Monthly Archives: March 2013

Maserati, Modern Classic

1983 Maserati Quattroporte

With a new Quattroporte debuting this year, now is a good time to take a step back in time and look back at prior generations of this executive saloon. The third generation Quattroporte debuted in the late 1970s shortly after Alejandro De Tomaso took the reigns of the company. He envisioned an Italian competitor to the Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9. This would be one of the last truly handbuilt Italian cars with all exterior seams filled in and an interior trimmed in leather as only the Italians could do. While most Quattroportes from this generation were fitted with a Chrysler 3-speed Torqueflite automatic, a ZF 5-speed manual was available. This exceptionally clean Quattroporte for sale in Germany has the 5-speed gearbox and must be a pleasure to drive at high speeds down the Autobahn.

1983 Maserati Quattroporte

The Maserati Quattroporte III is the last hand-built Maserati, it also has the historic 450-S-derived 4.9-liter V8, which is the final evolution of a similar engine fitted in the Gibli, Bora, Indy, Khamsin and Kyalami. For the design, Giorgetto Giugiaro was committed. Under the De Tomaso era such a luxury sedan was built, which was both elegant and sporty. The direct competitors were the Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, Jaguar XJ12, Bentley Mulsanne and Aston Martin Lagonda.

The vehicle offered was delivered to the Bank of Italy in Venice. The car was recently imported from Italy. The sunny climate results in a very good body with no rust. The overall condition is to be assessed as excellent. The car has just had a full service at the prestigious Maserati specialists Schiemenz in Bonn. Here, the clutch was replaced and transmission was sealed; it also has had all wear parts replaced. The costs amounted to more than €13,000.

The aim of this beautiful Maserati is long, carefree pleasure and look forward to its H-plates in two years. Since the paint was used up, the car was bare metal resprayed at prestigious specialists, fixed what little damage there was to the body and then painted in Nero (black) at a cost of €12,200. It is a rare car, in which a 5-speed transmission was specified, that increases driving enjoyment and the appreciation potential. The interior is entirely lined with the finest leather, which is also in very good shape. If you are looking for an individual car that is guaranteed to evolve into a classic, then you will find it here. The car will be sold with full TÜV report, German vehicle registration.

At €35,990 (~ $46,290 USD), this is by far the most expensive Series III Quattroporte I've ever seen on offer. Interestingly, the seller's website lists the car at an even higher price of €44,980 (~ $57,911 USD). Whatever the case may be, the 5-speed Series III Quattroportes are a rare car indeed. A big, V8 executive saloon with a manual transmission isn't something your average manufacturer would attempt nowadays, save for the D2 chassis Audi S8 with its available 6-speed manual. But then again, Maserati isn't your average manufacturer.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1989 Ferrari 328 GTS

I won't deny that I'm one of the folks who laments the passing of the traditional manual gearbox and the more visceral, unforgiving sports cars of yore. Nowadays manufacturers have made it easy for kids transitioning from video games into real time driving, eliminating the learning curve for many when it comes to proper driving. The Ferrari 328 was the final chapter for the 308 that debuted in the mid 1970s. In its final year, new technology could be seen creeping through in the form of anti-lock brakes and revised suspension geometry to accomodate this feature.

This GTS, or Gran Turismo Spider, for sale in Miami has ultra low miles and is a car that looks right at home sitting under the palm trees.

1989 Ferrari 328 GTS

This 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS, finished Rosso Corsa with tan leather interior. Driven only 14,887 documented miles. Major service completed nn 07/23/2012. Limited production vehicle and only model year with ABS. Original manuals, original keys, original tool kits. It's as good as it gets! Trades accepted, non smoker.

The 308 on which the 328 is based is one of the cheapest ways into the Prancing Horse club these days. However, the final 328 models, especially clean, final year examples such as this one are rightfully prized. A good 328 GTS will set you back somewhere between $50,000 and $70,000, depending on mileage of course, and this car is right at the top of that range. Which is hovering right around what these cars sold for new...albeit that would equate to much more in 1989 dollars.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider

The Series 4 Alfa Romeo Spider of 1991 to 1994 is one of the most popular cars we've featured here on CICFS, mainly because there's plenty of them out there to choose from. This Spider for sale in Florida is in a lesser seen white hue, but is in stunning condition having covered less than 30,000 miles. With warmer weather around the corner, now is a great time to jump on one of these classic roadsters.

