Category Archives: Pininfarina

1987 Ferrari Testarossa

April 24, 2014 Graham

As I sit here and write this, it's hard for me to conceptualize that fairly bare-bones Porsche 911 models from the 1970s and some from the 1990s, such as the RS America, are currently worth more than a Ferrari Testarossa. After all, until 1987 and the launch of the twin-turbocharged F40, the Testarossa briefly was top of the heap at Ferrari. It was a luxurious, ludicrously fast GT/supercar with a mid-mounted flat-12 that made it so, so wide - and so, so cool. If you were into posters in the 1980s, this car might not have made your wall - that was reserved for the Lamborghini Countach - but the less flamboyant Testarossa was the one you wanted to drive. It was faster than the Countach, too...because, of course, of those classic red valve covers from which it derives its name. Red is always faster, and this is one fast Ferrari:

Year: 1987
Model: Testarossa
Engine: 5.0 liter flat-12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 40,260 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1987 Ferrari Testarossa

1987

FERRARI

TESTAROSSA

ROSSO CORSA OVER BEIGE LEATHER

HIGHLY DESIRABLE EUROPEAN MODEL WITHOUT THE RESTRICTIVE US EMMISSIONS EQUIPMENT, DOOR INTRUSION BARS, AND AUTOMATIC (AND CONSTANTLY PROBLEMATIC) SEAT MICE

JUST RECEIVED A COMPLETE ENGINE OUT SERVICE INCLUDING NEW BELTS, ROLLERS, TENSIONERS, WATER PUMP, CLUTCH AND A NEW MODENA ENGINEERING DIFFERENTIAL AND SIDE CARRIER

ICE COLD FACTORY R12 BASED AIR CONDITIONING WORKS FLAWLESSLY

THE MOTOR AND ENGINE BAY WAS DETAILED TO SHOW QUALITY WHILE OUT OF THE CAR, INCLUDING REFINISHING THE SUBFRAME, ALL SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, AND THE KONI SHOCKS AND SPRINGS.

AS A EUROPEAN MODEL, eBAY WILL NOT RECOGNIZE THE VIN, WHICH IS:
ZFFAA17B000069441

YOU WILL NOT FIND A NICER, MORE THOROUGHLY SERVICED TESTAROSSA ANYWHERE. THIS CAR RUNS AND DRIVES EVEN BETTER THAN IT LOOKS.

PLEASE BE PATIENT AND ALLOW ALL THE PICTURES TO LOAD - WE HAVE FULL PHOTO DOCUMENTATION OF THE ENTIRE SERVICE FROM START TO FINISH

PLEASE CALL US AT 954-958-0000 WITH ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS CAR OR OUR TRADE-IN POLICY

If you really want to get into one of these Testarossa, you can do it the hard and expensive way, or you can do it the easy and expensive way. Finding a good condition car that has recently been serviced is certainly a plus, as is the European build of this car - it lacks the annoying automatic seatbelt frames on the door and was lighter and slightly more powerful than the U.S. version. Of course, 25 plus years later registering it should be no issue. The color combination is classic and condition seems to be top with plenty of recent overhauling; and with Testarossa values hovering below $65,000, you're getting a lot of car for the money; certainly more than you'd get with many cars that cost twice as much. It's an 80s icon that is currently under appreciated, and consequently undervalued even compared to its stablemates!

-Carter

Lancia, Pininfarina, Zagato

Double Take: 1980 and 1982 Lancia Beta Zagatos

April 19, 2014 Graham

With the sun finally creeping out from behind the clouds and the last throws of winter grumpily making way for spring flowers, it's nice to think about an affordable Italian roadster. Sure, the Ferrari 550 Barchetta is a great option if you own some oil fields in the Near East, but for most of us the budget will be a bit more modest. One of the more interesting options that would really set you apart would be to look at the Lancia Beta Zagato; if for no other reason than not many remain. Quick depreciation, spotty reliability and rust-prone panels mean these have become a rare sight in the U.S. However, two have popped up on Ebay that are near twins, though being born two years apart. Let's look at the elder first:

Year: 1980
Model: Beta Zagato
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 39,838 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1980 Lancia Beta Zagato

Up for a NO RESRVE AUCTION is a 1982 Lancia Zagato vin ZLAFS00C3C0203559 the listing would not read this vin? sorry for the confusion one fine car! This car is out of an estate sale that has been consigned, has duplicte title paper work, clean, Has 39k original miles, Original paint, leather,top, outstanding condition, Everything in working order runs smooth, no leaks, the red paint gleams, the tires are original and have some weather cracks. This car has been in storage since 04. but started once a week!. The car has original tool kit, spare , car cover! please email me for any questions! selling as is! if you win please have the funds!

Holy mackerel, it's got the original tires on it! What an impressive condition example; it certainly looks nearly good enough to have rolled off the showroom floor and displays none of the normal wear and tear that is associated with these budget convertibles. With under 40,000 miles on the clock and being a California car, the concerns about what's underneath that polished facade are put at ease. What about the second example?

This 1982 also looks pretty stellar, sporting a different grill setup but otherwise nearly the twin of the earlier model. Condition also looks outstanding on this example overall, though unlike the earlier car it appears this car was resprayed at some point:

Year: 1982
Model: Beta Zagato
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 66,128 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1982 Lancia Beta Zagato

I have a very nice Lancia Zagato up for sale. This fun little Italian sports car reads only 66000 orig miles and runs and drives great with its peppy 4 cyl engine and 5 speed transmission,it's a joy to drive. The Targa and convertible top have been redone a few years back and look and work great. The paint on the car looks to have been redone at some point but not recent, it shines nice but not perfect. Bumpers and glass are near mint cond. the interior of the car is in very nice cond. no dash cracks,clean carpet,nice seats some seem separation on driver seat only .The engine is clean and runs smooth,the wheels are in nice cond tires should be replaced from lack of use. I have all books,manuals and some service records with the car. Please call or email with any questions. Thank You 1 603 387 1693

So it's a little less than perfect; I have no problem with that, although life in New Hampshire for a Lancia would give me a bit of concern. In this case, I'd spend a little extra to get the all-original California example. Hagerty lists top value of these cars around $12,000 and I'd expect the 1980 is heading that way; the 1982, while nice, probably is closer to half that value or slightly more, but I'd inspect it closely underneath before buying.

-Carter

Ferrari, Modern Classic, Pininfarina

2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta

April 17, 2014 Graham 2 Comments

1992-1996 saw a return of three special things at Ferrari; first was the V12 engine to the road. Sure, the boxer 12 was a very special motor and powered some of the more memorable 1970s and 1980s Ferraris, but the 456, F50 and finally 550 Maranello saw the V12 make a triumphant return to form at Ferrari. The 550 really brought the final two items back; sure, the 456 was a great 2+2 but the 550 Maranello really reintroduced the world to the front engined Ferrari V12 GT car - something that hadn't been seen since the legendary Daytona. If those shoes weren't big enough to fill, Ferrari threw in another historic name when they chopped the top off, introducing the limited run Barchetta in 2000. In true Barchetta form, they received no hard-top option at all and the soft top that was available was only speed rated to 70 mph. It was a compromised vehicle, as any good Ferrari should be! It also got some special Speedline wheels and, outside the Enzo, was top-dog at Ferrari until the equally compromised 575M Superamerica was introduced in 2005. Today there is a lovely Euro-spec example available on Ebay:

Year: 2001
Model: 550 Barchetta
Engine: 5.5 liter V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 8,163 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta

Up for sale is a 2001 550 Barchetta with 8,163 miles production number 345. This particular 550 came from Germany and then was imported into the US and was legalized. It is a Euro spec car that has a clear US title. This 550 Barchetta is number 345 of 448. This is the modern day Daytona Spyder. They are already classics amongst the modern Ferrari’s. The Barchetta represents one of the rarest Ferraris on the road today. The front engine V12 is the perfect grand touring car. If you are looking at a Barchetta, you know what these very special cars are about. Please feel free to call me with any further questions.
EBAY does not like the Euro VIN number hence the 1980 year.

719-510-8080
Brett

Since most Ferraris are rare to begin with, saying this limited run Barchetta is one of the rarest points in part towards its value and desirability. While around $60,000 will fetch you a decently clean 550 Maranello, condition 1-2 Barchettas range from about $180,000 - $210,000. That's a big spread, big enough indeed to buy some other Ferraris. But this Barchetta, while out of the reach of most of us, is priced right in the middle of that spread, appropriate to where it should be. While it will remain a dream to most of us, it sure is beautiful to look at!

