124 VS. Lancia Montecarlo (Scorpion in the US)

[Andi]

Until last week I was really, really sure that the car I wanted to buy was the 124 Spider.
Then, a couple of days ago, I drove a Lancia Beta Montecarlo (Scorpion in the US).
Now I'm seriously undecided
What do you guys think?
Prices are similar here in Italy. No big difference in spare parts availability.
The Lancia is probably better as an investment (way rarer than the 124).
On the other hand the 124 is a real spider, whereas the Scorpion is a targa (I'd buy a soft top model).
I do like the Scorpion's handling, and I'm used to mid-engined cars.
I really don't know what to do...

[BEEK]

i own both. they both have their good and bad points. imho, the scorpion should be worth way more, because of the limited production, but it isnt. there are dreamers that think so, just look at some of the "asking"prices. to me the scorpion is grossly under powered, and i am fixing that. Installing a 250hp v6 in it. the 124 is just a beautiful classic roadster. with performance and handling upgrades it can become one of the best cars ever. not that even in the stock form, it is a blast to drive. So it comes down to personal taste. i recommend one of each, then you are covered

[TX82FIAT]

In love the styling of the Spider. With that said, I would buy the Lancia. I could always sell it at a later date when the Spider bug hit again. That way I would have owned both. No regrets because you would not lose money and can always find a Spider given the number produced. I do like the Spider better.

[Andi]

First of all, thank you very much for your replies
The European version of the Montecarlo/Scorpion features a 120 HP, 2.000 cc engine, so it's slightly better than the American one.
I don't know, I'm really undecided... The one that I've found is this one (quite expensive, a couple of "wrong" details, but overall in excellent conditions): http://www.autoscout24.it/Details.aspx? ... asrc=st|as
On the other hand, I found a fantastic Pininfarina Spider Europa Azzurra 2.000cc in light blue, which is even better in terms of conditions.

[TX82FIAT]

I'm not sure what a Spider sells for in Italy. However, in the states you could by two well presereved Spiders for €14.800. If I'm looking at the exchange rate properly you would be just shy of $20,000 US. What is the price of the Pininfarina Spider Europa Azzurra 2.000cc in light blue? I may need to recant buying the Lancia based on the price.

[Andi]

16,000€ (asking price) for the Spider Europa...

Prices have been a little crazy recently.
Spiders are slightly more expensive than Montecarlos.
You could find a Spider or a Montecarlo for 8-9,000€ in decent shape, but then you'd have to spend 5k to fix a lot of details...

[BEEK]

that is a very nice unmolested early scorpion, nice find

[urbom]

I own both, a '76 scorpion and a '69 spider. If you are talking about mechanicals, you are right, the parts availability between the two is similar since they share so many parts. Even the prices for mechanical parts is pretty much in line. Where the real difference shows up is in body parts. Many of the spares for the body on a scorpion are "unobtainium" at any price. The situation is better with the montecarlo since it is a right hand drive and the only place that reproduces parts that I know of is located in England. Body spares including glass, soft top parts and body and interior parts are quite expensive if you can find them. Rarity does have a severe downside. How about an X1/9? mid engine, targa top and high production.

Kevin

[Andi]

Hello Kevin!
Well, when I was a kid, here in Italy the X1/9 was considered as... well, let's not the best car on earth.
This is probably 110% wrong, but let's say it's not the car I was dreaming of. On the other hand, the 124 and the Montecarlo are cars that I've always loved.

[urbom]

I own a '74 X1/9 too. I might agree with you on the "not the best car...." part except that they are really fun to drive and they race them here in the states. The later models came with an engine that could be quite respectable if built well, and they weigh about nothing. From my perspective, the biggest pain was working on the engine since the engine bay is about the size of a briefcase. If you pull the engine, it comes out the bottom, as does about everything else on the car. I know, I know, they kinda remind you of a pointy nosed yugo or something, but at least you can find parts for one.

Kevin

[Andi]

"Pointy nosed Yugo"
I actually like the X1/9, seriously! The only thing is that - since this is my first classic car - I'd prefer to buy something I was dreaming of when I was a kid.

[azruss]

I have owned a few mid-engine cars including an X. They are a serious PITA to work on...even the basic stuff like changing plugs. If you do your own wrenching, this is a consideration,

[SunnySideUp]

One of each would be appropriate (only the Spider is mine at this time).

[RRoller123]

AZ is right about the wrenching on the X1/9, but man that thing was fun! Took mine (I owned 2) to CA twice. Zipping across the desert at night under the stars with the top off was quite something. Loved that little car.

[urbom]

I have one of each too. A 69 spider, a 76 scorpion and a 74 X1/9 but I wish they looked like that!!!! WOW! Oh, well, I'm only 55, I can get there.......