Monthly Archives: January 2012

Modern Classic, Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled by Italians: 1994 Subaru SVX

For a Japanese car manufacturer, Subaru has been more daring than its domestic competition. Using all-wheel drive as a design hallmark, their cars have been the favorite of buyers looking for all-terrain capacity in a smaller package. Recently, with the WRX and STi, Subaru has turned into the object of desire for enthusiasts seeking rally performance for the street.

Before the Impreza STi became the darling of the rally circuit, there was the Alcyone SVX, or SVX as it was known in the United States. Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign was responsible for the SVX's space aged looks, a marked departure from the almost origami-like appearance of its predecessor, the XT Coupe. Powered by a 3.0 liter horizontally opposed six cylinder engine, all SVXs produced were mated to a four speed automatic. There was no manual transmission to which Subaru had access that could handle the six cylinder engine's power, but lately, enthusiasts have been swapping the 6 speed manual from the STi in these coupes. Here is a well cared for SVX with 74,000 miles for sale in Texas.

1994 Subaru SVX

Gorgeous pearl white 1994 model SVX with only 74K ACTUAL miles. EXCELLENT running condition, non smoker, and riding on close to new set of tires. This is a RARE find.

In white, the SVX looks great because the color accentuates it's black roof and the odd window within a window design cue. Even by today's standards, this is a very daring styling exercise. Even if its drivetrain was rather unimpressive, you have to give Subaru credit for bringing such a wild interpretation of a grand touring coupe to market. For slightly under $7,000, this is a very affordable, practical classic which can be enjoyed all year round.

-Paul

Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled by Italians: 1973 Peugeot 504 Cabriolet

Peugeot has a long history of relying on Italian designers for some of their most iconic and exclusive vehicles. Pininfarina is a styling house they have done business with for decades. A few examples of this collaboration was the popular 505 sedan and estate, the 406 Coupe and the 1988 European Car of the Year, the 405. One of the lesser known examples of Pininfarina's work with Peugeot is the 504 Coupe and Cabriolet. From the looks of it, this car could be a mix between a Fiat 124 Spider and Fiat Dino, both of which were styled by Pininfarina, as well. These sporting vehicles were based off of the simple, rugged 504 sedan, which was produced from 1968 and carried on with updates until 2004, when production ceased in Nigeria. This particular 504 Cabriolet for sale in The Netherlands has the 2.0 liter four cylinder engine with Kugelfischer mechanical injection.

1973 Peugeot 504 Cabriolet

Peugeot 504 Cabriolet in excellent condition. Very beautifully restored and well maintained. This Peugeot is rust free and still has the old four headlights and rear lamps. Original cloth seats in good original condition. Super convertible. Car has license plates and TUV. To register simply enter any EU country, you pay no import tax.

The 504 Cabriolet is a good way to get into a French cabriolet with bespoke styling on a budget. While the asking price of €17,950 (~ $22,000 USD) is not exactly chump change for an almost 40 year old French classic, it is a lot less than what you could expect to pay for a Citroën DS Cabriolet of the same vintage.

-Paul

Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled By Italians: 1974 Jensen Interceptor III Convertible

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Continuing on with theme week, here's an example of one of Britain's greatest grand touring vehicles, the Jensen Interceptor. The Interceptor was designed by Carrozzeria Touring, with the first examples having bodies manufactured by coachbuilder Vignale. Along with the Italians, the United States had a hand in bringing the Interceptor to life, with Chrysler lending their 383 and 440 cubic inch V8 engines and Torqueflite automatic transmissions.

A fastback version and a rare coupe were marketed, along with a convertible version of the Interceptor, intended mainly for the American market. With 267 manufactured, it's not everyday you see one for sale and rarer still, in this condition. Almost 40 years on, these cars still look the business, especially in this very classy combination of black on black.

1974 Jensen Interceptor III Convertible

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1974 Jensen Interceptor III Convertible.

Beautiful example of a classic British super car! This indeed is a rare car in the states! A limited production and of which only 843 ever imported! A beautiful convertible variant, in excellent condition! In the late 60s, this British answer to the super car race, was this Grand Tourer designed by Italian craft, and powered by American Muscle.

This California Jensen is for sale from an Interceptor collector's garage, ready to cruise by the new owner. Mechanically, this Interceptor is in good standing, with all services complete on the Chrysler 440 original engine. The car has no issues like leaks or cooling. Only 70K original miles! Many new parts installed recently. Including new belts, brakes, starter, head gaskets, starter, rebuilt carburetor, etc. This car runs great, with no smoke, leaks, just smooth powerful performance! The AC is ice cold! The suspension is in good standing, stiff, and responsive, with recent servicing.
Many receipts and documents are available for the life of the car!

The interior is almost perfect, also recently restored with great carpet, and great leather! Being a late production Interceptor, this "1974 1/2" features a gorgeous wooden dash that came on 1975 models. The trunk has been re-carpeted, with new paneling. The headliner is a saddle wool, with a newer canvas convertible top. Interior components work, all electronic issues sorted out! This Jensen will also come with a convertible boot cover, and a rare sport cover exposing the just the driver.

