Monthly Archives: April 2013

Alfa Romeo

1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco

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The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV is an Italian performance bargain. These rear drive coupes started life in the 1970s powered by twin cam, four cylinder engines and wound up closing out the production run in the 1980s with V6 power to rival the best sports coupes in their segment. The Balocco edition was a limited edition trim and graphics package for 1982 only, taking its name from the famous test track in Italy. This particular car for sale in the Boston area was originally a west coast car that is complete but could benefit from a little TLC.

1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco

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111,000 original miles. Originally a west coast car, this vehicle has never been outside in the winter. It was a daily driver until moved east three years ago and has been garaged since then. Registered in Massachusetts and insured--it still gets out for the occasional drive. A proper tune up, including new plug wires, and some brake work would make this car a dream to drive again.

Paint is faded. Black polyvinyl parts are now greyish. But very limited and superficial surface rust . . . a tiny bit above the rear bumper cover and along the top edge of the boot, a tiny bit of rust below the windscreen gasket, and some significant rust through at the boot latch on the hatch. (Spare replacement hatch included in sale).

Too many “news” to list here: car was well maintained and, again, a daily driver until relatively recently. Timing belt and tensioner were changed at 84,000 miles. Exhaust system is new. Injectors were recently cleaned. Still sitting on nearly new Toyo tires. I have all records from my time as steward. I will also throw in my Car Disk with images of all of the original manuals--both operator, and shop.

Minor trim flaws include broken interior door handles, but I have found replacements and they are included. Dash has four cracks. Leather was repaired once, but the heat of the summer here in the east has led to some stitching failure. The once beautiful red carpeting is a dark pink in places. I am partial, but I believe the Balocco trim package to be one of the prettiest things Alfa has ever done: Black leather with red and black striped welting, teakwood headrest supports, red carpeting.

The electrical system seems free of ghosts, but the windshield wipers aren’t working at the moment, it could just be a relay or fuse. Water temperature gauge is not functioning, but the thermostat is good and the cooling fans run correctly. Tach is not completely accurate. If you know these cars, you know better than to ask about the air conditioning!

Not very pertinent to the true Alfisti, but the car has a great four speaker Rockport Fosgate CD player installed in an aesthetically appropriate manner. I have grown to prefer the sound of the engine! This car is perfectly positioned for restoration, which has been a dream of mine for many years. But I’m going back to school in the fall, and three years in the garage have not been kind to it (the heat-dried upholstery). The three additional years it will have to sit while I complete my graduate degree will do it no good at all.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. I know a lot about this car and will be happy to find out anything I DON'T know for you. This Alfa is located in Arlington, MA. You are welcome to come see it in person.

I will not ship personally, however buyer is welcome to arrange pickup with a transportation company of their choice. Deposit of US $500.00 within 24 hours of auction close via PayPal. Full payment required within 5 days of auction close.

Payment methods accepted are:
- Cash (in person)
- Cashier's Check (certified from US or Canadian bank) or money order

Please note: this is a 30 year old automobile. It needs some work, and the auction reserve price and my expectations reflect this. This car is being sold AS IS with no explicit or implied warranty.

Please also note: pictures number one and two are several years old, and from “happier times” on the west coast, just before I drove it across the country and back. What a trip!

Good GTVs of this vintage will run you somewhere between $6,000 and $12,000. The limited edition doesn’t add a whole lot to the value, and given the state of this car, I’d suspect it will fetch somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000.

-Paul

Fiat

1972 Fiat 124 Sedan

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If you count all the variations of the Fiat 124 that were ever produced, including all the licensed vehicles such as Ladas, Seats, Murats and the like, the production total comes to over 20 million vehicles. So how come we don't see any of these on US roads today? Well, rust proofing wasn't what it once was, and since these were sold here early in the production run under the Fiat badge, it's not hard to guess why they are scarce. This 124 Sedan for sale in Southern California is a pretty honest example of a car that went on to become a ubiquitous mode of transportation in emerging markets.

1972 Fiat 124 Sedan

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Have you ever been so smitted by a car that you fell in love? That is the type of feeling you can get from a clean vintage car. This little gem has been lovingly cared for by a gentleman known in collector circuits as a lover of fine Italian cars. Generations of people in many countries grew up with this car or similar cars with different names like the Russian Lada or Zhuguli. In fact, many folks first learned how to drive in or had a very successful date with a young lady in one. The Italians know what I am talking about.