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider

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1991 Alfa Romeo Spider. This is an agent assisted sale by a private seller. I've been hired by the seller to find a new owner for this Spider. I will present any reasonable offers to the seller and get you a quick response.

Details:

-White exterior, factory color name Bianco Freddo, factory color code 230
-Tan Interior
-27,778 actual miles
-Two previous owners, the current owner purchased it from the original owner in January 2001
-Clean Carfax, the car has never been in an accident or mishap or any kind
$1,400 worth of work completed last week by the local Ferrari/Alfa master technician who worked at the Ferrari factory as a young boy under the directorship of Enzo. The work was done to put the car in absolute tip top shape.
-Set of books with the factory pouch
-Factory Alfa tire gauge in its place inside the owner's manual pouch.
-Tires are in excellent condition
-Wheels are in excellent condition, no curb rash
-The convertible top is like new inside and out, the eisenglass plastic windows are absolutely scratch free and no creases
-The carpets are in excellent condition, no grime marks anywhere
-The seats are in excellent condition, no wear at all on the seat bolsters and the seams are all perfect
-Perfect dash, not one crack anywhere. Perfect
-The tail lights are perfect, no cracks
-Solid underbelly, please see photos
-Perfect chrome everywhere on the car
-Power windows go up and down perfect, no noises, no slowness, perfect
-Factory tools in the Alfa Romeo factory lavender purple pouch. The screw drive and spark plug socket are still wrapped in the original foam protector. No usual surface rust on the tools
-The tire jack is in place and in perfect condition
-The carpet in the trunk is perfect and the glue has not released (holding up the carpets on the sides)

Driving impression:

The car is a joy to drive. It starts right up without hesitation or extra noises. The engine is strong and well tuned. The suspension is solid and there is no play in the steering wheel. It shifts with ease as you would expect from a 27,000 mile Alfa. The whole car is a super wow. The seller is getting up in age and simply doesn't have the time to enjoy the car and is having trouble getting in and out of it. Hence the sale.

In my opinion, this Spider could win Platinum at a concours. I've been a concours judge of Ferraris for many years and know a Platinum winner when I see one. I would deduct 3 points for the engine bay, albeit all it would take is some elbow grease to pull up the points. I would also deduct 2 points for the aftermarket radio, but that can be remedied by buying one off eBay and installing it. It's an amazing car that I'm sure will fall into the hands of a collector.

Most Series 4 Spiders that we've seen here on CICFS tend to range between $12,000 to $15,000. A Spider, especially a non-Veloce, closing in on $20,000 is a bit hard to stomach given where the market is for these vehicles. But, when you consider the amount of style and driving pleasure these cars offer and what $18,000 buys you when it comes to a new car, this car could be a bargain to someone.

-Paul

Maserati

1991 Chrysler TC by Maserati

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Time has not been kind to the Chrysler TC by Maserati. This car is kind of like the Rodney Dangerfield of the automotive realm: it gets no respect. But unlike Dangerfield, there's nothing really funny about this vehicle. I saw one of these vehicles on the road over the weekend and it got me to thinking: exactly what kind of person collects a car like this? Someone who wants a Maserati on the cheap? Fans of orphan cars? Whatever the case may be, this convertible built on a K-car chassis that can attribute its existence between the bond forged when Lee Iacocca worked with Alejandro De Tomaso on the De Tomaso Pantera sports car is a rarely seen piece these days made up of an amalgam of parts from various suppliers and automotive manufacturers. In the three years it existed, it had three different engine and transmission combinations. This 1991 model for sale in Florida sports the Chrysler V6/4-speed automatic drivetrain.

1991 Chrysler TC by Maserati

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Take a look at this 1991 Chrysler TC by Maserati convertible. A real collector's car! Everything is original. Everything works: leather interior, wood accent trim, power windows, door locks and mirrors, dual power seats, rear defogger, cruise control, A/C, AM/FM/Cass w/added CD player, gas release, adjustable steering column, removable hard top. Carfax verified 32,345 miles with a Carfax buyback guarantee.

Condition report: soft top goes up manually only, some wear on the leather seats and center console, see pictures.

It seems there are a fair amount of low mileage TCs out there, even though they made just 7,300 of these cars over its production run. Did those who snapped them up when new think this would be a future collector car? Who knows. Nowadays, you can get these on the cheap. The best TC might run you around $10,000 to $12,000. This example is certainly presentable with a few flaws - mainly the convertible top - that hold it back. Somewhere around $6,000 to $7,000 will probably take it.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

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We featured an Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider here at CICFS last month. These are a bit of a dark horse in the history of classic Italian roadsters, but nevertheless important in the genesis of Alfa Romeo. The 2600 series was the last Alfa Romeo to be fitted with a twin cam, inline six cylinder engine. This 2600 Spider for sale in Nevada is not a concours example, but looks ready to be enjoyed.

