Introduced at the 1972 Turin Motor Show, the Lancia Beta (Tipo 828) represented the first completely new vehicle designed under Fiat ownership. Built on a purpose-designed front-wheel-drive platform, it featured an all-independent MacPherson strut suspension system at both ends and four-wheel disc brakes with dual-circuit hydraulics. The lineup was remarkably diverse, offering several distinct body styles: the Berlina fastback saloon, a sleek Coupé, the HPE (High Performance Estate) shooting brake, a Zagato-built Spider targa, the mid-engine Montecarlo sports car, and later the conventional three-box Trevi saloon with its distinctive dashboard. Power came from a variety of Fiat-derived Lampredi twin-cam four-cylinder engines ranging from 1.3 to 2.0 liters, paired with five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmissions, with later flagship variants receiving the Volumex mechanical supercharger. The model underwent multiple facelifts through its production run, introducing redesigned front grilles, modernized trim, and updated instrument clusters. The Beta was distributed across major European markets, North America, and other export destinations, solidifying its place in modern automotive history.