Top Gear....the crossing of Botswana episode

[Parisien]

You know....I don't think I've ever seen a Beta in the flesh, very few sold over here and the only thing ever printed about them after the Beta debacle was the endemic tinworm issue. Is there a buyers guide on this forum or in print?

However, having just watched the above episode again, the Lancia did indeed have an endearing quality to it, ok, not quite as much as the Kadett......but still, and JC himself lowered himself to drive it.

Great fun, great videography, and a thoroughly enjoyable episode. Did a bit of a search back in the homeland...plenty about, looking half decent too.

I don't like green on a car...but do for this one!

http://www.autoscout24.it/Details.aspx?id=207130726&cd=634914272030000000

Nicer colour, has a few small issues....

http://www.autoscout24.it/Details.aspx?id=223609099&cd=634880772980000000

Even smarter for a few dollars more...CB radio included!

http://www.autoscout24.it/Details.aspx?id=225395995&cd=634923431480000000

http://www.autoscout24.it/Details.aspx?id=221918463&cd=634906482150000000

Even this one owner 5 door looks nice

http://www.autoscout24.it/Details.aspx?id=193754075&cd=634891090460000000






P

[fay66]

Frank,
You need to get hold of a copy of "Turning Back the Clock" (The life and times of a motor trader) Geoff Owen Isbn-0-948358-06-8.
Besides being a great read, he sold Betas and here is the letter he sent to his customers who bought Betas regarding stories about the rust and engines supposedly falling out..

Brian
8227

[neil-yaj396]

Frank

If you are thinking of buying a Beta you should check out the Betaboyz Forum. The LMC Forum is generally short on Beta content because it all generally goes on there. You'll find page upon page of great advice. The rule of thumb is that if the body shell is solid (sills, suspension towers, inner front wings, front cross member and a tricky bit behind the back wheels) then everything else is easily fixed!

Neil

[Parisien]

Frank,
You need to get hold of a copy of "Turning Back the Clock" (The life and times of a motor trader) Geoff Owen Isbn-0-948358-06-8.
Besides being a great read, he sold Betas and here is the letter he sent to his customers who bought Betas regarding stories about the rust and engines supposedly falling out..

Brian
8227

Done....thanks Brian....Amazon is something else!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-Back-Clock-Times-Trader/dp/0948358068/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1356861811&sr=8-5


P

[Parisien]

Thanks Neil....will have a looksee.....always liked them, but apart from the NEC cars not seen them in the flesh


P

[Zagato]

I think the advert you talk about being a 5 door is actually a Gamma not a Beta

[Parisien]

Oooopppsss........that'll teach me to blow up the pics in future....




P

[Parisien]

Frank,
You need to get hold of a copy of "Turning Back the Clock" (The life and times of a motor trader) Geoff Owen Isbn-0-948358-06-8.
Besides being a great read, he sold Betas and here is the letter he sent to his customers who bought Betas regarding stories about the rust and engines supposedly falling out..

Brian
8227

Indeed Brian a good read....talk about a topsy turvy life......well worth a read!

And to read that his favourite cars he both owned and sold were Lancias.............especially as the MDs of said marque were running scared of selling their own product!

As for the DAILY MIRROR.....like the rest of the red tops...............an insult to the reading public!!!!

I can't beleive how they got away with the economic assassination of the marque and how easily taken in the dealers and public were.....a disgrace.


P


PS If any one wants a read of said book pm me your address...will mail it to you provided you're happy to pass on to the next LMC member!

PPSS This is the sort of letter I'd like our chairman/president to send to the gnomes of the media world on a regular basis, remember they are only people like the rest of us, needing challenged and taken to task

[the.cern]

Delighted to see that you consider it a good read Frank. I have ordered a copy on Amazon, secondhand, 1p plus £2.80 postage, I do not know how that works, but will wait to see what happens. It's due on the 16th.

Best wishes,

                  Andy