Citroen leads to Beta then 164

["Jay T Hinton" <jhinton@domain.elided>]

In some mid 70s issues of the English periodical, Autocar,  there is a
discussion of the super quick development of the initial Lancia Beta
sedans.  It seemed to surprise most that Fiat could buy the old Lancia
firm in 1969 and introduce the Lancia Beta sedan in 1972, using
essentially all different (Fiat)  componets.  Well, there was also
discussion of a proposed Fiat-Citroen merger that was to come off in
the late 1960s,  yet some key political players opposed such a merger.
 One result of the merger was the Fiat 128, whereas Fiat supplied a
new engine design with Citroen taking over the new transaxle and front
suspension work.  Fiat did indeed adopt this transaxle which was
modified further for use in the upcoming Beta series.  I think Peugeot
swallowed up Citroen in about 1975.  So, thanks to some engineering
excellence from Citroen,  Alfa ended up with a tranny that doesn't 
rip up second gear syncros too badly.  Perhaps Ed at Caribou can throw
in some more details  on this issue.

Ciao,  Jay  

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