Category Archives: Classic

1968 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada – REVISIT

July 24, 2014 Graham

Considered by many to be one of the prettiest GT cars ever made, the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada I wrote up in April is back up on eBay. With bidding at $200,000 but the reserve still on, there's a long way to go until this car hits market value. That market value is still substantially below what equivalent Ferraris and Lamborghinis cost these days though, so this could be one of the more reasonable classic Italian top tier GT cars you can buy. Of course, you have to win the auction first....

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1968 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada on Ebay

The below post appeared on our site originally on April 2, 2014:

The other day, I wrote up an Iso A3C; a neat and fairly rare race car from the mid 1960s that marked a period where Iso and ex-Ferrari designer Bizzarrini worked together to create the beautiful and fast race car; however, shortly after the Grifo-based A3C launched its race career, Bizzarrini and Renzo Rivolta parted ways. The result was that Bizzarrini continued to build road-going versions of the A3C, now dubbed the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada, for a few years. While more plentiful than the A3C, they're certainly not a car you come by every day - which is why it's an extra-special treat to see one pop up on Ebay:

Year: 1968
Model: 5300GT Strada
Engine: 5.4 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: Not Listed
Price: No Reserve Auction

Bizzarrini 5300 Strada, 1968
restored by Salvatore Diomante, the factory manager who never stop taking care of the Iso and Bizzarrini
350 CV, documented, alloy body
The cars who have won awards at Pebble Beach are Diomante restorations
0 km since restoration
Contact me if real interest

I have to say, it takes a large set of attachments to post such a car - likely worth close to seven figures - for sale as a no reserve auction on Ebay; my guess, though, is that if bidding doesn't go the way of the seller it will get ended early. Fully restored, this car appears to be lovely and is somewhat unusual in silver color, but there aren't many photos to document the current condition. Despite that, it's a rare car to see at all so it's certainly worth taking a look at. While probably out of the price range of anyone reading this, these cars are pretty well priced considering their history and especially when compared to similar vintage Ferraris. They're arguably as beautiful as some of their creator's other creations for the prancing horse!

-Carter

Classic, Ferrari, Pininfarina

1962 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Pininfarina Series II

July 21, 2014 Graham

As series of cars go, I don't believe that any can match the pure beauty, speed and desirability of the Ferrari 250 line. The variations are seemingly endless; from the iconic Testarossa, the stunning GTO, elegant and brutal SWB in racing to the simply gorgeous Lusso and California Spider models, I can think of no other line of cars that is so perfectly designed - or so valuable. Perhaps only eclipsed by a few rare Bugattis the value of even the lowliest of the 250 line is simply staggering these days, and the most expensive of the line nearly matches the GDP of some African nations. That's the price you'll pay for perfection:

Year: 1962
Model: 250 Pininfarina Cabriolet
Engine: 3.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 30,274 mi
Price: $1,500,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1962 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet on eBay

1962 FERRARI 250 PININFARINA SERIES II CABRIOLET Exotic Classics is proud to present this absolutely stunning 1962 Ferrari 250 Pininfarina Series II Cabriolet. Featured in the deepest Black paint with Red leather, the car includes a rare factory hard top in matching Black, along with a Black soft top. The car has been restored to Platinum-level standards by renowned experts, and it recently was awarded the Best Ferrari trophy at the 2012 Greenwich Concours. The restoration included a complete mechanical rebuild so the car runs and drives as good as it looks. As expected, the car has its original books, leather pouch and tools. All numbers match. The 250 PF Cabriolet is often confused with the California Spiders that were sold in the same period. A complete frame off nut and bolt matching numbers resororation was completed in January of 2013 by Horepower Enterprises. Receipts totaling over $215,000 as well as restoration photos are available upon requestWhen new the Cabriolet was the more expensive model by virtue of its more elegant appointments, but it is the Spider that is valued higher today. They are mechanically identical with Ferraris famous 4 Liter V-12, 4-speed manual, and electric overdrive. This car is ready and qualified for the most prestigious events and represents superb value in an open 250 Series Ferrari.

To view complete restoration photos please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/myfza3ibed99c7d/Moi8VNjs71

To view complete documentation of vehicle please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/16m3e0krzd20fsd/bLFak6jZxo

I was lucky enough (or not, depending on how you look at it) to have had a 250 GT Lusso in my family at one point. Won over a drunken card game in the late 1960s, my grandfather enjoyed that car for many years before financial difficulties in the 1970s saw him sell it. At the time, he just about doubled his money on the car and considered himself lucky. Today, he would have seen a return in the neighborhood of 3,750% return on his investment with no end in sight. And the Lusso is one of the least expensive models right now - jump into a 250 Cabriolet like this, and you're set back 1.5 million dollars. And this isn't even the prettiest of the 250s! But such is the craziness that surrounds the mystical marque of Ferrari, so sit back and enjoy the view.

-Carter

Classic, Lamborghini

1975 Lamborghini Espada Project

July 16, 2014 Graham

Over the past few years, major automobile manufacturers have "pioneered" a new concept; the Grand Coupe design. Cars like the BMW M6, Audi RS7 and Mercedes-Benz CLSs have seen a return of the swoopy lines with, in the case of the Audi, a practical hatchback design. But this concept really isn't new at all; personal luxury coupes have been around for some time, and one of the best has to be the Lamborghini Espada. Room for 4 plus luggage, a fabulous V12 soundtrack and great looks make this one of the most desirable classic Lamborghinis made in my mind:

Year: 1975
Model: Espada
Engine: 4.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 48,161 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1975 Lamborghini Espada on Ebay

I am reluctantly selling my 1975 Euro Espada. In 2002, I was perusing Hemmings and saw this car was being sold, and as it was only 4 blocks from my house, how could I not go and at least take a look. When I went to look at it I found it was a Euro market car. This meant it had the small chrome bumpers, no emission controls, and the dual alternator setup. It also had the euro side markers/turn signals and no ugly Federal corner lights. I much prefer the interior layout of this S3, but I admit that not having the earlier style Miura wheels is a drawback. The story I was told by the seller was that his dad bought the car new in Italy where he was living at the time. His dad relocated to Texas where it remained until 2001 when his son drove it to California. I have a clear Texas signed and undated title. I never signed it or registered it in my name. I assume that if you are reading this you have some knowledge about this model, and Lamborghinis in general. They are not for the faint of heart or the casual wrench. Parts and/or service are VERY expensive.

Big bonus- 1975 model cars are exempt from emission testing in California.

It drove well and everything (except the A/C) worked. It has the desirable power steering (not sure if that was on all S3 models). I did notice that it had a recent paint job that looked pretty good on the surface, but I suspected that the prep work was not very good. This proved to be correct as the paint has now cracked and bubbled in several places. It appears to be very original throughout and doesn't seem to have been "messed" with. I find no signs that it has ever really been worked on or modified(other than paint and front seats) The front seats have obviously been recovered, and not that well done relative to the original quality (pattern is also not correct as seen on the rear seats which have not been redone). The windshield is also delaminating, showing small bubbles between the layers of glass. The rest of the glass is excellent. Some front carpet pieces up front are missing. The major flaw in the car is the frame on the drivers side where the lower control arm attaches. It is of square tubing and has severe rust on the lower horizontal side of the tube, making it unsafe to drive in my opinion. I have the front clip of an S2 (photo available) which is included in the sale, which has excellent frame components, that I believe are the same. It could also be repaired in situ. There are also several spots of improper jack placement with corresponding damage to the floor (on the driver's side only for some reason). The exhaust looks excellent with the exception of a rust repair on one of the mufflers. The throttle linkages including the carb butterfly shaft seals/bearings are very good. It has the original locking gas caps and under hood heat pad material in very good condition. The aluminum hood and the rest of the body is very straight and in excellent condition. I cannot guarantee it, of course, but I can find no sign of body damage/repair.

