Monthly Archives: February 2020

Lancia, Pininfarina

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe

These sleek Lancia Gamma Coupes never sold in astounding figures, amounting to no more than 7,000 sales over their eight-year production run. On the one hand, it begs the question of why a manufacturer would bother with the engineering of a bespoke model when the market projections are so low (assuming that they predicted the market size accurately). On the other hand, we know that there exist benefits to the automakers outside of profits in a low-volume testbed like a flagship model.

Compared to past - and our favorite - Lancia flagships, the Gamma makes use of entirely new technologies. In place of a V6, we see a flat four, and in place of a rear-mounted transaxle, we see a front-mounted transaxle driving the front wheels. The result of this updated configuration is seen in the styling, which maintains a really low hood line coupled with a steep windshield rake. Ahead of its time in the 70s, it ushered in the best of 80s grand touring design.

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe white rear view
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Year: 1979
Model:  Lancia Gamma Coupe
Engine: 2.5L H4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  51,810
Price: $29,500
Location: Cleveland, OH

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe white blue tan interiror velour
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe

This Lancia Gamma is one of 6790 coupes built. It was sold new in Spain. Finished in white with a contrasting blue/beige interior, the car was repainted a year ago and looks very nice. The undercarriage is  rust free. The interior is in perfect original condition. Engine is believed to be original to the car. It is in great running condition with a recent tune-up and major service being done. The car is a strong driver on the road with over $15,000 in recent work performed over the last 2 years. The car is running on new tires. New exhaust pipe.  This Lancia Gamma Pininfarina is ready to have some fun, rare and highly collectible and very hard to find in the US. 

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe white engine 2.5L flat four
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Plenty of photos are provided to help assess the condition of this example. The underside appears to be especially clean, with the assurance from the seller that the undercarriage is rust free. Does rust exist elsewhere though? The engine was removed for a major service - what that entails, the seller does not specify, but it's a good sign at least. This could end up being a headache to find parts for, so the better the documentation and current condition, the more positive the ownership experience should turn out to be.

Wow, the price on this thing. The price of rarity, maybe? We can definitely see tucking one of these away with a Ferrari 400i and a Fiat 130 Coupe, and both of those run north of $30k, so at least it isn't price out of the range of its peers. And, where else are you going to find one this clean for sale? Unless you're really seeking the fastback variant, this could be the one to buy.

Ferrari, Pininfarina

1972 FERRARI 365 GTC/4

Beverly Hills to Las Vegas is a 280 mile stretch; Google Maps predicts a 4 hour travel time. The route crosses the Mojave Desert, lean on rainfall and law enforcement. You could fly out of Burbank, but then you'd have to rent a car once you arrive in Vegas. We'd recommend a 2+2 with some potency instead - something like today's Ferrari 365 GTC/4.

A true 1970s shape, the 365 GTC/4 body is a crisp collection of curves. Nothing is superfluous, and yet the design exudes excess, from the long tailpipes, to the wide wheels, to the exaggerated proportions, to the 3 taillights per side. The 365GT4 and 400i that would follow went a long way in refining the design for this form factor, cutting out the excess. But for a small model run of 505 examples from 1971 to 1972, the 2+2 offering from Ferrari was loud and brash - the sort of car you could expect to drive from LA to Vegas.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC:4 V12 rear red on tan
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Year: 1972
Model:  Ferrari 365 GTC/4
Engine: 4.4L V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  25,767
Price: $229,000
Location: Southampton, NY

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC:4 interior tan leather
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

The mandate for this 365 GTC4 was to deliver a well sorted fast reliable Ferrari the owner could enjoy at the drop of a hat. We were instructed to completely disassemble all components, recommission and make ready for everyday driving, absolutely everything must work. The car came to us having sat for many years, first we inspected her and established very quickly that we had a real survivor and mostly original car. The engine was thoroughly checked over by Miller Ferrari of Connecticut (full report and docs available) and was found to be in very good condition with only a minor overhaul needed. The carburetors were all removed stripped down cleaned and rebuilt. All new seals, plugs and ignition kit. The radiator was sent out to be completely refurbished, all new hoses and belts fitted. A/C overhauled, replaced, cv joints, boots and clamps, water pump overhauled, timing chain tensioner seals, window systems and tracks repaired and replaced. All switches, gauges, fans and lights overhauled. Brakes and rotors overhauled. New period correct tires. Becker radio and speakers work as they should. Every nut and bolt was inspected clean repaired or replaced, no expense was spared in making this beauty sing. This stunning Ferrari is ready for a new home and spirited long distance touring. We've listed a few of the items we attended to however, there is so much more we'd be happy to discuss should you decide to call or come see her by appointment only. 

