Luca Betti: From Rally to Entrepreneurship – The Journey of a True Enthusiast
Luca Betti is an Italian entrepreneur and founder of Kimera Automobili, a company specialized in the restoration and creation of classic-style race cars. The son of a race driver and a passionate motorsport fan, he transformed his racing team into a hub dedicated to these vehicles. Today, his company acts as an incubator for modern reinterpretations of legendary Lancia rally cars. Luca Betti has often emphasized his deep passion for rally racing, a sport that demands both technical mastery and a strong sense of adventure. With one eye on the past and the other on the next corner, he has successfully blended business, motorsport and even television.
Discovering the captivating story in PDF
Your father was a race driver. Were you immersed in automotive passion from a young age?
I was born into a family of rally enthusiasts. My father drove Asconas, Kadetts, 911s, Stratos, 037s, Deltas, among others. From a very young age, I was marked by that world: the sound of engines, the smell of gasoline, the spirit of competition. It was part of the family, and I grew up surrounded by racing stories. Even as a child, I used to stare at model cars. I was fascinated. Ayrton Senna was also a huge source of inspiration for me.
Where did your first race take place?
In Italy, in Garfagnana. For the first two years, I raced in Italy to gain experience and because the costs were obviously lower than in international races. Then, two years later, I entered my first international rally in Wales, for the World Rally Championship. I still remember it: my two best friends and I, with a camper van, a trailer, and the race car on the roof. I was around twenty… such great memories.
Tell us about your career and achievements.
I made my debut in 1998, in the single-brand Fiat trophy… I was then selected for Fiat’s junior team and became Italian U23 Champion. After a season in the European Cup, I stepped back from full-time rallying in 2014 to focus on my entrepreneurial ventures.
Monte-Carlo 2009 – a dream race ?
That race was, I believe, one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had… a great satisfaction.
What challenges did you face in the WRC ?
In the WRC, there’s absolutely no room for error. The best drivers in the world are there and every stage is a mental battlefield. You have to be ready for anything, because a rally can change in an instant. It’s not just about speed. It’s about strategy, tire management, reading the road and above all, the ability to stay calm under pressure.
How do you prepare for each rally?
Before every rally, it’s essential to prepare the car and have discussions with the engineers, but mental preparation is just as crucial. That’s what makes the difference at key moments in a race. Rallying is a team discipline. The co-driver is just as important as the driver, he’s my guide. Without him, I couldn’t make the right decisions in time. The mechanics, the engineers… they’re the ones who ensure the car is ready to face the rally’s challenges.
What drives you to push your limits every time you’re behind the wheel?
First, the fans. They’re a huge source of motivation for me. I’ve had the chance to race in events in Italy, and the energy from the local spectators is incredible. When I’m on a stage, I feel like they’re right there with me and it gives me wings.
Second, driving in Italy is a dream. Our roads, our landscapes… they’re a constant challenge for any driver. But it’s also an honor to represent Italy internationally.
What does rally mean to you?
Rally is my life. It’s a tough sport, but so fascinating. Every race is a new challenge, and every rally is an opportunity to learn and push yourself further.
After your rally career, especially in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and IRC, why did you choose to move into restoration?
Competition teaches discipline. But I felt the need to create something lasting. Restoring a classic car is about bringing a work of art back to life. I grew up surrounded by Lancias, Alfa Romeos, Ferraris. These cars have a soul. When you restore them properly, you tell their story and sometimes, you save it from being forgotten.
How did you come to found Kimera Automobili?
In 2008, I created Kimera Motorsport, my own racing team. The initial goal was to combine my passion as a driver with my management skills in motorsport. Over time, I felt there was a gap between the iconic classic cars of the past, especially Lancias and what we could do today with modern technology. That’s how the idea of Kimera Automobili was born: reinterpreting these legends through a contemporary lens, without losing their soul.
Does the name « Kimera » have a special meaning for you?
Yes. “Kimera” refers to the mythological chimera, a hybrid being, a mix, something that doesn’t conform to a single form. It reflects the idea of blending past and present, tradition and innovation. Also, “KMR” or “Kimera” for me evokes “Keeping My Road”-staying true to your path- to what you believe in, to your passion, even when things get hard.
What is your philosophy for Kimera, particularly with the EVO37?
With the EVO37, the goal was to create what I call an « Authentica Evoluzione »-an authentic evolution. It’s not just a restoration, nor a simple restomod. It’s about reimagining the Lancia Rally 037, not replicating it slavishly, but bringing it to life today, using modern technical means: carbon fiber, kevlar, premium materials, contemporary engineering, while keeping the style, passion and sensations of 1980s rally cars.
We limited production to 37 units, precisely to preserve the exclusivity, the emotional connection, and the myth. Every car is highly customized, each customer can truly take part in the design, the finishes and more.
Can you describe the Kimera EVO37 for us?