As I began to work on the engine I found cracks at the base of intake manifolds (which I found out was a relatively common problem) which of course was letting in unmetered air, causing a lean condition. Now the list of "might as wells" began. I removed the manifolds and had them repaired to a very high standard, then powder coated in an aluminum color. I started accumulating parts as seen in pictures including, new plug wire set, 6 Weber DCOE rebuilt kits, gasket set, air filters, hydraulic reservoirs, Earl's stainless line and fittings for carb fuel lines, belts, filters, water thermostat, timing chains, rebuilt the water pump with new bearings and seals, windshield gasket, etc. I cleaned and powder coated many parts including the valve covers (one of which I sanded to reveal lettering- as seen in picture). I purchased new chrome acorn nuts and studs. I even made a copy of the factory tool for adjusting the timing chains. I also powder coated the grill elements and replaced the headlights with E-code H4 and H1 units. The rear tail light clusters are brand new (housings and lenses) as well as the white parking light lenses up front. Reproduction owners manual, original tech manual, and original parts list is included.

Compression tests and leak down as follows, cylinders 1 thru 12 : 210/18%, 225/24%, 220/26%, 210/28%, 210/27%, 210/14%, 240/34%, 215/30%, 220/14%, 215/28%, 220/28%, 210/24%

In my opinion, this car would be a very worthy candidate for a complete restoration. It could however be reassembled and the frame repaired and enjoyed as is. Although expensive, even if you are doing much of the work yourself, I think it could be done not "too" far out of the current money. I also believe that these models will being going up in value substantially. So after saying that, why am I selling? Well, mostly the usual reasons. I have a lack of funds and time to complete all of the projects I currently have. This car deserves a competent restoration, as I would be surprised if even half of the 1200 or so produced still exist.

I can assist, at a cost, with enclosed transport if within a days drive.

I have lots more pictures available and will take pictures of anything specific upon request. Please ask all questions and you will get 100% honest answers. Although I have done my best to accurately describe the vehicles condition I strongly suggest that the vehicle is seen in person so that there are no disappointments.

Overall this car presents well and looks great with European-spec bumpers. There are certainly some question marks and big bills if you want to get it together or completely restore it, but putting it together and driving it surely is possible. Unless you're talented and planning to do the work yourself, it would likely be less of a headache to just buy one complete - but this is a Lamborghini, and Lamborghinis are made of stories - what better story to have than resurrecting a raging bull?

-Carter

Classic, Fiat, Pininfarina

1972 Fiat 130 Coupe

July 15, 2014 Graham

Fiat's rebirth in the United States with the 500 models and a partnership with Chrysler is a bit of a sad turn of events for the legendary company in my mind. True, it's great to see them back on U.S. shores, but when one considers some of the legendary Fiats that we've seen over their storied history, it's hard to get on board with the somewhat trendy but hardly classic new 500 and awful but strangely popular 500L. They've gone from a company tied to some of the most respected names in the automobile industry to making appliances for the masses. Where does an enthusiast turn for solace? One of my favorite Fiats has to be the handsome Pininfarina designed 130 Coupe:

Year: 1972
Model: 130 Coupe
Engine: 3.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 50,000 mi
Price: $23,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1972 Fiat 130 Coupe on Ebay

MAGNIFICENT AND ELEGANT AUTOMOBILE IN NEW LIKE CONDICTION

1972 MODEL

50,000 MILES

MANUAL TRASMISION 5 SPEED

LOOK LIKE NEW

NO DENT OR RUST

CAR IS READY TO DRIVE ANYWHERE

BODY AND INTERIOR ORIGINAL

A/C WORKING CONDICTION

ANY QUESTIONS : 3053054017469

It's hard to believe that the air conditioning works on this car considering some of the older Italian car's notoriety for nothing working at all. Yet, here is a pristine, claimed original condition 130 Coupe. It's just so pretty, so advanced for the time it looks like it could have been made a decade later. The 5-speed and solid color combination make this a particularly nice option. Asking price is a bit more than a fully optioned 500, but really, which would you rather have?