The reaction drawn from vintage Fiats is something that has to be experienced. People of all walks of life seem drawn to them from children and old folks as well as young ladies. Great beach cruiser. These cars are very rare these days, in fact almost impossible to find in an automatic. This example has been cared for by the same collector for over 10 years. The previous owner before was a certified and well known car mechanic. He has more than a dozen cars and drives this one in Beverly Hills, California almost daily.

The current owner is only selling because he is making some room for some more cars. This one has had all of the maintenance done including new head gasket and full brake job. Decent tires and a very clean original dash board. The seats could use some redoing but he decided to leave them as they were because they are not terrible, just a little ripped in places. She has chrome European bumpers and everything is in working order with current registration and a clean title. The VIN number is 124A1129029. For more information or to make an offer please contact Jeff at 949-910-1206.

We feature a lot of flashy sports cars and sumptuous luxury sedans here at CICFS, but it's refreshing to see an honest, vintage family sedan such as this with all its flaws readily visible. The automatic transmission might hold this car back a bit for the more sporting enthusiast, but for something different to get around town in, you couldn't go wrong with this car. Back in June 2011, one of these with a manual gearbox went unsold, not meeting its reserve at $3,800. Have these 124 Sedans appreciated much in that time? Probably not. I'd suspect somewhere around $3,000 to $3,500 would take it. Any more, and you are getting into territory where more interesting Italian iron can be had.

-Paul

Maserati

1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.7

The 1970s were a time of transition for Maserati, both in terms of ownership and the vehicle lineup. The Ghibli was at the end of its run by the early 1970s, giving way to the Khamsin, which was introduced for 1974. The Khamsin would go on into the early 1980s, when the focus shifted from V8 sports cars to the Biturbo, a more compact sports luxury car designed to compete with some of the best Germany had to offer in the segment. Sadly, we all know how that experiment ended, which makes enthusiasts like myself more nostalgic for the time of the big, low-slung Maseratis of the 1960s and 1970s. This Ghibli for sale in Connecticut has the smaller 4.7 liter engine and is, in my opinion, Giorgetto Giugiaro in his finest hour.

1971 Maserati Ghibli

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1971 Maserati 4.7 Ghibli, stunning in every way! VIN AM115 1850

Stunning black over white (tuxedo) 1971 Maserati Ghibli. The Ghibli has been touted by many motoring experts as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and described as mechanical art in its purest form. Truly a hand built vehicle less then 1100 of these cars were made, and very few remain. The car lived in a museum in Austria for 16 years before making its way to these shores in 2006. She has clearly been been restored. The powerful, 4.7-liter V-8 engine runs beautifully, has great power and torque. She recently had more then $18,000 worth of work done by a well-known Maserati repair shop. The work included new heads and valves, full stainless exhaust system, new fuel lines and fuel pumps. We have just had the Weber carburetors tuned and she runs superbly (we have performed a full compression check). The 5-speed gearbox shifts well, all the syncros work as they should, and the clutch works properly.

The black paint is stunning; with a deep mirror finish and all panel gaps are per the factory. The floors are all original with no evidence of rust. The engine compartment has been detailed, and shows well. The outrageous WHITE interior is in wonderful condition, with a mild patina. The black carpets, and black mouse hair dash are new. The A/C blows cold and all of the controls work as they should. The braking system has been checked, they have great feel, and she stops with authority. All glass is original, and all of the seals are new and fresh.

The stainless steel trim likewise is in excellent condition as well. The chrome bumpers are in good condition. Her original wheels are in good condition, and the tires are new. This Ghibli is one of the most striking cars we have ever seen! With her tuxedo colors, she commands a crowd wherever she goes. She drives as well as she looks, and is a true investment grade car. Most expert opinions concur that these Maseratis are a great buy in the investment grade car market, and should appreciate handsomely over the next few years. She is mechanical art in its purest form! Please feel free to call the Classic Car Gallery at 203-256-9800 for any additional information you may need.

Classic & Sports Car Magazine recently pitted a Ghibli SS Spyder against the Ferrari 365GTS/4 Daytona Spider and in the end, the Ghibli won the author over, not just because the Ghibli is the cheaper alternative, but because it has a refinement lacking in the Ferrari. I've always maintained that if I was a man of means, I would have a Maserati over a Ferrari, simply because it doesn't shout about your intentions. It's refined, yet aggressive at the same time.

