As V6 Alfa Romeo owners, you can bet that we harbor a substantial appreciation for the development work completed by Lancia as they persevered to introduce the world's first V6 engine in 1950. It was Francesco De Virgilio of Lancia who, from 1943 until the release of the Aurelia in 1950, worked to solve the fundamental issue of balance in a V6 engine by pioneering the correct crankshaft design for the application. He was able to balance the V6 engine to such a degree that two of the main crankshaft balancing terms canceled each other out, leaving the rest of the unbalanced forces to be attenuated by the engine mounts. For those interested in reading further on the Lancia V6, we recommend checking out this website by Geoff Goldberg, V6 Lancia expert.
Continuing with the Alfa Romeo connection, the Flaminia featured a DeDion rear suspension with a rear-mounted transaxle, just like the setup found in the Alfa Romeo transaxle cars, such as our Milano. The front suspension is a more traditional double wishbone design, whereas the Flaminia's predecessor, the Aurelia, featured a sliding pillar front suspension. We happen to love Alfas, but it's worth noting that Alfa was employing Lancia technology 25-40 years after Lancia came out with it - not bad, Lancia.
Lancia was the luxury car of Italy. Arguably the best car Italy produced. The marque was favored by race car drivers, actors and sports heroes. Anyone who was anybody.
Lancia introduced the Flaminia to the public in 1956 and the model was in production from 1958 to 1968. Lancia built an entire range of Flaminia’s, competition cars, sportscars, passenger sedans and limousines. Bodied by the best, Zagato, Touring and Pininfarina. Plus a few one offs by Motto, Ghia and Boneschi. The Flaminia was the last model made by an independent Lancia before being taken over by Fiat.
One can’t help but wonder if they would have survived longer if they had specialized in one sector rather than competing across the entire range of cars. Perhaps the outcome would have been the same, or perhaps they could have found a niche to dominate and survive in.
Period road testers praised the cars performance and road handling.
“Beyond criticism” Quattroroute 1963
“When I die I would like to drive to heaven in this car.” Battista (Pinin) Farina
In 1963 the optional 2.8 litre engine became available sporting triple weber carburetors. Making 146hp at 5400rpm with a 9:1 compression ratio. This gave the GT and GT convertible a top speed of 120 mph. Referred to as the 2.8 3C this model was available only in 1963 and 1964. A mere 180 cars were built.
The Lancia Flaminia Convertible on offer is one of these 180 2.9 litre triple weber cars.
Red with its original tan leather and factory removable hardtop (a rare option), as well as the standard convertible soft top. The car retains its correct 2.8 litre 3C engine.
Chassis number 826.134.1098
Engine number 826.100.1385
Runs well. She has not been used much in the last few years so could use some freshening up.
The early history of the car is unknown, but being a LHD car with the speedometer in MPH gives the impression that it may have been sold new in America. By 1979 the car was listed in Lanciana magazine Classifieds. The advert referenced 78,000 miles on the speedometer with an engine rebuild at 58,000 miles. No price was listed but the seller was located in Southport, Connecticut. The car is believed to have had two owners since.
The car is in about the same condition with the exception that it now has 84,500 miles on it.
Comes with books, manuals, tools and an array of spare parts.
She is the rarest and most powerful of the Flaminia’s. A desirable car for the discerning collector.
Please call or email for more details, photos or to discuss the car further.
Daniel: Cell 203-470-5298
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We'll go easy on the condition of the car, other than to note that the interior seems pretty tidy, whereas the respray was clearly done without proper masking. Interested parties will have their work cut out for them as far as understanding the condition goes.
The Touring body would certainly turn heads on the road. Would a late-60s Fiat Dino Spider accomplish the same tasks? Absolutely, and with a similarly-interesting history. We even like the look of the Fiat better. But, were it our money, we'd go with the Lancia, if only for the devotion to engineering innovation.
Where does reader support stand on the M139 Maserati Quattroporte, erstwhile prowler of upscale suburban mall lots, fine wares cantilevered from the rear axle with nary a protest from its Ferrari F136 Y series V8? We like em.