-Carter

Classic, Ferrari, Pininfarina, Revisit

1967 Ferrari 330 GTC – REVISIT

July 10, 2014 Graham

The 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC in lovely light blue with alloys did not sell last time around on eBay and is back up for sale. These Ferraris are quite hot items these days, with a 250 GTO about to hit auction and already being claimed to be the most expensive car ever sold. The GTC is far short of the GTO in terms of value, but with the reserve still on and bidding at $630,000, it sure isn't cheap! Still, it's very pretty to see and lovely to dream about:

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1967 Ferrari 330 GTC on eBay

The below post originally appeared on our site May 30, 2014:

When I was a young man, my father and I were at a car show with his 1927 Bentley 3/4.5 open tourer. At the show was also a late 1960s Ferrari 330 GTC. I remember the owner of the GTC was very interested in the Bentley, to the point where he offered a trade of his GTC in exchange for the Bentley. At the time, it seemed like a poor idea; the Bentley was at that point worth about triple what the GTC was, aside from being a family item which had been passed down. In hindsight, it probably would have been a very good investment if you could have predicted prices on these cars - while early Bentley prices have increased over the past few years back to the level they were at in the early 1990s, Ferrari prices have absolutely gone through the roof. The 330 GTC isn't the prettiest, fastest or most rare Ferrari - but none of that seems to matter, because it's got the right look, the right engine, and the right badge:

Year: 1967
Model: 330 GTC
Engine: 4.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 30,000 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

Chassis Number: 9595. Engine number: 9595.

One of 604 produced between 1966 and 1968.

Euro model with just 48,411 kilometers (30,081 miles) from new.

One-owner for 30 years with all service receipts from 1985-2014.

Original “Celeste Charo Metallizzato” (Metallic Light Blue) color.

“Nero Franzi” (Black) Leather interior.

Rare working factory air conditioning.

Always pampered, this 330 GTC is accident and abuse-free. Current owner has driven it just 12,659 miles (20,373 Km) over the past 30 years (An average of 421 miles per year.) Properly maintained and serviced by the same Ferrari specialist the entire time. Receipts from 1985-2014 totaling in excess of $53,000 in service are included.

Original numbers-matching Type 209 V-12 engine develops 300 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, fed by 3 Weber 40 DFI carburetors, giving this 2,866 pound coupe a rated top speed of 152 mph with performance of 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Runs beautifully with no issues.

Disc brakes stop the car smooth and straight. Rides on the original Campagonolo 7L/15 alloy wheels with new, correctly sized radial tires.

The body is laser-straight with all original panels in place. No rust of anywhere. Recently repainted in correct color it is stunning from every angle. Interior is correct and largely original. Please see photos and video. All gauges register accurately. Original tool roll and custom fitted flannel car cover are included. Ready to show or go.

Inspection is invited by seriously interested parties. Please call to schedule an appointment. David: 503-309-7729. Located in Portland, Oregon USA. A realistic reserve has been placed on this car in keeping with its rarity, condition and mileage. Please bid accordingly.

If you are looking for one of the finest 330 GTC Coupes available today, this is it.

WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS, WORLDWIDE.

If the video link below is inactive, please go to: http://youtu.be/qVd9IEow-Xw

This model is a very pleasing color combination and condition is certainly very good. In the past four years, GTC pricing has quadrupled from around $200,000 for the best examples to just shy of $800,000 for the best examples. It really puts the 400i into perspective; a car that can be had for less than a tenth of the price of the GTC but is very similar in many aspects. While GTCs are certainly pretty to look at, I'd probably choose a 365 GTC/4 well before this model for less than a third of the price.

