All posts by Graham

Lancia

1971 Lancia Fulvia 1.3s

The Lancia Fulvia was where Lancia began it's amazing run in the International Rally Championship, winning the title in 1972. Not only that, this is possibly one of the most gorgeous two door coupes to emerge from the 1970s. It's an interesting car that has an interesting engine; a narrow angle V4 mounted at a 45 degree angle, using one single cylinder head. Mint condition Fulvias are rather rare in the US, and I was surprised to see one for sale nearby in Washington, D.C.

1971 Lancia Fulvia 1.3s on eBay

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Here we have a very rare Lancia 1.3S Fulvia. Nice, straight, rust free car that has been owned for the last 30+ years by a local collector. Paint has a few chips, nicks, and cracks but is still very presentable. Body fit is very good and no accidents ever. Interior seats, door panels, are all new correct leather. Dash is origianl and has a crack along the passenger side but the face is quite nice. Headliner and carpets are also very good. Gauges are in excellent shape and all function well. Engine has been professionally maintained its whole life and is very strong. New clutch, slave and brake master cylinder were recently rebuilt.

Overall mechanics of the car are very, very good. Gearbox is tight and all synchros are nice. Car is a blast to drive. Front wheel drive makes for a thrilling ride on a twisty road. Just a rare italian sports coupe that is becoming hard to find in this country.

These Fulvias are one of my favorite Italian vehicles of all time. It's a very small car, but its delicate details make it appear sleeker and larger than it actually is. This car has appeared before on eBay, and the asking price of $21,000 is not cheap, but if you want one of the best Fulvias currently on sale in the United States, this is it.

-Paul

Lancia

1971 Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1.3S

Just up the road from me, this Fulvia Zagato 1.3S is for sale in Portland, Oregon. The 1.3L engine puts out a bit over 100hp originally and weighs about 2000lbs, which should be a pretty entertaining drive. But I really don't care how fast it is because it's spectacular just to look at. What an awesome looking front end, for 1971 especially.

1971 Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1.3S for sale on eBay

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The author's description of the car:

Too many cars and moving to a smaller place. I don't want to but must sell this wonderful car. The car was purchased in Florence Italy in 2003 and imported to Portland, Oregon. In 2003 and 2004 most everything was redone. The engine and transmission were overhauled by Veloce Motors in Gervais, Oregon and the car had a total repaint to original color. The seats and dash were repaired. This car is beautiful and ready to enjoy now. I have all reciepts since 2003. The engine has only 6000 miles since the overhaul (new .020 oversize pistons, new eng bearings, timing chain, valves, guides, seals, water pump ect) . This car has: 1300cc V-4 , 5 speed transmission (new bearings and synchros & new clutch), new shocks, new brake pads, new windshield seals, new headliner, freash service.

Altough this seems like a restoration it is not. However almost everthing that needed to be done has been done. The reserve price is much lower than the buy it now price, which is also a bargin. Don't wait to bid, just hit buy it now and you won't lose out on an outstanding value in a wonderful classic (that you won't have to spend $40,000 on a restoration).

A very sharp little sports car and small, and weird little cars are hot right now. This would be a fun addition to someone's collection.

dc

Lancia

1987 Maserati 425i Turbo: 4 Door BiTurbo

1 Comment

It's not much of a secret that the BiTurbo doesn't get much love from enthusiasts. Most were not well cared for and are difficult to bring back to respectable condition once they've gone too far. But every time I see a nice one in photographs I can't help but really like the lines. And on paper, a twin turbo V6 should make this a BMW e30 killer.

What I hadn't seen before was this 4 door variant. For sale in San Diego on eBay, this 425i looks pretty respectable. The seller is honest about the condition and the pictures are representative with worn but not destroyed seats and shiny but not perfect black paint.

1987 Maserati 425i on eBay

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from the seller:

For auction is my 1987 Maserati Biturbo 425i. The leather in the interior is extremely luxurious and supple. This is all original - no dyes or paint. The exterior paint is still the original glossy black, but shows it's age in some areas. It's hard to see in the photos. The car was often stored inside. This particular model was purchased with power steering and a sunroof. It was only driving on an average of 4,800 miles per year. The timing belt and oil have been changed and the valves have been adjusted. The clutch disk and pressure plate are new. The engine only has 49,500 miles on it!

