1976 Lancia Scorpion

Beta Convertible

4 Cylinder

Manual

137AS0100574

Clear

Gasoline

Your browser does not support JavaScript. To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser. Click Here. Double your traffic. Get Vendio Gallery - Now FREE! Here, offered for sale in this Ebay listing, is my 1976 Lancia Scorpion (V.I.N. 137AS0100574). The highest bidder will win this un-damaged, utterly perfect, exotic, historic, celebrity owned classic stunner. The car has been driven just 1,200 miles since it was completely rebuilt, re-finished, re-upholstered and made perfect. I bought this completely rust free Scorpion 3 ½ years ago in California. The car’s former owner is Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, Chief Designer for Mazda, designer of the last RX7 and the famed Mazda Miata. I have correspondence from Tom about this Scorpion as well as the original California title which is in his name. Tom mentions this Scorpion in many interviews which are accessible on-line. In interviews he states that he admires the Scorpion’s numerous unique design elements and it’s exotic feel and look. After I had the Scorpion shipped to Florida in November of 2009 I drove the car for two months to study it’s worthiness and needs. I found the Scorpion to be as sound and rust free as had been represented at the time of purchase but I wanted to make it perfect. I‘ve had 5 Scorpions over the years including a 1977 that I purchased brand new back in the day. I know these cars intimately and I knew how to re-make this Scorpion into the fabulous, reliable semi-exotic car that it is. $27,000 of rebuilding, repainting and re-upholstering later it is probably one of the finest Scorpions (or Monte Carlos) in the world. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say that it is among the top 15 Scorpions in the world. In terms of condition, cosmetics, drive-ability and reliability this is a world-class car. I spared no expense in my quest to make this car one of the finest of it’s kind. Here’s what I had done to the car: DRIVE TRAIN: Although the Scorpion had traveled only 63,300 miles by the time I acquired it, I elected to have the motor removed* and completely rebuilt**. The motor was completely disassembled, hot tanked and, except for the pistons, rebuilt with completely new components. The crank was replaced as were all of the bearings, rings, rods and rod caps. The heads were disassembled, hot tanked and rebuilt with all new top quality valves and springs. A new high capacity oil pump was installed. The block, heads and cam covers were bead blasted before reassembly. New top quality seals and gaskets were used at the time of the rebuild. Upon reinstallation of the engine, new, fantastically high quality clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing components were installed. I had Advance Powder Coating of Longwood, FL.*** inspect and powder coat the exhaust header, catalytic converter and muffler as well as every single nut, bolt, flange and component associated with the exhaust. I also had the Scorpion properly de-smogged. The heavy compressor, brackets and hoses were properly removed and the air injection ports in the head were arc welded - not just merely plugged. The net desmogging result is a cleaner, more open engine compartment and an excellent gain in horse power. A new distributor and shaft were installed at the time of engine re-assembly. The transmission was checked, new syncros installed and the case polished. I also added new clutch master and slave cylinders. The flywheel was resurfaced and a new pilot bearing installed. The old clutch fluid was purged and replaced with new. New Agip transaxle fluid was added upon installation. All of the above referenced work took place 1,200 miles ago. COOLING SYSTEM: A brand new (and correct) water pump was installed before the motor was reinstalled in the Scorpion. A new and correct heavy duty coolant overflow tank was installed, too. Every single cooling hose was replaced from front to back. The radiator was removed, inspected under pressure, tanked, rodded and reinstalled. The reassembled system was run, bled and pressure tested. The fans were rewired to run continuously at the turn of the ignition switch. The Scorpion runs at 185 degrees in stopped Florida traffic on a 95 degree day with the A/C on. EXTERIOR: Perfect. Just flawless and perfect, perfect, perfect. After nearly all mechanical work was finished I had the Scorpion painted using expensive DuPont two stage (base color then clear on top) paint. The paint was applied in 2011 and is a 2010 Aston Martin Vantage color called Titanium Silver. The Scorpion did not required any body work prior to paint. The paint process allowed the body shop and I to truly see the Scorpion in it’s raw, totally rust free state as the car was chemically stripped of it‘s old paint to bare metal. I even had the engine compartment and front trunk stripped and repainted. The old windshield was removed and discarded before the Scorpion was painted. As the Scorpion was painted without it’s old windshield in place there is absolutely no overspray on the special silicone sealant that the Scorpion windshield requires. The transition from paint to glass is seamlessly perfect and clean. Upon the Scorpion’s reassembly a brand new Triplex windshield was installed and a suction cup type rear view mirror was affixed to the inside of the glass. I make careful note of this because one cannot use ‘traditional’ rear view mirror glue on a Scorpion’s windshield or else the windshield will crack. Brand new door, top and front and rear compartment seals (weather stripping) were installed at this stage. I stated earlier in this posting that my Scorpion is totally rust free throughout and I shall emphasis that point again. This Scorpion is completely rust free and has been that way all it’s life. This is a superbly, pristine car. Base coat/clear coat paint labor cost: $4,700.00. The Scorpion was painted by Daya’s Custom Paint of Longwood, Florida.