Monthly Archives: December 2018

Fiat

2017 Fiat 500 Abarth

Today's post is another reader request, and makes a great follow-up to yesterday's Fiat 500L.  Our friend, the G-MAN, is fretting the end of his lease and needs to find his next daily driver in the coming months.  He's currently in an Italian-American product, the Dodge Challenger - would a 500 Abarth improve on that?

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Our experience with the 500 Abarth has been largely positive.  Space hasn't been a concern for our two-person, two-dachshund household, and the rear seats are surprisingly comfortable for shuttling additional friends around town.  We even made a junkyard run in the runt yesterday, stuffing a large Mercedes-Benz 400E front sway bar in the rear seat area with some 72" brake lines that we were returning to the parts store.  Rear seats deletes are popular on the Abarths, but with the rear seats folded down, we don't see the need.

Year: 2017
Model:  Fiat 500 Abarth
Engine: 1.4L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  12 mi
Price: $16,995 or best offer

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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth

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As far as reliability goes, our only complaint has been a leaky transmission seal, replaced under warranty.  We are nearing 60,000 miles with no further issues to speak of.  The trim and interior are generally holding up well, too.  We've heard that our experience might not be representative, which is why we are recommending this new model with a full warranty.

Unfortunately for Fiat, these cars were sold new for $5-10k more than what we think most folks were willing to pay for them.  We didn't become interested until the low-mileage used examples were a tick or two below $10,000, ourselves.  We think that this new model from last year is a smart way to get into the seat of fun daily driver - the discount off of MSRP is substantial, but the full balance of the warranty remains.  Good luck, G-MAN!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

Investment Grade: 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 VHS Tape

I'm being sarcastic.  This is not investment grade.  Do not invest in this.  What the hell drives a man to list a promotional VHS tape for an 164 for $200?  One of 300...

Year: 1990
Model:  Alfa Romeo 164 VHS Tape
Engine: Delusion
Transmission: Fantasy
Mileage:  N/A
Price: $200

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 VHS

This was a dealer used VHS tape for the Alfa Romeo 164. This tape was used for mechanics to go through the pre-delivery process!
Tested and works! Fun to watch and a must have if you love the 164!

Only 300 tapes were made, I have not seen another one! March 1990!
Thanks for looking!

We're glad to see that the seller tested the tape - even better that it works.  Do not hesitate to join fellow investors in recession-proof Alfa Romeo 164 investments.  Act now!

-Graham

Fiat

2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

No, we haven't been hacked!  We're wading into the controversial surf of tall wagons - in this case, a model with history rooted in the most polarizing tall wagon of them all: the Tipo 186 Multipla I.  Now, we are open to automotive designers challenging the status quo, especially when it comes to vehicle packaging.  In this area, the Multipla did not disappoint.  The way it reimagined the fundamental proportions of a 6-seater passenger is still very off-putting to many, but we prefer the risky design to the vanilla compact crossover SUVs clogging today's roads.

The 500L came onto the scene in 2012, replacing not on the Multipla, but also the Fiat Idea, as the 500L was offered in both 5 and 7-seater configurations.  While the design in less pioneering when it comes to proportions, the shape is by no means universally accepted, and the round headlights, especially in North American markets, win the car no favors.  We, on the other hand, are welcoming of the creative design and relieved to see some effort and risk from the Fiat design group.

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Year: 2014
Model:  Fiat 500L Trekking
Engine: 1.4L 4-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage:  17,050 mi
Price: $9,900 or best offer

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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

Fiat 500l daily driver for sale. Low highway mileage. 17250. Serviced and oil change per maintenance schedule. Navigation, parking sensors, back up camera, panoramic roof. Runs great. no mechanical issues.

More general info. - includes bi-halogen headlights with daytime running lights, 16-inch wheels, power windows, air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power locks, and more. No dents or damage. Surface scratches from normal use. The Trekking model adds aluminum wheels, tinted rear glass, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a premium audio system (Beats).

The 500L is powered by the 500 Abarth’s 160-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 with 184 lb-ft of torque that routes power to the front wheels. Fuel economy is EPA-rated 24-25/33 mpg city/highway.