Generally speaking, we seek value over rarity in our Italian cars. Take our Milano Verde - it's sort of rare, but where it really shines is in the way it holds up to a BMW 325is in performance, at a much more agreeable price. A used Quattroporte, should you posses the optimism to keep one serviced, offers a similar value proposition over, say, a BMW 7-series, or a Mercedes-Benz S-class. They are easy to find with low mileage and proper service records, their platform origins are much more focused on sporting, their powertrain is beyond reproach, and their styling less conservative. Best of all? These Quattroportes likely did not stuff the coffers of Maserati, as the fit, finish, and performance seem to cater more to consumer satisfaction than they do to shareholder gains.
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Year: 2012 Model: Maserati Quattroporte S Engine: 4.7L V8 Transmission: 6-speed automatic Mileage: 30,933 mi Price: $33,991
Lamborghini Houston is proud to offer this beautiful 2012 Maserati Quattroporte S in Bianco Elderado over a Cuoio interior with 30,926 miles. The Quattroporte S is powered by a 4.7L V8 producing 425 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque through a Rear Wheel Drive system and an Automatic Transmission. This Quattroporte S is further enhanced with the following:
Wood Trim Steering Wheel and Shifter
Electric Moonroof
Navigation System
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Front and Rear Parking Sensors
Brake Calipers in Red
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This example is optioned with a remarkable white over tan color combination that we would be proud to drive home in. Other than the dated navigation screen, we would say that the interior has aged gracefully, and compares favorably to the FCA Quattroportes of present. A facelifted model, this Quattroporte features the ZF automatic, which some seem to favor over the semi-auto units of early cars. We're of the opinion that both have their merits, but the ZF auto is a better fit for most buyers. In S spec, this example features the 4.7L version of the F136 Y engine, producing a very respectable 434hp.
We think that the used Quattroporte buyer is a very specific type. Perhaps he is tempted by the Jaguar XKR, or a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but he is not interested in settling for an ordinary sedan. The sound, the design, and the feel - yes, that's Poltrona Frau leather inside - lead him to the Quattroporte. A used Quattroporte represents the coolest offering in the large sedan world in the past 20 years. For those that can't make a Ferrari GTC4Lusso work, we recommend the Quattroporte.
Limoncello: yellow, cool yet it warms, and often leads to optimistic thinking. A little on the nose, but not too far from how I'd describe this 308. Look, is it really that garish to build a Ferrari kit car out of an actual Ferrari? The seller has been careful to avoid any GTO badging, all while maintaining the 308 badges. Yes, it's safe to say that CICFS.com approves of this GTO tribute, and we would appreciate it if the readership would take our side on the matter.
We can think of worse automotive sins than turbocharging a run-of-the-mill 16V 308, but the seller hasn't gone so far as to replicate the aspiration of a GTO. Fortunately, the 16V 308s breath almost as well as the later Quattrovalvole cars, and with the quad Webers power was a respectable 328hp. European cars revved a bit higher, and made 252, thanks in part to a less-stringent emissions standards in the old country.
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Year: 1978 Model: Ferrari 308 GTB Engine: 2.9L V8 Transmission: 5-speed manual Mileage: 56,000 mi Price: $95,000
1978 Ferrari 308 GTB with GTO style body work. Conversion was done in 1990 by Jim Carpenter's Italian Design and Racing.
An almost 250 hour update to bring the car to our current more accurate rocker panel scoop and front valence was done in 2016. This included the replacement of the lower door skins, HRE 505 10"& 8" 3-piece wheels with 16" Goodrich tires, New black leather Daytona style seats, custom floor mats and new Wilton carpets. This cost was $28,575
The car currently has 56k miles with receipts for service history since 1999
A complete major service including belts and tension bearings is being completed as its last major was 4 years ago.
This is a true US model 78 GTB carburetor 308. The 77 and 78 cars having the highest horse power in the 308 series
With the rising cost of 308's, especially GTB's this car could not be completed for even close to the asking price.
We have now done over 70 of these conversions on the Ferrari 308/328's
Let me know what further questions you might have.
I can help with shipping.