**** The Scorpion’s rear buttresses are the 1977 style open buttresses. They were installed 3 decades ago for former owner Tom Matano by Ed of Caribou Imports of southern California. Mr. Matano opted to not install buttress windows in the car for esthetic reasons. He loved the open Maserati Merak like look that the “lighter” more modern buttresses impart. The upgrade was done purely for cosmetic benefit as the car has never been damaged in an accident of any kind. I removed the windshield wiper arms and blades to give the car a cleaner look. I left the fully operable wiper motor in place as well as the hidden wiper mechanism. Brand new wiper arms and blades are, of course, included. INTERIOR: Before the Scorpion was painted I sent it to a high line upholstery shop***** to renew the interior and add extensive moldable sound deadening and heat eliminating flexible aluminum coated polyurethane GTMAT barriers to the inside of the doors and front and rear fire walls. The interior of the Scorpion is now many decibels quieter than a stock Scorpion. Cooler, too. Also installed: a brand new (gorgeous) reproduction top, and brand new reproduction PVC top side straps, leather seat panels, leather door trim and hand cut Wilton wool carpet ($160 per yard!) with contrasting piping. I even replaced the driver’s and passenger’s lap and shoulder seat belts and inertia retractors with modern replacements from England. Yes, I’m a detail fanatic. ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Detailed to Concourse show perfection. I even had a stainless steel heat shield fabricated to replace the unattractive aluminum heat shield that Lancia provided. SOUND & ELECTRONICS: I had an over-the-top-highest-quality flip-up, touch-screen stereo/CD/navigation/ MP3/DVD player system with a hidden high gain FM antennae installed in the Scorpion. The stereo and speakers cost $2,600 wholesale without installation costs. The installation is flawless and was done using the factory Lancia foot well speaker enclosures. Thus no horrific, cheap looking door panel holes. The installer noted that there was room for tweeters so those were added as were real crossover relays (not mere resistors). A standard, easy to access stereo mini MP3 auxiliary plug was skillfully added to an unused position on the Scorpion’s center console display panel. A back up camera was installed whose screen occupies the section of the center console where Lancia had formerly placed an unsightly ash tray. The cigarette lighter was retained for those of you who want to use a laser or radar detector. Total upholstery, top installation and stereo installation cost: $4,850 Even the door ajar and ignition key reminder buzzers work. The factory Veglia clock, too. WHEELS AND TIRES: I removed the original “bow tie” Scorpion alloy wheels and installed a used set of genuine magnesium Cromadora wheels that I found in the hands of a Lancia club member in Texas. The Cromadoras reduce un-sprung wheel weight by half and dramatically improve the car’s handling. The wheels are 7.5” x 14” and are the same that Ferrari installed on all 308GTBs and some early Dinos. The wheels came fitted with an excellent pair of ultra high performance, matching Toyo tires that retain 90% of their tread. The Cromadoras are perfect. I purchased a full set of new polished lug nuts to mount the Cromadoras. The wheels rarely appear for sale anywhere in the world and can sell for $1,500 a set. An inflatable, space-saving spare tire and wheel is included with the car as is a pristine, untouched Scorpion scissor jack and jack handle. The spare fits perfectly in the front trunk. BRAKES: 200 miles ago and just 1,000 miles after the total rebuild of the Scorpion, I flat bedded the car to Height’s Auto****** in Tampa, FL. in order to have the owner, Jerry, check the car, razor tune it, set up the carburetor, replace all 4 brake calipers with upgraded versions, replace all 4 rotors, replace all 4 brake lines and all 4 wheel bearings. The master cylinder was replaced and the brake fluid purged and replaced with fresh. MORE DETAILS: The original factory tool kit is included. The gas tank was removed, steam cleaned, coated and a new fuel pump was installed. The carburetor was rebuilt. New C.V. joints were installed along with brand new C.V. boots and a heat shield to protect the boot that is immediately beside the exhaust header. A new fuel filter and all new fuel lines were installed. A space saver spare has been placed in the front trunk. The factory jack was freshly powder coated. The front and rear ends were aligned 50 miles ago by Orlando’s only pit alignment shop. A new battery was installed upon the car‘s completion. A full tune up including new premium plug wires, new distributor cap, new condenser, new platinum spark plugs and new rotor was done 200 miles ago. The front trunk carpet is original and perfect. I had a local machine shop custom fit stainless steel door sills to the car. I also had them make a gorgeous stainless steel heat shield to replace the aluminum shield in the engine compartment. The steering wheel and shift knob are solid walnut. All dash lights, controls, switches and gages work perfectly. Even the door ajar and ignition key reminder buzzers work. The factory Veglia clock, too. The front struts are, I’d estimate, 4,000 miles old and did not need replacement. The alternator is the only component in the engine compartment that was not rebuilt or replaced. DRIVEABILITY: This Scorpion runs, drives, shifts, stops, handles and looks as new. In fact I’d be more accurate in calling the car better than new and here’s