The Lancia 149 C2.000 is a 1,991 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1972 and 1975. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design and a twin-choke carburettor, delivering a balance of power and refinement for its era. The cast-iron block and aluminium cylinder head construction provided durability for everyday driving.
Fitted primarily to the Lancia Beta Berlina and Coupé during its production run, the 149 C2.000 was engineered for smooth, linear power delivery and comfortable grand touring. Emissions compliance for its time was managed through basic engine tuning and the carburettor's design, aligning with pre-catalytic converter standards common in the early 1970s.
One documented engineering consideration is susceptibility to cooling system corrosion in hard-water regions, potentially leading to head gasket issues if coolant maintenance is neglected. Lancia service documentation from the period emphasizes the use of approved corrosion inhibitors to mitigate this risk.
Production years 1972–1975 predate formal Euro emissions standards. Compliance was governed by national regulations of the era (e.g., Italian Ministry of Transport).
The Lancia 149 C2.000 is a 1,991 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for mid‑size sedans and coupés (1972-1975). It combines a twin-choke carburettor with a single overhead camshaft to deliver smooth, linear power delivery. Designed for the regulatory environment of its time, it prioritizes drivability and refinement over modern emissions targets.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,991 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.0 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 165 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin-choke downdraft carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (National Regulations) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled, pressurised | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 (Mineral) | |
| Dry weight | Not available in OEM documentation |
The engine provides smooth, linear power ideal for relaxed cruising but requires diligent cooling system maintenance using approved inhibitors to prevent corrosion-related head gasket failure. SAE 20W-50 mineral oil is specified for its high-temperature stability under period-typical driving conditions. The timing chain is generally robust but should be inspected for wear and tension during major services. The carburettor requires periodic adjustment and cleaning for optimal performance and fuel economy.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil specification (Lancia Owner's Manual, Beta Berlina 1973). Modern synthetic equivalents meeting API SF/CC or earlier are often used.
Emissions: Formal Euro standards did not exist. Compliance was with national regulations (Italian Ministry of Transport, Decree 1971/456).
Power Ratings: Measured under period-typical standards (e.g., DIN 70020). Figures are net power as installed in vehicle (Lancia Type Approval Documentation 1972).
Lancia Workshop Manual, Chassis 828 (1972)
Lancia Parts Catalogue, Vol. 3 (1974)
Lancia Owner's Manual, Beta Berlina (1973)
Italian Ministry of Transport, Decree 1971/456
The Lancia 149 C2.000 was used across Lancia's Beta platform with longitudinal, front-engine, front-wheel-drive mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations for the Berlina and Coupé body styles, primarily concerning ancillary bracketry and exhaust routing. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine type code stamped on a flat boss on the cylinder block, typically near the oil filter or on the front face adjacent to the water pump (Lancia Workshop Manual 828). The code "149 C2.000" should be clearly visible. Visually, it is identifiable by its single camshaft cover and the prominent twin-choke carburettor on the intake manifold. Differentiation from the smaller 1.6L and 1.8L Beta engines is by displacement badge on the boot lid and the engine code stamp. Service parts are generally consistent across Berlina and Coupé applications for this engine variant.
The 149 C2.000's primary long-term reliability concern is cooling system integrity, with corrosion leading to head gasket failure in neglected examples. Lancia service bulletins from the era highlight this as a key maintenance item, while owner club data suggests it is the most frequent major repair for high-mileage survivors. Use of incorrect coolant or infrequent changes makes adherence to the maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Lancia technical bulletins (1972-1975) and aggregated data from Lancia owner club technical advisors. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LANCIA 149-C2-000.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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LANCIA Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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