Category Archives: Modern Classic

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1992 Ferrari Mondial Valeo t Cabriolet

4 Comments

Towards the end of the Mondial production run, Ferrari decided to a be a bit daring and experiment with a semi-automatic version of the car’s 5-speed manual gearbox. Essentially the same transmission right down to the gear ratios, this gearbox was similar to the Volkswagen and Porsche Sportomatic gearbox in the 1970s, offering manual shifting without a third pedal. However, the Valeo system had a microprocessor controlling the clutch engagement which made for more refined shifting. This gearbox and automated clutch setup was designed to learn the user’s driving habits over time and even allowed for situations where you could engine brake if you lifted off the throttle. The clutch would then not fully disengage until you stopped the vehicle. Sophisticated stuff for the period and no doubt gave Ferrari a baseline on where to go with the semi-automatic gearbox in the future. This Mondial Valeo t Cabriolet for sale in Toronto offers a rare opportunity to purchase this clutchless cabriolet.

1992 Ferrari Mondial Valeo t Cabriolet

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1992 Mondial t Cabriolet 2+2 Vaelo. This Mondial t comes equipped with a 3.4L quad cam V8 producing 300 horsepower coupled to a 5-speed Valeo semi-automatic transmission. Valeo was available as an option; while shifting was done by means of a traditional gear lever, the clutch was actuated automatically without a clutch pedal.

41,440 miles (approximately 66,000km) The Mondial t is a substantially changed vehicle to the previous Mondial. With a new engine and transmission layout it provides much improved handling and performance characteristics. This rare automated manual makes this car the perfect four-seat Ferrari.

Around $30,000 to $35,000 is what late model Mondial t Cabriolets are fetching these days. I'm not sure if the Valeo gearbox would add any significant value to the bottom line, as most enthusiasts would prefer three pedals. Still, as an engineering curiosity, this car may bring its fair share of interest from enthusiasts.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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The Series 4 Alfa Romeo Spider we featured last week sold for $12,600. Not a bad deal at all considering the low mileage and stunning condition. Here’s another Spider Veloce similar to the one featured last week that looks great on a set of Panasport alloy wheels. While I never had a problem with the stock wheels, this classic pattern adds a little something special to what is already a great design.

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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1991 Alfa Romeo (Red) Spider Veloce Roadster. Mille Magna Red w/Tan Leather & Suede Interior. Mileage: 48,975 pampered miles. This vehicle was sold at Cornes Motors Ltd. in San Diego, CA. in 1991. I believe it to be a three owner vehicle. Has all the original books and records including the sales brochure. Also included is a complete shop service manual and related CD. The original Alfa Spider rims (telephone dial) style have been replaced by five (5) PanaSport aluminum wheels and new Toyo Proxes 4/205/55R15 tires. What a difference in the overall vehicle's appearance. Whew! For those purist out there I will include the five (5) original rims with the vehicle's sale.

New custom logo floormats are also included. The convertible top assembly is in great condition with no rips or tears visible and a crystal clear back window. The seats are leather and suede and are in good condition (some wear showing on suede part of seats). The vehicle has had some paintwork on the passengers side door and (R) front fender due to a minor "fender bender" other than that the body's straight. The vehicle runs and drives great! This same year, same color Alfa Spider Veloce just sold on eBay Motors last Friday 08/10/12 for $12,600 with 41K+ miles and the original rims. I spent over $2,000. upgrading the old wheels and tires on the vehicle. This vehicle needs nothing but a new owner!

Given the recent sale of a nearly identical car, it's safe to say the reserve is a little north of $10,000. Panasport wheels are not inexpensive and I doubt 8,000 miles is really that much of a detriment to buyers in the grand scheme of thing. It seems these lower mileage Series 4 Spiders have settled in strongly in the $10,000 to $15,000 range, with the usual condition, mileage and color being the main determinants in value.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1986 Fiat Uno Turbo 1.3

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Having gone through a series of Volkswagen GTIs and running an R53 MINI Cooper S as my daily driver, you could say I'm a fan of the hot hatchback. The Italians have made some cracking good sporty three doors over the years, but few have turned a wheel stateside. This Fiat Uno Turbo is a prime example of what we as American motorists have been deprived. The successor to the Fiat 127, the Uno ushered in a new era at Fiat and snagged the European Car of the Year award in 1984. One year later, the Uno Turbo arrived. This particular 1986 model is for sale in Hungary is in great condition and catches your eye with the red paintwork and Abarth alloys.

