A beast of burden doesn't have to look like a mule.

It's only human to think that useful things can be ugly.

And it's only Italian to believe that everything should be as beautiful as possible.

Hence the Lancia Beta HPE - the Italian High Performance Estate.

Being an estate car, the HPE will seat five people. But it does so in quite un-estatelike luxury. With fitted carpets, cloth upholstery (PVC if you prefer), integral headrests on the front seats and wrap-around rear seats that are as far away from the usual estate car 'bench' as you can get.

Being an estate, the HPE carries a lot with the rear seats folded - 42.36 cu. ft. to be precise. But unlike most estate cars, you can also fold just one seat to carry a long load and a third passenger in complete comfort.

There are also self-levelling headlights to stop you dazzling approaching drivers when the back is loaded.

But being Italian, the HPE doesn't look remotely like an estate car.

In fact, it looks much more like a sleek sports coupé, which is exactly what it performs and handles like.

The 2000 version has a sliding steel sun roof. A top speed of 115mph. A 2 litre twin overhead camshaft engine, driving the front wheels. Five gears. All-round independent suspension. All-round servo-assisted disc brakes. And full instrumentation, including electronic rev counter and clock, with oil level, oil pressure and oil temperature gauges to protect the lubrication system.

The 1600 has a smaller version of the same engine, its own distinctive alloy wheels and costs a little less.

So if you're the sort of person who wants something far more prestigious than a mere estate car, go and ask your Lancia dealer to show you the Beta HPE. You've never seen an estate like it.

And you've never driven more of a thoroughbred.

Live life a little faster with a new Colt Celeste

Whether you treat yourself to the 2 litre or one of the 1.6 litre models, here is a coupe that's quick off the mark. The 2 litre accelerates from 0-50mph in 7.7 seconds, its 'fast action' 5-speed gear box giving smooth response. The secret is Mitsubishi's revolutionary counterbalanced 'Silent Shaft' engine. You enjoy the smoothness of a V8 with the economy of 4 cylinders. And a top speed of 105mph.

The Celeste's superb roadholding is enhanced by wide steel braced radial tyres and powerful dual circuit servo brakes. With 35mpg at a steady 60mph on 93 octane petrol, you can even forget about those expensive 4-star pumps.

Unlike a lot of coupes that look racy the Celeste won't cramp your style. It's a full four seater, not a 2+2. It's got a hatchback and the back seat folds down to offer even more luggage space. The front passengers can relax in fully reclining, cloth upholstered bucket seats. Head restraints are standard. The push button radio will help to shorten your longest journey.

Standard features on all models include adjustable steering, laminated windscreen with tinted glass, lockable petrol filler, 'door open' and handbrake warning lights and something else designed to save you money - a full 12 month unlimited mileage warranty and 5,000 mile service intervals.

With the Colt Celeste performance driving is as near as your Colt dealer.

The Colt Celeste. Available in three models. 1600 £3297, 1600 GS £3484, 2000 £3734.

Photos from the Promenade Stages Rally

A fantastic few hours in the sunshine, courtesy of Wallasey Motor Club who have been organising this event for 31 years now.

Some photo highlights below, but click here for the full set.

Jaguar rear view problem in Germany

From Autocar Magazine, w/e 28 February 1976

Federal officials have refused to give approval in Germany to the Jaguar XJ-S because the large rear pillars do not meet German safety laws. The Federal Motor Vehicle Authority have also taken exception to the rear pillars of the Lancia Monte Carlo and have refused to grant this car general certification.

According to our contemporary in Germany, Autozeitung, the ruling means that each individual XJ-S brought into the country will have to be taken to the authorities for individual registration and approval until the position is made clear. However the Jaguar is not banned from Germany at this stage, and sales are continuing. The German regulations lay down specific angles of vision which must be obtained from the driver's seat, and it is these requirements which have been invoked over the XJ-S.

Jaguar gift ideas and automobilia for sale