Category Archives: Modern Classic

Lamborghini, Modern Classic

2001 Lamborghini Diablo 6.0

The job of succeeding the Lamborghini Countach was never going to be an easy one. Chrysler's takeover of Lamborghini took place in 1987, and with it, the final stages of development of the Countach replacement, the Diablo, fell under the watchful eye of Detroit. Tom Gale and the design team at Chrysler decided they didn't like Marcello Gandini's original design and smoothed out the sharp edges a bit. The era of Chrysler ownership was short lived, and by the end of the Diablo's life, Audi had taken the reigns. The last iteration of the Diablo is what we see here, a final year, 2001 Diablo with the 6.0 liter V12, revised interior fittings and all wheel drive system.

2001 Lamborghini Diablo 6.0

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2001 Lamborghini Diablo 6.0. Very unique Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 Coupe finished in custom Verde Ithaca over black leather interior. This car has been completely redone top to bottom and is documented. Photos do not reflect the true beauty and depth of this amazing color! Factory installed options include:

6 speed Transmission
Clear Engine Bonnet
Branding Package
Black brake calipers w/Lamborghini script
Black leather w matching Verde Ithaca piping
Tinted Windows
FACTORY Wheels Available
Fresh Engine out Service
New clutch

The lime green color of this Diablo reminds me of a similar color that was offered years prior on the Miura. Values on Diablos have been strong, with earlier examples hovering around the $100,000 mark with late model examples in the mid $100,000 range. A later model, Audi influenced Diablo would certainly be a bit more easier to live with, but then again, that really isn't the point when it comes to Lamborghinis. It's about flamboyance, raw power and sheer outrageousness, which this green monster has in spades.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1980 Fiat X1/9

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With the popularity of mid-engine sports cars gaining traction in the late 1960s, Fiat sought to get in on the action and devise a replacement to their rear engine 850 Spider. With styling conceived by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the X1/9 used the all new single cam engine from the front drive Fiat 128, which was handy, as this powerplant was set up having a transaxle, which made conversion to mid-engine use a rather easy affair. At the start, the car’s body was manufactured by Bertone with final assembly carried out by Fiat, and towards the end of the car’s life, the production shifted entirely to Bertone, with the car being transitioned to the “Bertone” badged in 1983 with the exit of Fiat from the US market. The car was marketed in the US until 1987 by Malcolm Bricklin and his company, International Automobile Importers, Inc. The X1/9 soldiered on until 1989 and has garnered a legacy of a lightweight, good handling compact, if a bit susceptible to the usual rust and teething issues that plague Italian cars of the period. This example for sale in Ohio is a Fiat badged X1/9 and beat the odds as a 69,000 mile survivor.

1980 Fiat X1/9

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1980 FIAT X1/9. VIN# : 128AS000133787. MILEAGE: 69,498. These X1/9 are hard to find and are listed on Yahoo's ten most desirable used vehicles that are impossible to find. You want to talk about a rare beauty...this 1980 Fiat X1/9 is it. This one has been well maintained as you can see from the pictures. It runs great and there are no issues.

Since the Fiat 500 came to the US last year, I’ve noticed a few Fiat dealers peddling vintage models of the marque, no doubt as a tactic to get people interested in the history of the brand and appreciate the qualities of current offerings. Since it is for sale at a dealer, the almost $8,000 price doesn’t surprise me. If this was from a private seller, you might be able to snag this car for about $2,000 to $3,000 less. If this example is rust free, it, along with the Lancia Scorpion/Montecarlo would be about the cheapest way into a mid-engine Italian vehicle. The color and US spec bumpers are not to my taste, but it is nice to see clean examples of this sporty runabout are still out there if you search hard enough.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

2000 Ferrari F550 Maranello

The Ferrari F550 Maranello is one of my favorite exotics from the past two decades. In an era of bulbous and ill-proportioned aesthetics, the F550 showed that hope wasn't lost when it came to automotive design. The fact that it has a V12 engine and enough room for two and their luggage for a weekend getaway makes the package even sweeter. This low mileage example is a six speed manual and has lived most of its life in sunny Florida.

2000 Ferrari F550 Maranello

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2000 Ferrari F550 Maranello. VIN # ZFFZR49B000119548. Silver exterior with black leather interior. Only 11,400 miles. Major service done! Leather rear shelf. Power Daytona seats. Factory CD changer in trunk. All books and keys.

