To close out February, I thought we would feature another three box sedan from the 1980s, the ubiquitous Fiat 131. But this is no ordinary 131. In 1981, Fiat decided to add some fire to the mix, much like Alfa Romeo did with their turbocharged Giulietta we featured yesterday. The 131 Abarth Volumetrico featured a supercharged version of the 2.0 liter twin cam engine. This would make the car good for 140 horsepower and top speeds approaching 120 mph. Shortly after Fiat ceased production of the Volumetrico, Lancia would adopt the technology for use in its Beta Coupe, HPE, Trevi and Montecarlo. This 131 Abarth Volumetrico is for sale in Cuneo, on the French border near Nice.
For sale, Fiat 131 Abarth Racing Volumetrico 2000cc, year 1984, original TO plates, two door in optimal condition. Papers available. Contact only by telephone.
Fiat 131s for sale that are in good nick in the US generally bring somewhere between $3,500 to $6,500 or so. The Volumetrico is not a common 131 in the US or abroad, so I'd suspect a low mileage example like this will bring somewhere near the top of that range, if not more. The 131 was the World Rally Champion in 1977, 1978 and 1980. Subsequently, the 131 Rally that was homologated for sale is a rather pricey item to this day. For much less cash, the Volumetrico offers similar looks with the added benefit of supercharged thrills.
Creating a follow up act to the Giulia was never going to be an easy task for Alfa Romeo. This compact sedan helped define the emerging sports sedan segment in the 1970s and was a favorite of the Carabinieri. Introduced in 1977, this car was based on the new Alfetta, featuring its rear-mounted gearbox layout. With its three box design featuring a short trunk with a beltline that raised up at the rear, this car would foreshadow styling trends to come in the next decade.
Alfa Romeo decided to kick it up a notch in 1982 with the Giulietta Autodelta Turbo. Under the hood was a 2.0 liter, twin cam four cylinder aided by a KKK turbocharger which helped this unit pump out 168 horsepower. This was quite a heady number for a four cylinder engine from this era. Only 361 of these small, lively sedans were ever made; fewer still exist today. This rare Alfa is for sale in Livorno, on the coast due east of Florence, Italy.
Alfa Romeo Autodelta Turbo, type 116.A1B, only 361 units built, produced on 09/21/1983 (source documentation service Alfa Romeo Historic Motoring), LI original black plate. The car has been fully reconditioned along with the mechanicals while maintaining the original features from the Alfa Romeo factory. The upholstery is original, preserved as new because the car was always garaged. TRX tires on 365mm original rims. Possessing Certificate of Historical Importance and collecting ASI. Price on arrival and adequate to the car.
This is one seriously low mileage Alfa, with just over 40,000 miles on the clock. While no price is given, I'd suspect this car is rare enough to warrant a price of around what similarly mint Alfa Milanos and 75s are going for these days, which is anywhere between $7,000 and $10,000 USD. This car is rare enough in Europe, but you'd almost be guaranteed to be the only one on US soil to have a Giulietta Autodelta Turbo if you went to the lengths to import it.
The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 is a rather obscure Ferrari, even though it rides on the same chassis as one of the most famous cars to ever wear the Prancing Horse badge: the Daytona. The 365 GTC/4 added a pair of rear seats and its 4.4 liter V12 was a bit detuned. Also, this car would have a front mounted gearbox in lieu of the rear-mounted transaxle of the Daytona. These would be the last front-engined, V12 Ferraris sold in the US until the arrival of the 456GT in the early 1990s. This 356 GTC/4 for sale in California is not a concours example but one you wouldn't be shy to drive and enjoy on a regular basis.
1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4
s/n 15657
Red with Tan Leather
When introduced, the 365 GTC/4 was Ferrari’s absolute top of the line executive model. With a comfortable, relaxed seating position, functional air conditioning, and power steering, the 365 GTC/4 achieves a pleasant balance between a thoroughbred sports car and a luxury grand touring car, and is considerably less exhausting to drive than the 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” produced during the same period. The 365 GTC/4 is by far the most sought after of the luxury touring models of the era, and has enjoyed considerable appreciation over recent years.
