Monthly Archives: August 2012

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1989 Ferrari Mondial t Coupe

7 Comments

The Mondial has always been underappreciated by true Tifosi, but nevertheless it is a Ferrari. Introduced in 1980 as the successor to the 208 and 308 GT4, the Mondial evoked the name of a famous Ferrari race car from the 1950s. With close to 7,000 built over 13 years, this was a successful model for Ferrari. In 1989 the final evolution of the Mondial arrived, the "t." Offered in coupe and convertible form, the Mondial t did something uncommon when it comes to vehicle facelifts. Ferrari decided to mount the engine longitudally, with the gearbox mounted perpendicular to the engine, forming a "t" shape. The engine in question was a 3.4 liter V8 that produced 300 horsepower.

This particular Mondial for sale in California is the only year the Mondial t was offered in the US as a hardtop. In black with a special order sunroof, this is a rare combination for this 2+2 coupe.

1989 Ferrari Mondial t Coupe

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1989 Ferrari Mondial T Coupe. Full Collector Condtion, as new condition for 23 Years Old. SUPER RARE. The only one currently for sale in the U.S. Ferrari only imported 43 Mondial T Coupes produced for US. Only 7 were Black (Nero) and only 4 had Tan Interior. 2 Had Sun Roofs. So this is 1 of 2 produced as a US Spec. Last year Mondial T Coupe. Original Owner, purchased new at Ferrari Walnut Creek (now Ferrari San Francisco). Delivered in Jan 1990, Originally Sold in March 1990. This could be the last one produced in the factory.

All paperwork, original window sticker, docs, original books and bookcase, service records galore, original tool kit and tools complete unused - 5K's, 15K, 30K completed including clutch. Last year of the Mondial T Coupe (Only 43 imported to US in 89). This alone establishes its collectability. 100% original, no accidents, no dings, no scratches, no stories. Paint is perfect and glossy as new.

Special order factory sun roof, drivers bolseter in perfect shape, only slightest of wear if any. Passenger seat, mint condition as new. Rear seats, as new. Headliner, mint, as new. Glass, perfect

Steering wheel and dash, perfect, no shrinkage. No signs of any wear (carpets are complete and original). Surgeon owned it's entire life from new. Driven sparingly but driven to the club on weekends so 500 miles per year. Northern California Car. Dry and 100% garage kept at all times. Detailed and serviced on schedule and regularly. Only Lexol leather conditioner has been used on this car. No Armor All.

What more can I say about this perfect example of a last year and limited production model of a Collectors Ferrari Mondail T Coupe. They do not come any cleaner, or tighter than this. AC blows cold, sunroof works flawlessly as do all the electrical components. There are no buzzers going off, no red lights on dash. Everything has been done and it drives like it did when it came off the showroom floor in late 1989. If it does not sell, I am keeping it and putting her back into a time capsule as it is only going to go up in value due to its rarety and fine collectors condition. This exact car was featured in the Motorweek show and is on the above video link.

With four days left, bidding is already over $40,000. This is a lot of money for any version of Mondial and may set a new high for the breed. Usually, one can expect to shell out anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 for a good example of one of these. Mondials which are selling for under $20,000 should be approached with caution and examined with a fine toothed comb. I’ve always felt a bit lukewarm towards the Mondial, but this t Coupe in black with the later, better integrated bumpers, makes for one clean looking coupe. We have not seen a mid-engine, 2+2 Ferrari since and maybe it’s time collectors give these cars more than just a passing glance.

The following is the segment from Motorweek in which this Ferrari was featured:

-Paul

Fiat

1970 Fiat 128

5 Comments

The Fiat 128 was the car that pioneered front-wheel drive at Fiat. Voted European car of the year in 1970, the 128 pioneered unequal length driveshafts and was praised in the motoring press for it's handling and braking performance. It wasn't a very fast car, but the Aurelio Lampredi designed 1.1 liter, SOHC four cylinder was a rather advanced engine for the day, with an aluminum head and rubber timing belt. Over three million 128s were manufactured until production was halted in 1985, after which, the 128 lived on under license by a multitude of companies. The last company to produce a 128 derivative was Zastava, which ceased production in 2001. Like many Italian cars of the era, rust was a constant issue. This 128 for sale in Florida has recently been imported from Europe and was recently repainted, with rust issues being addressed, which included the rustproofing of the undercarriage.