360 790 8219
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We've heard from 308 owners that the cars rust from the tube frames out. The tubes are painted, but the insides didn't see proper rust-proofing. We have to imagine that the Ferrari forums are rife with opinions on the topic, but if it were a real issue, I don't think we'd see so many 308s on eBay in driveable condition. The two-valve heads had issues with the sodium-filled exhaust valve becoming brittle over time, as well as valve guides wearing excessively. We'd check the service history to see that those items were addressed.
We are surprised at how much we like this car. Cool GTO looks, with a decent carb'd Ferrari V8 and chassis to back up the appearance. And, we'll take a yellow Ferrari over a red example any day of the week. Is it worth the asking price? Well, the seller certainly has a lot of coin invested in this thing. But, the miles are high, and it isn't exactly the most rare 308 variant. We're certain that the seller won't have much trouble finding an enthusiastic buyer to pay asking on this thing.
We have been featuring Alfa sports sedans all week, but now it is time to move up a class from BMW to Porsche 911 competitors. Hopefully the readers are aware of our Lamborghini Urraco adoration - the Gandini Bertone wedge, the Dallara/Stanzani engineering - we are fans. As much as we like them, the public did not exactly clamor for these mid-engine V8 sports cars. And, had they, we are not so sure that Lamborghini could have kept up with demand. Nonetheless, Lamborghini did manage to sell its mid-engine V8 sports car models for 16 years between 1972 and 1988 - not a bad run.
It began with the Urraco in 1972, which was augmented by the Silhouette in 1976, and then after a brief halt to production in 1979, was replaced by the Jalpa in 1981. The Jalpa engine, now 3485cc vs. the 2996cc V8 in the Silhouette, was down 5hp to 255hp, but made its power lower in the rev range, thanks to the increase in engine torque. While European models ran four twin-barrel downdraft Weber 42 DCNF carburetors, US car were forced into emissions compliance through the use of fuel-injection. This car does not appear to be burdened with the half-bake fuel-injection system, thankfully.
Though we wouldn't personally choose a red Jalpa, we like the color on the car, as it begs comparison with its much more popular peers, the Ferrari 308/328 series. The tan leather interior doubles down on the Ferrari impression. Condition of both the interior and paintwork appears to be excellent, with the steering wheel leather standing out as the only cosmetic shortcoming on this example.
$90,000 would buy a lot of Ferrari 308/328.. And, the 308, though not particularly-loved or appreciated, does have a bit more of a reputation for serviceability and durability. What issues they have can be sorted at a number of shops. With the Jalpa, the owner will either need an exceedingly resourceful shop, or the gumption to take on the maintenance and repairs himself. With a total of 420 cars produced, we think these are a more special buy than the 308/328. Just make sure you already have a Urraco and a Silhouette before adding one of these to the collection.
As promised, we'll conclude our impromptu Alfa Romeo sports sedan week with a Giulia, and a Quadrifoglio at that. A tech specialist at a powertrain company once told me that BMW and Honda are engine companies that happen to produce automobiles. Lotus, at least lately, is the opposite, producing chassis into which Toyota engines are installed. The same could be said of Cadillac, with their exemplary ATS sports sedan chassis let down by lackluster albeit powerful engines. The Giulia Quadrifoglio manages to best the competition with both its powertrain and its chassis - a rare feat today.
The chassis of the Giulia, if my experience and every modern review are to be trusted, is beyond reproach. The powertrain is a unique beast requiring some background. Ferrari's F154 V8 serves as the basis of the Alfa Romeo V6. Now, the F154 V8 is the best, or perhaps second best V8 engine in the performance market, matched only by the Mercedes-AMG M177/M178 4.0 Bi-Turbo V8. Though Maserati does have access to the F154 series engine in V8 form in the top Quattroporte and Levante models, the F154 V6 remains exclusive to Alfa Romeo. V6 Maseratis must chug along with a humble FCA Pentastar-based unit.
$18k off of sticker is a good starting point for a brand new Giulia Quadrifoglio. Really, under $60,000 for a Ferrari-powered sports sedan with a factory warranty is absurd. And, since it's a 2017 model that's been languishing in the showroom, its peers have put in the legwork to find out which issues necessitate recalls. Drive it straight to the service department, have the recalls addressed, and enjoy!