Car has the following :
-Rebuilt Front And Rear Brake Calipers, New Front And Rear Brake Pads and Brake Hoses, Resurfaced Brake Rotors
-New Exhaust Gaskets And Hangers
-Rebuilt Steering Idler Arm .
-Re-Conditioned Front And Rear Shocks and Upgraded Load Levelers
-New Front And Rear Suspension Bushings.
-New Front And Rear Sway Bar Bushings .
-New Rear Axle Bearings .
-New Coolant Hoses .
-New Tires .
-New Hood Supports .
-Powder Coated Suspension Coil Springs .
-Rebuilt Water Pump .
-New Trunk Seal .
-engine overhauled 
-Complete Tune Up, Includes: New Spark Plugs, Ignition Points, Ignition Wires, Valve Adjustment, And Rebuilt Carburetors
-New Air Distribution Hoses In Dash And Engine Compartment
-New Air Injection Check Valves
-New Fuel Filters & Canister filter
-New Fuel Hoses
-New Air Filters
-New Coolant/Anti-Freeze
-New Heater Control Valve
For more information please call Grand Prix cafe at 646 250 5519.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC:4 V12 engine Colombo
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After a long dormancy, the seller had this example gone through, from suspension to cooling system to fuel delivery. Simple from a mechanical perspective, the cost of components probably resulted in a substantial bill once all was said and done. We'd be sure to discuss the current condition of the car with the seller to see if anything was left for the next owner to address.

As far as V12 manual Ferraris go, this car is expensive, but seems to be priced pretty reasonably. The design was clearly influenced by the more-valuable Daytona, but the price tag doesn't really reflect that. We would imagine that the extra mass doesn't really detract from the driving experience, compared to the Daytona. The 324bhp on tap for North American cars should make quick work of moving the 3,200lb of mass down the road. Now, who is ready to buy this and rocket across the desert?

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Silver

It's a real relief to see Milanos priced in the realm of sanity. We like Milanos. Milanos are our favorite of anything we post here, even. But we aren't prepared for a future of $10k+ Milanos. So, thanks for sharing a moment of gratitude with us for what we hope is a long-lasting period of affordable Milanos.

Devoid of ABS, a sunroof, leather seats, and cruise control, the Silver model represents the most economical of Milano offerings. Whereas the appeal might have eluded new-car shoppers, these days, the Silver is preferred to the ABS models for its simplicity.

1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Silver black euro taillights rear view America North America
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Year: 1989
Model:  Alfa Romeo Milano Silver
Engine: 2.5L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  142,000
Price: Auction
Location: Oceanside, NY

1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Silver black euro taillights interior America North America
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Silver

Mechanicals:
Starts, idles, and drives great.  142,000 original miles on the all aluminum Giuseppe Busso designed 2.5L V6 engine.  Up to date on maintenance.  Good clutch, shifts throughout all five gears and into reverse nice and smooth with no 2nd gear issues.  Suspension is good, handles well.  Brakes are good, non-ABS model.  Upgraded 15” Platinum model “wine glass” style wheels in great shape all around with matching tires (original wheels included).  All electronics function flawlessly: front & rear power windows go up &down at normal speed, all interior & exterior lights function with no issues as well, instrument cluster and all gauges have no issues.

Cosmetics:
Rare no-sunroof model.  Structurally solid, no rust issues.  Only visible rust is some very minor bubbles under the paint where the left rear wheel arch meets the rocker panel.  Paint is overall very presentable, in nice driver quality.  It is not a perfect brand-new paint job.  All lights and glass are in excellent condition with no oxidation or pitting.  Headlights have thick protective film applied and are like-new, taillights are rare European 75 T.Spark model.
Interior is all original and is in extremely clean condition.  The fabric on the upper & lower outer bolsters of the driver’s seat have ripped (see photos), the original material is available and I have been quoted $75 for labor to reupholster.  The headliner is in very good condition, as are the rear parcel shelf, carpets, dashboard, center console, armrest, door panels, etc.

