: Engine size: 2000 cc Number of valves: 8 Comp Ratio: 7.5 Boost PSI: 6.5 Intercooled: no HP @ RPM: 135 @ 5500 Torque RPM: 152 @ 3000 0-60 MPH: 8.3 seconds "Only about 300 Beta Volumex cars were sold in the UK" â€" Lanciana April 1991 This two owner 1979 Lancia Zagato offered here was purchased from the original owner a doctor in the San Francisco Bay area in 1984. The car has been enthusiast owned and never been exposed to snow or salt and was seasonally stored indoors. In 1990 the car was repainted in its original Rosso Corsa and the body was found to be in excellent shape. In 1992 a Volumex supercharged (Italian) engine 5 speed gearbox complete with all ancillaries radiator fan exhaust manifold downpipe Volumex hood grille headlight frames and badging were sourced from L&M Supplies (Lancia parts specialist) and shipped from the UK. The installation occurred in 1993 in the US. In 2004 and extensive engine service was performed by Steve's Service Center in Marne Michigan and has been used sparingly and properly stored since. Today as a result of responsible ownership this Lancia Zagato remains in excellent overall condition. The exterior paint now 27 years old still shows excellent with lots of life. The original interior is wonderful featuring excellent seat upholstery near perfect dash tidy carpeting and excellent glass. The engine area featuring its Volumex engine remains unrestored and very clean the truck area is complete including full size spare and lining The underside remains completely original and excellent in all areas including floor pans. Longitudinals and inner rockers. The rear fold down window and targa top remain very nice fully functional and creates a great open air driving experience. The car also features 4 Cromodora Daytona wheels fitted with Pirelli P6000 Sport Veloce tires. Our test drive revealed a spirited sports car that pulled strong in all gears responsive handling good straight braking and provides excellent feedback to its driver. It possesses all the characteristics and all the allure of Italian Sports Cars of that era. Lancia has been creating sports cars since 1906 and has a rich and long history in many types of racing competition. The Zagato offered here is special in many ways as it has been well preserved represents an era that is now ganing much traction in the collector car world and fitted with an authentic Volumex 2.0 liter engine which sets it apart from the rest. This car is offered with extensive documentation including Lancia and Volumex related literature and service history. This car also comes with its original Lancia branded wheels and original Zagato hood shipped at the buyers expense if chosen. To see over 80 photos of this car including under carriage please visit our website