VIN Vehicle History report is pictured

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The 1.4L turbocharged powertrain comes courtesy of the Fiat 500 Abarth, albeit without the raspy exhaust note.  Along the way, it picks up a 6-speed manual - an option we wish that our personal 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth had included.  The engine is boosted relatively aggressively, so do not expect modern levels of throttle response, but once on boil, the power is plenty acceptable.  We find the quality of interior trim assembly to be relatively lacking on our North American Fiat 500, but the Serbian-assembled 500L might benefit from better suppliers in that area.

When it comes down to it, we think that this 500L makes a great case as a tall wagon, with its spunky engine and manual transmission.  The panoramic moonroof and tall glass would make for a bright and airy cabin, and the interior room would be appreciated on long hauls.  FCA has infotainment down pretty well, although this vehicle was developed before Apple CarPlay, so temper your expectations somewhat.  We are fans of the green exterior and the unusual shape too.  We can see ourselves adding a low-mileage example such as this one to our fleet in the coming years, if only as a 'shop runner'.

-Graham

Ferrari, Pininfarina

1990 Ferrari 348 TS

We'll go easy on the listing because 1) we like Ferraris 2) we like seeing them get driven 3) we like Colorado.  Hopefully the first two reasons resonate with the readership, and the Colorado origins at least help justify the coating of dust on the red paint.

300 brake horsepower do not raise any eyebrows in modern automotive circles, but viewed through the lens of 1990, one could do much worse.  We like to view the 348 as the super sports car complement to something like our 1988 Milano Verde, and compared to the Verde's 183 (stock) horsepower, 300 is a very impressive number.  Continuing with the Verde comparison, we like the large, integrated front foglights, the orange gauge numbering, and the Momo Ghibli steering wheel, which we'd love to install on our Verde.

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Year: 1990
Model:  Ferrari 348 TS
Engine: 3.4L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  69,541 mi
Price: $33,000

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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 Ferrari 348 TS

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This car has a lot of miles and not so many service details.  Service records and any indication of general condition will be very necessary to even consider the purchase.  That said, a low-mileage example will require a lot of catch-up in the maintenance department, so we are actually quite supportive of going for a high-mileage example such as this.

For those in search of a mid-engined V8 Ferrari in the low $30,000 range, we think that this 348 TS has some potential.  Even better, if the buyer has experience repairing Italian cars.  Parts will be of considerable expense, information scattered, and frustration common, but we think that the juice is worth the squeeze.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

Spare us, dear commenters, for we know not what we type, or something.  Wouldn't a 1978 Alfetta GT actually be a Sprint Veloce?  We're not entirely sure - maybe some 1978 cars made it out before the Sprint Veloce moniker took effect.  We'll trust the car's owner's manual on this one.

We'll admit that we got overly excited when we saw the engine bay of this one.  Individual air filters leading to carbs?  If only.  The car actually maintains its original SPICA fuel system, for better or worse.  The local Alfa expert swears by a functioning SPICA system, and we can see the advantages over carbs.  But, here we were, excited at what we thought we carbs.  The appeal transcends logic, we guess.

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Year: 1978
Model:  Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT
Engine: 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  37,470 mi
Price: $19,888

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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta

1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT Only 37,460 Original MilesRuns and Drives Original Int and Paint appears Original

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Rust is the big question on this car.  Windshield frame, jack points, rear hatch and nearly everywhere else should be inspected before getting one's hopes up.  Assuming that rust is not an issue with this car, we are impressed with the general condition and subtle upgrades.  We see an Ansa muffler poking out from the rear, some shiny long-tube headers under the hood, and handsome 15" Ronal A1 alloy wheels in the wheel wells.  The front bumper looks to be painted to mimic a GTV-6, and the front air dam has a GTV-6 vibe as well.  These cars can be styled into the 80s if desired, and this example makes the jump well.

