2006 Maserati Quattroporte

February 28, 2017 Graham

We are willing to overlook quite a bit in the name of promoting a metallic brown Quattroporte. Aftermarket wheels? The unfavorable DuoSelect automated manual transmission? Minor details, when there's brown paint involved.

The DuoSelect automated manual transmission, making use of a dry clutch and essentially a robotic clutch slave cylinder, is the subject of criticism from both the automotive press and the Maserati community. The press was not impressed with the sudden, direct shifts of the automated manual in automatic mode, which seemed more at home in something like a Ferrari F430. The Maserati community was alarmed by premature clutch wear, due mostly to poor modulation of the clutch when moving from a stop, especially on an incline. The criticism may have played a role in lackluster initial sales as well, because in 2007, Maserati began offering the Quattroporte with an automatic ZF transmission with improved drivability, first as an option, and then as standard.

Year: 2006
Model: Maserati
Engine: 4.2L V8
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
Mileage: 16,060
Price: $25,500

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2006 Maserati Quattroporte

This beautiful Italian vehicle, designed by Pininfarina, is in exceptional condition and has been extremely well cared for. All service is up to date and has been meticulously performed on a regular basis. Service records are on file and available from this factory-authorized service provider. This vehicle looks and drives very well with no issues present. This is a non-smoker vehicle, being sold by owner. No additional dealer fees or taxes will be applied to the final price.

This vehicle has only been been driven during the summer months and garage-kept since purchased. The exterior metallic brown paint compliments the chrome accents to produce a very elegant, yet sophisticated appearance. All glass and trim are in very good condition. The wheel and tires are in exceptional condition.

The Ferrari engine and F1 transmission are in very good condition and operate with reliable functionality. The performance-tuned exhaust produces a wonderful tone, showcasing this vehicle's performance Italian drive train. The braking system works well with no known issues.

The interior is wrapped with beautiful tan leather and rich wood appointments. All power options function without any issues. Complete with Maserati Navigation system. Carpets and headliner are in exceptional condition.

You will be very pleased with the overall condition and performance of this vehicle. Cash, bank-issued cashier's check/money order, and bank wire transfer payment methods accepted.

I have the original Maserati rims and tires that came with the car, they are included in the auction.

You'll find a clear car fax with no accidents what so ever. This car is mint and a real eye catcher. I'm the second owner and bought the car with 8100 miles on it. Always adult driven serviced at Maserati and never seen snow or salt.

Why then, suggest that the readers of Classic Italian Cars for Sale consider purchasing an earlier DuoSelect Quattroporte? First, we haven't driven one, so we don't know just how bad it really is. Based on our experience with automated manuals, they're only really only a hassle when moving at a relaxed pace. We're no strangers to the deep rasp of a 4.2 liter Maserati V8 at full boil, so our modest suggestion would be to drive the wheels off of it as often as possible and keep the transmission in manual mode. Not so difficult, right?

When negotiating for this low-mileage example, it would be wise to negotiate a price the includes only the OEM wheels, which the seller is offering with the sale. Just don't let the seller know how much you dig the full wood steering wheel or the tan Poltrona Frau leather with brown piping.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1987 Alfa Romeo Milano Platinum

February 27, 2017 Graham

Here is a tired, yet surprisingly straight example of an 87 Alfa Romeo Milano Platinum. With minimal description provided, we'll need to work off of the photos to glean some information.

The seller reports that the car does not run, and little else, for that matter. A look at the engine shot shows a lack of a battery, but otherwise the engine bay is largely intact. The timing covers are removed, and the ignition wires are perched in such a way that leads us to believe that the seller gave up either before or after a timing belt job. A super close examination shows a mechanical timing belt tensioner in place of the mechanical tensioner, which means that the timing belt was replaced at least once in the car's life - useless information unless the service was in the last 3-5 years or 30,000 miles, give or take. Still, with the exception of some sort of internal mechanical failure, which is unlikely, the car probably needs only minor mechanical attention to get back onto the road. Figure on a fuel tank flush, fuel pump and filter, fresh 7.5mm fuel hose and clamps, a new timing belt, v belts, an air filter, plugs, and an oil change - less than $200 if you're good with a wrench.

Year: 1987
Model: Milano Platinum
Engine: 2.5 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: Unknown
Price: $1,100

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1987 Alfa Romeo Milano Platinum

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6 cylinder, 5 speed transmission. Does not run. Call for details

The Platinum models represent the highest spec 2.5L Milano offered in North America. Powered leather and suede seats, a sunroof, power windows, cruise control, and power mirrors were compelling convenience features when the car was new in 1987. Drivers today will no doubt still be impressed by the car's torsion bar front suspension, 4.10 LSD 5 speed rear-mounted transaxle with inboard brakes, and DeDion rear suspension.