-Carter

Ferrari, Modern Classic, Pininfarina

1985 Ferrari 308 GTB Quattrovalvole

April 15, 2014 Graham 3 Comments

Magnum, P.I.. Yup, that's what you'll be called if you're found remotely in the vicinity of Ferrari 308 or 328 ownership. Yet this exotic car that was the dream of many a young man in the 1980s is one of the very few Ferraris that mere mortals can buy these days, ironically. Taking the Dino concept to the 1980s, Pininfarina managed to meld the evolutions of the 308 GT4 Dino, 365 GTC/4 and 512 BB into one package - and it worked. While the later 328 has better performance, the 308 was the one that everyone seems to remember. 1984 changes resulted in more power from the 4-valve heads, so finally the performance began to match the looks - and today's 1985 example is sure a looker: :

Year: 1985
Model: 308 GTB Quattrovalve
Engine: 3.0 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 34,399 mi
Price: $52,995 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1985 Ferrari 308 GTB Quattrovalvole

1985 Ferrari 308 GTB Quatrovalvole

Bianco White over Red Leather

*34,399 Miles*

5spd

235hp 2.9L Fuel Injected DOHC V8

New Disc Brakes

Excellent Condition!

Belt & Fluid Service Just Completed!

Books Jack & Tools

Flawless Headliner and Interior!

Everything Functions and Works As it Should

Excellent Compression

No smoke or leaks

Clutch grabs correctly & shifts through all the gears smooth and effortlessly
The Pininfarina designed body had a pronounced wedge profile, with a rectangular 'egg-crate' aluminium radiator grille below a skinny width mint contition satin black front bumper. The Quattrovalvole (4 valve engine) is the last evolution of the 308 series and this is One Of The Last as the 328 started production late 1985. Being a later model of the only 748 ever mdae and along with the immaculate exterior and interior condition this 308 GTB QV is one most recognized and iconic Ferrari road cars today!

Recently Detailed & Paint Corrected to Concours level!
(see pictures below)

Recent Major Service

*Fresh Fluids
*Timing Belts
*Accessory Belts
*Bearings
*Water Pump
*Valve Guides & Adjustment
*New Brakes
*New Plugs

Recent paint and maintenance mean this car should be a trouble-free purchase, with the normal question marks out of the equation. The color combination is unusual and gorgeous; I really like the red leather interior. If you're going to go all the way, why not have something special? Because of the recent paint, overall condition and mechanical servicing, the price on this car is extremely high compared to equivalents; Hagerty places the current value only around $50,000 at most. But as with the F355 Spider from the other day, if this is the combination that you want, I'd spend a little more to get the right one - which this one certainly appears to be!

-Carter

Ferrari, Modern Classic, Pininfarina

1995 Ferrari F355 Spider

April 13, 2014 Graham 1 Comment

Last week or so, I wrote up a Ferrari 512TR and said it was the best looking of the bunch. Well, the car that redesign language inspired was the successor to the similarly mini-Testarossa 348; the F355. With a streamlined design, the subtle change from angles to curves, some new great wheels and that singing 3.5 liter V8 in the middle, the 355 was an instant success. Unlike the many generations of mid-engined V8s that it replaced, it went as fast as it looked, too - with 375 horsepower on tap from the new 5 valve V8, this car was a screamer. 1995 was the first year of the Spider variant, which really took the great looks of several generations of Pininfarina design to the sun. Today, there's a lovely example available in British Racing Green - not generally a color associated with Ferrari, but certainly a color we associate with roadsters:

Year: 1995
Model: 355 Spider
Engine: 3.5 liter V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 7,039 mi
Price: $64,995

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1995 Ferrari 355 Spider

This Spectacular British Racing Green 1995 Ferrari F355 Spider has only 7,039 Miles. This Ferrari is equipped with a 6-Manual Transmission, Updated F1 Tubi Performance Exhaust System, Beautiful Tan Leather Interior and Top, Air Conditioning, Power- Steering, Power Door Locks & Mirrors, Clock, Tachometer, Power Convertible Top. The 30K Miles Service Has Been Performed. Monza Car thoroughly inspects each of our handpicked vehicles and puts them through a rigorous quality assurance inspection before we allow vehicles to be available for sale. Our ONE PRICE sale expires on March 31, 2014.

