Monthly Archives: February 2013

Maserati, Modern Classic

1994 Maserati Ghibli

By 1994, the Biturbo was long gone from the US automotive landscape and most people had forgotten about this less than stellar period in Maserati's history. But in 1992, the famed Ghibli name was revived on a revised version of the Biturbo which would be sold until 1997, eventually making way for the 3200GT, which would go on to be the first Maserati sold in the US in 11 years, under the Coupe and Spyder moniker. Funny how some things come full circle, isn't it? This Ghibli is said to be one of two in Canada and is road legal there, due to their more lax 15 year importation threshold, rather than the draconian 25 year rule in the US.

1994 Maserati Ghibli

Very Rare and great condition Ghibli 2 GT for sale. Only 2 in Canada and this is one of them. This is NOT the Biturbo model but the Ghibli 2. Exterior is a very dark grey (almost black) and the interior is beige. The interior is completely leather and suede (no cloth) with a wooden steering wheel.

The radio and CD player work and the floor mats I had custom stitched to match the interior with the Maserati trident logo on them (not shown in the pictures). No cracks in the wood trimming and it still has the orginal Maserati gold Cartier clock in it which works perfectly. It also still has the original flare light/torch that came with the car for emergency purposes.

It is a 5 speed manual transmission and a 2.8 litre, bi-turbo engine putting out about 330+ horsepower. The brakes have been upgraded with new discs that were also slotted and new brake pads. It has been driven only in the summer here and is stored in the garage for the winter. The other Ghibli 2 in Canada was a 1991 model, had done about 71,000 kms and recently sold for $43,000. This is therefore a bargain considering the later model, lower kms and lower price.

I'm not sure if you could consider $35,000 a bargain for what is a thinly reskinned Biturbo, especially since more recent Coupes with the 4.2 liter V8 and 6-speed manual can be had regularly in the $25,000 to $35,000 range. This is also a car from a curious part of Maserati's history, one where the company found itself on the brink. Therefore, reliability and build quality aren't on par with the classics or modern day cars. Even though it has its shortcomings, I've always appreciated the more butch looks the Ghibli brings to the ordinary Biturbo formula. In just a few years, these will be legal to import to the US and hopefully a few more make their way to Canada in the meantime to make for a larger selection this side of the Atlantic.

-Paul

Uncategorized

1966 Bizzarrini 5300 GT

The Bizzarrini is one of the most obscure and mythical Italian vehicles ever produced. For a country that is known for its exotic machinery, that certainly is saying something. The 5300 GT was another one of those Italo-American collaborations, with fanciful bodywork and a Corvette V8 underhood. Rarely do we see these cars for sale but this 5300 GT up for auction in California is perhaps one of the best ones out there.

1966 Bizzarrini 5300 GT

Click to view listing

This is a very rare and special Bizzarrini GT 5300 Strada – it is highly original with only three owners from new. This 1966 Bizzarrini GT 5300 has won numerous awards: it was the Bizzarrini Class Winner at The Quail, A Motor Sport Gathering in August 2012 and it won the Owner’s Choice Award at The Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance in August 2011. This Bizzarrini GT 5300 has also received many other awards over the years.

This is one of the finest and most authentic Bizzarrini GT 5300 Stradas in existence. Bizzarrinis of this character rarely come up for public sale. This Bizzarrini GT 5300 has the desirable series 1 door handles and series 1 dashboard. The car has never had any body damage, has never been raced and is in outstanding condition. The engine and transmission are original.

This Bizzarrini is in spectacular condition and runs perfectly. It is ready for show or a 1,000-mile drive. It is one of the finest and most authentic Bizzarrini GT 5300 Stradas in existence. The Bizzarrini GT 5300 provides a ticket to an exclusive club – with approximately 115 of all types produced and an estimate of less than 100 still in existence, a Bizzarrini GT 5300 is always a rare car at any classic car event.