At $78,500, this F550 is right in the heart of current market values, especially given the low mileage of this example. With a recent service completed, it should allow potential suitors to rest easy for at least another 10,000 miles or so and allow some time to set aside some cash for the next big service. I never grow tired of these F550s. Twenty to thirty years from now, I believe they will reach the same cult status as the legendary Daytona. They will be remembered as the last of a breed from an era when fuel prices were a fraction of what they will inevitably be and when a proper grand touring coupe meant a big engine and a proper manual gearbox.

-Paul

Lancia, Modern Classic

1981 Lancia Beta Zagato

The Lancia Beta was the first new car that Lancia developed after Fiat took control of the company in 1969. Introduced in 1972, this model would go on to set record sales for Lancia, but also garner a reputation for being a rust prone vehicle. This reputation would taint the company so badly that Lancia would pull out of its largest export market at the time, the United Kingdom, a little over ten years later. One of the last new Lancias to be sold in the US market is the car you see here, the Beta Zagato. Built on the Coupe's chassis with a targa roof, it was an interesting collaboration in that the car was designed by Pininfarina but built by Zagato. In total, a little over 9,000 of these open roofed Betas were built before Lancia ceased US sales.

1981 Lancia Beta Zagato

1981 Lancia Beta Zagato, 3rd owner. Approximately 27K miles on rebuilt engine. New starter, clutch, exhaust. 5K miles on timing belt, shocks, motor mounts. Recently rebuilt steering rack. Seats reupholstered in cloth, Pirelli P-6000 185/65-14 tires. Many interior/exterior trim pieces replaced. Car runs well. Paint good, new top. Professionally maintained. Many spare parts. California car. Never driven in rain, always garaged. Shop manuals, original owners manual, original tool kit. All work receipts. $3500 or best offer, price negotiable.

At $3,500, this is possibly one of the cheapest points of entry into classic Italian car ownership, without having to dump a ghastly amount of money on a full restoration. Few of these Zagatos survive today and the ones that do are often rusted out and on their last legs mechanically. While not the fastest cars out there, these Betas are known for their good handling and if this car has lasted this long without suffering at the hands of the tin worm, it should be able to survive another 30 years with proper maintenance.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1992 Alfa Romeo 164L

Another week passes by, and yet another mint Alfa Romeo 164 pops up for sale. This example is a 1992 model with a scant 51,000 miles on it. It has had a comprehensive list of items attended to, but could benefit from an air conditioning service, new front fog lamp and possible attention to the power steering system.

1992 Alfa Romeo 164L

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PLEASE NOTE! THE ACCIDENT REPORTED ON THE VEHICLE HISTORY DID NOT INVOLVE THE ALFA. On the date listed for the accident I used the plate from the Alfa to transport a Volvo I bought for my teenage son back to my home from a location five minutes away and it, the Volvo, not the Alfa, was involved in a 5mph accident. I will be happy to furnish a copy of the police report to any seriously interested party.

1992 Alfa Romeo 164L 4 door sport sedan. Metallic dark green with tan leather. The Alfa 164 is a handsome, Pininfarina designed sedan selected by Hemmings Sports and Exotics Magazine as one of the ten most collectible cars of the the nineties. With a powerful (190 hp) free-revving V-6 engine and five speed manual gearbox this Alfa offers spirited performance, excellent handling, and a ride befitting the sport/luxury car segment it was designed to compete in. This rust free example has spent the majority of its life as a summer car on Cape Cod. It has been carefully maintained with all service records since new, including over $5,000.00 in receipts spent to freshen all mechanicals when the car was put back into regular service some two years ago. At that time the engine was removed, the engine bay detailed, an upgrade to mechanical tensioner completed, a new clutch installed, flywheel resurfaced, all new seals, gaskets, hoses, belts, water and fuel pump replaced, valve clearances checked and adjusted, new cap and rotor, new platinum tipped plugs, all new filters, new brake pads and rotors, coolant and brake fluid flushed and refreshed, new rear exhaust, four new Eagle GT H rated tires with four wheel alignment.

I'm sure I'm forgetting some items, but suffice it to say that anything that needed doing was done, save the air conditioning system. As I live in a temperate climate I did not attend to it since I prefer my summer motoring with the sunroof and windows open, listening to the Alfa's stirring exhaust note. The ac may simply require a recharge, or it may have a failed compressor, condenser, etc., all of which are readily available from the various Alfa parts suppliers. I have driven the car some nine thousand miles since the work was completed and it drives as it should, powerful, fast, shifts perfectly, a real pleasure for those who appreciate the unique driving experience an Alfa provides.