1987 Fiat Uno Turbo 1.3

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Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. Mk1. Very good condition! Red Carpet, red seat belts, nice original condition! A real race car! The car can easily go over 200,000 km! Does not lose oil. There are no unusual noises! Can take the best offer! Looking for diesel passenger cars around €1,000!

At around $4,800, I'd say this is a pretty good deal, considering the last Uno Turbo we featured that as in similar condition was being advertised at close to $10,000. At this price, one could feasibly take a trip to Europe, ship this hot hatch back to the US and not feel like they just wasted a ton of money on a car not inherently worth that much. I've seen Unos in person and they aren't much larger than the new Fiat 500. It would be amusing to see the expressions if you pulled up to test drive a new 500 in this.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1989 Ferrari Mondial t Coupe

7 Comments

The Mondial has always been underappreciated by true Tifosi, but nevertheless it is a Ferrari. Introduced in 1980 as the successor to the 208 and 308 GT4, the Mondial evoked the name of a famous Ferrari race car from the 1950s. With close to 7,000 built over 13 years, this was a successful model for Ferrari. In 1989 the final evolution of the Mondial arrived, the "t." Offered in coupe and convertible form, the Mondial t did something uncommon when it comes to vehicle facelifts. Ferrari decided to mount the engine longitudally, with the gearbox mounted perpendicular to the engine, forming a "t" shape. The engine in question was a 3.4 liter V8 that produced 300 horsepower.

This particular Mondial for sale in California is the only year the Mondial t was offered in the US as a hardtop. In black with a special order sunroof, this is a rare combination for this 2+2 coupe.

1989 Ferrari Mondial t Coupe

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1989 Ferrari Mondial T Coupe. Full Collector Condtion, as new condition for 23 Years Old. SUPER RARE. The only one currently for sale in the U.S. Ferrari only imported 43 Mondial T Coupes produced for US. Only 7 were Black (Nero) and only 4 had Tan Interior. 2 Had Sun Roofs. So this is 1 of 2 produced as a US Spec. Last year Mondial T Coupe. Original Owner, purchased new at Ferrari Walnut Creek (now Ferrari San Francisco). Delivered in Jan 1990, Originally Sold in March 1990. This could be the last one produced in the factory.

All paperwork, original window sticker, docs, original books and bookcase, service records galore, original tool kit and tools complete unused - 5K's, 15K, 30K completed including clutch. Last year of the Mondial T Coupe (Only 43 imported to US in 89). This alone establishes its collectability. 100% original, no accidents, no dings, no scratches, no stories. Paint is perfect and glossy as new.

Special order factory sun roof, drivers bolseter in perfect shape, only slightest of wear if any. Passenger seat, mint condition as new. Rear seats, as new. Headliner, mint, as new. Glass, perfect

Steering wheel and dash, perfect, no shrinkage. No signs of any wear (carpets are complete and original). Surgeon owned it's entire life from new. Driven sparingly but driven to the club on weekends so 500 miles per year. Northern California Car. Dry and 100% garage kept at all times. Detailed and serviced on schedule and regularly. Only Lexol leather conditioner has been used on this car. No Armor All.

What more can I say about this perfect example of a last year and limited production model of a Collectors Ferrari Mondail T Coupe. They do not come any cleaner, or tighter than this. AC blows cold, sunroof works flawlessly as do all the electrical components. There are no buzzers going off, no red lights on dash. Everything has been done and it drives like it did when it came off the showroom floor in late 1989. If it does not sell, I am keeping it and putting her back into a time capsule as it is only going to go up in value due to its rarety and fine collectors condition. This exact car was featured in the Motorweek show and is on the above video link.

With four days left, bidding is already over $40,000. This is a lot of money for any version of Mondial and may set a new high for the breed. Usually, one can expect to shell out anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 for a good example of one of these. Mondials which are selling for under $20,000 should be approached with caution and examined with a fine toothed comb. I’ve always felt a bit lukewarm towards the Mondial, but this t Coupe in black with the later, better integrated bumpers, makes for one clean looking coupe. We have not seen a mid-engine, 2+2 Ferrari since and maybe it’s time collectors give these cars more than just a passing glance.

The following is the segment from Motorweek in which this Ferrari was featured:

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

2 Comments

Hot on the heels of the low mileage Series 3 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce we featured on Monday, here's a mint condition example of that cars successor, the Series 4. With almost identical mileage, this Spider looks great in Rosso Corsa over tan leather. Summer isn't over just yet and I'm sitting here longing to have a go in one of these cars.

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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Hi, you are looking at a very nice and original 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider with only 41k original miles. Signal Red with tan leather and sued interior, 5 speed transmission, AC works ice cold, everything works on this car. Summer time is here and this is a dream car to be driven with the top down. This is a original car and it looks almost the same way as it left the factory showroom. Just a little wear as you see in the pictures, car runs like a dream. Starts right up with no smoke or leaks.

Dashboard looks brand new (very important) paint is very nice and shiny, just little scratches on few spots that you have to look for it to see it. The top is in good condition, original stereo (CD) with premium sound system, oil has been changed recently. This is a 22 year old classic Italian car and for its age is in mint condition as you see in the picture but it is not a brand new car so please ask any questions before you place a bid. I am selling the car as is with no reserve auction, that means that I am here to sell the car.

I demand a $500.00 none refundable deposit by PayPal after the auction is over and the rest in 4 days by wire only. If you don't agree please move on to the next car. If you have less than 10 feedback you must contact me first or I will cancel your bid and block you. I can assist with shipping, oh by the way the car needs engine mounts as my mechanic told me. Tires are very good, brakes are very good, clutch is very strong. All inspections must be done before the auction ends, after the auction I wont allow inspection. Thank you all.

With no reserve, it would be safe to say this car will probably reach somewhere between $13,000 to $15,000, which is what clean Series 4 Spiders with under 50,000 miles seem to be bringing these days. Personally, the Series 4 is my favorite of the bunch, barring the original boattail Duetto. It's certainly on my short list in the next couple years, and if one surfaces for sale in Rosso Vinaccia, I'm going to have a hard time holding back.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

2 Comments

The Series 3 Alfa Romeo Spider doesn't get as much love as it's earlier or later counterparts, it seems, but it is just as important in the marque's history. This is the car that kept the company going in terms of US sales in the 1980s. With the imminent return of Alfa Romeo to the US market, the manufacturer is acutely aware of the Spider's popularity on this side of the Atlantic, as they plan to bring a new generation Spider to these shores. This low mileage Spider Veloce is a nice way to enjoy al fresco Alfa motoring in the meantime.

1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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40,131 original miles, this car has been garage kept and rarely driven for the last 15 years, and has been run weekly. It is ready for the show circuit or as a daily driver and needs nothing. The body is flawless, the engine is mechanically sound, and the top is like new! You must see in person to appreciate how like-new this car truly is! Power windows were a rare feature for this year, and the leather interior feels like sinking into the home-recliner. Contact me with any questions. While this is a very nice low mile car, it is still 26 years old, so it is AS-is where is.

White cars are in vogue these days; as such, this hue adds a bit of contemporary flair to an otherwise classic design. Spiders of this vintage with lower mileage can bring anywhere between $8,000 to $12,000 these days, with the very best reaching beyond that range. While this car has low mileage, these roadsters need exercise, so any potential buyer should make sure things such as belts, hoses and tires haven't suffered any degradation along with being mindful of the usual mechanical items that may be compromised due to age rather than mileage.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1996 Fiat Barchetta

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The Fiat Barchetta is one of those cars that masks its humble mechanicals well. Based on the Mk1 Fiat Punto and equipped with front-wheel drive, this stylish roadster hints about that it is something more special than an Italian supermini. With Fiat's absence in the US market from 1983 through 2011 (barring the Pininfarina Spider and Bertone X1/9), the US never got a chance to sample this affordable open roofed runabout. However, I've seen a couple of these roadsters appear on the market stateside, and here is yet another one in Pennsylvania for sale with a low 36,000 miles on the clock.

1996 Fiat Barchetta

The true sport roadster Europe fell in love with. Looks, runs and feels great! At only 2300 lbs. with 130+ HP and aggressive gearing, brings a grin to your face. FWD. Manual 5-speed transmission. Custom free-flow exhaust system with great sound. Four wheel disc brakes (ABS). Power windows and mirrors. Central locking. Fog lights. 16" Alloy wheels. Front lip spoiler. Rear wind deflector. Two tone seats (black w/charcoal leather inserts). No marks or tears. AM/FM CD MP3 radio (bluetooth ready). Paint: only minor chips or scuffs (rust free). Vinyl top: no rips or tears w/clear rear window. Glass: no chips or scratches. Removable winter hard top with rear window defroster. Vehicle maintenance manual CD, owner manual, radio instructions, sales brochure etc. included. Due to age, car is sold as is with no warranty. OEM 15" steel wheels and in-tact OEM exhaust system available with car.

It's obvious that the big question with this car is how did it get into the country in the first place and how is it legally registered here. It's not wearing dealer tags, so the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation must not have had an issue with registering it. Still, questions of the owner must be asked before going in on a purchase like this. At nearly $18,500, this is rather pricey when you consider what these Barchettas trade hands for in Europe and that a Mazda Miata of a similar vintage could be had for around $5,000 or less. So then, is this the price of unobtanium?

-Paul

Lamborghini, Modern Classic

1992 Minardi Lamborghini Formula 1

3 Comments

We don't feature many race cars here at Classic Italian Cars for Sale, but this particular competition vehicle is noteworthy in that it represents Lamborghini's brief foray into the world of Formula 1. Ferrucio Lamborghini was never particularly fond of competition, viewing the activity as a drain on company coffers. However, many of his engineers were racing enthusiasts and began to work behind the scenes on a car for the track. When Ferrucio learned of this, he gave the project his blessing and thus began the story Lamborghini in racing.

It's not widely known, but in 1989, Lamborghini began selling engines to Formula 1 teams. Their first customer being the short lived Larousse team. Minardi would be their last customer in 1992 and this car here for sale in California would be the last Lamborghini engine to compete in Formula 1. This car was not terribly successful, as its best finish came at the hands of Christian Fittipaldi at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing sixth.

1992 Minardi Lamborghini Formula 1

This is a rare 1992 Minardi Formula 1 Lamborghini with Serial# M191LO1, one of three that exist in the world. Powered by a V12 with 600+ HP. Participated in 1992 South Africa, Spain and Mexico Formula One races. The drivers were Morbidelli and Fittipaldi.

At over half a million dollars, this is a piece for serious collectors, but here's hoping that such a significant piece of Lamborghini and Formula 1 history may make an appearance at a vintage race event, such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, in the near future. A race car such as this is a collector piece that needs to be both seen and heard.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

5 Comments

As Americans wait with baited breath for the return of Alfa Romeo to this market, let's take a look back at one of the very last new Alfa Romeos, besides the ultra limited 8C Competizione, to grace these shores: the 164. With very few sales in its final year in the US market, these cars were not cross shopped by your typical Lexus or Mercedes-Benz customer. Only hardcore enthusiasts needed to apply. Two versions of the 164 were available in its final year; the Quadrofoglio and the LS version, as we see here. The LS was the luxury model of the pair, but equipped with a 5-speed manual such as our feature car, it still made for an involved driving experience. This 164LS for sale in Miami has a low 85,000 miles on the clock and looks the business in black.

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

Black on Black 95 LS with 85,000 miles. Asking $4,000. I have had this car since 2004 and all work has been done at Auto Veloce in Miami. The car runs great, its fast and I wouldn't hesitate driving it cross country.

The good:
- The engine is strong with and the car runs fantastic
- New clutch installed last week
- New radiator 9 months ago.
- No overheating issues
- Interior is in great shape
- AC work great.
- New Pioneer head unit can use new speakers.
- All maintenance is up do date.
- Oil change last week.
- New brake pads last week.
- Timing belt around 10K ago.
- No leaks
- No rust

The Bad:
- Needs a paint job along with minor repair to front bumper due to a minor parking lot bump. I have the metal trim piece (its used but its straight).
- Rear windows are stuck. motor or button, I don't know. They used to work until one day they didn't and I never bothered fixing.
- Needs new muffler.