Make: Bizzarrini
Model: GT 5300 Strada
Year: 1966
Chassis number: IA3*0256
Exterior: Alloy body painted silver
Interior: Black suede leather
Engine: Corvette 327 cid with 4 Weber carburetors
Odometer: 47,209 kilometers (29,334 miles)
Number made: Approximately 115 of all types
Multiple Award Winner

Bizzarrinis are not easy cars to value, due to their scarcity and that few exchange hands on a regular basis. With an opening bid of $700,000 and the reserve not yet met, only serious collectors need apply. With the history of awards this car has won and original drivetrain in tact, this is certainly a car for someone who wants to stand out at the concours. While it may be hard to source certain trim and suspension items for this car, at least the drivetrain will be relatively reliable and easy to service, given its humble GM origins.

-Paul

Fiat

1965 Fiat 500 Jolly

Designed with resort towns in mind, the Fiat Jolly was built by Ghia in limited numbers as a response to a request by Fiat chairman, Gianni Agnelli. He wanted a small, lightweight car which he could transport on his boat for use in port towns and cities. With a chopped roof and wicker seats, it was rather remarkable that the Jolly cost almost double the price of a new 500. As a result, these cars were mainly popular with the jet set; a short list of Jolly owners included Aristottle Onassis, Yul Brenner, John Wayne, Grace Kelly and Mae West. Even US President Lyndon Johnson owned one. While they are purely a car with one purpose in mind, they have become quite collectable in recent times and always draw a crowd at auctions. This Jolly for sale in California was recently sold at Bonhams and Butterfields and has benefitted from a full restoration.

1965 Fiat 500 Jolly

Click to view listing

FIAT's Nuova 500, introduced in 1957, would prove to be an outstanding success for the company with some 2.9 million built. It spawned numerous variants, from sporting versions by Abarth to the ahead-of-its-time Giardiniera people carrier. Alternatives to the original were offered by many of Italy's finest carrozzeria, the best known of these being Ghia's stylish Jolly beach car, which transformed the 500 from basic transport to conspicuous indicator of wealth.

The origins of the Jolly can be traced to Fiat's own Chairman, playboy Gianni Agnelli, who wanted a tender for his yacht 'Agneta'. He commissioned Ghia to remove the remove the roof and doors and add a folding surrey top and wicker seats. Naturally, when Agnelli was seen driving his creation at popular Mediterranean ports, it became a must-have automotive accessory; famous Jolly owners included Aristotle Onassis, Grace Kelly and even Mae West. As redolent of la dolce vita Italy as the immortal Vespa scooter, the Jolly was quintessentially Italian. A small number of Jollies were based on the extended platform Giardiniera estate version of the 500, with the engine under the boot floor, affording a generous luggage area to carry your Louis Vuitton suitcases.

We acquired this Jolly Giardiniera from a broker who bought the car through Bonhams and Butterfields. According to them, the car was purchased in Italy by a Californian Italian ex-patriot and was thoroughly restored there over the past several years. Photos documenting the restoration show the Jolly completely stripped for paint in the attractive ivory color it wears today. Mechanical systems were refurbished as needed, including a rebuild of the engine and transmission.

The Giardiniera was in Italy as recently as November 2011, at which time it was certified in Torino by the Carrozzeria Ghia Club Italia; the homologation certificate and plaque is included. Additionally, in 2011 the Jolly was registered with the Registro Storico Fiat, and issued a plaque bearing its number in the Fiat Registry. An appraisal report in the file dated August 2012 describes the car as "performing with no operational malfunctions".

This exceptionally rare Giardiniera retains the Jolly's hallmark wicker seats and surrey fringe top, with the greater usability of the more practical Giardiniera body style – a model perfectly suited for that St. Barths beach house – or even on the decks of your yacht!

Offered with a California Title, I initially bought the car to use for a promotional event in Santa Barbara. While I buy and sell a high volume of European classics, I’m admittedly far from being an expert in Italian marques and I recommend that buyers do their own due diligence before bidding or purchasing on any car we have to offer. I’ll gladly forward all of the documentation that we have on the car upon request and welcome in-person inspections.