The finish of the car as one can see from the pictures is glossy and in good condition for a twenty year old car. There is zero rust, but the paint is not perfect. There are a few spots( dime to quarter sized) on the hood and trunk where the clear coat has been mildly discolored, and there are some minor blemishes here and there on the sides, but none of this is noticeable enough to show up in photos. The interior is in excellent condition, the leather supple and without tears or stains. There is one seam in the driver seat cushion that has begun to separate (about a two to three inch gap). This is not a tear, just the stitching come undone, and should be easy to repair. There is also a crack in the driver side fog lamp lens. The light works perfectly and as replacement requires an entire new fog lamp, (these are not currently available), I have been forced to live with it. The only other issue to be reported is that when I brought the car out of storage last week I noticed several drops of power steering fluid on the garage floor. Since the car was refreshed there has been no leakage anywhere under the car, but I did notice these small spots and feel it is only fair to mention them. The power steering reservoir is full, the steering works properly and I don't think the leak represents a serious issue or warrants immediate attention. It may be a result of the car not being driven for several months and perhaps will resolve itself with use.

In summation, this is a well-sorted, low mileage example of what is predicted to be a highly collectible automobile. I have both remote key fobs that operate central locking and alarm as you would find on more modern cars. The original window sticker ($32,495.00) and manuals as well as a complete service manual on cd are included. This luxury edition Alfa 164L (hence the L designation) can provide long service as an enjoyable daily driver, (if you watch e-bay you will see many examples of this model with 150-200k miles on them) and then if collecting is your interest you can choose to restore it in years to come to show condition. I will be happy to accommodate an inspection of the vehicle prior to the close of the auction, but once the auction closes I expect no tire kicking or negotiating over condition issues. Bear in mind when you compare value that this car is not the typical worn out, high mileage beater that will cost you three times the bargain price you think you're getting in the first six months of ownership.

I am selling to make room for the restoration of a 1974 Alfa GTV that I have recently purchased, and while the reserve is substantially less than what I have invested in the car please don't waste your time or mine with unreasonable offers. This is not a distressed sale. The car is sold as is/where is with no warranty expressed or implied. I will be happy to assist you in having the car shipped at your expense. Please do not bid if you are not prepared to go forward with the purchase. Bidders with less than five positive feedbacks please contact me before bidding.

It's heartening to know that this Alfa is being offered for sale to make way for another vintage Alfa. One can rest easy then knowing they are buying this car from someone familiar with the marque. Overall, with a few minor fixes, this would be a fantastic, usable modern classic for someone not interested in mainstream luxury. While walking down the street this weekend, a 164L rounded a corner and I was reminded how sweet sounding these cars are. Well worth the price of admission, if you ask me.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1987 Fiat Uno Turbo 1.3

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Introduced in 1983, the Fiat Uno was the replacement for the Fiat 127, the first Fiat to use a transverse, front mounted engine powering the front wheels. The Uno was quite a hit in Europe when it was launched and was awared European Car of the Year in 1984. Initially, the car was offered with three petrol engines ranging in size from 0.9 to 1.3 liters, and a diesel was offered a few months after launch. Then in 1985, the hot version arrived. With a turbocharged 1.3 liter engine, the Uno Turbo was the answer to the Volkswagen GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI and Ford Escort XR3, the latter two which were not offered for US sale. As with most hot hatchbacks of the 1980s, Uno Turbos are seldom seen and often clapped out. This example for sale near Milan has been restored and legal to import to the US, with its 1987 registration year.

1987 Fiat Uno Turbo 1.3

Buy a beautiful fully restored 1987 Fiat Uno Turbo. Interior, body, and mechanical restoration. Kept up maniacally.

At a little over $9,000 USD, this is about the maximum you'd ever see an Uno advertised more, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better one. With a little bit of logistics and added cost, this would be a fantastic piece to bring to the US and a refreshing alternative to the GTIs and rice rockets out there in the wild.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1986 Maserati Biturbo Spyder

Italian cars are known for not being the most reliable, but the Maserati Biturbo took this known quality to new heights. TIME Magazine listed the Biturbo as the Worst Car of the Year for 1984. Noted for the bad rap it garnered over the years in the motoring press, just what is it with the Biturbo? In the 1970s, the De Tomaso ownership at Maserati sought to move away from their lineup of high priced supercars and introduce a more affordable luxury car. Offered initially with a 2.5 liter twin turbo V6, the Spyder was built on a shorter wheelbase which served as the basis for the hardtop Karif variant. The Biturbo could best be described as being developed on a shoestring budget, and it showed. Almost every piece of this car was a constant source of headaches for its owners, from it's engine to the various bits of trim. Subsequently, these Maseratis can be had for pennies on the dollar, but is it worth it? Offered for sale here is a low mileage Spyder for sale in Massachusetts that makes one ponder whether it was a collector that owned it or it was in the shop so often the owner barely got to drive it.

