Excellent EV? 1976 Lancia Beta Scorpion – $9,500

As governments around the world continue to force the conversion to Electric Vehicles (“EVs”) on consumers, many car enthusiasts wonder what will happen to values as well as the ability to drive their classic rides.  Invariably, if the availability of gasoline eventually phases out, it will be interesting to see whether enthusiasts will convert their beloved classics to EV power.  The seller of this white over blue 1976 Lancia Scorpion for sale on Craigslist in May 2023 in Livonia, New York (Rochester) suggests their rare mid-engined, Targa-topped sports car might make an excellent EV that would be faster than in its current inline-four-powered form. It’s an interesting suggestion, especially given the rarity of these cars in the U.S., combined with the fact this is a 68K-mile survivor-quality specimen and not a non-running project car.

Currently offered for $9,500, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is below the five-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for Lancia Scorpions produced between 1975 and 1982.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the Scorpion featured here:

The 1976 Lancia Scorpion, also known as the Lancia Montecarlo in some markets, was a sports car produced by the Italian automaker Lancia. Introduced as a successor to the popular Lancia Fulvia Coupe, the Scorpion was designed to compete in the mid-range sports car segment and aimed to showcase Lancia’s engineering prowess and commitment to performance.

The Lancia Scorpion featured a distinctive and aerodynamic design characterized by its sleek and low-profile body. The car boasted sharp lines, a sloping rear end, and a distinctive wedge shape, which was in vogue during the 1970s. Its design cues were influenced by the Pininfarina-designed Lancia Stratos, particularly evident in its sharp front end and pop-up headlights.

Under the hood, the Scorpion was powered by a mid-mounted 2.0-liter inline-four engine capable of producing around 120 horsepower. This engine was sourced from the Fiat 124 Sport Spider, which Lancia heavily modified to improve performance and reliability. The power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission, providing a thrilling driving experience for enthusiasts.

The Lancia Scorpion featured a lightweight construction with a combination of steel monocoque and fiberglass panels. This design approach helped reduce weight and enhance the car’s agility and handling characteristics. The rear-mounted engine placement provided improved weight distribution, contributing to the Scorpion’s nimble and balanced driving dynamics.

Inside the cabin, the Scorpion offered a cozy and driver-focused environment. The interior featured a minimalist design, with a combination of ergonomic controls and well-positioned instrumentation. The car provided comfortable seating for two occupants, along with a modest luggage space in the front compartment.

While the Lancia Scorpion had the potential to be a true contender in the sports car market, it faced various challenges during its production run. Quality control issues and reliability concerns plagued the early models, which led to a tarnished reputation and limited sales success. Additionally, the 1970s oil crisis and tightening emissions regulations further impacted the Scorpion’s performance and market appeal.

Despite its shortcomings, the Lancia Scorpion remains a sought-after collector’s car today. Its unique design, mid-engine configuration, and rarity make it an appealing choice for automotive enthusiasts. The Scorpion’s historical significance lies in its representation of Lancia’s attempt to blend Italian style and performance in a compact and accessible sports car, although it fell short of achieving widespread commercial success.

The Roadster Life YouTube Channel features provides a detailed history of the Lancia Monte Carlo / Scorpion:

Lancias are among the rarest cars we find on Craigslist, and this 1976 Lancia Scorpion for sale with just under 68K original miles appears to be a nice survivor that we would prefer to see someone continue to lovingly preserve rather than convert it an EV such as the seller suggests.  Then again, with the seller claiming to own “a barn full of Alfa Romeos, Fiats, and Lancia cars,” maybe they are onto something.

If you are serious about buying this Scorpion, you can start the conversation by contacting the seller using the instructions provided in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their Lancia featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Drive As-Is or Convert to EV: What would you do with this 1976 Lancia Scorpion For Sale?  Please comment below and let us know!