Summary:
Simple (no-sunroof no-ABS) 2.5L V6 and 5spd manual 1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Silver.  Loves to rev, runs strong with tons of torque.  Handles great, tight balanced RWD platform.  Very clean interior & exterior, beautiful condition for a 31 year old car with 142,000 miles.

1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Silver black Busso V6 Arese America North America
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The only rust disclosed is on the rear fender flares. Not ideal, but not atypical, and not a huge endeavor to rectify. Interior condition is really solid, with just some headliner sagging and seat bolster wear to take care of, should the buyer so choose. Everything electronic is claimed to function properly, meaning this driver should be ready to go upon purchase.

The auction format will guide this Milano Silver to market price, and while it won't go for pennies on the dollar, we hope to see something reasonable. There are cheaper paths to Milano ownership, but sometimes paying a bit more for a running and driving example like this one pays off based on the simple fact that you can drive it from day one.

-Graham

Abarth, Autobianchi, Bertone, Gandini, Uncategorized

1980 Autobianchi A112 Abarth

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Our 1984 VW GTI is still unmatched among all of the cars we've owned. A German hot hatch in a sharp Giugiaro suit, ours was a US model built in Pennsylvania. We drove it clear across the country with a 90hp under the hood and a trunk full of tools.

We aim to keep on theme with the whole Italian car thing, so instead of sharing a GTI, let's take a look at this 1980 Autobianchi A112 Abarth. A supermini with more in common with the VW Polo than the Golf GTI, the A112 relies on a 70hp 1050cc four to hurl it down the road.

1980 Autobianchi A112 Abarth for sale USA US America rear view
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Year: 1980
Model:  Autobianchi A112 Abarth
Engine: 1050cc 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  19,398
Price: $24,999
Location: San Lorenzo, CA

1980 Autobianchi A112 Abarth for sale USA US America interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1980 Autobianchi A112 Abarth

I'm selling my 1983 Autobianchi Abarth with only 19000km (11000 miles)! This car is still like new! These car had great success from 1971-86 in Hill Climbs and Rallies. This example is the last and most desirable series A112 produced. It has a 5-speed manual gearbox. Power was increased from 58hp stock to 70hp stock in the Abarth trim as shown. The car has a special Ferrari ANSA muffler exhaust system and special, rare Campagnolo alloy wheels made famous on Lamborghinis and other super cars of the day. This car runs exceptionally well and is very peppy and quick and a joy to drive. This car has it's original engine and is matching numbers. The black, original paint looks great and there is absolutely zero rust or corrosion anywhere. It has always been stored in an indoor collection that was inland and away from the ocean. The upholstery is all-original and in exceptional condition for being almost 40 years old. There are no rips, tears or stains and it has never been smoked in which is extremely rare for an Italian car! The car was brought in to Long Beach, CA from Italy in 2018 as a Fiat since these car were never offered in the United States. This car is sold with a clean, Montana title and is currently located in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. The glass is all-original, the rubber and plastics are in near perfect condition. The tires are new and a recent tune-up was just preformed. It has won "Best In Show" at several local car shows. This car needs nothing but a new owner. A beautiful example to add to your collection. I can assist with shipping worldwide from the Port of Oakland and it is able to re-enter Europe with no problem being that it has already been cleared through customs less than two years ago. It's only $1300 to Rotterdam and about the same on an open carrier to the East Coast. This is your chance to own and extremely rare and collectible car. One that you will probably never see again in the states. There are a lot more pictures available on request of this beautiful Italian machine! Please take a minute to click on the video links and see this car in action! This is an AS-IS sale with NO Warranty expressed or implied. Good luck and thanks for looking! 


1980 Autobianchi A112 Abarth for sale USA US America engine
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US buyers will have their work cut out for them when it comes to servicing, even if they take it upon themselves to keep the vehicle on the road. The lack of Autobianchi parts in the US will hurt to begin with, but the Abarth-specific parts will really prove difficult to source.