1986 Maserati Biturbo Spyder

No description is provided by the seller, but if the mileage is correct, from the condition it looks like it could be a decent buy, provided a thorough mechanical inspection. The silver blue color with navy top is a nice alternative to the usual red. The interior needs a little bit of attention, specifically the leather on the seats, but if the mechanicals are sound enough and the seller can knock another $2,000 to $3,000 off the price, it would be a decent value for a brave enthusiast willing to take a chance on one of the most notoriously unreliable vehicles of our time.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1983 Ferrari 400i

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Having never been sold in the United States, the Ferrari 400i is a bit of a rare sight on these roads. A few made their way across the Atlantic, but in the era of the Testarossa and 308/328, these touring coupes were a bit outshone by their stablemates. They were also derided in the motoring press at times, with Jeremy Clarkson noting that it was "awful in every way." The fact that the 400i was sandwiched in Ferrari history between some great 2+2 touring coupes and the attractive, more powerful 456GT of the 1990s didn't help its cause, either. While many of these coupes had the GM sourced 3 speed automatic, this particular 400i for sale has the desirable 5-speed manual transmission.

1983 Ferrari 400i

Electrically adjustable mirrors, tinted glass, electric front windows, rear window defroster. Very beautiful and original Ferrari 400i! A manual version with a 315-hp V12. Perfect power and shifting. Equipped with a very nice beige leather interior. This is certainly one of the better examples!

This is the car that time forgot, and even 23 years since the last 412 was manufactured (the 400i's successor), collectors still have not warmed up to these cars. This fact is reflected in values, as average examples change hands in the $20,000 to $40,000 range on a regular basis. This example is on the high side, at close to $50,000. The manual gearbox and sublime color no doubt makes this car more attractive, but it seems to be a tad bit overvalued, given the mileage of 60,000. That's not particular high for an almost 30 year old car, but it is high for most Ferraris.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1994 Alfa Romeo 164LS

Following on to the Alfa Romeo 164L for sale by our reader Robert, here is a later model example of the luxury version of the 164. This is another well maintained example, having lived most of its life in California and has benefitted from a significant amount of maintenance and repairs in the last six months. The 1994 and 1995 versions of the 164 had a horsepower increase over earlier 164s, as they switched to a V6 with 24 valves; double that of the old engine. This provided a bump from 183 horsepower to 210 (or 230 horsepower in the S version).

1994 Alfa Romeo 164LS

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1994 Alfa Romeo 164 LS Automatic Transmission. 101,059 Mileage, no accidents, California car until 2009-2010 or somewhere around that time, Autocheck to reference. Located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Over $2,000 invested in maintenance and upkeep done on this car within the last 6 months through a reputable mechanic. Engine is in excellent running condition with no oil burning, smoking, knocking, or any other Alfa Romeo related issues. Engine pulls strongly through its full revolution range and the transmission is an excellent compliment to the power plant going through its auto/sport/winter mode perfectly. The sport mode, in particular, transforms this car from being a cruiser to throaty road ripper. Auto mode, which I usually use, is most appropriate for daily driving providing an excellent balance between drivability and fuel economy.

This car is an excellent car needing nothing but an owner. It is best to buy a car where everything works mechanically and electrically from the start, and has documentation, than to buy a cheap car and have to chase annoying problems which can be expensive. It is also in unmodified, original condition! This is a fine Italian car that you will wake up and look forward to driving. Considering that all the work has been done for you, you needn't fear driving this car back home or driving it on an everyday basis. Truly, a fine car at a reasonable price!

Note that there is a significant difference between the 1991-1993 models and the 1994-1995 models. The 91-93 models came with 12V engines whilst the 94-95 models came with 24V engines. Exterior as well as interiors have been redesigned. The newer model years also had numerous upgrades including stronger structures, suspension enhancements, improved electronics with much fewer "stepper gear" problems, and other noteworthy upgrades. Plus, the 24V engine power is always nice to have and given that the 24V engine was used well into the 166 models, it is a proven engine for a flagship car!