why: two stage paint didn’t exist in 1976, 1976 Scorpions weren’t delivered with pure magnesium Cromadora wheels, 1976 Scorpions didn’t come with expensive sound systems, navigation and a back up camera. My Scorpion’s also been given the benefit of dozens of engine component, sound barrier, brake modification and performance upgrades that are the result of 36 years of factory bulletin data and Lancia club member suggestions. CALIFORNIA BUYERS: My Scorpion conforms to ALL California emissions and safety regulations and requirements. INSURANCE: I have the car insured with Geico under a $20,000 stated value policy. My deductible: $500. My yearly policy cost: $250 if I drive the car under 5,000 miles. THEORY OF OWNERSHIP: I love Scorpions because they’re traffic-stoppingly beautiful and exotic and they don’t cost $55,000 like my 1998 Ferrari 355 did. Scorpions are also inexpensive to insure, easy and inexpensive to fix and are highly reliable. VALUE: A silver 1977 Scorpion was bid to $12,600 on Ebay (auction # 110887836248) on June 3rd. The reserve was higher than the best bid and the car didn’t sell. Take a look at the Ebay posting and compare that car to mine…. On July 14, 2008, at the height of the American economic implosion, a black 1977 Scorpion owned by Allan Lofland of Witchita, Kansas, a respected “Lancisti”, sold for $19,000 to a buyer in Israel. That car is slightly nicer than mine. Gold Scorpion #1601, a California car like mine, sold recently for about $18,000. A very nice car but no Cromodora wheels. I have all of the receipts on hand as regards the car’s rebuild. The receipts are available for your review and they convey to the new owner as do hundreds of pages of documents and manuals pertaining to the upkeep and maintenance of a Scorpion. Dozens of receipts with Tom Matano’s name on them are also included. Many are signed by Mr. Matano. Many glossy Scorpion sales brochures are included. The high bidder will also get a treasure trove of information pertaining to the availability of inexpensive parts, world-wide, for the Scorpion. WHAT I REQUIRE: I require a non-refundable $750.00 deposit within 3 days of your winning bid. I have a Pay Pal account but you can opt to use FedEx or any other quick delivery service to transmit the deposit. Payment in full is due in 7 days or upon pick up of my Scorpion. WHAT I GUARANTEE: I have the proper, original damage-free, flood-free, rebuilt-free, salvage-free, lien-free, excuses-free title in hand. I offer my Scorpion with this guarantee to the auction winner: I’ll pay for the repair of any major drive line component (engine, transmission, rear end), brakes or electrical system should any of these items become defective within 60 days after your taking possession as long as the work is performed by a credible shop that we mutually choose. That’s how confident I am of my Scorpion. I guarantee that my Scorpion is completely top-flight road-worthy and may be driven any distance to any destination in the U.S.. WHAT I REQUIRE OF YOU: Please don’t whim bid. Please have your funds in hand when you bid. I’m an utterly honest person and I expect you to be so, too. I reserve the right to cancel any bids that I view as problematic. If you have low feed back please call me before you bid to discuss your seriousness. I reserve the right to remove low feed back bids. I expect a $750 deposit within 72 hours of your winning bid. The balance is due a week later before or upon pick up of my Scorpion. Funds must be: cash, wire transfer or via a cashier’s check drawn upon a national bank such as Bank of America, Chase, BB & T, or the like, wherein I can accompany you to the tellers window and confirm the fitness of the check. Please feel free to call me with any questions, issues, fears or concerns. I’ll be delighted to speak with at length about my car with complete honesty. Also, please feel completely welcome to view the car in person. It’s stunning. Fly in to Orlando’s superb airport and I’ll be happy to pick you up. You may purchase the car outright for $15,500. If you think you desire my Scorpion call me, ask direct and pointed questions, have the car checked by a local Orlando shop of your choosing, place a bid of $15,500 and I’ll end the auction in your favor so that you can enjoy the protection of Ebay’s $50,000 Vehicle Protection Program which protects against undisclosed mechanical problems and deposit/sale fraud. My name is Mark and you can reach me in Orlando, Florida at: 1-321-279-8849. Thanks. *Marty’s Auto Works of Longwood, FL.. Telephone: 1-407-339-7772 did the removal and reinstallation of the motor and transmission. You are welcome to call and ask detailed questions about the extensive work they did to my car. Marty’s also performed several upgrades and modifications as recommended by expert Scorpion mechanics and Lancia factory bulletins. Extensive A/C system (yes, it works), braking system and cooling system modifications were performed. Ask me for the full upgrade list. It’s long. The Marty’s Auto Works bill was $3,200. **The total rebuild was done by Han’s Engine House of Casselberry, FL.. Telephone: 1-407-265-3111. Please feel free to call Hans to ask questions. His work and the motor parts totaled $6,550. The engine is still under warranty. ***Talk to owner Dewy Bond at 1-407-767-0111. ****Call them at 1-407-331-5599. *****OTS Upholstery of Sanford, FL.. The owner is Chet. Telephone 1-407-758-6213. ****** Talk to Jerry at Heights Auto in Tampa, FL.. Telephone 1-813-443-5353. Jerry turned this nearly perfect Scorpion into complete perfection. He checked every other mechanic’s work and put his own finishing touches on my Scorpion. Search Terms: Beta, Monte Carlo, Stratos, MonteCarlo, Your browser does not support JavaScript. To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser.