Category Archives: Modern Classic

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo 164L

As Alfa Romeo moved towards the 1990s, big changes were in store for the marque. Chief among these was the switch to front wheel drive for the entire lineup, include their large executive sedan, the 164. This was the last car to be designed by Alfa Romeo before Fiat purchased the company and was the first Alfa Romeo to be designed with computer aided technology. The 164 shared it's platform with the Lancia Thema, Fiat Croma and Saab 9000. It was the last to be introduced among the four models and had a bespoke front suspension and notably better build quality than earlier Alfa Romeos. Even an electronically controlled suspension was available in the 164 Cloverleaf and 164 S models. This particular 1991 164L represents the first year the 164 was sold in the US market and has the earlier 12 valve V6 engine mated to a 5-speed manual.

1991 Alfa Romeo 164L

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1991 Alfa Romeo 164L. Two-owner California car from new with 143,672 miles. All original. New front factory leather seats that cost thousands of dollars. Rear seats are in very good condition, with the exception of the stitching coming loose at the tops (a common problem with these seats). A side marker lens is cracked. Leather wrap on steering wheel is nice, but not perfect showing some wear. Engine runs strong, clutch and brakes are good. All gears shift smoothly. Horn, lights, heater good. AC needs re-charging. Rear windows need switches replaced.

Front windows are fine. Mostly original paint – a few dings, chips and small repairable dents. One area, about ¼ inch square, at the upper right rear window surround needs repair since a small rust hole is present (see photo), there is surface rust where the paint peeled away around the top of the left front strut – otherwise no rust and an area was previously bumped out at the right rear corner (see photo). Side view mirrors and driver’s door handle need re-paint. A tie rod end may need replacing, since I hear a “clunk” when I back up and turn the wheel. The car rides and drives great. Really a nice road car for the money, with everything covered with leather inside.

The interior is in great shape – dash, gauges, door panels, carpet etc… all are very nice. Headliner is good – but needs cleaning. Driver’s side seatbelt retracting spring is not working. Horn knobs are worn and the on/off button for the radio shows wear from use. Engine is clean. Fluids are clean, with new Castrol oil and filter. Tires are very nice, almost brand new, but fronts and rears are different brands. Car is quick and a blast to drive. One set of keys comes with the car. It has the small alarm box key. Comes with the correct spare, tools, jack and an added bonus – a battery shutoff switch professionally installed. This is a lot of car for the money.

The previous owner was an Alfa enthusiast since the early 1960s, purchased the car in 1996 with 57,821 miles. He recently passed away. The correct documentation comes with the title to register the car. The car has been out of registration since 10/2011. The car is sold as is, where is. Low reserve for a very nice Alfa. With some cosmetic work, this Alfa could be spectacular. You’re starting with a beautiful interior and a mechanically sound car.

This isn't the most mint condition vehicle we have featured, but with a little bit of TLC and for the right price, you could have a daily driver and stand out from the crowd, especially when you put your foot down and hear that sonorous V6 exhaust note.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

2001 Ferrari F550 Maranello

Ever since the mid 1990s, I've found vehicle design to be rather uninspiring. From ill-proportioned cars to the controversy surrounding BMW and the designs of Chris Bangle, I've felt like the days of beautiful cars have passed us by. There have been some bright spots though. The revival of the MINI. The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. And this car, the Ferrari F550 Maranello. Along with the 456, this car signaled a return to front engined V12 grand turing machines at the famed sports car manufacturer. Introduced in 1996, the F550 was positioned as Ferrari's flagship. With a 5.5 liter V12 pumping out 485 horsepower and plenty of luggage space for two, this was one of the most practical Ferraris to date. Our feature car is a 2001 model with under 20,000 miles on the clock and has the desirable 6 speed manual gearbox.

2001 Ferrari F550 Maranello

As a grand tourer, the Ferrari 550 Maranello successfully embodies Ferraris high performance ideologies while presenting a luxurious and spacious interior. The 550s naturally aspirated V12 mated to a 6 speed manual transmission produces an impressive 485 hp and 419 lb-ft of torque that allows the Maranello to speed to 60mph in 4.2 seconds while its rear trunk is still large enough to accommodate a full set of golf clubs. The roomy interior of this silver grand tourer sports grey leather seats and a red trim throughout.

F550 prices have been dropping steadily, with some early examples seeing values in the $50,000 range. This isn't much more than what a new Infiniti G37 Coupe sells for, but the eternal sticking point is the maintenance costs. This particular car is priced quite a bit higher at $83,900, but that is a mere pittance to what these cars cost new. Personally, I would have rather seen this silver color teamed with an all red interior, but there are worse color combinations. If your bank account can handle it and you are seeking a Ferrari that can be used a little more than once in a blue moon, the F550 is a fantastic proposition. I would hasten to say that in twenty to thirty years time, these coupes will have aged just as gracefully as that other legendary Ferrari coupe, the 250GT Lusso.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1999 Ferrari F355 Spider

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One of my weaknesses with cars tends to be the proverbial "last year" model of the production run. In many cases, these are the best looking, most developed vehicles in a series. Need proof? See the 1998 Porsche 993 (911), the 2001 E38 chassis BMW 7 series or this vehicle, the 1999 Ferrari F355 Spider. This car was the end of an era for the mid engined Ferrari. Styling touches such as the wedge shape, retractable headlights and large side scoops would be gone, replaced with the larger and more bulbous F360. The F360 was lighter and faster, but for me, it lost the magic that Ferraris of yore had. This particular F355 is in the lesser seen California Blue with dark blue leather.

1999 Ferrari F355 Spider

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Here is an absolutely stunning F355 Spider with a 6 speed manual. Finished in rare California Azzuro with dark blue interior. Only 19,925 miles with complete engine out major service and other work just completed (receipts present). Runs and drives excellent without any issues. Has an upgraded sound system and subwoofer and tinted windows. Has built in radar. Comes with all books, records, tools and tonneau cover and full Ferrari car cover. Has all keys and remotes. See picture of driver seat bolster; minor wear. This car was well taken care of and loved. This is the last year of production of 355 Spiders. Clean Carfax report available.

As always, recent servicing is a major selling point with Ferraris. It is nice that the seller included pictures of the service, as well. There is a bit more wear in the interior than I'm used to seeing with this kind of mileage, but overall not a bad example of the last of the breed. A breed which blended the sharp styling favored by enthusiasts with refinements like modern engine management systems and an electric convertible, making this F355 a more practical everyday proposition than its predecessors.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1995 Ferrari 456GT

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Last month, we featured a Ferrari 412 which, from 1985 through 1989, continued the luxury 2+2 tradition for the marque. The 412 was never imported to the US, however, a few examples found their way stateside. In 1992, Ferrari brought back the idea of a front engined grand tourer in the form of the 456GT, which packed a 5.5 liter V12 engine derived from the Dino V6 which produced 436 horsepower. These coupes were offered with either a six speed manual or four speed automatic, which was an anomaly in the days when most Ferraris came with three pedals. Luckily our feature car has the manual gearbox to get the most enjoyment out of this sports coupe.

1995 Ferrari 456GT

1995 Ferrari 456 GT, s/n ZFFSP44A5S0100212, Swaters Blue with Tan Leather

When it was introduced, Ferrari’s 456 attracted much positive attention. Since the early 70’s, the company’s 4-place cars were the only front-engined V12 cars, and their appearance was rather conservative and square-rigged. The 456’s dynamic stance and classical proportions caused enthusiasts and critics to make unsolicited comparisons to the legendary front-engined 12-cylinder Ferraris of the 1960’s and 1970’s, and with a 436hp 4-valve V12 and 6-speed gearbox, the 456 provided a level of performance that remains, even today, quite impressive. Indeed, with a top speed near 190mph, the car was the fastest 4-seat production car then available.