The engine is beautiful and always starts on the first attempt, no matter how cold.. Please see the close up engine photos. It's the cleanest that I have seen in years and I own several. This Biturbo 425i has great boost from it's twin turbos. There are some fissures on the front windshield, but would not bother to replace it (see photos). The installation is never as good as the original. The driver and passenger side windows sometimes need assistance. I believe a fuse needs to be replaced for the rear windows and sunroof for them to operate. The paint is beautiful and very straight (no orange peel texture here). The paint is original, so of course there is normal wear, and some scratches here and there. There are several door dings which are hard to see in the photos. Lastly, there is NO RUST except some bubbling around corner passenger rear side window and the drivers side Maserati emblem (see photos). This Maserati Biturbo 425i is extremely rare in this condition and reasonably priced. Its very fast. In fact, you will not find a faster sedan or coupe for the price!

So is this a future classic? Probably not unless the other 2371 examples produced have disappeared off the face of the earth and it's 40 or 50 years from now! But it's unusual and I thought other might be interested in a look.

dc

Alfa Romeo

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde For Sale

4 Comments

Feast your eyes on what is described in the ad as The Best In The World. It's very nice, but I'm not sure I'd go that far. But I don't deny that it's very, very nice indeed. My only real issue is the aggressive front air dam -- but why not rock it until it meets its inevitable fate with a parking curb.


1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde For Sale on eBay

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quote from seller's listing:

Ok folks, this maybe the best milano verde in the world. Featured in grass roots magazine and more importantly a EX- TODD SPRUELL from Spruell Alfa in ATLANTA car. Im personally friends with him and when it went up for sale 3-4 years ago I knew I had to have it. This milano has been hand detail with the best parts available from his collection and my collection of parts, NOTHING, I mean NOTHING is not top notch grade. I have over 30k in this car but to tell you the truth and the reason why Im selling it is because I have 9 cars all very nice exotic and rare cars which leaves me very little time to drive them. This milano has been sitting at my warehouse for the last 9 months without me driving it other than the once every 2 weeks trip around the block to keep it going. I have 3 YES 3 HUGE 3 ring binders of all the work done to this car. I can honestly say that there isnt one item that isnt working in its proper way, being a 1988 and 23 years old that would take a lot of $$$$ to get this car where it is in todays parts terms. The car was stripped and completely taken apart and painted lotus silver, the paint is like glass, body is DEAD straight AND it shows, custom one off front air damn. Nice 17 inch wheels, full custom stereo, nice tint, a/c and heat work great, I had "s" cams installed along with followers and headers leading into a magna flow exhaust. I do have a bypass pipe for the cats if someone wants that it will go woth the car. All new brakes and and pads. It had a suspension set up that would make anyone sh*t thier pants in the turns, it handles like no tomorrow. As you can see from the pics the under carriage of the car is clean and rust free, look at all the performance parts. Powder coated this, chrome that. MOMO wheel with rare alfa horn cap, full evolution car cover, storage boxes in the trunk, custom air intake, euro grill painted to match car. heat shield material under the hood, new battery, I just took the car to the shop and told them to go over it from "BUMPER TO BUMPER" and fix anything they see. Look I have zero budget limits when it comes to cars and this is a pure example of what comes out when its done. on 11-12-10 i had the following to make the car zero problem and 100 percent perfect. interstate battery, rebuild alternator, replace shifter bushings, pull drive shaft and replace correct bolt weights, check alfa control lights, washer bottle and houseing, replace lower a frame bushings, lower ball joint right side,oil change, wheel alignment, vavle adjustment, cam followers exhaust, polish cams, rotor and cap. total cost 2645.85 I have spent in the 3-4 years that I have owned it around 20k to get this car to top shape. The recaros are perfect. Im sure im leaving off a massive amount of stuff but I would suggest calling me and asking questions before bidding. Im selling for one and one reason alone, I just dont drive it like I should. It deserves to go to someone that will enjoy it more than me.

I'm a sucker for these late 80's styling exercises. Plus the faithful of the model proclaim it a real value in terms of its performance compared to its competitors of the period.

dc

Fiat

Probably the Nicest Fiat Spider 2000 Available Anywhere!

Here's your chance to get a practically new Fiat Spider in Georgia. It shows less than 7k original miles which explains it's amazing condition. At $24900 it's priced for collectors and serious enthusiasts, but maybe if you're in the market for a Miata as a second or third car, why not consider classic car ownership?