We interrupt our scheduled Alfa Romeo sports sedan content to share this rare beauty/beast. We are not, admittedly, experts of the Fiat 500, despite owning a modern Fiat 500 Abarth. In our limited google-searching, we are absolutely unable to come up with a factory explanation for the quad front headlight Fiat 500. Looks to be custom work, but the seller describes it as special edition limited production. If someone can vouch for that, we'd be happy to hear more.
We did some additional research, and it would seem that the car was either swapped from a 499cc up to the 595cc engine from a later car, or that the seller is optimistic. We can't tell from looking at the engine.
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Year: 1971 Model: Fiat 500 Engine: 595cc 2-cyl Transmission: 4-speed manual Mileage: 39,911 km Price: $2,850
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Great deal this car is definitely money make not money loss my selling price is very low! Up for sale 1971 Fiat 500 special edition limited production with the 4 headlights very rare in US! Car was import from Milano Italy the 595 engine it runs good the 4 speed transmission it shift good.The interior is red and is in good shape, the body has some minor rust underneath the spar tire and one spat on left side rear floor noting major also as you see the picture she could use new paint job or just fix the fuel problem check the brakes and drive as is! Car was run and drive but since it was sitting for a year the engine not start, she will start and run by spray start fluids in carburetor i put the new fuel filter but no gas come out the fuel filter possible the fuel tank need to be clean. If you wanna inspect or pickup the car in person call 347 631 9496.
As far as cheap 500s go, this is one of the better ones that we've seen. Sure looks like a driver, at least once the fueling issue is solved. We would even venture to say that the underside doesn't look especially rusty. But, who know what lurks beneath the paint. the interior is surprisingly complete, and stands to really clean up.
Look, under $3,000 is relatively short cash for a classic 500 these days. The headlights - factory or otherwise - are a hoot, as is the Italianate branding down the center of the car. This could be a great opportunity to buy an odd little 500 with a hot engine!
Well, we promised a Giulia, but this isn't the Giulia that we promised. We'll get a modern Giulia up on the site later this week, but for now, check out this surprisingly clean 105 series Giulia 1300 Ti, and let us know how we do in describing the details on this thing - 60s Alfa experts, we are not.
The Tipo 105.39 Giulia 1300 Ti shared chassis and suspension mechanical bits with the sportier Super, but differed in engine selection. The 1300 Ti Giulias featured the 1,290cc single down-draft Solex carburetorater engine of the 105 series 1300GT Junior, vs. the more basic 101 series-derived lump in the plain Giulia 1300. Being a later car, it has circular gauges, but lacks the binnacles of the Super models. For better or worse, it lacks the dual-circuit brakes of the 1970+ models, but maintains four wheel disc brakes. The Turismo Internationale represents a sporty medium in the Giulia range.
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Year: 1969 Model: Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Ti Engine: 1,290cc 4-cyl Transmission: 5-speed manual Mileage: 8,309 mi Price: $22,500
The condition of the car is rather remarkable. We would be sure to ascertain that the mileage listed is actual. We would also seek out all of the relevant details required to consider a car of this ilk, as the listing is entirely devoid of detail. Is the car restored? Is there rust? It sure appears that either the car was restored, or it is an incredible survivor - and at $22,500, we'd wager that the former scenario is more probable.
Were we not in the middle of some space-consuming garage activities, we'd have a tough time turning this example down. Mark us down as fans of the light blue color and single headlights. We're also keen on the simpler single-circuit brakes, and four-wheel discs. Would a 1600 Super be preferable? Sure, but we'll take top condition over top spec any day. And, this car sure seems to deliver on condition.
Please contact the owner, John, by clicking his email address here.
We are pleased to present this 1961 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder with Coachwork by Vignale as a reader classified. Sold originally in white paint by a Roman Maserati distributor, the Spyder was repainted to its current Rosso Rubino by its second owner, a Napolitana. The interior remains original to the car as delivered from the factory. At some point in the car's history, it was fitted with a factory replacement 3.5L engine, which it retains to this day.