We can't get on board with the price, though we haven't driven one, so what do we know? Sound and fury of the Abarth grade aren't readily available in the US, so maybe the seller is onto something. For those deterred by the large ask, nabbing a clean MK1 GTI wouldn't be the largest betrayal of classic Italian enthusiasm.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Pininfarina

1993 Alfa Romeo 164L

This one-owner 164 exemplifies the erstwhile strength of the Alfa Romeo brand. How else do you explain 224,000 miles worth of caring ownership? The owner of this example passed before selling, but how does one replace a 164 these days? Starting in 2016, the Giulia would have been an option, but as much as we do respect the Tipo 952 Giulia, it just doesn't stack up to the 164 in terms of sound and design. Dynamically? That's another story.

We have dabbled in 164 ownership. First, with a 164LS with 164Q 45mm runners and a Squadra tuning chip worth a claimed 240hp. We'd still be driving that had a high-g off ramp cloverleaf not starved a rod bearing of vital oil pressure. Later, we ventured to New Jersey for a $1,300 164L that cost us many a night toiling in our cold Michigan garage. After exhaustive reconditioning efforts netted a car below our personal standards, we reluctantly passed the car on to another enthusiast, who would start at a much better point than we did.

1993 Alfa Romeo 164L anthracite 3.0L Busso V6 rear view
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Year: 1993
Model:  Alfa Romeo 164L
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  224,523
Price: Auction
Location: Philadelphia, PA

1993 Alfa Romeo 164L anthracite 3.0L Busso V6 manual interior black leather
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1993 Alfa Romeo 164L

This is a great looking 1993 Alfa Romeo 164-L. There has been one owner since new and this car has 224,523 miles. This 164 was owned by an auto sports aficionado who also owned a two European auto dealerships. He had a certain affinity for this car, and apparently spared little expense to keep it in great condition mechanically and cosmetically. He passed away last year which is how we came to own this Alfa. This 164 is equipped with the 3.0L engine and 5-speed manual transmission. I'm told that the owner had the engine completely rebuilt and upgraded to 164-S performance specs in 2015. We sold a very nice 1991 164-S with 96k miles in November 2019, and this 164-L runs stronger than that car in every respect. 
 
This Alfa runs and drives very well. The engine runs very strong and the transmission shifts smoothly. There aren’t any service or warning lights on. The tires are showing lots of tread and the brakes are in great shape as well. The oil & filters were replaced last week, and this car is ready to be picked up and put to use today.
 
The exterior of this Alfa is very clean and looks great. The Anthracite Metallic paint is very glossy over the entire body. There are lots of stone chips on the front, many of which have been touched up already. The alloy wheels are bright and clean, and all exterior trim is intact and in great condition. There aren’t any dents or body rust on this car, and the undercarriage is in excellent condition as well. 
 
The interior has been well maintained and is in terrific condition. The interior of this car is not beat up in the slightest and could easily pass for a vehicle with 75k miles. All leather seats are in excellent condition and not worn or damaged. The carpeting is also fluffy and clean without any holes. All of the trim panels and trim pieces are intact and in great condition. The owner was a non-smoker owned vehicle, and there aren't any burn marks or odors inside this car.
 
There is no accident history in the lifetime of this car, and we have the clear title in hand. This Alfa Romeo should provide excellent service for many years to come, and is ready to be driven away or shipped anywhere

1993 Alfa Romeo 164L anthracite 3.0L Busso V6 chrome runners
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The seller claims that the original owner had the engine rebuilt and upgraded with 164S pistons and cams in 2015. If that were to be true, this would be the most ideal of 164s in our opinion. Quieter styling than the S and Q models, but with the more simple 12V in its top spec.

The leather is clean and in great condition, the carpets neat, and the exterior mostly surviving, other than a few stone chips. Sometimes there comes a time when one questions whether the investments into a cheap old car will pay off. We think that keeping this car in the condition that it's currently in, and spending a bit to tidy up the paint would pay off without a doubt.

-Graham

Fiat, Uncategorized

1957 Fiat 600 Multipla

633cc to move 6 passengers; 105.5cc and not even 4hp per passenger. Good for a top speed of 57mph. The problem is, steady state motoring requires substantially less power than getting up to speed. Yes, the Multipla will cruise along at 57mph, but expect to invest ~45 seconds to reach that speed.