We recommend this car for the seasoned Alfisti, though a good home mechanic with experience in any European marque would make quick sense of a project like this. Once mechanically sorted, the buyer could tend to the ailing passenger fender, and might as well repaint the entire car at that point. Many Platinums in this condition are either converted into racecars, or parted out for their 4.10 LSD rear transaxles, which often make their way into the 3.0L Milano Verdes. We hope to see this car get a proper refresh from a patient enthusiast - we'd better not see this thing bombing around with a roll cage and stripped interior the next time we take the Verde to the track!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Pininfarina

1991 Alfa Romeo 164 S project

February 26, 2017 Graham

While an honest seller is invaluable when purchasing a 25 year old Italian car, where does one draw the line on honesty? Is it ever truly necessary to post a photo of your vehicle on a flatbed in a for sale ad? If no, give the seller of this 1991 164 S some credit for brutal honesty, at least.

According to the seller, a small engine fire wiped out some of the engine wiring harness, HVAC, and engine compartment components. In the process of repairing the damage, the seller stripped the entire engine bay down to bare metal, and reportedly rustproofed, primed, and painted the area back to factory specs. Yet to be completed is a full repaint of the front fenders and hood, as well as a replacement of melted plastic components on the engine.

Year: 1991
Model: 164 S
Engine: 3.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 155,000 mi
Price: $4,500 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 S

Alfa Romeo 164S Restauration Project Car, many parts available./ missing original front bumper S version. was damage by small engine fire/ engine electrical harness, heating and ventilation, engine compartment completely restored with mostly new components.
Rustproof, primed and painted to factory specs front chasis section.
Need to paint front fenders and hood, detail and replace damage parts on engine (mostly plastic)
Same owner since 2001 engine was rebuilt with 99k miles actual 155k
List of parts include: two sets of wheels one OZ Superligera 17x7.5 second: OEM Euro Alfa 15x7
Euro HeadLamps
Front Brake Rotors Slotted and Drilled, Pads, Hoses (new)
Front Suspension Frame Arms with Bushings (new)
Brake Master Cylinder, Clutch Master Cylinder (new)
Engine Plastic Covers and Msc. parts
Rebuilt Rack and Pinion Steering
Properly stored in shop and warehouse away from sunlight
Car is assembled and rolls, $4.500.00
Serious Inquiries Only *** Picture #11 shows condition before incident ***

Having spent more than our fair share of time under the hood of various 164s, we can appreciate the clean engine bay paintwork. It would be difficult to resist the temptation to bring the engine itself up to the level of finish already present in the engine bay. The rest of the exterior appear to be sorted cosmetically, though higher resolution photos would required to truly assess that. A few interior photos wouldn't hurt either - otherwise, the interior condition remains a mystery.

$4,500 is not quite average for a sorted 164 S with similar mileage, so the seller isn't completely unreasonable with their asking price. The remaining paint and assembly work will add up quickly, unless done yourself, so be sure to factor that into any offers. The OZ Superleggera wheels and Bosch Euro projector headlights sweeten the deal a bit, in our opinion. And, the recent brake, suspension, and steering rack maintenance, along with a reportedly rebuilt engine, should instill some level of confidence in any buyers' minds. We say check the car out in person, get a paint quote, and make a judicious offer - this could end up as quite a sharp 164 S in the hands of a knowledgable buyer!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Giugiaro

1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

February 25, 2017 Graham

Introduced to the North American market in 1975, the Alfetta ushered in an era of torsion bar front suspensions, DeDion rear suspension, and a rear transaxle with inboard disc brakes. On paper, it improves on the classic GTV formula, but a quick look at the market shows a clear bias for the earlier 105/115 series over the later 116 transaxle cars. As a result, finding a presentable, let alone rust-free Alfetta coupe is an evermore difficult prospect.

This bumperless example in Connecticut claims to be in rust-free condition, owing no doubt in part to its Texas provenance. Though rumors abound as to the exact source of systemic rust on the Alfetta models, it is absolutely recommend that any potential sellers do a thorough check for lurking rust before any commitments to this particular car are made. Especially vulnerable are the wheel arches, cowl area, rear hatch, and jack points. If the claimed rust-free condition turns out to be the truth, then the uncombed interior might be easier to overlook.

Year: 1976
Model: Alfetta GT
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 118,500 mi
Price: $5,000 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

Well sorted, rebuilt engine, high compression pistons, tubular headers, electronic ignition, spica fuel injection. Rebuilt suspension, red konis and poly bushings, new Pirelli tires and alignment. Runs and drives strong, good driveshaft donuts & brakes. Original Texas Title, clean w/ no rust. Shock towers, jack points, under carriage and around glass all good, but needs bumpers.

Some technical notes: the engine appears to have supported an A/C system at one point, owing to the stud-plug on the passenger side of the cylinder head. Also, a rebuilt engine could be a solid advantage, but we would contact the seller for details - who rebuilt it, and what parts were sourced for the build? And, we can't vouch for the specific brand of piston or headers that the seller reports as installed on this particular car, but both should promote a sporty character in line with the car - just don't expect to surprise anyone at a stoplight.

Very few Alfetta coupes remain on the road, and as such, the prices for clean cars have climbed out of the song and a dance category. Fortunately for potential buyers, parts car prices remain reasonable. We say make a competitive offer, source some Euro bumpers, recover the front seats, and drop in an ANSA rear muffler and enjoy a sorted Italian sports coupe for around $5,000.

-Graham