This particular example is a freshly serviced car with the desirable 6-speed option in wonderful swatters blue with tan leather. Exquisite exterior with excellent paint and virtually no road rash. Very nice interior with zero dash leather shrinkage. Major belt service just completed by Miller Motorcars. New tires just installed. Interior detailing and stickiness removal. Radiator serviced and window lifters updated. Records to support regular maintenance. Factory 10 disc CD Changer, 3M bra, Tubi Exhaust. Complete with owner’s manual, dealer directory, and pouch, records back to 2001, and the complete tool set. Clean CARFAX. Outstanding value in front engine V12 Ferraris plus seating for four!

Subtle, darker colors such as this hue work wonders for the 456's lines. While more expensive when new than the F550 Maranello, 456 prices have dipped a bit lower than the F550. While this car is roughly the price of a new Corvette, one should always go into Ferrari ownership with their eyes wide open, as maintenance costs for the less well heeled can be disastrous. Barring that, this is a nice example with recent service ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1989 Ferrari 348TB

The Ferrari 308 and 328 were icons of the 1980s, made popular by the television series Magnum P.I. and by the sheer amount produced, which was a little over 18,000 units. The 308 was even campaigned in Group 4 Rally, racking up a number of wins from 1979 through 1984. When the last 328 rolled off the assembly line in Maranello in 1989, it's replacement, the 348, had big shoes to fill. Over six years, the 348 proved to be rather underwhelming. After owning one, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo stating "with the exception of its good looks I was utterly disappointed. This was clearly the worst product Ferrari had developed for some time."

These were fairly strong words for what has proven to be a proud company with a storied history. Now these have become rather forgotten, as enthusiasts remember the 348's successor, the F355, as one of the last "classic" Ferraris, unburned with complex gearboxes and futuristic yet sometimes fussy styling.

1989 Ferrari 348TB

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This is without a question one of the most handsome and sensible Ferraris one could ever desire or find. It is finished in a flawless fly yellow with impeccable (and rare) tan leather interior and perfect headliner. It is powered by a 3.4L V8 fuel injected DOHC 32V engine and has a manual 5 speed gear change. No accidents, it has a clean Carfax and has been exquisitely kept both mechanically and cosmetically. Tools, books and extensive records included. The colors of fly yellow with a deep tan leather interior are one of the most beautiful combinations to emerge from Ferrari. It has gone only 54,601 certified miles and a finer example of the great marquise could not be found and is for the true connoisseur.

A Ferrari for under $40,000 is very tempting, especially as modern as this one. This one comes with a service history and presents well, but it goes without saying that one will have to account for future maintenance costs, which are more frequent and costlier than your daily driver. In Giallo, this 348 looks sharp and while well used in Ferrari terms, with care, it should provide plenty of enjoyment in the future, even if deemed a lesser Ferrari by the Chairman himself.

-Paul

Modern Classic, Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled by Italians: 1994 Subaru SVX

For a Japanese car manufacturer, Subaru has been more daring than its domestic competition. Using all-wheel drive as a design hallmark, their cars have been the favorite of buyers looking for all-terrain capacity in a smaller package. Recently, with the WRX and STi, Subaru has turned into the object of desire for enthusiasts seeking rally performance for the street.

Before the Impreza STi became the darling of the rally circuit, there was the Alcyone SVX, or SVX as it was known in the United States. Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign was responsible for the SVX's space aged looks, a marked departure from the almost origami-like appearance of its predecessor, the XT Coupe. Powered by a 3.0 liter horizontally opposed six cylinder engine, all SVXs produced were mated to a four speed automatic. There was no manual transmission to which Subaru had access that could handle the six cylinder engine's power, but lately, enthusiasts have been swapping the 6 speed manual from the STi in these coupes. Here is a well cared for SVX with 74,000 miles for sale in Texas.

1994 Subaru SVX

Gorgeous pearl white 1994 model SVX with only 74K ACTUAL miles. EXCELLENT running condition, non smoker, and riding on close to new set of tires. This is a RARE find.

In white, the SVX looks great because the color accentuates it's black roof and the odd window within a window design cue. Even by today's standards, this is a very daring styling exercise. Even if its drivetrain was rather unimpressive, you have to give Subaru credit for bringing such a wild interpretation of a grand touring coupe to market. For slightly under $7,000, this is a very affordable, practical classic which can be enjoyed all year round.