-Carter

Alfa Romeo, Classic

1976 Alfa Romeo GTV

June 4, 2014 Graham

There's got to be a joke out there somewhere dealing with low mileage Alfa Romeos. I mean, if they're not running it must be pretty easy to keep the miles in check, right? But of course, at this point in the game you're not likely to be looking at a nearly 40 year old Alfa Romeo as your primary transport, so dependability probably isn't high on your list. What may be, though, is that the pre-GTV6 4-cylinders are attractive, light, reasonably practical, fun, and above all, inexpensive when compared to some other classic Italian cars. Just take a look at this 1976 GTV:

Year: 1976
Model: GTV
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 21,767 mi
Price: $11,500

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1976 Alfa Romeo GTV

1976 GTV, Body perfect, no rust anywhere, new paint, interior like new. Cold Air. Original 21,767 Miles. Driven only in good weather. Non-Catalyst. 8/76 Manuf. Date. New exhaust, fuel tank and pump new. New seals, and gaskets.

Probably the cleanest Alfetta GTV available, all stock. Collector licensed in Minnesota. Call Tim 651.261.7447, for details.

This car certainly ticks the right boxes - it's original minus the refreshed paint, is claimed to be rust-free, has some recent maintenance performed and low miles. There aren't too many 1970s era bright red Italian cars that you can jump into in this condition for a reasonable amount, but this is sure one. With a "Buy It Now" price of only $11,500, this car is priced aggressive considering the GTV market has been on the rise recently. To me, this is a car that can be bought on a very modest budget, enjoyed on the weekends and occasional show, and will appreciate if kept in good condition, all while bring you smiles and stories along the way. Isn't that what Alfa Romeo ownership is supposed to be about?

-Carter

Classic, Ferrari, Pininfarina

1967 Ferrari 330 GTC

May 30, 2014 Graham 2 Comments

Year: 1967
Model: 330 GTC
Engine: 4.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 30,000 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1967 Ferrari 330 GTC

Chassis Number: 9595. Engine number: 9595.

One of 604 produced between 1966 and 1968.

Euro model with just 48,411 kilometers (30,081 miles) from new.

One-owner for 30 years with all service receipts from 1985-2014.

Original “Celeste Charo Metallizzato” (Metallic Light Blue) color.

“Nero Franzi” (Black) Leather interior.

Rare working factory air conditioning.

Always pampered, this 330 GTC is accident and abuse-free. Current owner has driven it just 12,659 miles (20,373 Km) over the past 30 years (An average of 421 miles per year.) Properly maintained and serviced by the same Ferrari specialist the entire time. Receipts from 1985-2014 totaling in excess of $53,000 in service are included.

Original numbers-matching Type 209 V-12 engine develops 300 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, fed by 3 Weber 40 DFI carburetors, giving this 2,866 pound coupe a rated top speed of 152 mph with performance of 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Runs beautifully with no issues.

Disc brakes stop the car smooth and straight. Rides on the original Campagonolo 7L/15 alloy wheels with new, correctly sized radial tires.

The body is laser-straight with all original panels in place. No rust of anywhere. Recently repainted in correct color it is stunning from every angle. Interior is correct and largely original. Please see photos and video. All gauges register accurately. Original tool roll and custom fitted flannel car cover are included. Ready to show or go.

Inspection is invited by seriously interested parties. Please call to schedule an appointment. David: 503-309-7729. Located in Portland, Oregon USA. A realistic reserve has been placed on this car in keeping with its rarity, condition and mileage. Please bid accordingly.

If you are looking for one of the finest 330 GTC Coupes available today, this is it.

WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS, WORLDWIDE.

If the video link below is inactive, please go to: http://youtu.be/qVd9IEow-Xw

-Carter

Bertone, Classic, Lamborghini

Restoration Candidate: 1971 Lamborghini Jarama 400GT

May 27, 2014 Graham

There are plenty of cars out there that are in horrible shape, left to rot and sulk in corners surrounded by the shadows of their former glory. Some of them are even very expensive cars that you can't believe would be forgotten and neglected, but often the best laid plans can go awry and one man's vision of a restored car is in reality a project that will never see fruition. But in recent years there has been a tremendous amount of interest in "barn finds" - cars that are just these types of situations, and today's Jarama 400GT could probably be classified as such. All original minus a pretty spectacular set of Miura SV wheels, this already rare Jarama is ready for a full restoration - or would you keep the patina?