This example, s/n 15657, was built for the US market and appears to have remained in North America all its life. Fantasy Junction had the opportunity to handle the sale of the car in 2003, at which time the odometer showed just 60,634 miles. Records on file, which date back to 1977, confirm this mileage as correct from new, and outline regular upkeep including the replacement of the clutch and all four shocks at 57,000 miles, rebuild of the brake calipers at 56,000 miles, rebuilding of all six carburetors at 55,000 miles, removal and resealing of the differential and transmission at approximately 50,000 miles, replacement of many of the coolant hoses at 46,000 miles, and major service by the Ferrari dealer in Walnut Creek, California at 42,000 miles. Generally speaking, the balance of this work was performed by Waterfront Automobilii Inc, a known Ferrari authority in Northern California. After a period of careful, dry storage, Fantasy Junction oversaw the re-commissioning of the brake system as necessary, as well as tuning of the engine carburetor and ignition systems. Mechanical work was performed by Dino Motors in San Mateo, California, with further detail work in the form of color sanding and polishing performed by Classic Auto Body in Berkeley, California. The car has seen just three ownership changes since 1977, and has remained in California for nearly all its life.
This is a nice driver example. Refinished in a shade of red reminiscent of “Rosso Dino”, the car shows well. Upon critical inspection, it is possible to note slight shade differences in the paint, and other very minor flaws. The body lies are straight and the panel match excellent at all seams. This example has had the front and rear bumpers painted body color, as their black rubber appearance was often criticized on the GTC/4. The window glass and trim is all in very good order. The car sits on Cromodora wheels with Michelin XWX tires.
The interior is very good, and appears to be very original. The seats, door panels, and correct “mousehair” dash material is all in very good order and makes an honest presentation. The headliner is spotless. The carpets may also be original, and while they show some minor discoloration in the footwells, are generally very nice. This 365 GTC/4 is fitted with a black anodized Nardi wheel, but retains its original Becker Mexico cassette player and factory switchgear and gauges. Even the clock works!
The engine bay is in keeping with nice driver standards in terms of its cosmetic presentation, but is largely correct in equipment and finishes. The battery hold down, and window washer bag is present, and the correct surfaces are crackle finished. The often troublesome “Dinoplex” electronic ignition boxes have been updated with more modern units for reliability. The trunk appears to be completely original, and still wears its factory black carpet. The underside is straight, and solid, and has received a recent major detail, but remains representative of a nice driver.
s/n 15657 starts easily, runs with good power, minimal smoke, and displays that wonderful exhaust note that 365 GTC/4s are known for. The brakes work well, and the transmission, clutch, and driveline are all in good operating order. As a US market car, this example was fitted at the factory with A/C, which blows, but not particularly cold.
With the car comes the manual pack with leather pouch, tool kit, jack with bag, and matching spare wheel. Many enthusiasts who have owned both 365 GTC/4s and 365 GTB/4 “Daytonas” prefer the drivability aspects of the C4, and tend to use them more. At well under half the cost of a comparable Daytona, the 365 GTC/4 is excellent value in the front-engined V12 Ferrari world, and are likely to continue to be a fantastic investment as the values for other similar front engine V12 Ferrari’s sky rocket.
Since the 365 GTC/4 is one of the less popular Ferraris, it represents one of the least expensive ways into a vintage V12 Ferrari. Prices for these cars can range from $80,000 to around $130,000 at the top end. I'd suspect this car might wind up somewhere just shy of six figures, as it is a driver quality vehicle with an honest level of patina.
The 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32 that we featured for sale last year in Canada is back up for sale with a Buy it Now of $15,900. Is this tempting enough for a US enthusiast to travel across the border, bring it back here for one year under a potential "show and display" exemption and then be in the clear in 2014?