-Paul

Modern Classic, Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled by Italians: 1993 Cadillac Allante

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From food to science, there are few things the Italians have not influenced in our everyday lives. This influence includes cars. In recent years in the United States, though, you wouldn't know it, as Italian car sightings are uncommon. However, from American classics to British sports cars, the Italians have had a wide reach with automotive styling in the 20th century. Not even the French could escape their inspiration. I want to take this week to look at a few significant and sometimes forgotten classics that Italy had a hand in bringing to market.

In the 1980s, General Motors was looking for a way to position Cadillac as a competitor to the world's best, and their solution was to go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz 560SL and Jaguar XJ-S. The two seater Allante convertible bowed in 1987 to much fanfare. Its body was assembled in Italy and shipped back to the United States for final assembly via specially equipped Boeing 747s. This method of manufacturing garnered the nickname "the world's longest assembly line." It also added a good amount to the sticker price.

The final model year, 1993, was the best year for the Allante. In true General Motors fashion, they killed off this car just as the plot was thickening. Equipped with the new Northstar V8, this engine was a massive upgrade, delivering a whopping 95 horsepower more over the old 4.5 liter V8. It was still front wheel drive, but at least this kind of power had people taking this two seater a bit more seriously. Our feature car is in fact the desirable 1993 model with an amazingly low 18,000 miles in museum-like condition.

1993 Cadillac Allante

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1993 Cadillac Allante Convertible. Finished in classic red with beautiful soft tan leather interior and black convertible top. This incredible motorcar has been driven just 18,353 miles and can virtually not be told from new. This magnificent motorcar is equipped with nearly every available option and is finished in one of the most sought after color combinations. We are proud to offer this investment grade, last year Cadillac Allante to the most particular collector, investor or enthusiast who demands the best. You will not be disappointed in this truly wonderful motorcar!

I never liked the Allante when I was younger, but with age, the design has grown on me. Granted, it's driving dynamics may leave something to be desired, but it's sharp, unadorned lines make it stand out in everyday traffic. Even though this particular car has extremely low miles, the asking price of almost $25,000 is well over market values. On a good day, I'd wager to say a car like this would bring $15,000 tops, with drivers in good condition changing hands in between the $10,000 to $13,000 range. Eventually, these Italian-American roadsters may become an icon like the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado, but we aren't at that point yet.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1994 Ferrari 512TR

Having grown up in the 1980s, I can state unequivocally that, along with the Lamborghini Countach and Mercedes 560SL, the Ferrari Testarossa was one of those cars that displayed to the world that you were someone. Its popularity amongst the connoisseurs and the wealthy alike is evidenced by its 12 year production run resulting in almost 10,000 units manufactured. An evolution of the Ferrari 512i BB, the BB short for Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa improved upon the formula, adding space, comfort and power from the horizontally opposed 12 cylinder engine.

The car received a facelift in 1991 and a name change, to 512TR. Once again, power was increased from 390 to 428 horsepower, a new Bosch engine management system was employed and the front and rear fascias were updated to bring the styling in line with the newly released 348. The final iteration of the Testarossa appeared in 1994 as the F512 M, but this car was a more awkward than its predecessors, with its exposed headlights, fussy wheels and incongruous rear tail lights. The 512TR, for me, was the ultimate expression of the Testarossa. It improved upon the original yet kept much of its character intact. Like most Ferraris, I’ve mainly seen these models in shades or red, black or yellow. Occasionally you see a color outside of the normal Ferrari spectrum, such as this 512TR in Aubergine for sale in Belgium.

1994 Ferrari 512TR

Very well maintained 512 TR, Color: Aubergine with tobacco interior, alarm, power locking, cambelts changed at 88.443 km (03/2007). Very good condition!

