Beta trucks

[GG]

Anybody know anything about these? I think there were three different versions - first, the two gas ones (Z10 at 2 liters and Z20 at 2.5 liters) and then the more common (!) 2 cyl. diesel one with the supercharger.

The Z10 and Z20 are quite fascinating. Developed close to the same time in the early 1950's, the change in size came along with a new design for the 2.5 liter - with camshaft relocated, different head, etc.

Anyone seen one? I think the Z20 was used in later years for the Italian military. 

[Sebastien]

Geoffrey
I have no first hand information, nor have I ever seen one.

But just checking the litterature shows some info in following standard Lancia books:
1. La Lancia, by Weerninck in all 3 editions: technical details and production quantities, by type, and one cross section of the petrol 0° V engine.
2. Storia della Lancia, in the last chapter by Rosani describing the car and truck production: there you get the main dimensions of the engines.
3. Camion Lancia by  Condolo: many bodywork variants, including military
4. La Favolosa Lancia by Centenari: technical description of the 2 engines, and also details about front suspension, more modern than the then current Aurelia, with wishbones and a transverse leaf spring

There could be some more obscure camion books published in Italy, but I do not know them!

[GG]

Sebastien -

Thanks for those references. I rarely look at Favalosa, so will do so again. Its interesting trying to reconcile Rosani and Wim, but overall, they are saying mostly the same thing. But the production runs vary. The Camion book by Negri Foundation is a good one also.

The CL51 used the Z20 engine (gas, 4 cyl) and was used by the Italian military.

By the way - have you seen the latest Nardi book by Curami and Brunori? More complete than anything else out there - a bit light on Lancias but more on the history of Nardi.

[Sebastien]

Geoffrey,

Thank you for pointing out this new Nardi book. The only one I know is the book published in 1987, written by Franco Varisco.
 

[GG]

I was in touch with Andrea Curami, the second author on the book. After stating that the book was at the printer, they managed to slide in some of the Nardi material sent them. He kindly sent a copy, and it is so fresh, the ink still seems wet. Very fresh. I'd try Foundation Negri. Started reading it, and while the language is casual, there is good information in it, very good.

[frankxhv773t]

If I can work the technology I will attach some pictures. Fingers crossed.