Check out this 7k mile Fiat Spider on eBay

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quote from the seller:

1982 FIAT SPIDER 2000 ! ONE OWNER CAR! TRUE MILES ONLY 6,700 MILES! NEW TIRES! IN PERFECT CONDITION, ALWAYS GARAGED AND WELL KEPT! COLLECTOR ALL ORIGNIAL CONDITION! RECENTLY SERVICED AND READY FOR A DAILY DRIVER OR PERFECT FOR A COLLECTOR.

Of course no one who's in the market for a new Miata would get swayed by this temperamental little Italian car from 3 decades ago, but it's a fair comparison pricewise. What do you think the actual selling price on a car like this will be?

dc

Lancia

1977 Lancia Scorpion with Just 37k Miles in Florida

While admittedly not as desirable as the Montecarlo the Scorpion is based upon, this is still a sharp little car and with just 37k miles. It's a beautiful little car regardless of being down on displacement, choked on emissions equipment, and overloaded with U.S. spec bumpers.

1977 Lancia Scorpion For Sale on eBay

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quote from seller's listing:

My personal car since 1986! I am the second owner! Notice the new front calipers on the pictures. Also, a bit of history, in 1987 I had the car totally stripped and re-painted. We found rust in the driver door and it was fixed and does not appear to have returned in 24 years! A few spots of rust returned a couple of years after I had it painted in 1987 and they never grew. Recently I had those fixed, so the car is virtually rust free. I have the original carbs, some older parts that were removed, a complete gasket set and belts, an extra original rim (when I bought the car it did not have original rims and I bought about 12 rims to get the 4 that are on it!

The seller is obviously a fanatic, and I think that is a good sign for the next buyer. You'll probably always be able to drop the original seller an email to field questions! Here's a video of the car for sale:

We actually have two of these running around town and they look fantastic. Sure it's going to have it's share of headaches, but for the price there's not a lot of other cars that will get the looks this car will.

dc

Ferrari

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 For Sale

3 Comments

Let's put the seller's description front and center on this one because I think he's got it nailed:

I bought this ferrari in 1998 with 12,120 original miles. The sound of this car is recognized as the most incredible of any ferrari ever made. Call me to talk about the car as I am listing it before the major service and the auction season. You will probably not find a better unmolested example of a c4.

The a/c has been charged since I bought it and blows cold. The heater core needs service as it fogs the windshield if on for a long time. I have removed the stock air boxes for cleaning and refinishing as well as the stock air pump...I have every part that was on the car. Call me and we will talk great ferraris and whether she is right for you.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

"Call me and we will talk great Ferrari's and whether she is right for you." I love it! You have to audition for the right to purchase the car! That said, I don't blame him a bit. The 4 cam car is a special one and he's right, the sound of that V12 is fantastic.

I've had the pleasure of sampling one of these a couple of years ago when I was helping out with the rally for Brighton Motorsports. Here is my blog post on that experience and a video of my brief experience behind the wheel:

dc

Ferrari

Black on Tan: 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS For Sale

3 Comments

This is a really self indulgent posting, but aren't they all? I was doing some Sunday morning surfing with my coffee and breakfast when I spotted this one. On one hand a seemingly pedestrian Ferrari (as if there was such a thing), but this color combo just jumped off the page at me. Check out how clean this 328 GTS is:

quote from sellers listing:

BLACK (NERO) METALLIC OVER TAN LEATHER

IMPECCABLE CONDITION INSIDE AND OUT

UNDENIABLY THE NICEST, MOST ORIGINAL 328 WE'VE EVER SEEN

THE ENGINE BAY LOOKS LIKE IT JUST LEFT THE FACTORY

THE SEATS HAVE NEVER BEEN DYED OR REPAIRED

THE DASH HAS NOT SHRUNK, PULLED, OR WARPED

THE CARPETS ARE ORIGINAL, UNDYED, CLEAN, AND AMAZING

THE AIR CONDITIONING BLOWS ICE COLD, EVEN IN FLORIDA ON AN 85 DEGREE DAY!

