Lancia Monte Carlo

[Monty1502]

Does anyone on here own a Lancia Monte-Carlo ?

I'm just considering buying one ( an S2 ) and interested to know what I should be looking out for ? I already have an Integrale EVO 2 so I'm used to the brand, flimsy indicator stalks etc but have no experience whatsoever of the Monte Carlo.

Any comments would be gratefully received

Thanks

[Lotobear]

A friend of mine had one from new - was rusting before it was 12 months old. He recalls 'veins' started to show beneath the paint and spread - cheap recycled steel ISTR

Then the engine went bang on the motorway, leaving actual pistons and bits of crank case on the road.

Aside from that he liked it.

I guess these issues will have been sorted on one that still exists now but they alway suffered a bad reputation despite the looks. I was almost seduced by one back in the early 80's at a used car dealer in Newcastle - the paintwork was rippled all over due to the layers of catty. Unusually for me at that age I actually resisted and bought an Alfa Sprint Trofeo instead, that was a mistake of comparable proportions.

I seem to recall these cars finished Lancia in the UK market?

[GTVOX]

That was a helpful post. The Lampredi 8v 2000 engine is as solid as a rock. The block is similar to the one in your evo but with balance shafts. Well maintained they rarely give problems. Make sure the cam belt has been changes and take off the oil cap it should be clean in there. make sure the car doesn’t baulk in gear.
Early Monte Carlos S1’s were over servoed so S2’s were modified.
Any car -whatever make that remains from that era should be well maintained with rust protection and not used as Advil driver.
It was actually Beta saloons and a TV programme called That’s Life that wrecked the Lancia image. most problems were linked to rotten subframes and mountings. This was before the era of the Delta but sales never recovered.
The MonteCarlo is a nice car and well balanced. It was the starting point for the 037 Rally Car. Buy a good one and you won’t be disappointed but good means starting at £20k.

[andrewcliffe]

Yes, I own a Monte. Happy to answer questions.

The braking problem on S1 was due to servo assistance on the front wheels, which in damp greasy conditions could cause front wheels to lock, whilst driven wheels unlocked. Solution 1 - remove the servo assistance. Solution 2 - add a servo for rear axle.