Currently, Ghibli coupes can be had in the $75,000 to $125,000 range, depending on the provenance and whether it is an SS model. Black over white leather is certainly a classy color combination and very fitting for a car like this. If James Bond had been a paisan, this car would have been his ride.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1969 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto

We've featured a lot of Series 4 Alfa Romeo Spiders over the past few months. I've always been a fan of how those cars combine classic looks with modern practicality. For those who want something a bit more vintage, might I suggest my other favorite Spider, the Duetto. This is where the 105/115 series story began and consequently, these are often valued higher than any other Spiders in this series. This Duetto for sale in New York certainly catches your eye with its Pine Green paintwork and Cromodora alloys.

1969 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto

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1969 Alfa Romeo Spider finished in Verde Pino (Pine Green) with Black interior. Fitted with it's original 1750 twin overhead cam engine and upgraded with twin Weber carburetors, this Pininfarina designed Alfa is one of the most affordable timeless classics on the market. Other Alfa models have already reached the stratosphere and the Boat Tail design, available for only a few years will surely follow. This beautiful five speed example is rust free and comes with five spoke Cromodora alloy wheels, four wheel disc brakes, fresh Pirelli tires, wood steering wheel and more. For a fully detailed description, all serious inquires should be directed to Mark Starr @ 914 217-4817.

The we featured last week had a Buy It Now price of $20,000. That car had about 20,000 less miles on the clock and was in a little bit better shape. For the shrinking violet, the Verde Inglese paintwork might be a little more desirable, but at the current asking price, this car is priced a little bit high. Typically, anywhere between $13,000 to $16,000 is what a Spider Veloce of this vintage will bring.

Over the past decade, the Duetto has steadily increased in value, approaching territory normally reserved for its forebear, the Giulietta Spider. I'd suspect the reserve on this car is somewhere in the low $30k range, with the seller hoping to get around $35,000. Anything approaching $40,000 these days is reserved for the truly exceptional, concours quality Duettos.

-Paul

Lancia, Modern Classic

1985 Lancia Beta HPE VX

The Beta gets a bad rap as the car that gave Lancia a great headache in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the catalyst behind the company's exit from the UK market in the early 1990s. What has become the butt of jokes in certain automotive circles spawned a very curious model was spawned: the HPE, or High Performance Estate. Based on the longer wheelbase of the Berlina, this two-door shooting break appeared three years after the Berlina and Coupe arrived on the scene. Towards the end of the production run, the HPE was offered in VX trim, which included the supercharged, 2.0 liter engine that produced 133 horsepower. These VX Betas are almost extinct from the scene these days, but this HPE VX for sale in the Netherlands is bound to have Lancia (and estate) enthusiasts drooling.

1985 Lancia Beta HPE VX

HPE Volumex in excellent condition. In my posession since 2001. Engine and suspension overhaul 2007. Well maintained, carefully restored. Complete maintenance file available. Ready for daily use, a pleasure to drive. Lack of space forces sale. Car can be seen and tried in Hilversum, Holland.

At a tad over $8,800 USD, this is one pricey Beta. Usually, if you can find a Beta in similar condition in the US, you'd probably wind up paying around $5,000 to $6,000 at the high end. You certainly wouldn't be likely to come across a VX model, however. A few years ago, Audi showed a TT Shooting Break concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. I've always wondered why this vehicle configuration isn't more popular, because, for a single guy like me, having a two door performance car with a bit of increased practicality is just what the doctor ordered.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic, Revisit

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde – REVISIT

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The 1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde we featured in February is still for sale, with a lowered price of $12,500.

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde - REVISIT

The below post originally appeared on our site February 18, 2013:

The Alfa Romeo Milano has been steadily gaining notoriety as one of those classic Italian cars that can offer a lot of motoring thrills for not much money. A favorite with our readers here at CICFS, I've tried to feature as many good examples of this sports sedan I can find. Today's Milano is another four door Alfa residing in Washington and comes from an owner with a familiarity of the marque.

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde

Excellent 1988 Milano Verde for sale. I purchased this car 8 years ago from Roberto P from Ferrari of Seattle. This was his personal car for the previous 5 or so years. He owned it since it had 50,000 miles and had it braugt up from California in early 2000. I have always had the car garaged in all 8 years that I have owned the vehicle and was always serviced by FOS as needed. I have been around Alfa Romeo's since I was a child and have had several Alfa cars restored and have always had the passion for these Italian dream cars. I am having to part with this car as I am trying to make room for another vehicle in my garage.

