Category Archives: Italdesign

Fiat, Italdesign

1987 Fiat Panda 4×4 Sisley

The Fiat Panda is a good reminder of how absurd the new car market is these days. The 4x4 variant of the Panda was an odd option, purchased by those with some sort of need for four-wheel-drive, but otherwise fairly rare. Today, it can seem as though Panda 4x4 type four-wheel-drive economy cars are the norm - think Ford EcoSport, Buick Encore etc - and that traditional economy cars are the exception.

We've mentioned before that many people find our website in search of the Panda 4x4 Sisley edition. It's basically an Italian version of the Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition, or the Subaru Forester L.L. Bean edition - a collaboration between an outdoor lifestyle clothing company and a vehicle with some level of outdoors or off-road potential.

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Alfa Romeo, Italdesign

1977 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GtV

We love type 116 Alfas. Driving them, working on them - all of it. And, we've had our Milano Verde out a little bit lately, enough to notice that the transaxle has been moving up and down too much to apply the throttle smoothly. Thankfully, we had an upper transmission mount sitting on the shelf. With the rear of the car up on jack stands, we were able to quickly drop the transaxle a couple of inches, yank the old mount out with a socket and a 3-arm puller, and hammer the new mount in. The result? A much smoother driveline without the clunks associated with throttle application that we had been experiencing. We are so used to month-long projects that any chance to make a large improvement in 30 minutes is always welcome.

With type 116, or transaxle cars, there is really little that can't be quickly remedied in the garage. What takes more time is rust repair - and this example doesn't need much of that. On an Alfetta, said to be manufactured from a defective alloy of steel, finding a rust-free example is becoming increasingly challenging.

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Alfa Romeo, Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, Italdesign

1984 Alfa Romeo GTV-6 3.0L swap

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The North American market never saw a 3.0L V6 version of the Alfa Romeo GTV-6, but across the Atlantic, South African customers were offered the opportunity to purchase one of 212 3.0L GTV-6s which were manufactured in the name of homologation for the racing circuit. That offering was a result of a collaboration between Autodelta and Alfa Romeo South America.

The more common version of the GTV-6 3.0L is made possible by an engine swap from an Alfa Milano Verde, or more commonly, the Alfa 164. In comparison to the South American 3.0L V6, the Verde/164 engine features a slightly longer stroke, coming in at 72.6mm vs. the 72.0mm stroke in the 3.0 SA; cylinder bores are a common 93.0mm. The South African engine made use of 6 single Dell'Orto carburetors, whereas the engine-swapped examples usually feature fuel injection.

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Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, Italdesign

1985 Lancia Delta S4 Stradale

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Fiat's takeover of Lancia preceded their takeover of Alfa Romeo by around 17 years, and while industrial giant Fiat would seem like a suitable companion to the smaller Italian brands, what resulted in both cases was an unfortunate dilution of each brand's distinctive products. Odd then, that the Fiat-Chrysler merger has been so successful, whereas Lancia has been driven into the ground with Alfa Romeo's demise looking more and more certain.

The Delta came from the second wave of Fiat-spiked Lancia products, and the Delta S4 came from a tube steel factory, seeing as it shared nothing but its silhouette with the Deltas scattered about European roadways. Itself an evolution of the WRC Group B Lancia 037, the Delta S4 was powered by a mid-ship turbocharged, supercharged and intercooled 1.8L 4-cylinder. The combination was good for 5 wins in its 12 race entries, but not good enough for a season victory in its sole years of competition, 1985 and 1986. US rally fans would have been fortunate to witness the Delta S4's 1986 victory in the Olympus Rally in Washington state.

Lancia Delta S4 Stradale steering wheel gauges
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Giugiaro, Italdesign, Maserati

1974 Maserati Merak

Following yesterday's Lamborghini Urraco P250, we present Maserati's offering in the entry-level high-end mid-engine sports car space. Entry-level high-end. Hmm. Regardless, we're talking Porsche 911 fighters here. Powerful engines, smart chassis design, and not much potential for anything more than a weekend trip.

The Merak comes from the Citroen ownership era of Maserati history. Inside, you'll find a Citroen SM steering wheel and dashboard, while under the hood, the SM's 90 degree 187hp V6 makes an appearance. The bodywork forward of the doors is borrowed from the V8-powered Maserati Bora.

1966 Maserati Merak red Citroen SM engine rear view
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Year: 1974
Model:  Maserati Merak
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 24,273mi
Price: $49,000
Location: Dallas, TX

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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1974 Maserati Merak

1974 Maserati Merak This Merak is a totally rust free, California car. It’s been off the road and in storage since 1996. This car is really too nice for a restoration, I would encourage the next buyer to do a light detailing and go through the car to get it back onto the road. A local viewing is welcome and encouraged with appointment. We are happy to help buyers worldwide with shipping and freight logistics.

1966 Maserati Merak red Citroen SM engine bay spare tire
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Oddly enough, it's the Citroen engineering that gives us hope for keeping one of these on the road with relative ease. The brake hydraulics are SM-derived, and while unorthodox, they are not as complex as they are made out to be. Keep in mind that it was this engine that made the basis for the later Biturbo cars, and while those can be a handful to maintain, the relative simplicity of the same basic engine in the SM and Merak will lend to a more satisfying ownership experience.

We're sort of surprised at the somewhat-reasonable price on what is, with only 600 units sold, a relatively rare Maserati. The Merak seems to track the pricing of its Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 more than it does the Urraco, or even the 911, for that matter. To us, it's a great opportunity to buy a great wedge design - from Giugiaro instead of Gandini, in this case. If this car cleans up and turns out to be in good mechanical order, we'd consider it to be a great purchase.

-Graham

Italdesign, Maserati

1980 Maserati Quattroporte

Today we will continue to feature the Maserati Quattroporte, beginning with this blue series III example. Maserati, having been sold to Alejandro de Tomaso in 1975, sought to eliminate all vestiges of the technically-competent but financially-disastrous Citroën ownership, and returned to the familiar front-mounted V8 and RWD layout of the Series I Quattroporte. As such, the chassis of the Series III relied not on the Citroën-derived Series II FWD chassis, but rather on the De Tomaso Deauville sedan.

Interestingly, early Quattroportes were badged 4porte, changing to Quattroporte in 1981. This example, a 1980 model, shows the 4porte name on its identification placard, but displays Quattroporte badging on the trunklid - probably swapped as a matter of taste. And speaking of taste, the long, low Giorgetto Giugiaro design, not lacking in tumblehome, would have had excellence presence in its day, and presents well to this day.

1980 Maserati Quattroporte manual blue rear quarter
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Year: 1980
Model:  Maserati Quattroporte 4900
Engine: 4.9L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  91,878km
Price: € 19,900
Location: Hoevelaken, Netherlands

1980 Maserati Quattroporte manual blue interior tan
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1980 Maserati Quattroporte 4900

Bijzonder exclusieve MASERATI QUATTROPORTE met een handgeschakelde 5-bak,iets wat zeer zelden voorkomt.Deze MASERATI heeft langere tijd in een priveverzameling gestaan,loopt en schakelt goed,interieur zeer netjes,exterieur enkele gebruikssporen.

1980 Maserati Quattroporte manual blue engine 4.9
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This car presents quite well. The engine bay is clean, and maintains its insulating panels and original hose clamps, if that matters to you. The body appears straight, and the interior isn't dried up and sun-damaged, as many of these come to be. It looks every bit the 143mph Italian executive sedan it was in 1980.

Syncing the 4 Weber carbs might not be the simplest task, but we love the basic layout of the engine and the car in general. Being a low-volume model, the components were manufactured in a way that makes for simple repairs, if you have the resources. Suspension linkages are welded steel tubes, not aluminum castings requiring exact replacement. And we wouldn't be surprised by a large list of components shared by this vehicle and other European models of its vintage. If this generation of Quattroporte fits your personal style, you could do a lot worse than this example.

-Graham

Ferrari, Italdesign, Lancia

1988 Lancia Thema 8.32

How about another poster boy for 1980s sports sedan creativity? By now, the Lancia Thema 8.32 hardly requires introduction. The result of the Type Four collaboration among Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat, and Saab, the Thema was Lancia's premium mid-size sedan from the late 1980s into the 1990s. With an engine design from Marenello and assembly help from Ducati in Bologna, the Thema 8.32 received a modified variant of the Dino V8, called the Tipo 105L in cross-plane form.

Thema 8.32s are lustworthy on principal; how many sleepy European sedans got Ferrari lumps, ever? So we don't mean to throw a wet blanket on the idea in pointing out that Alfa Romeo totally won the Type Four platform contest. Ever care to look up the power numbers for an Alfa Romeo 164 Q4? If you've already bought your Thema 8.32, skip to the end of this post. Alright, ready? The 164 Q4 made a cool 232hp vs 212hp in the Thema 8.32. Better yet, it routed that power through an AWD driveline, thereby quelling the inherent torque-steer of a high-power FWD drivetrain.

1988 Lancia Thema 8.32 Ferrari engine red side
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Year: 1988
Model:  Lancia Thema 8.32
Engine: 2.9L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  95,248
Price: $37,975
Location: Monterey, CA

1988 Lancia Thema 8.32 engine Ferrari interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Lancia Thema 8.32

Ferrari V8 Powered Executive Sedan ... fresh engine-out service, fully sorted, professionally restored and mechanically A1. Truly cherry.

