Inherited a 1982 Beta Zagato... Tons of questions

[ljs330i]

First of all let me tell you about the car:

1982 Lancia Zagato (red)

Bought by my wifes uncle in 1982 brand new. The car is all original. It has 32K miles on it and has always been garaged. There is not a spot of rust on it as far as I can tell. It runs great (he always kept his cars running at top shape) and the interior looks good (The seats are a little split). Also, he just had some suspension work done on it last year. The only problem they know of is that it won't go into reverse.

Let me tell you about myself:
I live in Greensboro, NC. I have never owned an Italian car, or any "project" car for that matter. I am not very experienced mechanically, but am willing to learn but, I do not want a vehicle hogging up my garage that is never running.

Questions:
How much (US $) is it going to cost me to keep this thing running (assuming I can find a local mechanic)? And is this a bad car to start learning mechanicals on? Also, Is the no reverse thing a big problem?


Any Help would be appreciated.

Larry

P.S. This website has already been a tremendous help.

[Zagato78]

Larry, when you are selecting reverse are you pushing the gearshit down towards the floor, then selecting reverse? These have that lock out feature.

If you are, then check the linkage assembly. Look under the battery. If someone wiggles the gearshift inside the car, you'll easily id the assembly. Look for worn or wobbly movement.

I doubt anything is wrong inside the box. These tranny's are incredibly stout.

Best of luck,

Dan

[ljs330i]

I am glad it doesn't sound like a tranny problem. I am aware of the push down into reverse method (VW's and BMW's). I'll be getting the car delivered in the next few months. I really don't know if there is a problem w/reverse since I have not driven the car myself. I'll check out the linkage though when I get it.

Thanks for the advise.

Larry