Category Archives: Bertone

1981 Fiat 131 Abarth Replica

March 28, 2019 Graham

How does a small sedan from 1981 go from a nomination for the most "trouble prone" car in Popular Mechanics during its time on the market to being a rare and somewhat coveted eBay lot with an asking price close to $20,000? We'll follow that up with another question - when was the last time that you saw a Fiat Brava (131) on the road? Fiat made 1.5 million of them, so scarcity has not always been a defining trait of the series - perhaps Popular Mechanics was right. What they failed to mention? The 131 isn't particularly difficult to repair.

We'll be upfront with the fact that this example falls short of the actual Fiat 131 Abarth Rally homologation car. Those cars were yanked off of the Fiat line in Mirafiori as bodyshells, shuttled to Bertone for fitment of the modified bodywork, and sent along to the Fiat Rivalta plant for installation of Abarth running gear and mechanicals. This car? It just has an aftermarket bodykit from Italy. No 138hp double Weber twin cam with a rally gearbox, and no independent rear suspension like on the homologation cars.

1981 Fiat 131 Abarth Replica red rear view 2.0L Lampredi twin cam — *Click to view listing*

Year: 1981
Model: Fiat 131 Abarth Replica
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: unknown
Price: $18,500
Location: La Canada Flintridge, CA

1981 Fiat 131 Abarth Replica red Sparco interior 2.0L Lampredi twin cam — *Click to view listing*

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1981 Fiat 131 Abarth Replica

got this 131 fiat with Abarth Body kit its 1981 I bought the body kit from Italy and and had the rims custom made from London. also had the original engine rebuild. brand new paint job car is almost ready to go just needs the final touches more then welcome to come see it anytime

1981 Fiat 131 Abarth Replica red engine bay 2.0L Lampredi twin cam — *Click to view listing*

Not a lot of effort from the seller of this machine, which is unsurprising. The more eccentric listings usually accompany eccentric sellers, and those guys seem to depend on mind reading to sell cars. We can't be too critical, as where are we going to find another? Needless to say, potential buyers will need to iron out some of the details of the car with the seller.

With bidding starting at $5,000, some semblance of sanity is preserved with this listing, though the overall attractiveness of the offering really depends on where the reserve is set. Finding a similar bodykit won't be easy, and the amount of bodywork required to install it on a standard car would be considerable. Does that increase the value of this example? We would say yes, unfortunately. And, if the rust is in control, the deal is even sweeter. With some good communication with the seller and careful bidding, we think that this Abarth replica could make for a very nice addition to someone's garage.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Bertone

1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint

March 13, 2019 Graham

Throughout the years, Alfa Romeo has resorted to a number of different measures to power its range-topping offerings. There was the 2000 series, where the 4-cylinder engine was enlarged to a 1975cc. The Alfa 6 featured an all-new V6 design, while the Montreal's V8 was loosely based on two Alfa Nord 4-cylinder engines. Today even, Alfa specs a V6 version of the Ferrari F154 V8 in its Giulia Quadrifoglio. The 2600 featured today went with a seemingly logical option - an Alfa Nord 4-cylinder with two cylinders stitched on.

Under the hood of the Bertone-built 2600 Sprint, the 2600 engine produced a respectable 145hp, propelling the car to a top speed of 120mph. Keep in mind that at this time, a Maserati Sebring featured a 3.5L straight-6 making 232hp, topping out at 137mph. The more comfort-minded Alfa, offered at a fraction of the cost of the Maserati, stacked up well, then. With disc brakes at all four corners, it was also up to the task of coming back down from impressive speeds.

1963 Alfa Romeo Sprint white rear quarter — *Click to view listing*

Year: 1963
Model: Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint
Engine: 2.6L straight-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 38,347
Price: $49,900
Location: Saint Ann, MO

1963 Alfa Romeo Sprint white black interior — *Click to view listing*

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint

JUST IN FROM CALIFORNIA
RARE & DESIRABLE 2600 SPRINT COUPE
ELEGANT BERTONE BODYWORK
ONE OF 2,856 BUILT
RECENTLY RELEASED FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION IN THE NETHERLANDS
BELIEVED TO BE 38,347 ACTUAL MILES
ORIGINAL CARELLO HEADLAMPS
BEAUTIFUL AND DESIRABLE COLOR COMBINATION
WONDERFULLY ORIGINAL INTERIOR
RECENTLY SERVICED
PERFORMS WONDERFULLY
A COLLECTOR’S DREAM!

OPTIONS INCLUDE:
POWER WINDOWS
POWER DISC BRAKES
400MM WHEELS
PERIOD MOTOROLA RADIO

1963 Alfa Romeo Sprint white engine bay — *Click to view listing*

This particular example seems to be in great condition. The interior is claimed to be original, and still shows very well. The air intake, valve cover, and crossover pipe all seem to be refinished, leading us to suspect that the engine has been gone through - a benefit in our eyes. Exterior trim and paintwork all appear very nice in photos, as does the undercarriage. Evidence of undercoating and a resprayed gas tank would have us curious to see some before photographs, but the work seems to be neat and thorough.

We like what this coupe represents. Though it was the range-topper for Alfa Romeo at the time, Sprint Zagato notwithstanding, it was a more modest automobile in the class of Italian cars on offer at the time. With all of the ingredients of a classic sports tourer, it checks off a lot of boxes for us. Think of it as an economy Lamborghini 350 GT, or a 7/8 scale Maserati Sebring, and it starts to make sense. Add in the relative availability of Alfa Romeo repair parts, as well as Alfa's knack for mass-producing cars, and the deal is even sweater. We're inclined to say that, all things considered, this 2600 Sprint represents a nice automotive value. Forget the market speculation - just get this thing out on some long trips!

-Graham

Bertone

Fiat Dino 2000 Coupe

March 1, 2019 Graham

If we could pick one Italian car to do it all...well, we'd disappoint many. But for us, it would be the Fiat Dino 2000 Coupe. The whole undertaking motivated by Ferrari's need to sell 500 of the Dino V6 engine in order homologate for Formula 2 racing, Fiat was to produce grand touring coupe to accept the tamed Formula 2 engine. The aluminum V6 engine sported a wider 65 degree angle between banks, likely for better routing of air to the combustion chambers, and was tamed from its racing tune to a streetable version by noted engineer Aurelio Lampredi.

We love the combination of late 60s Giorgietto Giuigiaro styling, long grand tourer shape, basic live axle and leaf spring underpinnings, and Ferrari-derived powertrain. In a more unique color like this blue, we are even more sold on the concept. We've been in a Dino 2000 Spider, and the experience was so memorable that somehow we remember the date of the ride - June 23, 2015.

1968 Fiat Dino 2000 Coupe blue front quarter — *Click to view listing*

Year: 1968
Model: Fiat Dino 2000 Coupe
Engine: 2.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 14,500
Price: Auction
Location: Greenville, KY

1968 Fiat Dino 2000 Coupe blue interior black — *Click to view listing*

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1968 Fiat Dino 2000 Coupe

Mechanics The all alloy 2-litre engined Dino with the beautiful honeycomb grille that adorns the frontend, makes this in my opinion, the more pretty and desirable car than the 2400 that followed. The 2-litre engine is peppy and sounds better than the 2400, with the reduced weight of the alloy block also making this a more enjoyable drive. The interior of the car is in superb condition, and all original, retaining its original seats, carpets, gauges, headlining and even steering wheel. The upholstery is not cracked nor ripped in any places, and the dash is also pristine. These Dino interiors are rarely presented in such wonderful condition, especially when considering all elements are original and unrestored. Engine and gearbox both overhauled with the heads on the engine rebuilt New stainless steel exhaust New stainless steel fuel tank New sills All bushes replaced Suspension replaced correct Koni shock absorbers fitted Rebuilt steering box Brakes overhauled New hoses and belts Original Cromadora wheels refurbished and fitted with new Michelin MXV-P185R tyres New Exide Battery

1968 Fiat Dino 2000 Coupe blue engine bay — *Click to view listing*

The seller hasn't neglected this car, having recently replaced a number of components, including the exhaust, the fuel tank, the suspension bushings, shocks, hoses, and more. The engine and gearbox are said to be overhauled. While we're not sure what was performed on the gearbox, the engine had its cylinder heads rebuilt. Brakes and steering box were both rebuilt as well. We would want to see before photos of the sills, which are said to be new - hopefully the bodywork was completed by a competent workman.

Our only gripe with this car is that the price will surely exceed our mental budget. We are not sure whether the market favors the aluminum block 2000 or the cast iron block 2400, with its extra 20hp. The 2000 is the one we'd go for. We're looking forward to seeing where this one ends up. Who knows, maybe we'll make room for one of these in the near future.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Bertone

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

February 24, 2019 Graham

Less common than their Giulia successor, the Giulietta series proved Alfa Romeo's competence as a mass-manufacturer of automobiles in the 1300cc class. We're featuring the 2+2 coupe Sprint model today, but a Berlina and Spider were also offered, in addition to some more limited production body styles. In 11 years of production, starting in 1954, over 177,000 Giuliettas were produced in its various forms.

Competitive features at its time were in no short supply on the Giulietta. The unibody chassis met the road through a double wishbone front suspension, with a live axle at the rear. Large, finned aluminum drum brakes managed stopping at all four corners. And, the aluminum dual overhead cam hemi 1300 engine made respectable power for its displacement.

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint red rear — *Click to view listing*

Year: 1959
Model: Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint
Engine: 1290cc 4-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: N/A
Price: $38,000
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint interior — *Click to view listing*

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint 750 - 101- The body was stripped to the metal and was just painted with PPG Paint in 2018
- Reconditioned 1300CC engine with 2 Dellorto Carburetors has been installed and needs a final adjustment
- 4 speed transmission has been reconditioned and is installed
- Suspension has been reconditioned and installed
- The floor and rocker panels are solid and there's no rust
- I'm also including the original matching numbers engine that came with the car, which has been reconditioned and needs a final adjustment as well (engine #: AR 1315.010170)
Parts Included:
New Parts
- Installed: Brakes and Brake Sleeves (Front and Rear)
- Installed: Set of 4 Ball Joints (Upper and Lower)
- Installed: Rear Axel Straps
- Installed: 4 Tires
- Installed: High Torque Starter from Alfaholics
- Installed: Speedometer and Tachometer Cables
- Installed: Headliner
- Installed: Tail Lense Pair (Housing has been rechromed)
- Installed: Front Parking Light Assembly
- Installed: Windshield Rubber Front
- Installed: Headlight Rim Pair
- Installed: Handbrake Cables (2 of them)
- Installed: Black Wool Carpet Set (from Alfa Classic)
- Installed: Rear Trunk Lid Emblems (2 of them)
- Installed: Front Hood Molding
- Set of 4 Fender Emblems (Needs to be Installed)
- Door Panel Trims (Needs to be Installed)
- Ignition Switch (Needs to be Installed)
- Wiring Harness (Needs to be Installed)
- Sunvisor Pair (Needs to be Insatlled)
- New Upholstery in the interior (Seats, Door Panels, etc)

The used parts are in a nice used condition
- Installed: Suspension A Arm (Upper and Lower)
- Installed: Steering Box Assembly
- Installed: Idle Control Arm
- Installed: Gas Tank was cleaned and resealed
- Installed: Brass Front Grill Assembly - Needs to be rechromed
- Installed: Original 3 Gauge Set
- Installed: Dash Knobs are original
- Installed: Vintage Radio
- Installed: Rear Windshield Glass with Molding
- Installed: Steering Wheel
- Installed: 4 Used Fergat Rims
- Windshield Wiper Motor Assembly (Needs to be Installed)
- All the side glass and tracks are included (Needs to be Installed)
- Most of the moldings need to be polished, bumpers are straight and need to be polished as well (Needs to be Installed)
Parts Missing:
- Door Water Strips (Driver and Passenger Side)
- Side Glass Water Strips (Driver and Passener Side)
- Trunk Lid Rubber
- Steering Horn Push Button
- Battery Tray and Battery
- Hub Caps
This Sprint has been in California for over 20 years. As you can see this Alfa is not finished and is stored in a garage, but most of the work has been completed. Interested parties can come see the car before purchase. It also has a clear California title and it's under the previous owners name. Buyer is responsible for transportation of the vehicle.

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint engine — *Click to view listing*

Prices for these Giuliettas vary due to differentiating factors that we don't have the knowledge to point out. Will say that $38,000 is about average for a driver condition Giulietta, based on observation. This example was completely stripped down to its rust-free base and then repainted, which would give us peace of mind, were we to be pursuing it. The interior also appears to be reupholstered in the original style. Unfortunately, the seller has installed a non-original engine, but the original will be supplied in the sale. On the plus side, it would seem that the seller has upgraded the engine to a Veloce unit, based on the presence of two carbs. That's worth some extra power.

This car occupies the space between an original survivor and an unrestored driver. In our opinion, this makes it a prime candidate for loading up with miles. Anything that's been refinished before can be refinished again, free of guilt. And thankfully, most of the car has been refurbished and is ready to go.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Bertone, Giugiaro

Package Deal: 2 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTVs

February 23, 2019 Graham

We've seen some odd listings this week. First, there was the Fiat 500 Jolly conversion service listed as a 2015 Fiat 500. Now, we have people casually listing a parts car right alongside their runner on eBay. We see that a bit on Craigslist, where it's pretty normal, but it just seems off on eBay.

And, what a pair we have here. See, the cars both require new rear ends. So the parts car doesn't really solve the problems on the running car. The main listing, the silver example, has a salvage title, having seen some damage to its rear end. The damages were clearly not professionally repaired, which has led to its deteriorated condition seen in photos today. The maroon parts car, on the other hand, was never repaired, having experienced very similar damages.

1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000 silver rear — *Click to view listing*

Year: 1974
Model: Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV
Engine: 2000cc 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 64,534
Price: $25,500
Location: Oakland, CA

1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000 silver interior — *Click to view listing*

CLICK FOR DETAILS: Alfa Romeo GTV pair

For Sale are TWO (2) Alfa Romeo GTV 2000's...………….ONE Sale!

GTV 1 - Grigio Special order delivered to New Jersey, Lived in California

Great Driver. Mech. sound, shifts smooth, reliable. good electrical. A/C Compressor removed an battery moved to trunk.

What does it need? A new Tail. The car was rear ended and the victim of bad body work. See Cracks on tail Some rust starting in the usual spots, depression in Driver floor after accident. But other than that the car is solid. Driver side window regulator replaced, but have not run wire. Original rims & spare

GTV 2 - Purga Never pulled history from Alfa Romeo - BUT It was the ONE!

This car was rear ended by a drunk driver. right after I finished... about 10k on engine, new clutch, new exhaust, etc.

Have all Glass, Front clip Perfect, only things taken from car are Alternator, starter, radiator & fan.

All other Running gear, rubber & trim in place. Only needs a roller to make 2.

1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000 silver engine — *Click to view listing*

Fortunately for prospective buyers, the parts car seems to have been refreshed within 10k miles of its demise. The seller doesn't state the nature of the engine work, but it was likely rebuilt, if we had to guess. The clutch and exhaust were also replaced at that time.

So, we have two cars' worth of GTV driveline and not a single body worth swapping them into - simply, that is. The silver car could be brought back to health with some involved bodywork, as could the maroon car, theoretically. Either way, we don't see the numbers adding up to the seller's asking price, for us at least. Maybe someone out there with some home body repair skills will take on these two ailing GTVs. We certainly hope that they both don't become parts cars.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Bertone

1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal

December 12, 2018 Graham 1 Comment

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.

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

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

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

Bertone, Lamborghini

1984 Lamborghini Jalpa

December 7, 2018 Graham 1 Comment

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.

Year: 1984
Model: Lamborghini Jalpa
Engine: 3.5L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 38,966 km
Price: $90,000

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 1984 Lamborghini Jalpa

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.

-Graham

Bertone, Lamborghini

1973 Lamborghini Urraco

September 20, 2018 Graham 1 Comment

Introduced at the 1970 Turin Auto Show, the Lamborghini Urraco would not find its way onto the market until 1973. The timing of its launch suffered from delays in development, and very likely due to the overlap with the sale of the Lamborghini Automobile division to a Swiss firm in 1972. Though the Urraco became available after his departure, the mid-engine 2 crush 2 sports coupe was the realization of Ferruccio Lamborghini's vision of a smaller, lighter, but not down-market Lamborghini.

Under engineering direction of Giampaolo Dallara, engineer Paolo Stanzani led the development of a 90 degree V8 to power the Urraco. The ambitious road-holding goals of the project necessitated a lightweight engine to be designed. The aluminum crankcase was a two-piece design, split horizontally along the crankshaft journal centerline. Cast iron wet liners were fully surrounded by the water jacket. To simplify valve lash adjustments, the cylinder heads carried their single cams as well as tappets in a separate casting above the lower cylinder head casting, which contained the valves. Finally, a belt drive synced the cams to the crankshaft via individual fiber-reinforced rubber belts that connected the cams to intermediate pulleys, which were splined to the nose of the crankshaft. I recently had the opportunity to hold the aluminum casting tasked with containing the timing drive belts, and was impressed with its elegant design.

Year: 1974
Model: Lamborghini Urraco
Engine: 2.5L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 43,685 (indicated)
Price: $79,500

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1974 Lamborghini Urraco

1973 Lamborghini Urraco This highly collectible 1973 Lamborghini Urraco is available in yellow with black interior. It comes equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power windows and Campagnolo wheels. It also includes $17,000 in service records for an engine out service in 2016. A very clean and presentable example which has been with the same owner for many years and is mechanically sound. For $79,500 If you have any additional questions Please call 310-975-0272 or email with any questions! We also welcome all international buyers. We can help with shipping quotes and arrangements.

With Countach LP400 prices in the stratosphere, where does one find an affordable, clean Gandini wedge these days? For this thought exercise we can exclude the X-1/9, as its shape does not quite capture the wedge we're after. And the Maserati Khamsin, while beyond reproach, doesn't quite classify as a wedge, angular as it is. In our opinion, the Dino GT4 and the Urraco are the last bastions of sub-$100k Gandini wedges.

So, which fits the bill? The GT4 should prove easier to maintain, if only because V8 Ferrari parts are not exactly difficult to procure, at significant cost, of course. Opt for something a bit more rough around the edges, such as this Urraco with disconcertingly few details from the seller, and the road ahead could be challenging. Discussions with the seller should hopefully provide detail beyond the disclosure of recent engine-out servicing. We're more than partial to anything blessed by Dallara, so you know where we'd put our money.

-Graham

Bertone, Fiat

1987 Bertone X-1/9 Corsa

September 17, 2018 Graham 1 Comment

In a humorous contrast from last week's Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, we bring you today another mid-engine sports car, but in Corsa guise. This Bertone X-1/9 appears to be little more than a dealership option package consisting of some upgraded bodywork, but its side skirts clearly announce its racing intentions.

All joking aside, the CORSA graphics have a great 80's typeface and aesthetic, and the bodywork itself is interesting enough without venturing into the region of tastelessness. Magnesium wheels shown here also pull their own weight in the styling department. Add in the rarity factor, and this is an appealing prospect.

Year: 1987
Model: Bertone
Engine: 1.5L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 63,000 mi
Price: $5,450

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1987 Bertone X-1/9 Corsa

NOTE: eBay does not have a category for the BERTONE make of car. I had to use the old FIAT designation even though Fiat left the U.S. in 1982 and Bertone took over manufacture and production of the X-1/9 model after that. The car is a BERTONE X-1/9 not a FIAT. It is titled as a BERTONE X-1/9 and no FIAT markings are on the car. Also note that this is the CORSA model which was a dealer option and pretty rare at that. Car is currently registered, insured and on the road but garage kept.

1987 Bertone X-1/9 Corsa

Nice car with the following recently done.

 New exhaust manifold gasket

 Complete tear down and cleaning of fuel injection system including all new O rings.

 Front and rear fiberglass Corsa clips repaired and primed.

 New battery

 Newly rebuilt alternator

 Cleaned up and primed minor rust spots. Car was Ziebarted from new so there is very little rust and nothing that has not yet been addressed.

 New brake pads

 New brake fluid reservoir.

 New wheel studs

 Power window track and regulators cleaned and re-greased.

 New oxygen sensor

 Includes hard top that fits great

 Comes with copies of large workshop manual, service manual, electrical diagnostic manual, wiring diagrams manual and several receipts, several used parts.

Other notable items...

 Car starts first time every time

 63,000 miles

 Sorted out headlight opening and closing issues

 Ignition key switch on column energizes the ignition but you start it using a hidden button under the dash.