Restoration work commenced in 2006, starting with a full-body repaint, which included stripping the body to bare metal. The chrome was restored at D&S Plating, whose reputation has led them to work on multiple Pebble Beach award-winning automobiles. Following the restoration of the Spyder, it was presented at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours, where it was the only Vignale Spyder present at the Maserati 100th anniversary celebration.
This beautifully preserved example of the legendary Maserati 3500 GT was originally delivered with its splendid Vignale Spider coachwork in white paint with black leather interior and sold new by the Maserati distributor Cornacchia Automobili of Rome, Italy, to Vasco Migliacci—renowned Italian songwriter and composer, also from Rome. It was later purchased by a lady in Naples who, it seems, had the car color changed from white to Rosso Rubino, the beautiful Ruby Red it presents in today. The interior was not touched and remains as it was when delivered from the factory in Modena. The Napolitana kept the car until 1980, when it was acquired by Pierre Honegger, a race car driver and entrepreneur in Princeton, New Jersey. Honegger maintained the 3500 GT in his collection. Correspondence with the race driver confirmed that when he received the Maserati, other than the paint, the car was totally original, without any evidence of accident or modification. He sold the Maserati in March 1997, to noted collector Peter Starr, with 29,037 kms on the odometer, believed to be the original reading. The current consignor states that when Starr took possession of the car it had already been fitted with another Maserati 3500 GT factory replacement engine - a correct 3.5-liter 6-cylinder motor exactly as the original one. It is unclear whether the engine change was at the request of a previous owner or whether it was Honegger who switched out the motor, which seems most likely.
In 2006, Starr commissioned Ayer European Auto Restorations in Gardiner, Maine, to perform a respray, taking the body back to bare metal to ensure a first-class result. At the same time the chrome was sent to D&S Plating Co., the Pebble Beach award winning specialist based in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Following many years careful maintenance and meticulous service, the Maserati was presented at the Amelia Island Concours in 2014 as the only Vignale Spyder at the 100th Anniversary celebration of the marque. After two decades of ownership, Starr sold the car to the current steward, a long-time enthusiast with a large and eclectic collection, including numerous Maseratis.
This gorgeous 3500 GT Spyder is believed to be dressed with the original top and interior, and other than a small tear in the top canvas and some insignificant paint flaking on the dash, the overall condition of the car is amazingly well-preserved with a patina of careful wear over its fifty-seven years. It has three Weber carburetors and disc brakes in the front with drum in the rear and a lovely set of Borrani steel wheels, as well as the desirable 5-speed manual transmission.
This fabulous Ruby Red Maserati is one of fewer than 250 of the 3500 GT Spyder's built, with less than 40,000 kilometers on the clock, it is a highly desirable and drivable marque icon.
1961 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder interior
We do not have the skills to assess the concours-readiness of such an exquisite example. That said, we can easily place this vehicle at the absolute acme of desirable Italian automobiles. Now, we have to wonder - what will the owner replace this with? We think that a Lamborghini 350GT is the only way up from here.
Have an Italian car that you'd like to share with the readers? Email us graham@blythbros.com to arrange your reader classified posting!
Let's see this Alfa Romeo sports sedan theme through; spoiler alert: tomorrow's post is going to be a modern Giulia.
The 164 breaks with Alfa's tradition of basing its sports sedans on its sports cars. The internet at large will be quick to point out that the 164 shares DNA with the Saab 9000, Fiat Chroma, and Lancia Thema, and it does share much of the floorpan with those sedans. But, having owned two 164s, I can tell you that they share shockingly few components with that trio. At first glance, it's not a very appealing Alfa sports sedan - shared platform, and FWD at that. Drive one, though, and you'll quickly understand.
The 164 doesn't weigh as much as you might expect. Combine the relative light weight with excellent steering feel, a comfortable and controlled ride, and a torquey V6, and the car really excels at daily driver duty. In S guise, the V6 makes 200hp, thanks to the vaunted S cams, a bump in compression ration. Piston cooling jets, a water to oil engine oil cooler, and a bumped-up oil pump curve ensure durability at the increased power level.
The Alfa Romeo 164 is a four-door executive saloon that was manufactured by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1987 to 1998 and designed by Pininfarina.