The below post originally appeared on our site June 27, 2012:
Cars like the original Mercedes-Benz 500E, the BMW M5 and the Cadillac CTS-V are all sedans that enthusiasts are familiar with. Take an executive saloon, drop a bomb of an engine under the hood, tweak the suspension, brakes and transmission and you have a recipe for stealth. But one of the most interesting and seductive sports sedans to ever hit the streets is probably one you never heard of. The Lancia Thema 8.32. This car shared architecture with the Fiat Croma, Saab 9000 and Alfa Romeo 164. While the Giugiaro inspired styling may have been a bit tame, in true Lancia form, the engineers went off the reservation. In went a 3.0 liter V8 from a Ferrari 308. Mounted transversely with a cross plane crankshaft and a few bits from Ducati, this was a serious motor. With 212 horsepower on tap and a sub seven second 0-60 time, the Thema 8.32 could hang with the best of them. This one for sale is unique in that it has been imported to Canada, putting it within arms reach of US enthusiasts.
I am offering one of the rarest, world's best, unmolested factory original 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32 with the Ferrari 3.0 four cam V8. Yes, a true sleeper. Incredible performance from the 3.0 four cam Ferrari V8. This rare all numbers matching Thema 8.32 is one of only 3,971 ever made and in spectacular original condition with only two meticulous owners since new. It was professionally appraised in January of 2006 for $36,000. That was six years ago. VIN #: ZLA83400000164763.
SOME BRIEF HISTORY: First shown at the Turin Auto Show in 1986, the Thema 8.32 ("8" standing for the number of cylinders and "32" for the number of valves) was assembled at Lancia's S. Paolo plant in Turin. Shaped by the hands of Giorgetto Giugiaro, the boxy sedan model featured a 0.32 drag coefficient, which was an impressive figure at the time. Being a luxury model, it featured a comprehensive list of standard and optional features, including automatic air conditioning and heated seats wrapped in leather or Alcantara.
Two years after the launch of the model, Lancia executives decided to step it up a notch with the presentation of the Thema 8.32, perhaps better known as the "Thema Ferrari." The Italian Q-car was fitted with a 3.0-liter 32valve V8 engine (hence the 8.32 in the name) sourced from Ferrari. Power was sent to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. The Ferrari-powered Thema completed the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 6.8 seconds and achieved a top speed of 240 km/h or 149 mph!
The styling of the Thema 8.32 was rather discreet with exterior upgrades being limited to the different grille, tailpipes, gold/yellow pinstripes on the sides, a retractable rear boot lid spoiler and the alloy wheel designs. Inside, the flagship Thema offered buyers a full leather treatment (or Alcantara) along with a wood trimmed dashboard featuring unique gauges and a three spoke leather steering wheel.
Here are some highlights: The actual mileage on this 8.32 is 123,413 original km or 73,000 original miles. No rips, tears, cuts, or any other imperfections in the Alcantara seats, door panels and dashboard Non-smoker and was never smoked in by anyone else. Full service history from Grand Turismo in Alliston, Ontario. One of 2 in North America that I know of. Does anyone else have one in North America? I would sure like to know.
Purchased from the first and only original 73 year old owner in Italy and imported by Autoforum into Canada several years ago. Must be seen and driven to be appreciated.
MOTOR: 3.0 quad came FERRARI V8. The previous owner (Paul) has spent over 20K in making sure this 8.32 is perfect. Speak to Brett at Gran Turismo. I would be more than glad to give you Brett's telephone number.
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed transmission. The transmission shifts perfectly in every gear!
BODY: 100% rust free with factory original paint. Never in any accident or collision whatsoever. All original factory shell panels, no aftermarket parts whatsoever. Perfect floors, rocker panels, trunk, etc.
EXHAUST SYSTEM: Upgraded Magnaflow exhaust system. Comes with factory exhaust system as well.
WHEELS/TIRES: Factory original 15" WHEELS with Yokohama tires! I will install a brand new set of 205/50 15" tires for the new owner.
INTERIOR: All original, as new. What can I say, again, let the photos speak for themselves.
COMES WITH THE FOLLOWING: Color brochure, untouched original tool kit, original untouched spare wheel/tire, original factory jack, appraisal - was appraised in 2006 at over $36,000. Today it would be appraised at $45,000. Full service history from Gran Turismo. Original factory exhaust, Lancia Thema floor mats, everything you see in the video/photos. This Lancia cost the equivalent of $80,000 when it was brand new.