The seller seems very motivated to sell and has been rather transparent about the issues with this car. At $4,000, I tend to think this is good value for a late model 164 with the desirable 5-speed gearbox. This is a car that certainly deserves the TLC that it needs. With a fresh paint job and some minor fixes, this 164 could serve as a classy executive express for many years to come.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1986 Ferrari Testarossa

3 Comments

Scouring through the ads and auctions every week, I come across many cars that are described as being the best. While there's been some undoubtedly clean examples of all types of Italian iron on CICFS, I think it's going to be hard to find a better Ferrari Testarossa than this one brought to our attention by it's owner, Rick. A 1986 example, this car has racked up numerous awards at prominent Italian car shows and is being offered for sale at auction next month in Monterey, California. Among the many awards this car has won, it secured "Best Ferrari" at Concorso Italiano in 2011. A rather impressive achievement by an equally impressive '80s icon.

1986 Ferrari Testarossa

1986 Ferrari Testarossa, Monterey 2012, Consignment # 2033, VIN: ZFFSA17A1G0064537

Launched at the 1984 Paris show, the Testarossa was aimed directly at the American market as a GT with the ability to gobble up long stretches of pavement with amazing aplomb. The car was immediately praised by the automotive press as Ferrari's best road car to date and one that was far more stylish than the Boxer it replaced. In the early years, the Testarossa was so popular that buyer frenzy fueled additional dealer markups, which peaked at about $150,000.

With its over-the-top straked sides and the "flying mirror", the early Testarossa became an icon of the 1980's. Power for this "Red Head" came from its 4.9 liter mid-engined Flat-12 which developed 390 HP and made it the fastest regular production car in the world in 1986. The Testarossa is a perpetually desirable sports car with an unmistakable design that still stops traffic and turns heads more than 25 years later.

On offer is the 1986 Testarossa, S/N 64537, which is arguably the best example in existence – evidenced by the awards it garnered in 2011.

2011 Concorso Italiano held in Monterey, CA
- WINNER, "Best Ferrari"
- WINNER, "Platinum"
- WINNER, "Preservation Award"
- RUNNER-UP, "Best in Show"

"Best Ferrari" - let that sink in for a moment. Concorso Italiano is one of the most important Italian exotic car shows in the world. There were literally hundreds of Ferraris competing including the "halo cars" (288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo), Daytonas, Dinos, etc. All of them were asked to bow and curtsey to the mighty Testarossa on that day in August of 2011.

But the awards don't stop there. This Testarossa is undefeated on the car show circuit.

2011 Bella Italia held in San Diego, CA
- WINNER, "Best in Class"

2011 Del Mar Concours d'Elegance held in Del Mar, CA
- WINNER, "Best Italian Sportscar"

This Testarossa wears Nero Metallizato (901/C) on the outside – a very rare factory color. The interior features a black dash, cream colored Connolly leather and brown carpets. This color combination is quite possibly the most attractive you will ever see on a Testarossa. Originally delivered in August 1986 to a gentleman in Seattle, WA, it quickly traded hands and has been a California car ever since (25+ years). When the car was acquired by the current owner in late 2010, it had not been driven in nearly 15 years. Unwilling to take any chances, the owner had it rolled off the trailer and straight onto the lift for a full engine out service to the tune of $12k (completed in January 2011). Since that time, it was lovingly run-in past the 3,000 mile mark (per original specifications) and subsequently driven up the coast of California to collect a trunkful of awards at Concorso Italiano.

Built in late 1986, this Testarossa is equipped with 16 inch single lug Speedline wheels. The car is as it left the factory with no modifications or after-market parts; a true time capsule with all tools, books, keys, service history, original sticker, spare wheel and accessories. The full 6 piece set of tan Schedoni luggage ordered from the factory by the owner in 1987 (complete with receipt) is also included. There is something truly magical about a 12 cylinder, mid-engined Ferrari. Your piece of perfection awaits.

After speaking with Rick, it's apparent that he's rather proud of this motor. He had also pointed out that a 1990 Testarossa with 900 miles had just sold at Mecum Auto Auctions in May for $101,000. That car would most certainly need an engine out service that has already been completed on our feature car as of last year. Along with the provenance, awards and condition, if the right people are in the room, I can see this car possibly bringing six figures. Even though most clean Testarossas are bringing between $55,000 and $70,000 these days, this car presents very well and is no doubt a known vehicle in Ferrari circles due to the amount of awards in its corner.

-Paul