A Fiat Jolly will typically bring somewhere between $25,000 and $45,000 at auction. Given the documentation and condition, I'd suspect this car will wind up fetching somewhere around $35,000 for a high bid. These are perfect cars for someone wanting a little runabout for the beach who may not need full on four-wheel drive like that other popular beach car, the Jeep Wrangler. While it might seem pricey for a 500, you'd be hard pressed to garner this much attention with even a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Everyone will want to know what it is, so be ready with a little history lesson if you happen to be an owner of one of these vehicles.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

Always a favorite here at CICFS, the Alfa Romeo Spider is an attractive, affordable way to experience al fresco Italian motoring in its simplest form. Of all the 105 Series Spiders, the 1991-94 Series 4 model offers a curious mix of classic and modern looks with modern reliability by way of Bosch Motronic fuel injection. This Series 4 Spider for sale in South Carolina has higher mileage but has been well looked after, appearing classy in a lesser seen shade of black.

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce. Black on tan leather. Clean Carfax. 112K documented miles. 5-speed manual. Southern car. Starts right up, runs and drives strong and smooth with no issues. Condition overall is very good both cosmetically and mechanically. Engine runs quiet, pulls hard. No 2nd gear transmission crunch. Brand new Bridgestone Potenza Hi-Performance tires. Newer all leather (front, back and sides) and suede seat covers.

Paint is glossy and shiny, with a few expected door dings and paint imperfections of car of this age. Lots of new parts and standard Alfa maintenances services have been performed. IE, you will not have to have these regular items done upon purchase: new clutch master cylinder and slave, motor mounts, transmission mount, valve adjustment, head re-torque, fresh fluids/flush everywhere, new air/fuel filters, new battery, tune-up (plugs, rotor, cap), hoses, belts, thermostat, fuses, bulbs, etc. I have receipts for all the parts and services.

Head gasket is leak free, brakes are strong, clutch is super strong, power windows run fast and smooth. Canvas top looks good outside, but is tired inside (faded with some sealant patches), although the top is leak free. Full tan book cover. EVERY single electrical function and little light bulb works, except the tachometer and the AC (intact, blowers and switches work, needs recharge at the very least). 2 sets of keys (originals and spares), complete original toolkit in bag, booklet, full newer Pirelli P4 spare tire. Has detachable face Pioneer CD player, new power antenna.

The only negatives of the car are typical to Alfas of this vintage. Typical light oil leaks, but no oil burning. There is a small paint repair near rear taillight where there was rain water damage (there was a tiny common spot of corrosion here which was ground down to bare metal, treated, and painted). There is a 4x2 inch patch in the spare tire well, professionally repaired. The hood is slightly oxidized in places, and there are a few tiny rock chips on the nose. Overall, these are things one would expect for a car of this age.

All in all this is a very clean and meticulously sorted Alfa Spider. I bought the car to keep but stumbled upon a fixer upper Spider and decided to sell one. This Spider has been well maintained, and will make a very reliable car for the enthusiast who will enjoy putting guilt free miles on it. There’s at least $5000 worth of services done to this car, that will need to be done to any Alfa you buy, regardless of mileage. The tachometer can easily be removed and sent for repair at Palo Alto (it is getting signal), the AC can be charged up (I will even throw in a new, sealed fresh IAP receiver dryer). These are just things I haven’t gotten to.

I am an honest seller and an Alfa guy – this is my fifth Spider and I love fixing them up as strictly a labor of love. It truly needs nothing to drive across country. If you’d like to talk on the phone, please send me a Private Message. Car is also for sale locally in Charleston, South Carolina. Fly in and drive it home, or I’m happy to help with shipping. Car will remain garaged and insured until pick up. Title is clean, in hand. Asking $9000 or best offer - willing to negotiate, but please no low ball offers. More pics and info available upon request.

This car has more mileage than most Series 4 Spiders we've seen here, but it has been owned by an Alfa enthusiast and received the care it deserved. The seller's asking price is realistic enough, given the condition and that he seems flexible on negotiation to a point. If you're thinking about buying a play toy for the summer, now is the time to get your hands on a classic Spider to enjoy.

