Determined to regain people’s trust after facing big rust issues with Lancia Beta, Lancia released the Trevi model in 1980.
While the Trevi sported completely new body panels and a new interior, it was still a Lancia Beta underneath, the reason why it was also known as the Beta Trevi. The “Trevi” nameplate came from the modified three-box chassis (tre-volumi in Italian).
The Lancia Beta was sold alongside the Trevi for almost two years.
The saloon was produced between 1980 and 1984 and was the work of the same designer who developed the Beta, Sergio Camuffo. The interior design of the Trevi was not the most appreciated, many magazines mocking it for the “Swiss cheese” appearance - while the controls were easy and intuitive to use, the dash just didn’t look good.
At first, the Lancia Trevi was available with a choice of two units: a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter engine that was mounted transversely. Power was sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed gearbox.
In the UK, an optional automatic gearbox was available on the 2.0-liter engine.
A sportier version called Lancia Trevi Volumex was released in 1981 at the Turin Motor Show. The Volumex was designed to improve performance without affecting fuel consumption. The Trevi Volumex had a Roots-type supercharger and carburetors, revised front seats, and plusher trim.
The production of the Trevi ceased in 1984, with a total of 36,784 units produced by then.