Alfa brought the 164 to American shores in 1991, and all of those cars were equipped with the beautiful 3.0-liter motor. This engine, with its exposed intake tubing, was as satisfying to drive as it was to look at and in SOHC 12-valve form was rated at 183 horsepower in the base and “L” versions and 200 horsepower in the “S” cars.
1991 Alfa Romeo 164S. The exterior is White with a Black interior. 5 Speed manual transmission. 134,363 km. V-6 Engine. FWD. Sunroof. Options include power windows, power mirrors, power seats, heated seats, air conditioning. In showroom condition.
The mileage and perceived condition of this example are desirable. Missing is any record of engine and suspension service. The electronic shock absorbers and their bearings are difficult to source, if broken. The engines are robust, but it never hurts to reiterate that timing belt service must be kept up on. In general, these cars are outside of their design lifetime in age, if not mileage, so elastomeric components will be worn out - belts, hoses, seals, suspension bushings. It's nice to see a record of what has been replaced.
Having only dredged the bottom of craigslist for 164s, the price of this one is a bit rich for my blood. That said, the 164S is sort of favored to the 164Q for those who want similar performance, but can't stomach the service requirements of the 24V Busso of the 164Q. At this price, I have a feeling that an outsider to the Alfa world will make a foray into Alfa ownership. With this particular car, they will more than likely emerge unscathed.
The concept isn't foreign to the elders at CICFS: US serviceman buys desirable car in Europe, drives it while serving in Germany, and then brings it back to the US to enjoy. We have to imagine that e30 BMWs are currently popular among car enthusiast serviceman in Europe, so we applaud this gentleman for his taste in less-common sports sedans.
The Alfa 75 in 1.6 trim is as basic as the model was offered. A friend of the site has a particularly mean 75 1.6, which was swapped to a 3.0L Busso V6 powertrain for the ultimate sleeper 75. This particular 75 doesn't deliver on sleeper status, with its aftermarket wheels and Alfa Romeo decals, but we see nothing that couldn't be reversed for a 2.0 TS sleeper build.
This is a 1988 Alfa Romeo 75 2.0 Twin Spark, the European version of the Milano in the states.
VIN: ZAR162B2000049876
This car is a European spec car, originally it was imported from Italy and sold new in the Netherlands in 1988 as a White Alfa 75 1.6. From there It changed hands and had a full documented restoration in 1998 by L Beute. When it was restored, the drivetrain was swapped over from a 2.0 Twin Spark and the car was resprayed green. The car was purchased from the Netherlands in 2014, from there it was imported to Germany and then to the United States. Once it made it over here, the car was brought back up to good condition.
What Separates it from the Milano:
Euro Bumpers and headlights
Euro Tails
Reliable 2.0TS engine
Center Exit Exhaust
Fuel tank under the car instead of in the trunk
NO quirky ABS system
NO sunroof
Power front windows only
NO A/C factory
Less weight
The Good:
Everything from the rear doors back was rebuilt. All new transmission mounts, new slave cylinder, lines, brake calipers. Brake rotors, replacement axles and new rear bearings.
New wheels and tires
New brakes all the way around
Rebuilt Transaxle
Rebuilt Shifter
Strong Engine
Excellent Paint
Mint interior
Lowered with Koni Adjustable Shocks and Springs
The Bad:
Inner and outer rear wheel arch rust,
The passenger rear door has a rust hole in it
Inner fender behind the coolant bottle also has a hole in it.
Paint has two clearcoat blemishes
Headliner Sagging
Though the suspension components seem to be pretty devoid of rust, this car does show a fair amount of rot, particularly in the area where the rear doors meet the rear wheel wells. This is a common rust area for the 75 / Milano, and repair sheetmetal does exist - as do examples without the rust.
Asking price is strong on this car. We attribute that to the rarity of this particular model in North America, as well as to the considerable list of maintenance that the current owner had completed on the car. We'd ditch the Nardi steering wheel and shifter, swap out the Crown Royal shift boot for something less 2008, and get to work on rust mitigation. For those in search of the ultimate lightweight 75 and a powerful engine to boot, this car is a good opportunity.