I have never seen this color on a 512TR before, or any other Ferrari that I can remember. While it is a tad effeminate, I think this dark hue works great with the lines of the car. It gives it a rich, bespoke look befitting such an awesome machine. At €52,000 (~ $67,500 USD) it is about in line with current Testarossa prices, however, the mileage is a tad bit higher than you usually see. Still, it looks as if it was well cared for throughout its life and the cambelt service is a welcome relief. While this is a 1994 model and not eligible for importation to the United States for another seven years, it would be a nice buy for someone on The Continent seeking a uniquely colored Ferrari.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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The final iteration of the original Alfa Romeo Spider bowed in 1990 and was introduced in the North American market for 1991. This was to be the final rear wheel drive Alfa Romeo until the introduction of the 8C Competizione in 2008. A number of changes were brought about for this final iteration of a classic, including Bosch Motronic fuel injection, a drivers side airbag and all new front and rear fascias that incorporated the look of the Alfa Romeo 164's tail lights.

Marketed in the US until 1994 (and all 1994 Spiders were built in 1993), this was to be one of Alfa Romeo's last vehicles sold stateside until the 8C Competizione would appear 14 years later at Ferrari/Maserati dealerships. Even though they are getting on twenty years old, good, clean Spiders are fairly easy to come by, with some ultra low mileage examples on offer from time to time.

This particular Spider is in good nick, has a full history and is the higher spec Veloce model, which included leather seats, 15" alloy wheels, air conditioning and a cloth top fitted as standard. With a little bit over 48,000 miles, this car splits the middle nicely between show quality piece and higher mileage driver.

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

This is a beautiful Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce; an excellent example of the 4th and final version in classic Red with Tan leather. It was originally sold in Beverly Hills, stayed in Los Angeles until 2005, and brought to Seattle after the previous owner scoured the West Coast for a like new Alfa. Now I brought it back to Southern California. Included are the complete factory handbooks, receipts and a notebook with literature, maintenance records, California smog reports, Alfa Spider information, and a clean CarFax history report. Alfa Romeo made their last updates for 1991: driver airbag, new tail, new integrated bumpers, air conditioning, full leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, 15inch light alloy wheels, 120 hp 2.0 liter engine, Alpine stereo, power Antenna, power windows and power mirrors.

Condition: Absolutely beautiful condition in every way: interior looks like new, exterior is equally excellent, engine is extremely clean and everything is well maintained. A/C blows cold. All original maintenance receipts are included. I would not hesitate to drive this car crosscountry, or enter into a car show.

The asking price of $13,900 is about in the middle of the range of what I've come across in terms of Spider values as of late. For a car with low mileage in this condition, it is certainly a nice price for a usable, everyday classic. It is a little pricier and a bit more boulevard cruiser than a Mazda Miata of the same year, but in classic red, a car like this reminds me why I love Italian sports cars so much.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1986 Ferrari Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet

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Four seater Ferraris tend to play second fiddle to the more purpose built sports cars of the marque. Intended as a replacement for the Dino 308GT4, the Mondial began life as a coupe in 1982 while the cabriolet debuted one year later. This was a significant Ferrari in many ways, most notably it was one in which the engine and gearbox were attached to a removable subframe, allowing maintenance to be performed with ease.

This 1986 Mondial 3.2 represents the halfway point in the development of the series. Updates over the original Mondial included a 3.2 liter V8 with 280 horsepower and a revised interior. With a little over 23,000 miles, this appears to be a well cared for example at an attractive price, which begs the question: with such a short description, could it be a trap? Or a way to enjoy an Italian exotic at a fair price?

1986 Ferrari Mondial 2 Convertible

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Beautiful Red Ferrari with low miles. Always garaged and starts the first try. Recent service, new original tires ($2k), new top. Interior in great shape with to rips. A true head turner. Runs great.

Entrance to the Ferrari club at this price is rare; if embarked upon, it should be done eyes wide open. While the owner claims this car has been serviced recently and runs fine, nothing short of a complete history would reassure potential buyers. A $25,000 car could easily turn into a $40,000 car in a heartbeat. While the Mondial is relatively easy to maintain compared to other Ferraris, this is still a Ferrari. For those on a budget, one must be fastidious with their accounting and vehicle selection so vehicle maintenance won't be a vehicle to bankruptcy.

-Paul