TITLE/SHIPPING: This 1989 LANCIA THEMA 8.32 comes with a clean Canadian title. For US residents, I can title this Lancia in your name here in Toronto and get Ontario license plates/sticker in your name so you can drive this Lancia anywhere in North America.
The attractive thing about this Lancia is that it is already residing in North America and will be legal for US road use in 2014. I'm not sure how the seller would work out Canadian license plates for a US buyer, but it wouldn't be out of the question for a US collector to buy this car, store it away for a short while and then title it. It sound kind of crazy, but sadly the US government is so draconian that we are left with few other inexpensive options. The last Thema 8.32 we featured had a little more than 30,000 less miles on the clock and was being offered at $18,000. This car was also located in Germany. I would wager to say averting the hassle that comes along with importation logistics, the asking price of $22,000 is almost a bargain for a decently preserved example of unobtanium.
The 1969 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 we featured last August is back up for sale in Florida with a starting bid of $28,999. That's top of the range money for what is an original car with one repaint.
The below post originally appeared on our site August 14, 2012:
The Alfa Romeo GTV was a popular sports car of its time, but not offered to US customers were the smaller engined variants, such as the GT 1300. These were popular in markets where insurance and tax costs for larger engined vehicles were higher, such as Alfa's home market. This model we see here for sale in Florida is in good original condition. This is also one of the "step-front" models, as the leading edge of the hood sat a quarter inch higher than the nose of the car.
1969 Alfa Romeo 1.3L GT (Gran Turismo) Junior "scalino" (step nose). Equipped with a 1290cc Double Overhead Cam Inline 4 Cylinder gas engine. Body was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Bertone. Vehicle weighs 2100 lbs. All original except for one exterior repaint in its rare and original color of Blu Francia/French Blue /Bleu France/Französisch Blau Paint Code(s): AR-342.
69,044 original miles (111,116 km), this car has never been restored and looks and drives like a new car. All matching numbers as per Alfa Romeo historical register in Milan, Italy. This last year step nose is an extremely rare find and we even managed to keep the original Italian "black plates" which were on this car from new !!! We are convinced there is not a second one like this in the USA.
-The mileage represented on this vehicle is accurate.
-There are no signs of prior damage on this vehicle.
-There are no noticeable dings on the exterior of this vehicle.
-This vehicle has a smooth shifting transmission.
-All power equipment is functioning properly.
-There is no damage evident on this vehicle.
-The engine on this vehicle is running properly.
-The exterior of this vehicle is extra clean.
-The interior of this vehicle is extra clean.
Lately, I've come across a lot of the smaller engined Alfa Romeos that weren't originally sold in the US that have found there way to these shores. They seem to bring similar money to their larger engined siblings, especially if you can find one in good original shape. GT 1300s realistically range from around $15,000 to the high $20,000 range. Since the reserve isn't met at $20,000, I'd say the seller is looking for somewhere around $25,000. While originality is nice, there's plenty of GTV 1750 and 2000 coupes for sale out there for less money. If it was my money, I'd probably seek out one of those instead.
Every few years, Ferrari has a habit of unleashing their rendition of the ultimate sports car. The Ferrari F40 appeared in 1988 and set the world on fire with its twin-turbocharged V8 engine and brash personality. This would be the last car that Enzo Ferrari would personally approve before his death. Then came the Ferrari F50 in the mid 1990s. This was supposed to be a sort of F1 car from the street, as it had a 4.7 liter V12 engine derived from the 3.5 liter V12 used in their F1 car. It also featured an innovative carbon fibre tub with alloy subassemblies. In the end, this car was derided for being not quite as good as the F40 that preceded it.