Year: 1971
Model: Jarama 400GT
Engine: 4.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 26,041 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1971 Lamborghini Jarama 400GT

1971 Lamborghini Jarama
s/n 10224
Red with Black Leather Interior

The Jarama, introduced in 1970, was one of the last front-engined Lamborghini GT’s, concluding the line that began with the very first Lamborghini, the 350GT. Mechanically, it was similar to the Espada, but with a 10.6 inch shorter wheelbase, the Jarama was considerably more agile to drive. Fitted with Lamborghini’s sophisticated quad-cam V-12, all independent suspension, and five-speed gearbox, the Jarama was a deliberately understated high performance “businessman’s express” intended for those who appreciated Lamborghini’s engineering and performance, but who wanted to maintain a more refined lifestyle and image. Nevertheless, the styling has a subdued excitement that is hinted at by the sharp creases and muscular wheelarches. The car is very well proportioned, and thanks to its thin pillars and generous greenhouse, visibility is excellent. Today, the Jarama continues to exemplify this more subdued approach to enjoying a Lamborghini, in addition to gaining momentum as collectors and enthusiasts start to appreciate the unique blend of attributes that the car embodies.

This particular car is a longtime California example which the previous owner reports has covered 26,000 miles from new and has never been apart. It is structurally excellent and highly complete, with and overwhelming sense of authenticity. He purchased the car in 1989, drove it once, and then laid it up with the intention of restoring it. It sits on genuine and extremely rare Miura SV wheels, which are staggered in width and tremendously valuable. It also comes with its original tool kit, jack, books, manual, and several photos taken in 1988 in San Diego, in which the car looks virtually identical to its present day appearance, right down to the car’s stunning and absolutely fantastic stance facilitated by the staggered wheels.

The car needs a complete restoration but is gloriously complete and undisturbed. All mechanical and cosmetic systems should be inspected and restored as necessary but everything is there, right down to the accessories and Becker Europa radio. The body is extremely straight with great fit and virtually no rust. The small amount of rust present is limited to the rocker panels. The undercarriage is extremely solid as well. The engine compartment is unmodified in appearance, right down to the original FIAMM silk screening on the airbox covers and the windscreen washer fluid reservoir. The car is fitted with air conditioning.

This is a superb opportunity to acquire an ideal restoration project. Just 177 Jaramas were built, and this is an exceptionally honest, solid, and undisturbed example that could serve as an invaluable reference for originality for other cars, as well as for this car’s restoration. It is highly complete, extremely sound, and is reported to have covered just 26,000 miles from new.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This car is sold AS IS without warranty. A 10% deposit is due upon the successful completion of the auction. Remainder of payment is due within one week of the end of the auction, and prior to the delivery of the vehicle. Fantasy Junction reserves the right to end this auction early in the even of the sale of the car outside of eBay. Inspection is available and encouraged, and should be arranged and completed prior to the completion of bidding. A final bid (if reserve is met) is and should be considered a sale and acceptance of terms, and the vehicle is AS IS and WHERE IS. If you have NEGATIVE or ZERO feedback, please contact us prior to bidding. Please contact us for names and phone numbers of local professionals familiar with this type of car, whom you may interview and with whom you may arrange an inspection. If you are concerned with what the car may need, an inspection is an excellent way to remove surprises. Please allow for normal wear and tear items based on the age of any car and restoration if applicable. Please use your better (or even your best) judgment. We have done and will do our best to describe the car faithfully and correctly, and would like you to know and understand exactly what you are bidding on.