-Paul

Ferrari

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

From one yellow, Pininfarina-styled two-door to the next. Ferraris like the 308 and Testarossa are probably what you would get if you asked a random stranger off the block to draw a car with the Prancing Horse badge. The Daytona was the icon before those icons, so to speak. Impossibly beautiful, these grand tourers represented the winding down of front-engine, 12 cylinder Ferraris, soon to be replaced by wild, wedge shaped, mid-engined sports cars. For sale in Texas, this Daytona represents the second to last year of production for this legend.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

Click to view listing

1972 U.S. Spec Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona. It only has 55,086 miles.

• A U.S.-spec Daytona with well-known history from new
• One of 1,273 Daytona berlinettas built by Scaglietti from 1968-1973

352 hp, 4,390 cc DOHC V-12 engine, six Weber 40 DCN 17 carburetors, five-speed manual transaxle, independent front and rear suspension by coil springs and wishbones, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5 in.

The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 acquired its unofficial Daytona name after the model swept the top three places of the 1967 race of the same name. Ferrari was reportedly quite put out when the Daytona name leaked out during testing, and it was never officially applied to the model. In any case, the Daytona proved its namesake point 12 years later when a 1973 model finished Second at Daytona in 1979, driven by John Morton and Tony Adamowitz, capping an extraordinary competition career.

Introduced at the 1968 Paris Salon, the Daytona had a tube steel frame, and the body featured a horizontal body-side crease below the level of the wheel wells. Early models had full-width plastic headlight covers, but U.S. regulations rejected covered lights, and the solution was the elegant pop-up lights, which were fitted to all the cars from 1970 onward. The Kamm tail contained two taillights on each side, and aluminum was used for the doors, hood, and trunk lid. The Cromodora five-spoke wheels were standard and similar to wheels used on Formula 1 cars at the time.

The price of the 365 GTB/4 rose from $19,500 to $23,940 through the model’s five-year production run, while one of the 121 spyders would set you back about $2,000 more. But the Daytona’s mechanical specifications delivered on its claim to be the fastest production sports car in the world, with a top speed of 174 mph. The four-cam Colombo V-12 engine displaced 4.3 liters and generated 352 horsepower.

Competition Daytonas won the Tour de France in 1972, their class at Le Mans in 1973 and 1974, and their class at Daytona in 1973 and 1975. The 1973 Le Mans class-winning Charles Pozzi entry, driven by Vic Elford and Claude Ballot-Lena, was driven back to Paris following the race, proving the Daytona’s remarkable reliability.

The car on offer today was built on November 23, 1971, in Ferrari Fly Yellow black leather upholstery, and equipped with Borletti air conditioning, a Voxson Sonar radio, and Cromodora magnesium wheels. It was sold in February 1972 by the fabled Luigi Chinetti Motors to Gerald L. Buhrman, an engineer and longtime Ferrari Club of America member, to replace his 330 GTC.

The Daytona was returned to Luigi Chinetti Motors in 1976 and resold to Nicholas Seidman, who traded the 25,000-mile car to Kenneth Fullerton of Lexington, Massachusetts. It went on to spend the next three decades being carefully driven and maintained as part of a private collection on the East Coast.

The car was recently relocated to California by the consignor, a noted Ferrari enthusiast with multiple fine examples in his possession. It wears a sympathetic cosmetic restoration and new suspension by BMC Classics Inc. and Better Body’s Antique & Classic Car Restoration, as well as correct Dinoplx ignition and a Becker Mexico radio, added for a later owner. It has been thoroughly detailed, Additionally, the seat inserts were replaced. The car is accompanied by much documentation relating to its history and maintenance, a partial tool kit, and the all-important report of Marcel Massini documenting its history.

The 365 GTB/4 Daytona was released as the fastest and, for many Ferrari enthusiasts, the most desirable car in the world. Four decades after its debut, the Daytona maintains its glorious status among the sports car elite and is a cultural icon in its own right.