Rare and remarkable Ferrari V8 powered executive saloon. The car being offered for sale was recently discovered by our team in Italy and has undergone a full mechanical restoration and a thorough cosmetic refresh, inside and out in the last six months. We have just imported the car and all paperwork is in order. 

We started with a very original, low mileage example in very good overall condition. Front subframe and engine were removed for a complete engine out service and rebuild. The Ferrari V8 received a full valve job, new rings, new flywheel, new clutch and fully refreshed ignition and fuel injection systems. The engine, cover and manifolds were refinished in the original colors and finishes. Driveshafts and drive system serviced and refreshed. Engine compartment cleaned and detailed prior to engine reinstallation. New full exhaust system installed. 

Exterior panels were refinished in original factory shade of metallic red. Double clear coat laid over the metallic burgundy finish and hand sanded to a high luster. Bumper covers repainted. The undercarriage is rust and damage free, undercoating has been refreshed as required. Wheels have been cleaned, inspected and refreshed, fitted with period correct tires all around with 75% tread depth remaining. Comes with a second set of new, period correct tires.

The original plush Alcantara interior has been meticulously cleaned and detailed, including a refresh and refit of the unique headliner. Seats, dash and carpeting are now in superb, original condition. Trunk linings have been removed, cleaned and reinstalled. Various interior trim pieces renewed, all interior lights, switches and electronics checked and redone as necessary. Retractable rear spoiler is fully functional and fitted with new, unique seals.

The engine starts readily, runs very strong, idles nicely, and shows Ferrari power and grace under acceleration. The car sounds fantastic with the expected Ferrari V8 edge to the well muffled tone. Gearbox shifts cleanly and smoothly, new clutch engages progressively and the entire drivetrain shows the level of sophistication expected of an executive car. Handling is crisp and accurate with a reassuring stability. Torque steer is well controlled by the advanced front end geometry and suspension design.

All details have been professionally attended to and this car is fully sorted and ready to enjoy.
Rare, intelligent, sophisticated and refined the Lancia Thema 8.32 is a very special motorcar.

RESTORATION DETAILS 2018 work
Engine Out complete rebuild
Flywheel resurfaced
Valve Job inc. new valves and guides
Strip and Refinish all painted parts
Rebuild Brake Calipers
New Brake Pads
Service Fuel Tank and Pump
New Timing Belts and Idlers
Front Subframe removed, bushings replaced as needed
New Exhaust System inc. Flex Connectors
Driveshaft bearings, seals, CV joints
Wheels cleaned and polished

Original Interior Refreshed
Refitted Headliner
Clean & Detail Upholstery and Carpets
All Interior lights & electronics checked
Refitted Trunk liner
New Retractable rear spoiler seals

Original paint refreshed as needed
Hand sanded, new double clear coat finish
Bumper Covers repainted and finished

Odometer 153,287 Km = 95,248 miles
Car is located in San Francisco, shipping to any US location can be arranged.
Viewing by appointment

Offered at $37,975 plus tax & DMV ... serious inquiries only please.

All import paperwork is in order. This car will come with a valid Vermont registration, Vermont plates and a bill of sale. Please note that Vermont does not produce titles for cars that are more than 15 years old. Registration in most states should not be an issue, but please check local regulations.

1988 Lancia Thema 8.32 engine Ferrari cross plane
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Elephant in the room: this seller wants almost $40k for a nearly 100,000 mile Thema 8.32. $40k is collector money for a car that has most definitely exceeded a collector level of mileage. Is the condition collector-worthy? Well, the engine has seen some major rework, including a claimed rebuild and some head work. The exterior was refinished in the original color, while the interior remains original. Sounds like the basis for an excellent car, yes, but we don't see the original condition often sought by collectors. More than anything, the seller is banking on the rarity of the car leading to a rather optimistic price.

We would need quite a large collection before we'd shell out nearly $40k for a Thema 8.32. And that collection would definitely include an Alfa Romeo 164 Q4. Moreover, we'd go for a common Alfa Romeo 164 Q, without the AWD, before we'd pick up the Thema 8.32. Better styling, quicker acceleration, higher top speed, and better handling rule the 164 Q superior. But, there is no denying the appeal of a Lancia with a Ferrari engine, and we love the Thema 8.32 for that reason. Hopefully we can share a more realistically-priced Thema 8.32 for you all in the near future.

-Graham

Giugiaro, Italdesign, Lancia

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

Classic, Giugiaro, Italdesign, Maserati

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