The low mileage is worth something to potential buyers, but don't expect this car to drive like it came off of the lot unless a lot of rubber has been replaced in the recent past.  We have a feeling that that might be the case, given the general condition of the car.  The asking price is a wasp nest that we'd prefer to leave be.  Ok, fine - it's twice what we'd pay.  That said, we're impressed with this example, and do recommend checking it out.  Maybe the price is a barrier against tire-kickers.  This one is a perfect example to buy and double the odometer count on in short order.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

Head Scratcher: 1984 Alfa Romeo GTV-6 w/ 3.0L on stand

Today's search began as a favor for a buddy.  He's on the lookout for a decent Alfa, preferably a Milano, for under $5,000.  That sum of cash will still buy plenty of Milano - and even plenty of Milano Verde, if you have good manners.  I choose to ignore how much 164 you could buy for that sum - a shame, but at the same time a blessing for 164 fans such as ourselves.

The GTV-6 - fundamentally a Milano coupe - somehow eludes any pretense of economic sense on the open market.  Maybe it's the less sensible 2-door body style that invites less sensible sellers, or perhaps it's an inferior complex stemming from the lack of rear doors.  Whatever it is, it results in listings such as today's 1984 GTV-6 project.

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Year: 1984
Model:  Alfa Romeo GTV-6
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage:  N/A
Price: $10,000

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CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 1984 GTV-6 Project

I have a 1984 Alfa Romeo GTV6 project car for sale. All of the parts are there including boxes of newer parts, it just needs some time, money, and love. The car is a dark grey/ black color, but it needs a repaint. It does not have the original engine, but instead has an upgraded 3.0l 24v engine from a later Alfa 164. This engine was in the process of being rebuilt with new pistons and camshafts, and everything is there to finish the project. The original transaxle is in the car, and I bought a second limited slip transaxle from a Milano Verde that was rebuilt by an Alfa shop in Washington state. It also has a second set of magnesium racing wheels.

I bought this car because I wanted to rebuild it and have an amazing car, but I honestly don't have the time or money for it right now. NADA puts the low value of this car at $10k, and with a better engine (including new upgrades) and a second rebuilt LSD transaxle, I think this price is fair even as a project. I'm not in a rush to sell, and I have a clean title in my name.

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We are not surprised to see mention of a 24V 3.0L engine swap in the ad.  A friend of the blog has a very sorted 3.0L 24V swapped GTV-6, and it's an absolute monster at high speed and in corners.  No, what surprises us is the lack of any evidence of a 24V engine whatsoever.  See, the pistons have two valve-relief cuts, and the heads show only single camshafts.  That said, the seller mentions that the build includes new camshafts and pistons, and we do see those!  But, like we said, they're 12V units.

Ok, so can we pull this write-up out of a negative nosedive?  Sure - there's nothing wrong with a 12V 3.0L GTV-6!  Many even prefer the 12V timing belt drive to the more complex timing belt drive on the 24V.  A spare 3.55 LSD from a Milano Verde is included with the sale, and certainly sweetens the deal.  If the car is rust-free, it's certainly worth pursuing as a winter project, but the price needs to reflect the reality that it's an inoperable project with an unfinished engine build.  We think there's potential with this one, 24 valves or not.

-Graham

Lamborghini

2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0

We'll admit that we have some serious Diablo research ahead of us.  Today's background information comes courtesy of Wikipedia, but don't take that as any indication of indifference toward the Lamborghini brand - we just haven't gotten around to ordering ourselves a Lamborghini Diablo history book.  It should complement our existing Urraco, Silhouette, and Jalpa book nicely.  But, when you find a Verde Hydra Diablo VT 6.0 - you post it.

While the Diablo, a softened Gandini design, was released during Chrysler ownership of Lamborghini in 1990, the model would continue under the ownership of multiple entities.  Once Audi AG was in control of Lamborghini in 1998, a serious reengineering was commissioned in parallel to the development of the future Murciélago.  The exterior was tweaked to include the signature one-piece phone dial wheels, previously seen on the Countach, while the interior was brought up to the standards of the Audi brand.  The engine was stroked to 6.0L and fitted with VVT, to allow for more civilized engine breathing at lower engine speeds.

