Ultrace is the most eclectic event I have ever attended. But building something that stands out from the crowd at the largest modified car show in Europe is not easy. However, it was impossible to miss an Italian-American-Japanese fusion at this year’s show.
Francesco BesanaThe 1976 Lancia Beta ‘HPE HF Turbo’ doesn’t follow any rules.
Lancia developed the Beta HPE (High Performance Estate) shooting brake on the back of the success of its other Beta models – the first to be created under Fiat ownership. Francesco bought the car for less than $200 after discovering it on a farm where it had been sitting for 15 years, and set to work creating something unique.
The transformation started at the heart of the car with a 1.6L Lancia Delta HF Turbo engine swap. This is no stock engine however, as this one has been upgraded with a Garrett T4 turbo sourced from a Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo 2 which sits on a custom exhaust manifold. Furthermore, the factory carbureted engine has been converted to fuel injection using Lancia Thema Turbo parts, Audi RS3 injectors, and a custom ECU with features such as anti-lag and launch control. Italian engine builder Dickers made all of the custom engine parts and did the final tuning to reveal an impressive 300bhp.
The suspension system is also unique. Francesco started with the original shocks, cutting them, modifying them and converting them to airbag-equipped coilovers. Preferring an analog feel, he opted for a manual knob system instead of digital management. Modifications by East Garage Customs allow for a wide range of camber adjustment for a precise fit and stance. The braking system features new lines and a hydraulic handbrake, making for easy 180-degree turns on twisty Italian roads.
What remains of the Beta HPE’s interior is purposeful. A full Sparco roll cage provides safety and rigidity, while Sparco seats, a five-point for Francesco and a Sparco steering wheel provide comfort and control. The dashboard features a functional racing ignition plate with various controls, including engine start. Engine data is displayed on a tablet connected directly to the ECU, adding a touch of modernity to the classic Lancia design cues.
Francesco’s attention to detail is most evident in the wheels, which he designed himself. Inspired by the Lancia Stratos, these custom 5x98mm PCD, 3-piece wheels measure 15×11-inch with a -60 offset. Toyo Proxes R888 semi-slicks in a 225/45R15 fitment provide plenty of grip.
American cars are popular in Italy, so it doesn’t surprise me that a rat rod-style Lancia was born in this Mediterranean country.
Original Lancia patina and rust tell the story of its life. A Volkswagen Golf Mk1 front lip and modified BMW E30 ducktail spoiler enhance the aggressive look, Triumph Spitfire wing mirrors add a vintage touch, while Japanese accents in the exposed oil cooler and fender flares complete the Lancia’s signature look.
The scratches and rust spots aren’t imperfections; they give this Lancia character. By transforming the forgotten into the unforgettable, Francesco has breathed new life into a classic, making it a standout in the European stance community.
Vladimir Lyadov
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