The Kimera EVO37 is a fantastic car. It’s powerful, but also very agile. It’s a true beast on challenging terrain. The engine is incredibly responsive, and the way it takes corners is just astonishing. It reminds me of the sensations from classic rally cars, but with modern technology, that makes the experience even more impressive.
What are the main challenges in creating a car like the EVO37 today?
There are many. First, technical: taking a vintage design and making it safe, reliable and high-performing by today’s standards. For example, the engine has been redesigned (modern monoblock), the suspension, the materials… everything needs to be updated, to meet modern expectations. Then, there’s logistics: suppliers, coordination, costs, timelines… big challenges, especially for a niche company like ours. Finally, the image: honoring the expectations of passionate fans who have an idealized image of the classics, without falling into copying or empty nostalgia. It’s about finding the right balance between tribute, innovation and performance.
Has it managed to preserve the DNA of its ancestor?
The Kimera EVO37 captures the essence of the great classic rally cars, like the Lancia 037. It’s made for purists, but with modern technologies, that push performance to new limits. Driving a car like this feels like going back to the roots of rallying, while being launched into the future.
How does it feel on the road? Does it deliver authentic racing sensations?
Driving the Kimera EVO37 isn’t easy, but that’s what I love about it. It’s fast, but it requires real precision. Every turn, every acceleration demands your full attention. It’s this combination of power and control that makes the car so special.
The EVO37 shows what the future of rally could look like. It combines the best of the past with modern advances, making it an excellent starting point for the next generation of rally cars. This kind of innovation is exactly what the sport needs to keep evolving.
What about its successor, the EVO38?
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2024, the EVO38 is the iconic sister of the 037, but wilder and even more fascinating. It features all-wheel drive and a major engine upgrade, pushing power to 600 horsepower.
It’s actually a tribute to the SE038 Mazinga, a prototype evolution of the 037 designed by Lancia engineers, but which never made it to the road, having been shelved in favor of another car, with a more turbulent life: the Delta S4.
Luca Betti, you’re known as a rally driver, but also as a restorer of classic cars. Between the race track and the workshop, how would you define your relationship with the automobile?
To me, the automobile isn’t just a tool for performance, it’s a form of expression.
Racing taught me the language of speed, but restoring taught me the language of time. They’re two complementary passions: one is immediate and intense; the other, patient and precise. Both demand complete dedication.
What are you working on right now?
My team and I are already working on the next jewel. For now, it only has a code name: K39, which will firmly establish Kimera Automobili as both a small and mighty engineering workshop. The K39 will be the most “Betti” of them all. A new project born from over 30 years in motorsport, but without being a restomod derived from an old model.
More broadly, we want to continue what we call “authentica evoluzione.” New projects, perhaps more original, more advanced, always in a few-off format: limited, very high-end, and soulful. And above all, to keep this passion alive.
Has there been a car that stood out to you due to its history or complexity during restoration?
There are several, but one that immediately comes to mind is a Lancia Aurelia B20 GT we restored for a British collector. It had competed in the Mille Miglia in the 1950s. Every detail mattered: the original patina, the old-school welds, the aged leather… We had to import some parts from Turin and even recreate certain components by hand. It was a real challenge but also a privilege.
If you had to restore one car just for yourself, for the sheer pleasure, which one would you choose?
A Ferrari 250 GT Lusso. To me, it’s the perfect balance of elegance, sportiness, and timeless design. But I wouldn’t say no to a Delta S4… The rally kid in me has always dreamed of having one in the garage.
Q: You’re not just a driver and entrepreneur, you’re also a public figure on Italian TV. Tell us about your experience on the reality show “Pechino Express.”
It all started almost by chance. I had previously been chosen for TV ad campaigns for my sponsors. That’s when I got noticed: they first offered me a show format related to motorsport, then Pechino Express. I was excited to take on this challenge, an adventure that felt a bit like rallying! I was also very lucky to participate in the show “Pechino Express – Il Viaggio.” Traveling, being part of a fun game, having amazing travel companions and above all visiting beautiful places. It was a privilege.
Do you have any hobbies?
I’m passionate about photography, especially landscapes and cars. It’s a more personal passion that helps me disconnect from the rally world and capture moments and emotions I feel during my travels. During rally events, I often take the time to photograph the stunning landscapes and key moments of my races.
Outside of rallying, I stay very active physically. I regularly practice sports to maintain and improve my fitness, essential for any rally driver. I particularly enjoy outdoor sports like mountain biking, hiking, and occasionally skiing.
Biography :
- 1978: Born in Cuneo, Italy
- 1998: Starts his rally career in the Fiat Cinquecento Trophy
- 1999: Becomes official driver for Fiat Auto Junior Team; crowned Italian U23 Champion
- 2000: Debuts in the World Rally Championship (WRC)
- 2008: Founds his own team, Kimera Motorsport
- 2011: Vice European Rally Champion