We're open to the adventure. Cars today provide a surplus of power that is useful for getting up to speed on an onramp or making a quick turn in front of traffic. It's fun to drive a car with some extra power, and the horsepower rating surely helps move cars from the dealer lots. But, postwar cars in Italy used just enough raw material to meet the performance requirements. We are trying to avoid looking at a difficult economic period with rose-tinted glasses, as we imagine many folks from this time period didn't romanticize the austerity, but here we are, marveling at how little power it really takes to move a car down the road.

1957 Fiat 600 Multipla green rear view
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Year: 1957
Model:  Fiat 600 Multipla
Engine: 633cc 4-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  22,432 mi
Price: $26,500
Location: Glendale, CA

1957 Fiat 600 Multipla green interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1957 Fiat 600 Multipla

This vehicle has a clear Arizona title. If you need to get a CA title for this vehicle, I can help you with that for an additional fee.


1957 FIAT 600 MULTIPLA


The Fiat 600 (Italian: Seicento, pronounced [sitnto]) is a rear-engine, water-cooled city car, manufactured and marketed by Fiat from 1955 to 1969 - offered in two-door sedan and four-door mini-MPV body styles.
The Fiat 600 Multipla was a four-door MPV based on the Fiat 600's drivetrain and Fiat 1100 front suspensions, that sat up to six people in a footprint just 50 cm (19.7 in) longer than the original Mini Cooper and on the same 2 m (78.7 in) wheelbase as the 600 saloon.


HERE WE HAVE A VERY CLEAN AND ORIGINAL FIAT 600 MULTIPLA WITH 22,432 ORIGINAL MILES. THIS MULTIPLA IS A NUMBERS MATCHING CAR AND EVERYTHING IS ORIGINAL EXCEPT FOR THE EXTERIOR PAINT THAT WAS DONE A FEW YEARS AGO. BODY IS VERY SOLID AND STRAIGHT WITH NO RUST OR BONDO. UNDERCARRIAGE IS DRY AND CLEAN. ORIGINAL GLASS AND CHROME ARE GREAT. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ARE VERY HEALTHY AND UNTOUCHED. THIS FIAT MULTIPLA RUNS STRONG, SHIFTS AND STOPS GREAT. THE INTERIOR IS COMPLETE AND LOOKS GREAT. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FIAT 600 MULTIPLA THAT HAS NOT BEEN MESSED WITH HERE IS YOUR CHANCE

1957 Fiat 600 Multipla green interior engine compartment
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This sure seems to be a dry and straight survivor, with low mileage to boot. Mechanically basic, it shouldn't be a challenge to maintain either. While the smaller Fiats utilized air to cool their engines, the water-cooled 4-cylinder in this Multipla shouldn't struggle too much to shed heat under load, lack of airflow to the rear-mounted radiator notwithstanding.

We'd love to see someone buy this thing and drive the wheels off of it. Load it up with passengers and putt around town. Shuttle to the junkyard and load up on Italian spares. Drop the kids off at school. The simplicity and lack of frills juxtapose nicely with the funky color palette, oddball styling, and classic Italian attitude. Quite the sweet spot, if you ask us.

-Graham

Lancia, Pininfarina

1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America

Poor Lancia. From their position as technology leader of the Italian automotive market, they have sunken to peddlers of a rebadged Fiat 500 in Italy only. Lancia, the inventor of the V6, relegated to a mere badge on a Fiat.

We have it on good authority that the Aurelia B24S Spider drives more like a modern car than it has any right to, considering its date of manufacture. Then again, when you dig into the unorthodox engineering and attention to detail that went into every single component on Lancias of this era, it stands to reason that these cars would drive like modern vehicles. Forget V12 Ferraris, Alfas, and Lamborghinis; if you want the pinnacle of Italian engineering, only a Lancia will do.