The pictures should show it all on how immaculate the car has been taken care of. I treat this like one of my babies along with my other cars. I get more thumbs ups and second looks at this car over any of my other sports cars.

So here are the details:
1988 Milano Verde
100,650 miles
17'' MAK wheels
Cross drilled rotors
Steel brake linings
Euro grill
European headligts
MOMO steering wheel and shift Knob
STebro Stainless steel exhaust
Wrinkle finish Red cam covers
DE -badged trunk lid
Stereo with subwoofer
Clifford Alarm
Lowered
164 S Cams
customized Red Calipers
Rear brakes were done a few years ago and proably have less then 1000 miles.
Alfa Romeo matching luggage
Recaro Seats
NO Rust
Asking price $13,900

This car is ready to drive and be pampered. It has a very few small blemishes such as normal chips, but nothing major. Back seat would need refinishing, but other then that you could drive it home. Please feel free to contact me with any other questions.

Thanks,
Enzo M
CBLC1@msn.com

The last Milano we featured here got a lot of attention but was priced a bit lower than this car, at $11,000. This car has a bit lower mileage but the Milano featured last week was just as nice. While this has some nice upgrades and is well documented, we're probably a little bit on the high side in terms of value on this one. Still, the Milano is an Italian sedan that is well loved and good ones are becoming harder to come by. For the right buyer, this car very well may be considered a bargain.

-Paul

Maserati, Revisit

1964 Maserati Sebring – REVISIT

1964 Maserati Sebring on eBay - REVISIT

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The below post originally appeared on our site November 22, 2012:

The Maseratis of the 1960s were some of the most epic designs in automotive history. Their influence on the current lineup is still evident to this day, with cars featuring subtle cues from the past. The Sebring was derived from the 3500GT as a homage to the marque's win at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Designed by Vignale and built on a shortened wheelbase, this car was powered by the 3.7 liter inline six engine. This car for sale in New Jersey is a Series 1 and in its time, was one of the fastest cars on the road.

1964 Maserati Sebring

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1964 Maserati Sebring 3700 GT - First Series. Rare, historic Italian sportscar. Classic Italian craftsmanship. This car is an exotic and rare piece of automobile history, named after Maserati's 1957 racing victory at the 12-Hour Race in Sebring, Florida. The Sebring, designed by Alfredo Vignale, was based on the popular 3500 Coupe, and manufactured between 1963 and 1969. These 2+2 grand tourers had a limited production of just 348 First Series units ever created. They were powered by the fuel-injected 3.5 liter inline six, with this example featuring the 3700 liter engine, the 5-speed ZF gearbox and all the luxury and performance you could want from a 1960's Italian sportscar.

This particular vehicle, VIN #10102113, is number 330 of the 348 First Series Sebrings produced, with matching engine and chassis numbers, and documentation from Maserati Classiche in Modena, Italy. Other features include: Original tubular frame, handbuilt body by Vignale of aluminum and steel, original signed Nardi wheel, over 235 HP with original Lucas fuel injection, 5-Speed ZF German transmission, original Borrani wheels, original type Pirelli Cinturato 195/16 tires, dual rear fuel tanks, dual Lucas fuel pumps, original Carello headlights, Girling brakes with a power assist Unit, 4-Wheel disc, orignial Jaeger gauges in Italian, Scottish 'Bridge of Weir' leather interior by Master Upholstery, Wilton carpet, British suspension, steering and rear, fuel injection was rebuilt by Kinsler of Michigan, original Auto Clima Air Conditioning, Maserati car cover and original service manual. Completely restored vehicle, 147 mph Touring Car: Mileage: 45,255.m / 72,831.km

These vintage Maseratis are now appreciating rapidly and becoming very hard to find. This car is an excellent investment opportunity while also allowing you to enjoy the elegant styling and performance of a classic Italian sportscar. The Sebring is a beautiful example of Italian design: well-built, with style and sophistication, and would be a great addition to your classic car collection. Vehicle is subject to prior local sale while listing is still active.