1970 Fiat 128

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1970 Fiat 128. One owner original european car. Original 89,400km (ca 56,400 miles). I bought it myself in Europe from the first owner (retired high school teacher). I have the original european registration which shows it is a one owner vehicle. When I bought the car it still had the original paint with some small rust spots. The car was garaged her entire life. The pictures 15 & 18 shows the car original ad. Everything was original. It is a very rare unmolested car.

We just repaired the rust spots, replaced the sill panels and painted the car, using the original color code. Some pictures show this process. We dissambled the car for professional painting. Doors, hood, lid, trims, moldings, door handles were removed before the painting. The underbody was also cleaned, repaired and rustproofed. Interior is all original except the floor carpet. The original rubber cannot be fixed. Now has carpeted floor.

The seats, door panels, headlinerare original. Engine compartment still has the original factory paint (and stickers). Very hard to find a 42 year old Fiat (or any italian car) in this original condition, Most of them are rusted or modified during years. This car isn't fully restored, because not required. It is original (except the listed jobs plus, timing belt, and maintance items). In 1970 the Fiat 128 was the car of the year (1966 was another Fiat, the 124).

It has a 1.1 liter OHC engine, paired with a 4 speed manual transmission. Power is 55hp net (measured by DIN norm). Top speed is 135 km/h (85mph). It has just arrived last week to the USA. The custom held the container for 2 weeks for inspection and they charged $1,200 for inspection and storage. Now she has clear Florida title, but I still have the original European registration, copy of the European title (original must be submitted to DMV), copy of the custom clearance and Seaway bill. I'm selling with a reasonable reserve (just the shipping and custom cost more then $2,000).

If you would like to own a piece of Italian car history this is your chance. I believe it is very hard to find another original 42 years Fiat. Once again this not a fully restored car. It is a well kept, well maintained car, with a new professional paint job, but it is still more then a 40 years old vehicle. I tried to keep the car in original and we just did the necessary works to be nice original Fiat for another 40 years. Beside this one I brought some more cars from Europe (1970 Alfa Giulia 1300Ti, 1985 Alfasud Sprint, maybe the only one in USA), which ones will be listed soon. Later I'll bring a 1982 Lancia Gamma Coupe Pininfarina and a 1975 Alfa GT 1300 Junior. If you looking for cars from Europe I can help to find and ship to USA.

For a car of the people, $7,500 certainly isn't a bargain, but the amount of bodywork that has gone into this car is heartening, not to mention it costs a decent bit of cash to import a vehicle to the US. Realistically, $5,000 to $6,000 is more along the lines of what this car might bring, as the closer you inch towards the $10,000 mark another classic Italian sedan comes into view: the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Hopefully this 128 finds an appreciating new owner, as this is one of the cars that brought motoring freedom to millions of Europeans over several decades.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

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A reader of ours from Australia left us a message recently that he was looking for a clean Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. Last week, this mint 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider in Germany caught my eye, but I thought why not follow up with a Giulietta that is a little less expensive but could use a bit of work for the intrepid buyer? This Giulietta for sale in Texas is pretty much complete but needs a good sorting to get it to a good driver level.

1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

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1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce Spider. VIN# AR1495F04191. The car has a 1962 Giulia Sprint or Spider 1600 Twin Carb motor #0011205344 and a 5-speed gearbox. I do not know when it was swapped, nor do I know the whereabouts of the original drivetrain. I have an invoice from 1979 when this motor was rebuilt by Bob Wallace Cars in Phoenix, Arizona. It has had one family ownership since the late 1970s. I have a repair order from 1989 with 35,546 miles.

The car runs and drives, but the carbs need rebuilt, there is some power loss due to the car having been stored for a long time. I had the gas tank cleaned, new fuel pump, rebuilt the master cylinder and a new battery. The brakes are hard, I had the left front wheel cylinders rebuilt due to leaks, but the brakes still need more work. It stops, but has a hard pedal. You can't drive this car home. Body, very solid and straight, no rust holes or patch panels.