1955 Lancia B24S Aurelia Spider LHD for sale engine V6 De Virgilio tan interior blue rear
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Year: 1955
Model:  Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America
Engine: 2.5L V6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  52,126 mi
Price: $1,295,000
Location: San Diego, CA

1955 Lancia B24S Aurelia Spider LHD for sale engine V6 De Virgilio tan interior blue
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider

1955 Lancia B24-S Spider America
 
Year 1955
Make Lancia
Model B24S
Type Spider America
Chassis No ★B24S-1170★
Pinin Farina Job No 15289
Pinin Farina Scocca No S 00172
Exterior Color Dark Blue
Interior Color Tobacco
Engine No MOT. B24 No 1229
Engine Casting Date May 14th, 1955
Intake Manifold No B24 1229
Transaxle No 398
Transaxle Type Tipo B20S
Transaxle Casting Date May 5th, 1955
Final Drive Ratio 11 x 47 (4.27:1)
Front Suspension No 164
Front Suspension Type Tipo B24S
Front Axle No 172
Steering Box No 399
Carburetor Weber 40DCZ 5 (s/n 3622)
Tail Light Bezel Date Code February 7th, 1953
Tail Light Lenz Date Code March 20th, 1954
Windscreen Date Code March 11th, 1955
Assembly Started October 3rd, 1955
Assembly Finished October 23rd, 1955
First Tested October 24th, 1955
Accepted for delivery October 24th, 1955
UK Registration (1982) "WYA 8"
UK Registration "212 UYL"
Florida Registration "ADG 39A"
Mileage 52,122 Miles

Chassis No ★B24S-1170★
This particular B24S Spider America was a regular production example, one of 240 total examples completed and one of 181 that were left-hand-drive configured. It had two very unique configuration features that set it far apart from the other examples built. This vehicle was assembled as a normal Italian, domestic-market vehicle which featured both Italian lighting and the distinct open glove box without locking door. All gauges and indicators were however in English with the speedometer calibrated in miles at the request of the original ordering owner, an American Air Force officer stationed in Rome.

1955 Lancia B24S Aurelia Spider LHD for sale engine V6 De Virgilio
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Sharing the DeDion tube rear suspension with the 4th series B20, the Spiders located their transaxle in the rear of the car, mounting the rear brake drums in an inboard configuration. Front suspension is of the sliding pillar design, a concept pioneered by Lancia in 1922 with their Lambda offering. And, the V6 is the 2451cc B20 series 4 variant of the famed Lancia V6 line, sporting an under-square bore and stroke and special, sadly detuned cam for American consumption.

This example was delivered to an American Air Force officer stationed in Rome in its original Grigio over black, but later changed over to midnight blue over a biscuit interior. Maybe interested parties could point that out for a discount? The rest of us, the interested but financially unequipped parties, can take solace knowing that, while these rare variants are priced in the stratosphere, there do exist Lancia models with the famed V6 and a more realistic price tag.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Bertone, Gandini

1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal

Hopefully our loyal readers are aware by now that our 1970s Gandani preferences lie with the Lamborghini Urraco. Gandani did not limit himself to a single wedge, though. His preferred form appeared in not only in the mid-engined Miura, Urraco, and Dino GT4, but also, to a lesser extent in front-engined GTs, such as today's Montreal.

We've touched before on the fact that the 2.6L V8 in the Montreal makes use of some proven engine development from the Nord 4-cylinder cars from Alfa Romeo. Compared to the later Busso V6, the Montreal's V8 features two camshafts per cylinder head, and benefits from the port angles that made the 1300cc Alfa Nord engines so successful. 197hp out of a 2.6L is very impressive for Montreal's era.

1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal orange rear turbinas
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Year: 1973
Model:  Alfa Romeo Montreal
Engine: 2.6L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  57,553
Price: $98,500
Location: Huntington Station, NY

1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal orange beige black interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal

1973 ALFA ROMEO MONTREAL: --Orange, Black interior with Beige cloth inserts, Black dashboard, Grey carpeting, Restored, Serviced, 92,000Km/57,000 miles, 2.6 Liter V8 engine, 5-speed manual gearbox.

The Montreal is one of the most sophisticated and striking post-war Alfa Romeo production cars. It uses a detuned version of the quad-cam, fuel-injected, dry sump V8 used in the legendary Tipo 33 prototype racecar. The Montreal has a Spica mechanical fuel injection system, a five-speed ZF manual gearbox, front independent suspension, a live rear axle with coil-spring suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and a chassis derived from the iconic 105-series cars. Designed by Bertone, the Montreal was wide and low with a shark-like nose extending through a curved fender and shoulder haunches into a truncated tail. The headlight “blinds” and stacked horizontal vents on the C-pillar were rather attractive and very futuristic at the time. The V8 produces 200bhp taking only 7.1 seconds to get to 60mph and reaching 140mph back in 1971! Besides its stunning looks, the Montreal is practical with a 2+2 seating configuration and a full trunk enclosed by a glass hatchback.