1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

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For Sale: 1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 Touring Spider (VIN #AR192973). The 2600 Touring Spider is a beautiful and rare automobile. Only 2,255 were manufactured during its four year production run from 1962-66. There are far fewer on the road today. It’s a roomy, comfortable sports car that’s solid, elegant, and smooth on the road.

The car features a 2,582cc in-line six cylinder dual overhead cam engine that delivers 165 horsepower at 5,900 rpm. It has less than 1,500 miles on a rebuilt engine. Engine is running rich and a bit rough. Valves and Solex carbs will probably need adjustment. Transmission shifts smoothly. Body is straight and in good shape. Very nice paint, though not perfect. The most noticeable blemishes can be seen in photo of left rear taillight (in corner where trunk meets body), and the two close-ups of paint by rear bumper. Interior in good condition. Gauges work and appear to be accurate. Five 165R400 Michelin X tires purchased from Coker Tires have less than 1,000 miles on them. This vehicle has been kept in an insulated garage, and hasn’t been driven in the rain or snow since I’ve owned it (2007 – present).

Those who are familiar with this model will notice that it’s missing the Touring badges, the large rear chrome license plate holder, and the chrome trim “spears” that run between the wheel wells on each side below the doors. I have the Touring badges and the license plate holder (see photos), but they will need to be installed by the buyer. I do not have the chrome side “spears”, but I know of a supplier that carries them. Also included are original owner’s manuals, a CD that includes owner, service, and parts manuals, and a variety of spare parts. Have service records for past six years, along with service records from previous owner.

As we noted with the 2600 Spider from last month, Hagerty is listing values for these roadsters anywhere from about $20,000 to $60,000. This car isn't the most perfect example, but is certainly presentable. As such, it will probably fetch somewhere between $45,000 to $50,000.

-Paul

Maserati

1967 Maserati Mistral

Successor to the 3500GT, the Mistral is a bit of a forgotten exotic, falling in between the beautiful Touring and Vignale bodied grand tourers that made Maserati a household name and the mid-engined sports cars of the 1970s. The name Mistral derives from French, describing a cold, northerly wind. There's nothing cold about this grand tourer though, with a throaty straight six good for a top speed closing in on 150 mph. Looking a bit like the Buick engined Apollo GT, this Frua bodied car was available in both steel and aluminum bodied form. This Mistral for sale in Florida is an aluminum bodied car.

1967 Maserati Mistral

1967 Maserati Mistral 400 Gt Iniezione.

VIN # AM109 A1 1522
Engine # AM109 A1.1522
Matching numbers car

Italian delivered – A California car since March 17, 1984. This car was sold at “The Auction” in Las Vegas, Nevada in May 1988 to a major car collector in San Antonio, TX where is sat in his collection with very little use until February 2009. This numbers matching example currently shows 66,186 km or 41,126 miles, however; cannot be authenticated as genuine. This is one (1) of 298 4 Liter Coupes ever made and it is also a full alloy bodied Maserati built in May 1967.

Engine rebuilt 2012. Valve job, new bearings, new piston rings etc. This car has the original Lucas fuel injection, Borrani knock-off wire wheels, Girling 4 wheel disc brakes. Power windows. The car has an older black paint, nice shiny and very presentable. Tan leather interior with black piping and black Wilton wool carpets. Original steering wheel. This car is equipped with a 3.77 limited slip rear end. This car is a very good reprehensive of this great classic from Maserati. The last inline six cylinder engine from the Marque, with a most elegant body from Frua and a production run limited to just 828 copies in coupes.