The last last Daytona we featured was on offer for $435,000. Almost $500,000 represents strong money if the seller can get it. As always, with these cars, documentation and history are paramount. If the records are thorough and you can trace the owners back to new, we might have a $450,000 car at best. Half a million could be a tough sell.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1996 Fiat Coupe 16V Turbo

1 Comment

Fiat was going through a bit of a renaissance in the 1990s, but few folks in the US were aware of this, given the company exited the market in 1982. While the decade didn't start off well, with two top executives in the company arrested for political corruption in 1992, the model lineup saw some characterful new models in the way of the Multipla MPV, Barchetta roadster and this car, the wedge shaped Coupe. Introduced in 1993, this was a departure from the more rounded, organic shapes emerging at the time. The car was penned by Chris Bangle, and the controversial BMW designs to come shine through in this car. Twin cam, four cylinder engines in 1.8 and 2.0 liter form were available, with turbocharging an option on the 2.0 liter engine. There was also a five cylinder engine available, also a 2.0 liter powerplant, that could be had normally aspirated or turbocharged, each engine featuring 20 valves.

This Coupe for sale in Ontario, Canada would more than likely cause headaches if would be US buyers tried to register it in their home state, but for Canadian buyers and those who might find a loophole in US regulations, it's a tempting and rare piece for anyone this side of the Atlantic.

1996 Fiat Coupe 16V Turbo

Click to view listing

1996 Fiat Coupe 16V Turbo. One of a handful privately imported to North America. Currently registered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Qualifies for Hagerty Collector's Car Insurance Program. Premium is less that $200 per year. Perfect condition inside and out.

VIN number is ZFA175000P0029556

Ebay listing does not allow me to enter non North American VINs. See the photo for yourself.

US Buyers: Please check with your local DMV to see what it takes to register this vehicle in your state. I have clear Canadian, Province of Ontario Title in my name which I will provide with the sale. It is up to you to have it registered in your state.
Transport of the vehicle to Niagara Falls / Buffalo, NY US border can be arranged at an additional cost.

I like this Coupe, especially in yellow. It has a very late '90s flair about it and is as visually arresting as some of the most outrageous Ferraris. Given the rarity, the seller is certainly trying to make a mint, as $12,000 for a front-drive coupe from the period with almost 70,000 miles is a bit pricey. But, for someone who wants sharp styling from the house of Pininfarina styling on the cheap and a conversation piece, this is not a bad choice.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT

3 Comments

The 105/115 series Alfa Romeo Giulia coupes are the poster child for the practical Italian sports car. A bit more conservative than a Spider, less flashy than a Ferrari, these handsome two-doors had staying power in the Alfa lineup. Sold from 1963 through 1976, there were a number of variations, differing in styling touches and what was motivating them under the hood. This early Giulia for sale in Denmark is exactly how I would order up mine: in red, with some tasty alloys and a Cloverleaf on the C pillar.

1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT

Presented in 1963 the Giulia Sprint GT was the first model of Bertones new design for a small Alfa Romeo GT coupe to follow the highly succesful Giulietta from the mid-fifties. Designer Giugaro gave it the caracteristic 'stepnose' front. In 1966 the Veloce version was presented. Four extra horsepower from 105 BHP to 109 BHP from the 1600 engine, bucket style sports seats and some detail trim as imitated wood veneer on the dashboard and three horisontal bars on the front grille, set the more expensive Veloce from the standard Giulia Sprint GT.

We have known this Veloce for more than 15 years. 1st owner in Sweden was a dentist who had the car for decades. He had it cosmetically restored in Sweden sometime in the late 80s. In the early 90s it was sold to its second owner and came to Denmark for a mechanical overhaul. The local mechanic never finished the car and we bought it five years ago. Now it is totally restored: body, interior, engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes etc. New paint job to a very high standard in correct Alfa Rosso 501. Although one can not speak of mathing numbers with Alfa Romeo a Sprint GT Veloce should have engine type code 536. This one has not only the correct type 536. The series number is also within that interval that corresponds with this chassis number. This is as 'matching' as it gets in the Alfa world.

13,471 of these fine cars were produced and together with a 1750 GT a Sprint Veloce ranks perhaps as the most sought after model of them all, except for the very rare and prohibitively expensive GTA. This gorgeous two owner car has Danish papers and as such taxes (VAT) withing the EU are paid (not deductible).

Good Giulias and GTVs can be found in the high teens and can close in on $40,000 for the very best of the best. The asking price for this GT Sprint is just about right, if a tad high, considering the two owner history, condition and Veloce trim level.

-Paul