This Montreal was sold new to its first owner in The Netherlands in February 1973. It was reportedly with the original owner until 1989 when sold to its second owner also in The Netherlands. History resumes in 2017 when acquired by its next custodian. This owner entrusted Italclassic of Alicante, Spain to carry out restoration work. This included refinishing the exterior in orange, refreshing the interior, tuning the fuel-injection system, and installing a new exhaust system and jacking points. In 2018 Alfa Romeo specialist, Sam Van Lingen of the Netherlands, installed new fuel injectors and set the valve clearance. The Montreal also received new fluids, filters, and hoses along with an upgraded water pump.

The Montreal was then sold in 2019 and imported to its previous owner in California.

A truly iconic sports car, this Alfa is comfortable, yet dialed in for around-town or long highway cruising. A recent road test attests to the car performing excellent in every way and it is ready for immediate use and enjoyment. The engine pulls extremely well with plenty of horsepower and torque, the mechanical injection is set up properly and the gearbox and clutch feel as new. Over the years we have owned several Montreal’s, this is one of the finest in all areas.

With just 3,925 examples built between 1971 and 1977, this Montreal is both rare, exotic and a lot of fun to drive and worthy of a place in any collection. This Montreal is complete with its original service book, original Netherlands registrations, spare tire and recent service records.

1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal orange engine Tipo 33 Stradale 2.6L
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The tidiness of this car is pretty appealing. With so many risky design concepts in the interior, any deterioration can lend to a really sad state of health, which this car seems to avoid well. The very 1970s design of the cockpit shows well and loses very little fidelity in transmitting the designer's original vision.

At the almost $100,000 asking price, we start to lose interest in the Montreal. Our money would go to something from Lamborghini, were we shopping GTs from this era. As far as Montreals go, though, this looks like a good buy.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Uncategorized

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C

Editorial license permits us to exaggerate any continuity that might exist from post to post. So now, we'll attempt to tie this 4C in with the Ferrari 360s posted last weekend. It's not too much of a stretch though - both employ the same mid-engine chassis configuration, offer automated manuals, and are evenly matched in performance figures.

When evaluating the difference between the two models, the 4C begins to make a case for itself. In place of the aluminum monocoque on the 360, the 4C utilizes a carbon fiber composite for it tub chassis. Its turbocharged 4-cylinder, not nearly as powerful as the flat-plane V8 in the Ferrari, makes up for its lack of peak power with a much broader power band. And, its chassis dynamics and aerodynamics benefit from 15 years of advancement in computation power, meaning that engineers were able to optimize the setup at a fraction of the cost, a benefit reflected in the MSRP.

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C USA black interior track package rear view gray
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Year: 2015
Model:  Alfa Romeo 4C
Engine: 1.8L 4-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
Mileage:  14,248mi
Price: $38,900
Location: Reynoldsburg, OH

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C USA black interior track package
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C

Super Clean car tons of Options! Hard to Find Color combo! Tons of Service Records! Clean Title and Carfax! $69k WINDOW. We are a small dealer who specializes in High-End Vehicles. We charge a $250 DOC Fee and Have to Collect Tax where Applicable! Shipping Options Available!

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C USA black interior track package engine bay rear trunk
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The 4C's more advanced chassis is not without its drawbacks. It is serviceable in the case of a collision, but don't expect your car to make it back from the body shop for 6+ months. Between sourcing panels and the factory support required for any chassis repairs, the endeavor will require some time to complete with any level of quality. Routine service will prove equally challenging, as the car was designed with performance and cost at the forefront, much to the detriment of serviceability.

For below $40k, we think this 4C is a good buy. The selling dealer seems to have put in the minimum effort to the sell the car, but the case for this 4C still stands. The exotic Italian experience - both on the road and in the repair shop - is rare to come by. And where it can be found in such good condition and for reasonable cash, we are all for it.

-Graham