In 2002, along came the Enzo. Ferrari had to get this one right, as it was named in honor of their founder. So right off the bat, people expected big things. At first, one could see right away it's more lithe lines hinted at something a bit more serious than the wide, open roofed F50. A new 6.0 liter V12 could be found amidships, sharing the architecture with the 4.2 liter V8 engine found in the Maserati Quattroporte. At the start, 349 Enzos were planned, but the company added another 50 cars to the production schedule after demand eclipsed supply. A rare move by Ferrari. One more Enzo would be built in 2005, bringing the total count to 400. That Enzo would be given to the Vatican and was auctioned for charity. The car brought $1.1 million.
This Enzo for sale in Texas has just over 4,000 miles on the clock and is one of the few not to be painted in the usual Rosso Corsa.
A very rare 2003 Ferrari Enzo. This very special Enzo is one of few built in Ferrari's Giallo Modena (yellow) with Nero (black) leather. U.S. car. An absolutely necessary choice for any true Ferrari collector. The Factory options are yellow faced gauges, black leather large racing daytona sport seats with carbon fiber seat surrounds, multi-functional carbon fiber steering wheel, black carpets with yellow embroidery, carbon fiber interior panels and trim, Ferrari's legendary F1 transmission and black brake calipers. A careful 4,077 documented miles have been placed on this meticulously cared for example. Two master keys, original books, luggage w/covers, tool kit, tire inflater, tow hook, leather owners manual cover, master key code card, service records and floor mats. Do not miss this opportunity to own a super rare Ferrari that stands out from the few existing Enzos left in the world.
This Enzo is undoubtedly one of the most expensive cars we've seen here at CICFS. This is a car that will never be cheap, just due to the low production numbers and reputation which surrounds it. Currently, Enzos that come up for sale can be seen changing hands for between $900,000 and $1.3 million. At almost $1.7 million, we're above that mark. Formula 1 Champion Jensen Button's Enzo sold at auction last year for $1.6 million. Since this car doesn't have a special history behind it, I'm guessing the seller will probably have to come down a few hundred thousand dollars before it sells.
Even though it was never sold in the US, the Lancia Delta is fairly well known here amongst enthusiasts. This is in no small part due to its six World Rally Championships. A fairly unassuming vehicle, the Delta mixes turbocharged power with four-wheel drive capability to create a versatile, practical compact hatchback that could shame many sports cars in its day. Early Delta Integrales are now legal to import to the US, and this black one for sale in Modena, Italy is calling my name from afar...
Lancia Delta HF Integrale 8V, ASI. 09/1988, 134,121 km, service regularly at Lancia shops. Gun-metal gray with gray interior Missoni multi color alcantara upholstery. Car completely original, already registered ASI and registerable to Historic Lancia Register. Full options: central locking, power windows, sunroof, 15" alloy wheels. Plates and original documents. Car ASI therefore enjoys all the tax benefits of an historic vehicle (stamp 25 Euro), reduced insurance and transfer of ownership facilitated.
With just over 80,000 miles, the seller is asking the equivalent of $12,600. If this could be bargained down to around $10,000 to give a bit of space for shipping and importation costs for a US enthusiast, you would have one heck of a ride to show up with at the next Cars & Coffee event. Not only that, this is a practical classic that you could use with no worries in rain, sleet or snow.
Those in the market for a cheap, four-wheel drive vehicle under $20,000 have a couple of choices, but not many. The Patriot is the bottom end of the Jeep range, but a rather dreadful vehicle. Subaru has a few Imprezas that fit the bill for those not looking for a full-on SUV and Suzuki has the SX4, which is a rather tidy, all-wheel drive five-door hatchback. Unfortunately, the US has not been privy to the Fiat Panda 4x4, which has been around since the 1980s. Rumor has it that we may get a version of this plucky little off roader in the form of a small Jeep, given Fiat's control of Chrysler. In the meantime, it's possible to pick up the first generation Fiat Panda on the cheap, even considering shipping costs to the US. This Panda for sale near Milan, Italy has covered a scant 40,000 miles and would be a great commuting tool for those in colder climates.
Fiat Panda 4x4, 1987 (hence exempt stamp duty), in excellent condition, both mechanical and body. The following components have been replaced due to age: brackets, headsets, tires, battery, belts, etc. Car does not require any additional work, price is negotiable.