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Year: 2001
Model:  Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0
Engine: 6.0L V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage:  18,076 mi
Price: $345,000

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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0

 Owner Car - Driven Exotics Exhaust - Clear Bra - Service Just Performed

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Details are sparse on this example, but as always, likely available from the seller.  The seller claims that this Diablo is one of one in the world finished in Verde Hyrdra, which strikes us as a shame!  Are we alone in loving the green over tan interior, with the gold wheels?  We hope not.

We're glad to see that this one has been driven some during its lifetime.  Pricing seems to reflect both the rarity of the color, and the general rarity of the most refined model of the Diablo lineup.  Vinyl wraps seem to be popular these days - might we recommend picking up a more affordable Diablo and wrapping it in this green color, then driving it everyday?  Someone please get on that and report back.

-Graham

Ferrari

2016 Ferrari California T

You'll have to forgive me for my taste on today's post - I'm a powertrain engineer, not a Ferrari owner, or a race car driver.  And, I'm a huge fan of the California T's F154 BB twin-turbo V8 engine.  The hardtop roof throws off the proportions, and I'd prefer to shift for myself, but the TT V8 and the blue paint on this particular example have me won over.

Ferrari used to have more of an edge over the competition when it came to engine technology, as its customers were happy to pay for higher-cost engine components if it resulted in more power and a better driving experience.  But, the playing field in automotive powertrains has leveled, with increased vehicle mass and tighter emissions standards forcing mass-production automakers to invest in more expensive technologies to motivate their crossover SUVs.  The result of this, is that a 3.9L TT Ferrari V8 shares most of its core technology with the typical 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder in the leased crossover SUVs flooding the market.

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Year: 2016
Model:  Ferrari California T
Engine: 3.9L V8
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual
Mileage:  2,946mi
Price: $174,900

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CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 2016 Ferrari California T

Stock #: FT2248
Exterior Color: Blu Tour de France
Interior Color: Sabbia
Body Type: Convertible
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel Drive
Fuel Type: Gasoline Fuel
Engine: V-8 cyl
Title Condition: ClearClick to view listing

Take the twin-scroll turbocharger, implemented to efficiently time exhaust pulses, on the Ferrari F154, for example.  You know who else is running a twin-scroll turbocharger?  Hyundai, on their Sonata, and many more automakers.  Direct injection?  That's been on nearly everything for the past ten years now.  A two-stage oil pump, allowing for engine oil pressure and flow to be supplied as required, can be found in nearly every economy car in modern times.  Variable valve timing, roller finger followers, intercoolers - none of these technologies are exclusive to Ferrari.

Where Ferrari does an excellent job is in the packaging and integration of these technologies.  Is Ferrari's job easier than, say, Hyundai's job?  Sure - there might be more room for packaging in a Ferrari, with the wide engine bays.  But, don't forget that the long, low hoods require a compact engine in the vertical axis, and while the dry-sump oil pan and low engine mounting position do help a bit, those long intake runners and high-mount manifolds don't help in that regard.  Cost and production methods are a real advantage to Ferrari.  Their engines are hand-built like most production engines, but their builders are willing to accept more ergonomic inconvenience than the typical Hyundai engine line worker.  This allows for designs that might be more difficult to assemble, but that serve the consumer better.  Same for cost - the checkbook is always open when it comes to solving Ferrari packaging issues, and when you look at the tidy engine, it shows.  So, who's looking for an F154 CC?  Comes with a free 2016 California T!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Bertone

1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal

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With the weather in the garage bordering on Canadian, we find it appropriate to share an Italian-Canadian delicacy, the Alfa Romeo Montreal.  As most of our readers are aware, its Canadian roots are limited to its name.  The Montreal design is based on a Marcello Gandani concept car produced by Bertone and displayed at Expo 67 in Montreal, Canada.  We never took the late Italian-Canadian FCA CEO, Sergio Marchionne, as the type to indulge in novelty, but he might have gotten a kick out of one of these.