Mechanical work done within 6 months to last year:
-Steering rack replacement + steering bushings (Lifetime warranty comes from Jorgen Automotive but I am not sure whether that can be transferred. Paper work will be provided.)
-Oil cooler hoses replaced
-Lower radiator hose replaced
-Front brake pads/front rotors
-Repainting of sunroof, front bumper, mirrors, stone chips on hood
-Horn relay
-Headlight replacement (as filament turned brown)
-Fuel door repair which had snapped off hinges
-Complete fluid change transmission, radiator, oil, brake, PS fluid etc...
-Interior light bulbs including the foot well lights
-Timing belt done with idler bearings @ 92K
-Front Struts and Springs done @ 92K
-Tires all around done @ 92-93K
-Etc. and other maintenance such as oil changes/filter

Mechanically:
-Drives perfectly, very stable, and strong willing engine
-No engine issues, engine stays within 160-190F range
-Transmission modes work. Sport holds gears appropriately, Auto upshifts quicker, Winter starts in 2nd gear
-ANSA chrome exhaust rumbles, sounds appropriate for engine
-Engine compartment clean and well-kept

Exterior:
-Very good, no delamination on clear coat. Minor scratches. Minor door dings. Nothing large. No rust on body.
-No rust underneath undercarriage. Amazing.
-Chrome in fine condition.
-Wheels are adequate but not great as they have scratches on them and have slight discoloration. They do not exhibit any curb rash on the edges.
-Glass is excellent.

Interior:
-Leather seats perfect, never guess they were 18 years old. No rips, tears, scuffs, scratches, abrasions, discoloration, and still retains its texture, not patina in my opinion.
-Scratches/texture issues on radio cover, and ash tray. See pics. Restoration on radio cover may be done pretty easily with acetone and spray paint. I have not done it because it doesn't bother me at all because I leave it open most of the time.
-Headliner clean and in good condition.
-All electronics work. Seats lift/adjust electrically, sunroof, mirrors, gas cap, trunk, etc.
-Radio is not original. It is a tape player. It is nothing fancy but adequate. I do not have the original radio.
-Rare! The climate display works. Must be a rare survivor or has been replaced. No fading at all.
-Carpet near perfect.
-Trunk clean

This car is in great condition but please be mindful that this is a 17-18 year old vehicle and therefore, your expectations should be realistic. It is not perfect, and car does not come with a warranty from seller, implied or explicit. On the whole, Alfa Romeos have a mystique aptly described by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear BBC. You've really never experienced a more pure driving experience until you've owned an Alfa Romeo. The connection the driver has with the engine and steering is unlike any car I've ever owned and I am sure many would agree.

One thing that I have always admired about the 164 is the engine. Just look at it. You could put a picture of it on your living room wall and call it art. Quite possibly one of the more aesthetically pleasing powerplants of our time. With no reserve, this Alfa will most likely fetch between $4,000 to $6,000. Overall, this is a pleasing example of a tasteful Italian sports sedan.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

Current statistics show that Americans are hanging onto their cars longer; about six years or 27% longer before the recession according to Polk. It has me wondering, with increased reliability of newer vehicles, just how long can you keep a car going these days? Apparently very long if you can squeeze almost 230,000 miles out of an Alfa Romeo Spider. Normally we wouldn't feature a car with such high mileage on CICFS, but this Spider is a study in preservation, having benefitted from a repaint, replaced engine block and revived interior.

1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce on eBay

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1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce Roadster. VIN ZARBA5416D1016845. Aqua blue/light blue leather.

Equipped with:
2000 CC 4 CYL aluminum engine
Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection
Computerized digitial ignition
5-speed overdrive transmission
Limited slip differential
4-wheel power disc brakes
Capagnolo five star alloy wheels
Tinted glass
Power window
Side vent windows
Windshield antenna
Full instrumentation
Courtesy lights group
Front air dam
Rear spoiler
Upgraded stereo system
Car cover
Bra
Original window sticker
Workshop manual
Spare tire and tools
Maintenance records

EXTERIOR:
10 year old repaint that looks good
Right front fender has a small dent near valance
Small dimple on right side of hood
No cracks in glass
Doors, hood and trunk all align nicely
Top looks like new, back window is clear
Wheels and tires in excellent shape
Small rust issue in spare tire well
Great looking car that's 29 years old.

INTERIOR:
Seats have been redone and look great
Carpets are clea
No cracks in dash
Door panels look good with the exception of the top side on passenger door
More than nice inside

MECHANICAL:
Fires up easily and runs smoothly
Shifts excellent
Brakes work great
All gauges work
Had a long block installed at 161,410 miles
Drives like a dream

I've always had a weakness for Aqua blue, as it compliments the delicate lines of the Spider and reminds one of being near the ocean, which is the natural habitat for such a roadster. This car has had attention in all the right places. While it has a few dings and scratches and a little bit of surface rust in the trunk, I'm a fan of this car. The patina works well and it's heartening to see such a vehicle used as intended while being well maintained.

-Paul