General information about Maserati Mistral 4000 GT:
Body stylist: Giovanni Michelotti
Displacement: 4014 cc / 244,95 inch3
4 Liter DOHC engine mated to a ZF five speed manual gearbox
Compression: 8.08:1
Power: 265 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Top Speed: 155 mph / 250 kmh
0 – 60 mph: 6.2 sec
Front Suspension: Double Wishbones with Coil Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Anti Roll bar
Rear Suspension: Live Axel with Leaf Springs, Telescopic Dampers, Anti Roll bar
Brakes: Dual hydraulic braking system with Servo Assistance
Weight: 3,152 lbs. /1430 Kg
Fuel Capacity: 70 Liters / 18,5 Gallons
Production Times: 1964 - 1970
Total Production: 948 cars - 828 Coupes, 120 Spyders (convertibles)
298 examples of the 4 Liter coupes made
Price New: $13,600

The Mistral is one of those classic Italian exotics that can be had for well under $100,000. Given that this is the higher horsepower 4.0 liter car and with the aluminum shell, I'd say $70,000 is just about right, as this not a completely restored car, but has had a bit of work done to it to keep it presentable.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1964 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale

It's no secret that the Italians make some of the most beautiful vehicles on the planet. But the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale has to be one of their masterpieces. Just look at this car. Inspired by the B.A.T. aerodynamic studies of Bertone, these special Giuliettas were coach built for buyers seeking to press something into competition. While slippery dynamics helped top speed, its weight held it back a bit. Now these Alfas are revered and valued accordingly. This Sprint Speciale for sale in Florida looks stunning in dark blue over red leather.

1964 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale

1964 Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale, 50,000 miles. Simply outstanding. Price: $145,000

I've seen simple, non-descriptive ads, but this one takes the cake. For such an exceptional car, I would have hoped for a little more color. But no matter, I'll just sit back and enjoy looking at the pictures of this car. Sprint Speciales these days can bring anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000, so the asking price is about spot on for what we are dealing with. One thing is certain, whoever buys this car will be a star at the next local car show.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1973 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato 1600

Zagato has always been good at turning the ordinary into extraordinary. And so it goes with the Junior Zagato, based off the Alfa Romeo 1300 and 1600 105/115 series Giulia coupes. These were very modern looking cars for their time, with fastback styling and headlamps made flush via Perspex covers. The Zagato 1600 wound up being a tad longer than the 1300, with a longer sloping back and slightly revised rear panel. Just over 400 of these diminutive sports coupes were made and but a handful exist in the US. This one for sale in Michigan is one of them.

1973 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato 1600

1973 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato 1600: 402 produced, 12 in the U.S. I imported the car in 1977. The car is in excellent condition, no rust, drives great, new interior. 33,750 miles. Price: $64,000

We featured a 1971 Junior Zagato 1300 last year, which had a starting bid of $28,500. At $64,000, this is quite a dear price for this small Alfa and is closing in on exotic territory. This car has been for sale since late last year, so I'd suspect a little will have to come off the asking price to move the metal. I'd suspect it might wind up selling eventually for somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1600 Sprint

The Giulietta Sprint is a tidy little coupe and would foreshadow the next two decades of rear-drive coupe awesomeness to emerge from Alfa Romeo. This 1962 Sprint for sale in San Diego was originally an import from Italy and after 40 years, still wears its original paint.

1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1600 Sprint

This red Alfa was imported from Italy in about ’68 or ‘69 by a David Gemora who owned a machine shop in Tarzana, California. His main business seemed to be building prototypes for government agencies and according to his family he travelled extensively in Russia and China. After he died his wife gathered the kids together at their Woodland Hills home and said, “Now I can tell you what your dad did for a living." His children didn’t know until his death that he was involved in optical surveillance/global espionage with the highest private security clearance available from our government.

Mr. Gemora and a young family friend named David Skora worked on the Alfa at Gemora’s shop from about 1970 onward. Gemora and Skora rebuilt the engine and clutch in the early seventies along with performing other mechanical work to keep the car in good fettle for daily driving chores around Southern California. The car was painted in lacquer at that time also. Young Skora had always desired the Giulia and upon Mr. Gemora’s death in about 2005 was able to purchase it from the family. I purchased it from Mr. Skora.

Today: The paint work is very shiny, like a ruby but there are cracks and miscellaneous dings and dents here and there consistent with 40 year old paint and lacquer especially (the cracks). We have done everything needed to bring it to good mechanical fettle including but not limited to: New brakes, water pump, front engine seal, driveshaft support, flex disk, belts, hoses, fresh air ducts, rear suspension limit strap, carburetor kit, rod out radiator core and more…..(some of these items needed to be performed due to sitting in storage for the long period before Mr. Skora’s purchase)

She drives very nice and one does not have to jump through any hoops nor engage in any special shifting techniques to change gears smoothly. The engine starts easily, pulls strong, does not smoke or drop any large amounts of oil. When reversing briskly one needs to rest a hand upon the shift lever to keep it in place.