The Montreal's engine is interesting, in that it is approximately two Alfa Romeo 1300 cylinder heads mounted on a V engine block.  I'm sure that we're oversimplifying slightly, but the end result is not too far off from that.  The advantages of this sort of design, over the later Busso V6, is in engine breathing and flexibility.  The Busso's SOHC heads can't match the volumetric efficiency of the cam-over-tappet DOHC heads in a Montreal, and the power numbers show it.  The Montreal V8 produces 197hp at 6500RPM, not bad for a 1970s-era 2.6L V8.

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Year: 1973
Model: Alfa Romeo Montreal
Engine: 2.6L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  N/A
Price: $39,950

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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal

1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal Coupe This excellent original 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal Coupe shown here is available in red with a black interior. It comes equipped with a 5 speed manual transmission, wood steering wheel, power windows, solid wheels and includes the spare tire. This is an excellent original car which has been with the same owner for many years and has just come out of storage. For $39,950

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The price on this car is a departure from what we are used to seeing on Montreals.  Either the market has softened, or this car is less-than-stellar.  We'd guess that the truth lies somewhere between the two.  The underside shots don't inspire heaps of confidence, but the car clearly isn't consumed by rust.  Trim will require a considerable degree of dedication to source too.  All in all though, this seems to have potential as a driver.

We're not sure what the potential market for this particular car is.  First time Montreal buyers?  A safer bet would be to find a sorted example.  Serial Montreal buyers?  You might lose your shirt bringing this one back to health.  Speculators who plan to sit the car in storage until it's worth more?  Unfortunately, that's where we see this car going.  We can't even say that we are particularly interested.  We'd spend our cash on a different 70s Gandani V8 Coupe, the Maserati Khamsin.

-Graham

Lancia, Pininfarina

1976 Lancia Scorpion

We'll follow yesterday's quintessential Lancia, the Flaminia, with a Lancia begging discussion of its bonafides, the Scorpion.  Introduced to the Lancia lineup following the Fiat takeover, the Scorpion belongs to the Beta line of Lancias, which were Fiat's attempt at extracting profits from Lancia.

No innovative Lancia V6 to be found under the hood of the Scorpion.  Fiat supplied a 1,756cc variant of their Lampredi Twin Cam 4-cylinder, strangled by smog equipment in the US to a meager output of 81hp in comparison to the Monte Carlo's 120hp.  A small consolation - the valve lash is more convenient to adjust than on the Alfa twin cam!  Shims lie on top of the buckets, right under the cam lobes, eliminating the necessity of removing the camshafts to swap shims.

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Year: 1976
Model: Lancia Scorpion
Engine: 1.8L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  93,035 mi
Price: $8,900

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CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 1976 Lancia Scorpion

This is a very clean car that is coming out of the estate of one of our Lancia collectors.   He has owned this car for a very long time and took great care of it.   The interior has been redone at one time and is in excellent condition.   It has had a recent high quality repaint done to it and looks incredible.     We just put a battery in it, flushed the clutch system, cleaned the plugs, prepping the car to get ready for sale.  Car does have some fluid leaks, axle seals leaking a bit and some oil leaks on the car.   The a/c compressor has been removed from this car also.  The speedometer and odometer also do not work on this car, and this title is marked as odometer discrepancy  But this is a great looking, very nice, very clean car.   This is one of the nicest Lancias we have had in the shop.

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Condition on this example is particularly nice.  Paint and bodywork are spectacular, which reflects the fact that this car was repainted at some point.  The reupholstered interior shows very well too.  Underside photos show that rust has been tended to or hidden very well, although we'll bet on the former.  The engine bay appear neat, and the engine shows a healthy amount of typical oil leakage - nothing to worry about.  We aren't 100% sure, but the engine might be missing a cam belt cover - exposed belt doesn't seem right to us.

The Scorpion isn't the best Lancia ever offered, but this is certainly one of the nicest Scorpions on offer.  Are we out of line to suggest that this one sort of begs for some hot-rodding?  The Fiat Twin Cams can be made to breath fire with proper upgrades.  We'd say that the car even deserves the hot rod treatment, if only to restore it to its rightful 120hp.

-Graham