The original color yellow, was repainted the current black. The quality glossy paint is older, and now shows age in some areas. The body is straight, with no evidence of accidents. all the chrome is perfect! The undercarriage is rust and corrosion free thanks to the California climate!

Almost $45,000 for a vintage British sports car is nothing to sneeze at, but this is one of the nicest examples of an Interceptor convertible I've seen in quite some time. The color combination is timeless and the combination of several countries coming together to produce such a car is impressive. Sadly, Jensen Motors Ltd. ceased operations in 1976 and the Interceptor has, to many, become an obscurity in the annals of automotive history.

-Paul

Modern Classic, Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled by Italians: 1993 Cadillac Allante

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From food to science, there are few things the Italians have not influenced in our everyday lives. This influence includes cars. In recent years in the United States, though, you wouldn't know it, as Italian car sightings are uncommon. However, from American classics to British sports cars, the Italians have had a wide reach with automotive styling in the 20th century. Not even the French could escape their inspiration. I want to take this week to look at a few significant and sometimes forgotten classics that Italy had a hand in bringing to market.

In the 1980s, General Motors was looking for a way to position Cadillac as a competitor to the world's best, and their solution was to go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz 560SL and Jaguar XJ-S. The two seater Allante convertible bowed in 1987 to much fanfare. Its body was assembled in Italy and shipped back to the United States for final assembly via specially equipped Boeing 747s. This method of manufacturing garnered the nickname "the world's longest assembly line." It also added a good amount to the sticker price.

The final model year, 1993, was the best year for the Allante. In true General Motors fashion, they killed off this car just as the plot was thickening. Equipped with the new Northstar V8, this engine was a massive upgrade, delivering a whopping 95 horsepower more over the old 4.5 liter V8. It was still front wheel drive, but at least this kind of power had people taking this two seater a bit more seriously. Our feature car is in fact the desirable 1993 model with an amazingly low 18,000 miles in museum-like condition.

1993 Cadillac Allante

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1993 Cadillac Allante Convertible. Finished in classic red with beautiful soft tan leather interior and black convertible top. This incredible motorcar has been driven just 18,353 miles and can virtually not be told from new. This magnificent motorcar is equipped with nearly every available option and is finished in one of the most sought after color combinations. We are proud to offer this investment grade, last year Cadillac Allante to the most particular collector, investor or enthusiast who demands the best. You will not be disappointed in this truly wonderful motorcar!

I never liked the Allante when I was younger, but with age, the design has grown on me. Granted, it's driving dynamics may leave something to be desired, but it's sharp, unadorned lines make it stand out in everyday traffic. Even though this particular car has extremely low miles, the asking price of almost $25,000 is well over market values. On a good day, I'd wager to say a car like this would bring $15,000 tops, with drivers in good condition changing hands in between the $10,000 to $13,000 range. Eventually, these Italian-American roadsters may become an icon like the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado, but we aren't at that point yet.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1994 Ferrari 512TR

Having grown up in the 1980s, I can state unequivocally that, along with the Lamborghini Countach and Mercedes 560SL, the Ferrari Testarossa was one of those cars that displayed to the world that you were someone. Its popularity amongst the connoisseurs and the wealthy alike is evidenced by its 12 year production run resulting in almost 10,000 units manufactured. An evolution of the Ferrari 512i BB, the BB short for Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa improved upon the formula, adding space, comfort and power from the horizontally opposed 12 cylinder engine.

The car received a facelift in 1991 and a name change, to 512TR. Once again, power was increased from 390 to 428 horsepower, a new Bosch engine management system was employed and the front and rear fascias were updated to bring the styling in line with the newly released 348. The final iteration of the Testarossa appeared in 1994 as the F512 M, but this car was a more awkward than its predecessors, with its exposed headlights, fussy wheels and incongruous rear tail lights. The 512TR, for me, was the ultimate expression of the Testarossa. It improved upon the original yet kept much of its character intact. Like most Ferraris, I’ve mainly seen these models in shades or red, black or yellow. Occasionally you see a color outside of the normal Ferrari spectrum, such as this 512TR in Aubergine for sale in Belgium.

1994 Ferrari 512TR

Very well maintained 512 TR, Color: Aubergine with tobacco interior, alarm, power locking, cambelts changed at 88.443 km (03/2007). Very good condition!

I have never seen this color on a 512TR before, or any other Ferrari that I can remember. While it is a tad effeminate, I think this dark hue works great with the lines of the car. It gives it a rich, bespoke look befitting such an awesome machine. At €52,000 (~ $67,500 USD) it is about in line with current Testarossa prices, however, the mileage is a tad bit higher than you usually see. Still, it looks as if it was well cared for throughout its life and the cambelt service is a welcome relief. While this is a 1994 model and not eligible for importation to the United States for another seven years, it would be a nice buy for someone on The Continent seeking a uniquely colored Ferrari.

-Paul