Lancia Scorpion/Montecarlo
Designed by Pininfarina as an upmarket Fiat X1/9, the mid-engine Lancia Montecarlo is a classic wedge-era sports car. It's known as the Scorpion in the US, where a detuned 81-hp engine makes its Italian styling the primary draw for collectors.
Find one with Spotter →Lancia Scorpion/Montecarlo sold for a median of $24,000 over the last 12 months, based on 6 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $18,640 and $25,188. 3 currently for sale.
The Lancia Scorpion, known as the Montecarlo in Europe, was a mid-engine sports car designed by Pininfarina. Produced from 1975 to 1981, it was intended as an upmarket version of the Fiat X1/9. In the US, it was sold for just two years, 1976 and 1977, and renamed the Scorpion to avoid conflict with the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. These US-spec cars were hampered by emissions regulations, receiving a detuned 1.8L twin-cam engine with only 81 hp.
Collectors are drawn to the Scorpion for its classic wedge-shaped Pininfarina styling and balanced mid-engine chassis, offering an affordable entry into the world of exotic Italian cars. Its rarity, especially in the US, adds to the appeal. The performance gap between the US Scorpion and the 120 hp European Montecarlo has led many owners to perform engine swaps, often using a larger 2.0L Fiat/Lancia engine, which is a popular and well-regarded modification.
The market for the Scorpion is small but dedicated. With an average sale price around $18,412, it's an accessible classic. The wide price range reflects the vast difference between project cars and pristine, restored, or well-modified examples. Top-tier cars, including rally tributes or those with professional engine swaps, command the highest values, while neglected examples can still be found for very little.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the primary concern. Thoroughly inspect the front and rear subframes for corrosion, as this can be a fatal and difficult repair. Also check floor pans, sills, and wheel arches.
- The original brake boosters were overly aggressive, causing the wheels to lock up easily. Many owners disconnected the servo, so check for this common modification and the overall health of the brake system.
- Scorpions are known to run hot. Check the cooling system for leaks and ensure the dual radiator fans operate correctly.
- Body-specific parts, exterior trim, and glass are exceptionally difficult to find. Prioritize buying the most complete car you can afford, as sourcing missing pieces is a major challenge.
- Like many Italian cars of the era, the electrics can be temperamental. Test all gauges, switches, and especially the pop-up headlight motors.
Prices range from $3,500 for project cars to $65,000 for exceptional examples.
64 Lancia Scorpion/Montecarlo vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 3 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lancia Scorpion/Montecarlo cost?
Over the last 12 months, Lancia Scorpion/Montecarlo sold for a median of $24,000 across 6 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $18,640 and $25,188. There are 3 currently for sale.
How many Lancia Scorpion/Montecarlo listings are for sale right now?
There are 3 Lancia Scorpion/Montecarlo listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.