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Be careful if you land at this airport.


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There was a big scandal about these stored cars many years ago, Loads of Lancia Beta Coupes had been imported to Britain in the early 80s, now as many of you older Brits will know, Lancia had a terrible rep for rust and these were no exception. They were sat on felixstowe docks for several years! Lancia needed to shift them as a new model was being launched, enter Tickford Auto. They were the "customising" department of Aston Martin, They had done several of Astons own cars and the legendary Tickford Capri, all great cars. Lancia asked Tickford to see what they could do. They replaced all the rusted panels with new stock, fitted a very expensive sound system and a few other tweaks. Then they gave them back to Lancia who launched them as " The Brand New Beta Hi Fi !!" all seemed well, they sold well as exclusive cars. limited editions etc,. Then they started to go wrong, It was whils trying to obtain parts that it became obvious that rather than being Brand New some of the cars were in fact 10 years old! All hell broke loose and Lancia were forced to pay out £1'000s in compensation! It marked the beginning of the end for Lancia in the UK , they stayed for a few years longer but no-one had any faith in them and they pulled out of the UK market. Only now are they making a comeback, albeit as Chryslers! The Lancia name has not been relaunched over here. Such a shame for what was once seen as a prestige sporting Italian marque.

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