Original floor and trunk in excellent shape. Paint is an old paint job that shines, but has chips and scratches and faded spots and a few dings. The hood has been repaired, the front of the hood has a few bubbles, missing the long chrome trim and the underside cross structure was modified. Best to et another hood eventually. Good glass. Tires old. Top is black, but it has shrunk because it hasn't been used for over 30 years.

Interior, good quality driver. Oil pressure is 55 when engine is running. Please look at all the photos. I have additional photos I can email. Car can be seen by appointment in Plano, Texas. Good clear Texas title in hand. Texas residents to pay 6.25% state sales tax and all license fees. No fees to export out of state buyers or dealers. Sold as is. Vehicle and title released when funds clear.

A Giulietta Spider in fair condition, as described by Hagerty, is valued at close to $25,000. If I was in the market, I wouldn't spend much more than that for a Spider in this condition. Putting the engine, brakes and convertible top right will not prove to be cheap repairs and could easily push your total investment above the $30,000 mark. After that, who knows what other issues may arise which need ironing out. Still, black over red leather is a classy combination for these roadsters and this particular car certainly isn't a lost cause. For those with the funds, it may prove to be a worthwhile project.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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Hot on the heels of the low mileage Series 3 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce we featured on Monday, here's a mint condition example of that cars successor, the Series 4. With almost identical mileage, this Spider looks great in Rosso Corsa over tan leather. Summer isn't over just yet and I'm sitting here longing to have a go in one of these cars.

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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Hi, you are looking at a very nice and original 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider with only 41k original miles. Signal Red with tan leather and sued interior, 5 speed transmission, AC works ice cold, everything works on this car. Summer time is here and this is a dream car to be driven with the top down. This is a original car and it looks almost the same way as it left the factory showroom. Just a little wear as you see in the pictures, car runs like a dream. Starts right up with no smoke or leaks.

Dashboard looks brand new (very important) paint is very nice and shiny, just little scratches on few spots that you have to look for it to see it. The top is in good condition, original stereo (CD) with premium sound system, oil has been changed recently. This is a 22 year old classic Italian car and for its age is in mint condition as you see in the picture but it is not a brand new car so please ask any questions before you place a bid. I am selling the car as is with no reserve auction, that means that I am here to sell the car.

I demand a $500.00 none refundable deposit by PayPal after the auction is over and the rest in 4 days by wire only. If you don't agree please move on to the next car. If you have less than 10 feedback you must contact me first or I will cancel your bid and block you. I can assist with shipping, oh by the way the car needs engine mounts as my mechanic told me. Tires are very good, brakes are very good, clutch is very strong. All inspections must be done before the auction ends, after the auction I wont allow inspection. Thank you all.

With no reserve, it would be safe to say this car will probably reach somewhere between $13,000 to $15,000, which is what clean Series 4 Spiders with under 50,000 miles seem to be bringing these days. Personally, the Series 4 is my favorite of the bunch, barring the original boattail Duetto. It's certainly on my short list in the next couple years, and if one surfaces for sale in Rosso Vinaccia, I'm going to have a hard time holding back.

-Paul

Fiat

1979 Fiat Strada

3 Comments

When it debuted in 1978, the Fiat Ritmo, known as the Strada in the US market, was quite different from the other small cars out there at the time. It was also quite a departure from its replacement, the venerable 128. It's distinctive front end and sunken in round headlamps was the work of Bertone, while the rear hatchback added versatility. Power came from a 1.5 liter, twin cam four cylinder with 69 horsepower mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox. Stradas are virtually impossible to find no matter the condition these days, as the tin worm took its toll on most of them. This three door model for sale in California is remarkably in tact after undergoing a restoration.

1979 Fiat Strada

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Up for sale is an excellent 1979 Fiat 138 3 door Strada Hatchback. This rare and utilitarian FIAT has recently received a cosmetic restoration, including paint. It runs smoothly and gets great fuel economy. The body is very straight and the paint presents beautifully. Remarkably, this FIAT is completely rust free! Interior is very good and there are sheep skin covers on the front seats. Wheels are rare Abarth Pirelli rims with excellent tires! Fiat is back after a 30 year hiatus but there is nothing like owning a classic one! I am very motivated and need to get this vehicle on it's way due to space constraints. NO REASONABLE CASH OFFERS WILL BE REFUSED!