The 308 and 328's are often described as great entry level Ferrari's. While obviously not to be confused with Honda reliability, they are much lighter on the wallet in terms of maintenance costs when compared to the later models. And of course they resemble the Magnum Ferrari, and for a certain slice of the buying demographic, that plays...

dc

Fiat

1958 Fiat Fiat Abarth Zagato “Double Bubble”

2 Comments

Working with Sports Car Shop in Eugene, Oregon, I've had the pleasure of sampling a couple of these. As their webmaster, I get some brief seat time with most of their cars on the way to the park for photographs that end up on the website. They are a Double Bubble specialists and actually have 3 Abarth Zagato's right now!

On to the car seen here which is for sale in Chicago by another sports car specialist, we have a fantastic looking driver that proudly wears California Mille decals; an event I'd love to attend especially in great little specialty sports car like this one!

1958 Fiat Fiat Abarth Zagato "Double Bubble" For Sale on eBay

quote from seller's listing:

This car is in very good mechanical and cosmetic condition with new biscuit tan with black piping leather interior, fresh headliner, recently painted dash, restored instruments via Palo Alto Speedometer, refinished steering wheel. New floor pan, water pump, electric fuel pump, horn, steering control arm, etc. Has full roll cage & glass windows. Car was also prepped for the 2010 California Mille, an aggressive 5 day drive, keeping up with Porsche 356s, small Alfas and Lancias. Great fun in the mountain twisties. This is not a trailer queen. We drive it frequently for rallies and car shows. The car has been maintained by an Italian mechanic who specializes in Fiats and Ferraris.

California Mille Rally number can be easily removed as it is stick on. Buyer can either leave it on or we can remove it.

Click to view listing

The picture from behind demonstrates really well where this model gets it's nickname of double bubble. And I can confirm that from the inside these cars, those few extra inches of headroom would be critical if wearing a helmet as it's quite tight on the inside. That said, this one has a nice interior fitted that looks quite comfortable and stylish. Great looking car!

dc

Maserati

1975 Maserati Khamsin

1 Comment

The Khamsin, which means strong wind in Egyptian, was launched in 1974 based on a design from Bertone. Only 430 units were produced, though production lasted until 1982! The V8 sports a healthy 320hp and is coupled to an automatic in this car. The Khamsin also has numerous innovative features that would be seen on production cars years later like a glass rear window below the hatch (CRX, Insight), speed sensitive power steering (most cars today), and the engine was placed way back in the engine bay to give the car a more balanced weight ratio front to back (S2000).

Check out this

quote from seller's listing:

My Maserati Khamsin is an uncommonly original example of this great Italian grand tourer. I bought it from the original owner, M.C. Gill, president and CEO of Gill Aerospace Corporation in 2006. Built in November 1974 and brought to the US in February 1975, it was the 7th Khamsin, #US1014, (out of the 420 ever built) that came to the USA. All miles and destinations have been documented in the company mileage log and I continued the tradition. It was serviced and cared for by the aerospace maintenance staff and at times by SM World. The paint is the original 1975 Maserati paint and in fantastic condition. Mr. Gill had a special instruction for the workers at his wearhouse for washing and waxing the Khamsin and it worked. The interior is all original with very minimal wear. The dash is perfect and so are the door panels. All electrical system works perfectly. The original radio, windows, lights and the power antena work perfectly and the original clock keeps perfect time. It was always garaged at the company's wearhouse and under cover and I've had it parked in my warm garage next to my Ferraris and connected to battery tender.

If there is any comfort in it for you, I must say; this Khamsin was always driven by men over 60 years of age and thus not abused at all. It still drives and feels tight on the road and it tracks perfectly straight. It looks fantastic for it's age and one cannot tell it apart from a restored one. The original european exhaust and the under carriage are in perfect condition. The Borg Warner transmission shifts smoothly and the drive-shaft is tight. All original US emission controls are on the car. I have kept up with all necessary services in the past 5 years, ie; plugs, filters, oil, etc. and have installed new hydraulic accumulators/spheres as well. I am greatful for having this original Khamsin and if you're tired of seeing poorly restored ones or just bad examples of this great car, this one may just make you a proud and happy owner. It does not need anything at this time. If you're reading this add then you probably know about the car more than I do.

The owner really does seem to represent a very clean and original car. The lines on this model aren't exactly what you'd call beautiful but they fit the period perfectly. My only complaint would be the automatic transmission, but for true long distance GT driving, I'm sure it does just fine.

dc