The seller is asking the equivalent of about $4,200 USD for this Panda. By the time you factor in shipping and importation fees, you might be hovering around $6,000. That's seems like a lot for a Panda, but considering the utility on tap and exclusivity this car offers stateside, it's a small price to pay. With manually selectable four-wheel drive and a low range first gear, this car offers a curious mix of versatility and economy that is hard to match.
The 105 Series Alfa Romeo Spider is one of the most plentiful Italian classics available in the US and a good starting point for those new to the Italian car game. The Spiders produced in the late 1970s and 1980s can get a bit overlooked, due to the popularity of the original Duetto and the refined, final edition Series 4. This Spider for sale in Louisiana caught my attention, as it has relatively low mileage and looks clean and crisp in this shade of silver blue with Panasport style wheels.
This car is the archetype of the classic sexy Italian roadster! A "Wednesday Alfa," the vehicle has absolutely no rust and has had zero serious mechanical or electrical issues. I am only it's second owner and it as been impeccably maintained, restored, and enhanced to achieve superb daily drivability that is unlike any other Spider. This includes:
-New front and rear suspension
-Chassis stiffening system
-New cool air intake
-New exhaust system from manifolds to tail pipe
-New brakes x 4 and master cylinder
-New 90A alternator
-New water pump
-New valve cover gasket
-New Lights/Turn signal/Wiper switch
-New ignition switch
-New 15" Rota panasport alloy wheels
-New Yokahama tires
-New plugs and certified Alfa wires
-New Alfa top
-New clutch hydraulics
All work done 2010-2011 by Ralli-Round, Alfa specialists in Seattle, WA. The car runs like no other Spider and loves to be driven every day! More photos available on request.
While the Series 4 Spiders are a bit more reliable with their Bosch engine management, the Series 3 Spiders can offer a bit more bang for the buck. A lot of work has been done to this particular car and in light of that, the car is priced well within reason. For someone looking for a plug and play Alfa Spider, this car would be a good candidate.
The Ferrari 456 was one of the most tame Ferraris of recent memory and brought back the idea of a grand touring Ferrari to the modern era in the US. Before the end of production, Ferrari released a limited production 456 modeled after the car that Formula 1 Champion Michael Schumacher owned. Buyers could specify this limited edition package via the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Program. Included in this "Schumacher Edition" was a two tone color scheme, special leather interior, revised instrumentation and an upgraded suspension with drilled Brembo brakes. This particular 456M for sale in San Francisco is claimed to be one of only three of its kind to make its way to US shores.
This 2003 Ferrari 456M GT Bi colore "Schumacher Edition" is very rare with 11k miles from new! This rarest of rare Ferrari special editions is now available for your consideration. One of less than 20 total built for the world and one of only 3 known to have come to the U.S. market, this is an amazing opportunity for the discerning collector. Ordered new from The Auto Gallery in Woodland Hills for a special client and now available to you if you act fast. The vehicle is as follows:
Exterior:
Extracampanario (special order) Maserati Grigio Nuvolari exterior paint (body)
Canna di Fusille (dark grey) roof color
Red brake calipers
Factory battery charger
Two-tone paint scheme
Dark grey painted wheels
Drilled Brembo brake calipers
Stitching throughout in Bordeaux
The Schumacher Edition was based on the vehicle built for and given to Michael Schumacher when he won the world championship, the dominant characteristic is the two tone paint. This elegant tone on tone color mix was obtained through a special study on the chromatic tones of grey, then also applied to other exterior details such as the wheels and front grille. Ferrari went one step further and gave specialized options to the car such as new graphics for the instruments, interior leather trim, and drilled brake calipers a la the 550 Maranello. #132385 is in exceptional, almost new condition and was delivered new 02/06/04 making it one of the last 456M built for the U.S.
Normally, I'm a fan of the 456, but this special edition seems a bit too brash for my tastes. Generally, more subdued colors work well on this car versus the two tone we see here. Late model examples of the 456 can range between $60,000 to $80,000. With a reserve higher than that range, I'd assume the seller is looking for a sum closer to six figures. For what is essentially a color and trim package, will this car warrant the premium?