While certainly unique, the Ritmo and Strada just don't have the same kind of following as the Volkswagen Golf and Rabbit of the same era. They are virtually an unknown commodity even amongst the most dedicated car enthusiasts. Therefore, the Buy It Now price of $6,000 seems a tad steep, as this isn't one of the more desirable Ritmo Abarths. While the exterior looks sharp with the Abarth wheels, the interior still is in need of some proper detailing. As is, I'd say this car might be worth $3,000 to $4,000 at the most, which is below the starting bid.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

2 Comments

The Series 3 Alfa Romeo Spider doesn't get as much love as it's earlier or later counterparts, it seems, but it is just as important in the marque's history. This is the car that kept the company going in terms of US sales in the 1980s. With the imminent return of Alfa Romeo to the US market, the manufacturer is acutely aware of the Spider's popularity on this side of the Atlantic, as they plan to bring a new generation Spider to these shores. This low mileage Spider Veloce is a nice way to enjoy al fresco Alfa motoring in the meantime.

1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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40,131 original miles, this car has been garage kept and rarely driven for the last 15 years, and has been run weekly. It is ready for the show circuit or as a daily driver and needs nothing. The body is flawless, the engine is mechanically sound, and the top is like new! You must see in person to appreciate how like-new this car truly is! Power windows were a rare feature for this year, and the leather interior feels like sinking into the home-recliner. Contact me with any questions. While this is a very nice low mile car, it is still 26 years old, so it is AS-is where is.

White cars are in vogue these days; as such, this hue adds a bit of contemporary flair to an otherwise classic design. Spiders of this vintage with lower mileage can bring anywhere between $8,000 to $12,000 these days, with the very best reaching beyond that range. While this car has low mileage, these roadsters need exercise, so any potential buyer should make sure things such as belts, hoses and tires haven't suffered any degradation along with being mindful of the usual mechanical items that may be compromised due to age rather than mileage.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1996 Fiat Barchetta

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The Fiat Barchetta is one of those cars that masks its humble mechanicals well. Based on the Mk1 Fiat Punto and equipped with front-wheel drive, this stylish roadster hints about that it is something more special than an Italian supermini. With Fiat's absence in the US market from 1983 through 2011 (barring the Pininfarina Spider and Bertone X1/9), the US never got a chance to sample this affordable open roofed runabout. However, I've seen a couple of these roadsters appear on the market stateside, and here is yet another one in Pennsylvania for sale with a low 36,000 miles on the clock.

1996 Fiat Barchetta

The true sport roadster Europe fell in love with. Looks, runs and feels great! At only 2300 lbs. with 130+ HP and aggressive gearing, brings a grin to your face. FWD. Manual 5-speed transmission. Custom free-flow exhaust system with great sound. Four wheel disc brakes (ABS). Power windows and mirrors. Central locking. Fog lights. 16" Alloy wheels. Front lip spoiler. Rear wind deflector. Two tone seats (black w/charcoal leather inserts). No marks or tears. AM/FM CD MP3 radio (bluetooth ready). Paint: only minor chips or scuffs (rust free). Vinyl top: no rips or tears w/clear rear window. Glass: no chips or scratches. Removable winter hard top with rear window defroster. Vehicle maintenance manual CD, owner manual, radio instructions, sales brochure etc. included. Due to age, car is sold as is with no warranty. OEM 15" steel wheels and in-tact OEM exhaust system available with car.

It's obvious that the big question with this car is how did it get into the country in the first place and how is it legally registered here. It's not wearing dealer tags, so the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation must not have had an issue with registering it. Still, questions of the owner must be asked before going in on a purchase like this. At nearly $18,500, this is rather pricey when you consider what these Barchettas trade hands for in Europe and that a Mazda Miata of a similar vintage could be had for around $5,000 or less. So then, is this the price of unobtanium?