I know it's far from perfect, but there's something that's indescribably cool about the current state of this car. Granted, it likely needs a full mechanical service and updating, and I'd probably recover the seats so that I wasn't getting covered in a fine dust of disintegrating seat internals every time I went for a drive. But this Jarama has presence - especially with the Miura wheels - and it would be neat to just cruise around in it, regardless of whether the outside was perfect or not. The mechanical restoration alone won't be cheap or easy, but currently the car sits on reserve with bidding around $30,000 - with top Jaramas only bringing around $80,000 these days, you could concievably end up not losing your shirt in this deal - but I'd spend a little on a mechanical sorting and just drive it, personally. Just don't forget your gold chain.

-Carter

Classic, Lancia, Zagato

1972 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato

May 24, 2014 Graham

Its very interesting to me how each of the styling firms in Italy has distinctive features that seem to carry across their different designs. Perhaps when you first see the shape you don't immediately recognize the designer, but once you know it makes sense. Vignale and Touring had inspired if conservative designs; increasingly both Bertone and Pininfarina captured the angular market. Giugiaro's work at multiple firms carrys a signature blend of angles and curves, but one of the most distinctive in my mind are the Zagato designs. Be it an Aston Martin or an Alfa Romeo, the Zagato brand meant one thing - tight curves that pared down the shape to a bare minimum, flowing tightly around the wheel arches with minimal overhangs front and back. Some of the best known Zagato work is with the Alfa Romeos and Aston Martins of the 1960s and 1970s, but one neat car they really added a lot of character too was the already colorful Lancia Fulvia Sport:

Year: 1972
Model: Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato
Engine: 1.3 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 21,000 mi
Price: $38,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1972 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato

Here is for sale my 1972 Lancia Fluvia Zagato Sport 1.3, this car has a Florida clean title, I am first owner since it was import from Italy, runs good, looks great, all work on this car, take advantage of this opportunity, I am selling because need the space and the money too, any question please write to me at tony1961@msn,com

Click to view listing

When talking about really classic Italian designs, both the Fulvia and Zagato's work usually make the mark, and the combination here was both inspired and unique. Though certainly some aspects of the design are reminiscent of the NSU Ro80, the Fulvia Sport stands on its own as a truly neat design. This is the way to buy one; a one owner car that is in pristine condition - and the Zagato name doesn't break the bank here. Whereas an Aston will set you back the best part of a few million dollars, you can get into a similarly styled Lancia for just under $40,000. That strikes the middle ground on the Fulvia - cheaper than some of the most expensive models but about double what a condition 1 1.2 from the same year will set you back. It seems appropriate given the unique nature of the car that this should be the case, and I'd still consider $38,000 to be a reasonable asking price for such a cool car!

-Carter

Classic, Fiat, Pininfarina

1973 Fiat 130 Coupe

May 23, 2014 Graham

The large executive Coupe was something that was very popular in the 1950s and 1960s in America; but in Europe, the idea took a bit longer to catch on. Still, by the 1970s we saw increasing examples from manufacturers going through major growth - BMW and Mercedes joined the big coupe market, along with new examples from Ferrari and Lamborghini. But one that is seldom thought of in that company is the Fiat 130 Coupe; Pininfarina designed and with a Ferrari-designed V6 mated to a ZF 5-speed, it's the forgotten sleeper of the large executive coupe market in the 1970s:

Year: 1973
Model: 130 Coupe
Engine: 3.2 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 67,000 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1973 Fiat 130 Coupe

Somehow it seems the words "luxury" and "Fiat" should never be used in the same sentence. For some unknown reason the folks at Fiat decided they wanted to compete in the high end with the likes of Mercedes and BMW ... and the 130 was born. As was expected of a luxury car it needed to be spacious and has a lot of user amenities.