A little under 600 Sebrings were produced over seven years. Today, these cars usually bring somewhere between $65,000 to $100,000. This car is priced way above the norm, but it does have a lot going for it. If it were an original car, we might see a value hovering towards $125,000 but not much more. This car is numbers matching with documentation, but it has been restored. As they say, they're only original once. At best, this is about a $100,000 car.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1992 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

British racing green was a color you could always find on classic roadsters like the MG, Triumph and Jaguar XKE. Across the continent, it was more common to find Italian sports cars painted in bright red. So it's interesting, then, that the hue of Verde Inglese, or English Green, looks so good on the Series 4 Alfa Romeo Spider. This Spider Veloce for sale in Rhode Island has traveled under 50,000 miles, has a new convertible top and has had a decent amount of maintenance items addressed as of late.

1992 Alfa Romeo Spider

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1992 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce finished in Verde Inglese (English green) with tan interior. This Spider has only 49,769 original miles. The car runs smoothly through all of the gears, with no second gear crunch. The motor sounds great and revs smoothly. The Series 4 Spiders (1991 - 1994) have the desirable Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection. This classic Pininfarina styled Spider has stunning good looks and offers matching driving pleasure. The 2.0 L4 cylinder loves to rev all the way to its 7000 RPM limit and gets 28 miles per gallon. The Alfa has a Sony CD player and xplode speakers.

The following has just been completed:

A new black soft top was installed
The tan suede/leather upholstery on both seats was replaced with new tan, all leather upholstery
New front and rear brakes were installed
A new middle and rear exhaust was installed
A new oil pan gasket was installed
Both interior door panels were reinforced with new door clips
The interior was fully detailed
The exterior was fully detailed, buffed and glazed

The we featured last week had a Buy It Now price of $20,000. That car had about 20,000 less miles on the clock and was in a little bit better shape. For the shrinking violet, the Verde Inglese paintwork might be a little more desirable, but at the current asking price, this car is priced a little bit high. Typically, anywhere between $13,000 to $16,000 is what a Spider Veloce of this vintage will bring.

-Paul

Ferrari

1978 Ferrari 308GT4

The 308GT4 was a break from tradition for Ferrari. Not only was this the first mid-engined, V8 Ferrari, but the company employed Bertone instead of Pininfarina to handle the styling of this four seater sports car. The wedge shape would permeate throughout the Ferrari lineup for the next two decades. This 308GT4 is for sale in California at no reserve and offers enthusiasts the chance to get into an eight cylinder Ferrari for entry level luxury sedan money.

1978 Ferrari Dino 308GT4

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This is an exceptional example of a 1978 vintage Ferrari 308 Dino GT4 in the beautiful black on black color combination. California car, always well maintained and garaged, with recent full documented service performed with in the last 30 days as detailed below:

Complete new clutch
New timing, A/C and air pump belts
New timing belt tensioners
New plugs and wires
Rebuilt carbs with full factory kit
Other miscellaneous service items (cooling fan switch, filters..)
New (not rebuilt) brake master cylinder
Remanufactured brake booster
Full carb synch and tune up
Wheel balance and alignment

Generic info on the car:

Runs and drives very well, soft suspension bushings, characteristic weak 2nd synchro, no exhaust leaks, has owner’s manual, jack and some tools, A/C works but not very cold, heat works well, factory horn works well, as do power windows and last but not least, she is a west coast car hence no rust and never been welded or patched. Cosmetically (interior and exterior) in line with the rest of the car and the pictures speak for themselves.

As a realistic note, please do remember that is a 35 year old car and is not perfect, all descriptions are stated in good faith, and that due to her age, there is no warranty of any kind available or offered or implied on this car. She is not new and hence not perfect and has imperfections here and there, scratches etc. Some or many things, items, fittings, features, mechanically and cosmetically may be worse and many will be better than you may expect ! never the less not perfect or new!

Any shipping fees will buyers responsibility and you can select your own carrier and pay them directly. In line with normal ebay practices please note that all inspections are to be made prior to auction close! winning the car does not entitle you to come and inspect her to see she is really what you want! That should be done before you bid! Prior to auction close multiple inspections by the same person are no problem, you can come back as many times as you like, bring friends, cousins, mechanics, brothers, sisters, neighbor or spouses all welcome! Mileage showing is 18,000 and we have no way to verify that as due to her age there is no DMV Carfax available.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us on: 949-302-1773 and thank you for your visit, Karl

You average 308GT4 in good condition should run between $25,000 to $35,000. Given the bidding, I'd suspect final bidding will hover somewhere around $30,000. Even though the mileage can't be verified, it looks the part for a well kept, low mileage car. With the maintenance performed, it should help assuage some fears of impending doom, although an inspection prior to purchase with any vintage Ferrari would be a must.

-Paul