Category Archives: Giugiaro

1988 Lancia Thema 8.32

If you wanted to go fast in an executive sedan that was rear drive in the 1980s, you bought a BMW M5. If you wanted to go fast in an all-wheel drive sedan in the 1980s, you bought an Audi 200 or 5000 quattro. But if you wanted to go fast in a front wheel drive executive sedan in the 1980s, this is the car you wanted - the Lancia Thema 8.32. Outfitted with a Ferrari sourced, Ducati built 3.0 V8 channeling over 200 horsepower through the front wheels, the Thema was an unusual choice to go fast in. It was also an expensive one; the coin-counters at Lancia must have figured that if they priced it high enough, everyone would just buy it. They didn't. As a result, only around 4,000 total of these cars were produced and they were never imported to North America. Despite that, one has made its way around the world - from Italy to Japan, and then on to British Colombia where it's for sale today:

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Year: 1988
Model: Thema 8:32
Engine: 3.0 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 60,000 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1988 Lancia Thema 8.32

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1988 Lancia Thema 5 speed 8:32 this car has a Ferrari 308 qv Motor thats all original

The motor needs some work there are two bad cylinders the mechanic did tests on them and determined that it is the valves so it needs the heads to be done, The car runs and drives like this, to see the motor running and more photo go to .

http://s433.photobucket.com/user/haultain/library/?view=recent&page=1

Condition throughout great shape no rust, the car is from Japan and has never bin driven in the winter .The interior seats are in really good shape, no rip, or stains on the seat .The dash has a crack from the sun and needs to be repaired .

This car is a lot of fun to drive, I driven a lot front wheel and this is the best one no torque steer .
You call me at 778-350-8111
The Car at Clemente's Autosports and you can call them at 604-568-0491
1600 Kingsway Vancouver B.C. Canada

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Because of their limited appeal and running costs on the Ferrari V8, these Themas haven't gained the sporting reputation of the M5, nor have they gained the accompanying market value. Despite that, this is a pretty cool and interesting alternative to the M5, Audi quattros or Alfa Romeos and fast SAABS of the same generation. You're not likely to draw a crowd, unless of course you pop the hood and rev that glorious Ferrari V8 a few times. Unfortunately, that will be difficult in this particular example as the engine is in need of repair; however, in terms of Ferrari motors this is probably one of the cheapest you can fix. Does that make it worth it? Well, if the bidding stays low - it's at around $5,000 as of writing - this could make a neat and cheaper alternative to the quickly appreciating M5 market.

-Carter

1975 Maserati Merak Targa

I've posted this Merak to our CICFS Facebook Fanpage, so what's it doing back here? Well, first off, it's a nice example that's worth taking a look at; the Merak is one of the prettier "wedge" designs from Giugiaro, even if it lacked the performance of its big brother Bora. But what's unique about this one is what has occurred to the roof; because unlike nearly every other Merak out there, this one's a Targa::

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Year: 1975
Model: Merak
Engine: 3.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 76,900 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1975 Maserati Merak

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1975 Maserati Merak AM122-2182

Customization by Steering Wheel Inc. in South Florida circa. 1975. This particular car was delivered new to the US in 1975, and had it's roof customized by Tom Clark Sr. the owner of SWI. The book this car is documented in is on page 222 of "The Maserati Road Cars, Post war production cars 1946-1979 by Richard Crump/Rob de la Rive Box".

The strengthening of the chassis was done at the sills, the windscreen pillars were gusseted on the seams (see book photograph, main picture). This part of the roof work was done by local company, Trust Manufacturing Co.

It came with a blue interior originally, which has since been changed to the current caramel hides you see today. It is in driver condition, with many documents and receipts for work done in the past 30+ years.

With her original Campagnolo wheels, she has had 1 re-spray (by Gene Winfield btw for you SoCal hot rod nuts), in 1982, major services (hydraulics/clutch) in 2003 and 2008, and remains largely original with 76,9xx miles showing.

The paint is not perfect, nor is it a show car, but more of a "good ol' nail of a driver" (as my friend says). Purchased new in Florida in 1975, she then went to California and remained with the same owner for the next 37 years. Tons of paperwork and receipts go with the car, detailed documentation and papers for everything that was worked on.

The Merak is really just a nice, California, no major issues Driver, that needs a new home, she starts right up @ cold, idles great, doesn't run hot, shifts, brakes and drives down the road quite well. She has never been wrecked, or damaged, clean, no issues, straight car, with no Smog too!!! (we have a Video of a Cold start and a quick drive off in her).

Please keep in mind, this car is 39 years old! It has never been restored, it has it's imperfections, so if you're looking for a "show" car, move on! I am upfront and blunt, I do not need to sugarcoat things like some people who sell. Pooling through the documentation on her, what I'm asking for the car and than some, adds up in receipts alone...

A clean, no stories, California Title (1975 NO SMOG!) comes with the car. The Merak also comes with (2) keys, original Owner's Manual, and 40+ pages of receipts/documentation.

Some areas of attention are as follows.

-All of the hydraulic lights on the dash work, and gauges (except noted gas gauge)

-A/C car, but currently non-functional, fan motor and defrost etc. run though

-Crack rear flying buttress (picture)

-Crack front bumper (picture)

-Chip in hood above Trident (picture)

-Hood latch is not working properly (hence the "ajar" look of the fitment per pictures, common)

-Driver window is slow going up/down

-Gas gauge is INOP

If you need more information or pictures, please let me know I'll do my best. Car is located in Roseville, CA at my best friends shop.

-Please call if you wish to discuss, Ken @ 203-770-0839 CT, or Nick if you'd like to stop by and look at the Maserati @ 916-792-1645

-It has nicks, imperfections and some small areas of surface rust here and there. I have tried to take as many good, informative pictures as possible, if there is any area left out, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate.

To those seriously interested parties, I have a DropBox with all of the papers/documentation uploaded I can send if interested in looking through it. Also, please note, if you would like more information about this cars history, I have made contact with Tom Clark Jr. in Florida, and he would be willing to discuss the car with prospective, serious individuals.

If you saw the 1975 Merak sell @ Auctions America a month back, you know that the values on these cars have increased. My reserve is respectful to the condition of the vehicle, and far below what the auction car sold for...

Happy Bidding, someone's going to really enjoy this mid-engined car...

Shipping is 100% the buyers responsibility, though we will do as much as possible to help. PPI's may be requested if given ample time, and if scheduling can be made without a time hassle. Thank you.

*Due to 2 non-paying buyers, this has been re-listed, and I am looking for a serious buyer, not a time waster...Thanks*

* Please note, if you have less than 5 feedback, you need to contact me before bidding, or you risk having your bid deleted.

**Please note, this vehicle is sold, as is, where is, condition, no warranty is expressed or implied.

***Please note, I take my time very seriously, and you should to, so please do not waste mine, and I will not waste yours. Do NOT bid on this car if you have no intentions or the means to purchase it. Do NOT win this auction only to show up wanting to "inspect", the duration of the auction time is the appropriate time for that action, not after the fact.

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Yesterday on our sister site German Cars For Sale Blog, I wrote up a converted Porsche 928 - questioning the sanity of anyone that would take the roof off of an otherwise perfectly good coupe. I'm not sure why this was such a trend, but obviously it extended into the 1970s as well. It was reportedly converted when new and is generally original. These original run Meraks - during the Citroen ownership period - generally aren't the ones that are the most sought after, nor is this one in the best condition. But it's a neat piece of history for Maserati fans and I'm sure would be welcome at any meet; as a conversation starter alone, it's worth the story, especially with the documentation there!

-Carter