The first time I saw a 130 I had to tell myself ... now that is as weird as they come ... and of course I loved it! The car has a very 70's look with a lot of glass. Remember that these were the days when BMW had the 2002 and Mercedes were boxes with tons of glass. Unfortunately the Fiat 130 was never imported into the USA therefore finding one on these shores is rare. This car was just imported in 2012 and spent all its life in Italy. Several things attracted me to this particular car:

I love the color combination as it is very 1970's. The blue exterior has a hint of purple and what is not to like of the mustard leather! What makes this Fiat 130 rather unique is that most had velour interior. This has the optional leather interior. The leather is original and in really nice condition. It really makes the car look quite elegant. The other big plus is that it has the optional 5-speed ZF gearbox which was also used on the 2.4 liter Fiat Dino. Only about 10% of the Fiat 140 had this gearbox, the rest were automatic.

So how is it to drive? Surprisingly the car feels a lot smaller on the road than it really is. The V6 engine was designed by Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi and is loosely based on the Dino V6 engine. The engine feels very peppy and likes to rev. The gearbox has very short throws and gives the car a sporty feel. It has ZF power steering which gives the car a very good handling. The independent rear suspension is identical to the Fiat Dino and is rather sophisticated.

Paint is quite nice and the interior speaks for itself. The body is in excellent condition. There are a few rust bubbles on the right fender which were this way when I bought the car and has not gotten worst. The undercarriage is straight and rust free. Chrome is nice as is the glass. There is a crack on the inner laminate of the rear glass. The crack does not extend to the outside of the glass and it is barely noticeable. Mechanically the car is very good with no smoke or major oil leaks. AC works as do the gauges, power windows, power steering etc.

The car was imported into the USA a couple of years ago from Modena, Italy. It falls under the 25 years exemption which permits cars to be imported and not be subject to the DOT and EPA regulations of that year. Therefore this car retains the beautiful European headlights which I am sure would have been modified had Fiat brought the car into the USA ... also it would have had much bigger (and uglier) bumpers.

Overall this is the type of car that shows that it has been loved all of its life. It is what I would call an honest car which has its expected faults as it is after all 41 years old.I have really enjoyed owning this Fiat 130 but it is time to move on as I need the garage space for other stuff.

Car comes with its original owner's manual plus a copy of the shop manual.

Feel free to call me if you have questions: 770-998-0923 Ivan

Terms of Sale

Buyer is responsible for shipping and insurance costs.

Please only serious bidders. I have described the above mentioned vehicle to the best of my ability. However, with all pre-owned automobiles, the condition is subjective, so I recommend that the potential buyer inspects as well as test drives the vehicle before finalizing purchase.

NO BIDDERS WITH ZERO OR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH ME!

THIS VEHICLE IS BEING ADVERTISED ELSEWHERE AND COULD BE SOLD BEFORE THE AUCTION HAS COMPLETED. I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THE AUCTION AT ANY TIME.

I realize buying a car based on a few photos on an internet auction may carry some risks. I want to make sure the buyer feels comfortable with his/her purchase. I will promptly respond to e-mail questions.

- $1,000 deposit 24 hours after the end of the auction, Paypal is accepted for the deposit

- Balance to be paid via bank wire within 5 days of end of auction

- Seller reserves the right to end auction prior to its end.

- If the vehicle is not as represented upon personal inspection, I will promptly refund your deposit. No refund after final Bill of Sale is signed.

- I always strongly encourage a pre-purchase inspection before making final payment.

My intent is for you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase! Please check my eBay rating

The condition on this car is impressive, and the styling really stands out. Sure, it's not as much of a draw as some of the more exotic metal from the other Italian manufacturers and you could easily argue that the BMW 3.0CS is a better looking car. But really good examples of the 3.0 are heading up towards $100,000 these days and the same is true of any of the Lamborghini or Ferrari examples. So what you have here is a budget exotic; few will know what it is, but you'll have the driving experience that relies on ties to the more exotic siblings it is related to. At the end of the day, this car screams cool 1970s Italian and I'd love to be seen in it; slap your best suit on, pack the Campari, slick your hair back and head for Lake Como. But this car can be had for a fraction of the cost of anything else that would give you the feeling this package would.

-Carter