-Paul

Lamborghini, Modern Classic

1992 Minardi Lamborghini Formula 1

3 Comments

We don't feature many race cars here at Classic Italian Cars for Sale, but this particular competition vehicle is noteworthy in that it represents Lamborghini's brief foray into the world of Formula 1. Ferrucio Lamborghini was never particularly fond of competition, viewing the activity as a drain on company coffers. However, many of his engineers were racing enthusiasts and began to work behind the scenes on a car for the track. When Ferrucio learned of this, he gave the project his blessing and thus began the story Lamborghini in racing.

It's not widely known, but in 1989, Lamborghini began selling engines to Formula 1 teams. Their first customer being the short lived Larousse team. Minardi would be their last customer in 1992 and this car here for sale in California would be the last Lamborghini engine to compete in Formula 1. This car was not terribly successful, as its best finish came at the hands of Christian Fittipaldi at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing sixth.

1992 Minardi Lamborghini Formula 1

This is a rare 1992 Minardi Formula 1 Lamborghini with Serial# M191LO1, one of three that exist in the world. Powered by a V12 with 600+ HP. Participated in 1992 South Africa, Spain and Mexico Formula One races. The drivers were Morbidelli and Fittipaldi.

At over half a million dollars, this is a piece for serious collectors, but here's hoping that such a significant piece of Lamborghini and Formula 1 history may make an appearance at a vintage race event, such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, in the near future. A race car such as this is a collector piece that needs to be both seen and heard.

-Paul

Fiat

1961 Fiat 2100

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The 2100 was a short lived model in the large car segment of Fiat’s lineup. Introduced as an evolution of the 1800 series, the 2100 had a larger, 2.1 liter OHV six cylinder engine that produced 82 horsepower. This was a car reflective of the times in postwar Italy, as daily life was returning to normal and consumers, especially those with larger families, sought a vehicle that offered a bit more space than their more compact offerings. Seldom seen here in the US, this 1961 2100 for sale in California is painted in a non-original shade of yellow, somewhat invoking a 3/4ths scale version of a 1957 Chevrolet.

1961 Fiat 2100

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I purchased this neat car about 25 years ago and sold it a few years later. I tracked it down about 15 years ago and was able to buy it back. During that time the original cream color was changed to yellow. It has been part of my fleet of "picture cars " in Los Angeles and has appeared in several commercials and TV series (see www.eurofilmcars.com).

Six cyl OHV engine. 82 b.h.p. 4 speed column shift. Runs and drives OK but will need some tender loving care. Virtually rust free California car apart from some paint bubbling on the lower rear fenders and the trunk lid (see photo). No accident damage and most importantly has all the stainless trim intact. Original interior needs to be re-done completely. One of probably only a handful in the US and much rarer than the base 1800 model. Speedo reads 41,014 miles but this is probably not the correct mileage although the wear on the pedals would not suggest 100,000 miles more (?!). Brake hydraulics were sent to Italy for overhaul. Car has 4 drum brakes. Hub caps are new. Comes with the owner's manual.

So few 2100s exist in this country that it would be hard to place a value on, but given the rarity combined with the complete but somewhat rough condition, this may be a $3,000 to $5,000 car. With an interior refresh and a possible return to the original color, this would certainly be a nice, comfortable cruiser to take on a vintage road rally.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

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While we featured an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider just last week, rarely do I see one of these looking as nice as this Spider in classic black for sale Dortmund, Germany. This restored roadster is akin to an automotive cocktail dress: sassy yet dignified at the same time.

1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

For sale is an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. The vehicle was fully restored. The gaps in doors and hoods are almost perfect. The paint has good flatness. All chrome parts were rechromed. The vehicle was rebuilt only with original parts. The entire electrical system was replaced and the gearbox, as well as the drive train, chassis, brakes, etc. The interior was re-trimmed in real leather. The roof quality is good and matches the interior in black. This Spider is ready for much driving pleasure and many pleasant hours in the sun. Get in and start driving.

This Spider, at €39,000 (~ $48,000) is at the top of the range for what Giulietta Spiders go for these days. It isn't often that I see these priced above $40,000, but when they are, they must be the best of the best. The restoration quality looks supreme on this one and I never thought I'd say this, but black may be the new red when it comes to these vintage Alfa Spiders.

-Paul