 Has anti theft kill switch in glove box

 Loads of time and money invested to make her road worthy

Minor issues that need addressing

 There are some dings that could use a pro's touch

 Interior could use a refreshing and passenger seat has a tear in the seam

 Carpet worn

 Need to get fog lights for front clip but directionals work fine

 Hi Beams not currently working

 Speedo sticks all other gauges work fine

 Oxygen sensor light remains on even though the sensor is brand new. The switch has to be reset by opening up the console on the shifter.

 A/C model but A/C not hooked up

 Missing driver side sun visor

 Steering wheel could use a new cover

I have more photos so ask and you shall receive. Check out photos closely, what you see is what you get.

The owner notes that some degree of restoration has taken place, though that work will need to continued into the vehicle's next ownership phase. Overall, the needs listed do not seem too daunting, and as many of our readers are aware, it's not exceedingly difficult to find online technical assistance and parts for these X-1/9s.

Provided that the rust repair work checks out, this could be the basis of a very clean and rare X-1/9. And, if the tidy engine bay is any indication, we would imagine that the bodywork was done with a similar level of care. For some, the street-bound Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale just doesn't do it. In their case, hopefully this Bertone X-1/9 Corsa can make the heart race.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Bertone

1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS

April 19, 2015 Graham 1 Comment

In the years following World War II, plenty of manufacturers went ahead and developed racing specials off existing platforms in an effort for niche models to be more fiscally viable. Alfa Romeo debuted the Sprint Speciale, or SS, in 1959, based off the Giulietta platform. The first 100 cars of the production run were low nose specials devised specifically to meet FIA homologation requirements. With a twin cam engine and a very low coefficient of drag for the period, these were serious contenders. Later, in 1963, a Giulia based Sprint Speciale with a larger, 1.6 liter powerplant would debut. This example for sale in Houston represents the last of the Giulia SS breed, as these cars would disappear after 1966.

Year: 1966
Model: Giulia SS
Engine: 1.6 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 8,704 mi (?)
Price: $132,500 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS

Click to view listing

1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale

Chassis No. AR.10121.381227

Body No. *87*2658*

Motor No. AR00121.01269
One of only 1,400 examples produced between 1962-66
Ideal Example for Tours and Rallies
Verified by Alfa Romeo Historic Motoring
Desirable 1600cc Giulia Model
Striking original-color White SS

The Giulietta Sprint Speciale was a more upscale version of the normal Sprint and featured a smooth, 2-door gran turismo body by Bertone. In the efforts to make the SS as light as possible, the wheelbase was made four inches shorter than the Sprint's. Since it was intended for competition use, the SS only had room for two people and a limited amount of storage for luggage. However, this allowed the cabin to be much more spacious than the four-seat Sprint.

According to Alfa Romeo Historic Motoring, chassis number AR 381227 originally corresponds to Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale (101.21), engine series AR 00121 - Manufactured on the 14th of September 1964 and sold on April 20, 1965 to Alfa Romeo Inc., Newark USA. The example offered here makes for an ideal driver's SS in correct, refreshing non-red paint color and good mechanicals. Other noteworthy items include correct radio delete, Borrani vented wheels, and the unique plenum and air box - considered 'regular' 105 Veloce items, but are believed to be original on the later cars. All body numbers are present on the front hood, rear decklid hinge, and firewall.

The older paintwork is well suited for a touring candidate, while the interior upholstery displays well and appears fairly recent. Its engine compartment remains remarkably clean, while the car runs as strong and smooth as the striking cosmetics imply. Above all, the Giulia SS's appeal lies in its good looks and driving pleasure. It continues to be one of the most recognizable and collectable post-war Alfa Romeos to date.

Note: This Alfa is titled as a 1967 model.

$132,500.00

Full Resolution Photos: 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS

To learn more about this vehicle, please contact our sales department at (281) 497-1000 or sales@driversource.com

Only 1,400 Sprint Speciales were ever built and as such, they are highly prized. There's a lot to like about this car, especially the great contrast between the white exterior and red leather. The asking price for this car is about on par with what average examples are pulling these days, with the very best verging towards $200,000. Given the rarity of this car and what you pay for similar Ferrari and Lamborghinis of the era, this car offers a lot of style and lore for the money.

-Paul