Just 23,800 miles and three owners from new.

Acquiring a mid-engined, Pininfarina-built, Italian classic would normally require pretty deep pockets, both to buy and run, but there are one or two exceptions though, one of which is the distinctive Lancia Beta Montecarlo.

The first car to be fully designed and built in-house by Pininfarina, this compact two-seat sports car was originally intended to be sold as the Fiat X1/20, however, once the opportunity to offer the car at a higher premium presented itself, the responsibility of development was delegated to Lancia.

Despite the name, it shares very little else in common with the regular Beta.

Early on in the development phase it was powered by 3.0-litre V6 engine mounted behind the driver, but with the arrival of the 1973 oil crisis and its necessary economies, the decision was made to change to a 1995cc twin-cam four-cylinder.

The Montecarlo was offered as either a Coupé or a Convertible, the latter featuring a 'targa-like' opening...