Inside there is a lovely period Nardi wood rim steering wheel. Also, there is a very cool, period anti-theft devise on the steering column (built in like it belongs there). There are two photos of it on the photo page. It snaps into place and you use a key to unlock it. I’ve never, ever seen one like it before. This car has a sound structure but is not virginal perfect. At first glance the undercarriage it appears to be rock solid but if one presses upward on the floors they seem to be thin. If one scrutinizes very closely some small perforations can be found. The floor in the trunk under the battery has the usual perforations as well.

I recognize that I am rather fussy with vintage cars and that everyone does not wish or have the resources to drive fully dialed in cars. Some would simply forgo this metal work and drive the car as is. For those in that category a discount can be arranged and this car can be continued to be used just the way it is as a pleasant daily driver. $47,500

The seller misidentified this car as a Giulia; in fact, that was the model to succeed this Giulietta. The last Giulietta Sprint we featured was priced just under $50,000, but that was a well sorted, tastefully modified example. With the few issues this car has I'd suspect it would be more realistically priced in the low $40,000 range.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1991 Ferrari Testarossa

This 1991 Ferrari Testarossa for sale in Ohio represents the final year for the original, striking, wide-fendered design from the mid 1980s. This example is a European model that was originally delivered to Belgium and barring that the looks place this car two to three decades back, looks refreshingly modern in Grizio Metallic over red leather.

1991 Ferrari Testarossa

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1991 Ferrari Testarossa Euro model. The Best rare color combo and the final year. This incredible car has just completed a thorough restoration to the highest standard. 38,000 miles fresh 30k engine out service. The body is straight as an arrow and the paint quality is superb. This Testarossa is straighter and has nicer paint quality than from the factory. Drivability is outstanding; everything works, as it should. The following is a partial list of new items that were installed. Never any damage or frame repair. Being a Euro VIN I could not enter into ebay correct VIN is ZFFAA17B000089266

1. Wheels were media blasted, powder coated twice and painted to original spec.
2. Every emblem on the car was replaced with new. (wheel center caps, pinan farina side emblems, Ferrari and Testarossa emblems, front badge, front and rear horses.)
3. All new rubber including door gaskets, window channels, hood and tailgate gaskets, window trim, and so on.
4. New front windscreen. In order to properly disassemble the car for paint the windshield was removed and replaced with new.
5. New front fog and turn light lenses (one fog lamp had a small crack prior to replacement)
6. Most interior carpet replaced with new, what wasn’t replaced I have new.
7. Left front underbody AC screen panel new.
8. Most fasteners replaced with new stainless or anodized with plastic locking nuts.
9. New Michelin Pilot Sport tires or tyres. The only matched set currently available from Longstones in the UK.
10. Fresh 30k engine out timing belt service 2012 preformed in FL by Black Horse. Fresh engine reseal.
11. New Brake rotors and pads, overhauled and refinished calipers
12. Recent clutch.
13. Fresh oil change Mobile 1 15/50
14. New plugs, fuel filters and air filter.
15. Rear diff and brake fluids just changed.
16. Car was disassembled, stripped and refinished to its current stellar condition.

This is a partial list, but safe to say if a part was available from Ferrari it was replaced. Painted with PPG in correct Grizio Metallic. Pristine show quality, mechanically fresh approximately 200 miles since restoration. The only non OEM items installed on the car are a stebro exhaust system with pre cats removed (I have them and they are included) Cats are installed. The Stebro exhaust and removal of pre cats allow the system to operate at a cooler temp, with less fatigue and free flow. The sound is awesome, definitely more DB’s than stock, but civilized. The engine sings with this setup although, if you prefer the pre cats can easily be reinstalled. This was the last year of the Testarossa and the first year for the TR. Far more invested than BIN

History

The car was ordered by a US buyer to Belgium, and was delivered to Texas in 1991 where it stayed until about 2003 when it moved to NJ and then Pompano, FL. I purchased the car in nice original condition in FL and moved it to Dublin, OH where we completed the restoration 5/2012 The car was ordered us spec, so MPH on Speedo, but odometer is in KM.

The asking price of $62,500 is leaning towards the higher end of what one could expect to pay for a Testarossa of this vintage and mileage. Anything under $50,000 should be approached with caution, and cars that close in on $70,000 should be the best of the best or a later 512TR or F512M. This car has had an impressive amount of repairs and maintenance items addressed, but it would be worth checking to see if this car could be registered in your state properly, given this isn't a US market car. Since it's been here in the states a while, I wouldn't suspect it would be too much of a problem.

-Paul