Condition wise, this car is pretty much immaculate; it's a lovely combination of green and tan, the wheels are perfect and with only 7,000 miles on the odometer it's hard to believe this is a 20 year old car! As bonus items, this car has had the 30K service already and has Tubi exhaust fitted, which really makes the V8 sing. For some time, the value of these F355s has been sinking but appears to be stabilizing; for the first time in 5 years, Hagerty indicated over the past few months that prices have been heading up. Still, many sellers are optimistic; Hagerty places that top value around $46,000 making this car fairly overpriced on the books. But if you're in the market and find the F355 that you want, book value probably won't factor in - you're buying a special car, so get the one that you want and can afford.

-Carter

Classic, Fiat, Pininfarina

1967 Fiat Dino Spider

April 12, 2014 Graham

About a month ago, I wrote up a beautiful 1967 Dino Coupe, one of the cars closest to being a Ferrari without having any hint of the traditional Ferrari price tag. In that post, I also talked about the more desirably Pininfarina-styled Spider version. While the Coupe and Spider shared underpinnings, outside they looked quite different; the Spider has a decidedly more Ferrari-esque look than the Coupe and flaunts some impressive curves. That makes sense, and Bertone is generally known for its boxier style, while Pininfarina - well, I'm sure you know them well. In an absolutely lovely shade of green comes this 1967 version of the Dino Spider:

Year: 1967
Model: Dino Spider
Engine: 2.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 89,877 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1967 Fiat Dino Spider

1967 Fiat Dino Spider finished in Dark Green with Tan leather interior. This Pininfarina designed Dino was built by Fiat in order for the Ferrari 2.0 Liter V6 engine to be homologated for use in their Formula 2 race cars. These engines were identical to the ones used in the early Ferrari 206 Dinos. Make no mistake. This car is all Ferrari. With prices on all vintage Ferraris hitting the stratosphere, this four passenger Convertible with it's flowing curvaceous lines has to be one of the best buys available in a top down Ferrari on the planet. Only 1,133 2.0 Fiat Dino Spiders were ever made. Finding a rust free example like this one is extremely difficult. The engine was completely rebuild less than 1k miles ago. For detailed information and pricing, please call Mark Starr @ 914 217-4817.

From the photos, the condition of the car appears to be quite impressive. The engine rebuild - and expensive undertaking - has already been sorted for you. I really like the unusual green on this car that really makes it pop and stand out. With nearly 90,000 miles on the chassis, most probably wouldn't consider this a pristine Concours car but that makes it all the more appealing to me. It's been driven and used yet still appears great. Pricing for top level show cars is approaching $100,000 these days; this car is likely more in the second tier at around $70,000. It's a lot for a Fiat, but as with the Coupe is downright cheap for a Ferrari.

-Carter

Dallara, Lancia, Pininfarina

1983 Lancia 037

January 22, 2012 Graham 1 Comment

The number 037 is infamous in both Lancia and World Rally Circles. Built solely for the FIA Group B World Rally Championship, this was the last rear wheel drive vehicle to win the championship. Group B regulations required 200 road going models to be built for sale. Some might notice a resemblance between this 037 and the Lancia Scorpion featured a few days ago, and that's no coincidence. The 037 shares its center section with the Scorpion/Montecarlo, while the front and rear ends are steel subframes with kevlar body panels. As for the engine, in true Lancia fashion, the road less traveled was taken. Lancia fitted a supercharger to the Fiat 131 rally car engine developed by Abarth, as they were seeking to improve throttle response. Most of us are used to seeing 037s in Martini or other racing livery, so this red example brought to the US in 1990 is quite a unique find.

1983 Lancia 037

1983 Lancia 037. This amazing original example was purchased new by Ana Traub of Germany in 1983. Purchased December 12, 1989 by Manfredo Lippmann of Guatemala, then imported into the USA on January 08, 1990. Mr. Lippmann brought the car to his Denver, Colorado home for his son, Guillermo. Introduced at the Turin Motor Show in 1982, the Lancia Rally 037 is a light and powerful touring-car, studied in collaboration with Lancia races department, Abarth and Pininfarina study center. Planned for a high level employment in the rallies, it has been realized in a series of 200 samples, in order to obtain the homologation in the group B, the maximum rally category where cars purposely elaborated raced and, in any case, derived from production-model cars.

Powered by its original Supercharged 4 cylinder 1995 cc engine with 205 horsepower. Also comes equipped with its original ZF 5-Speed manual transmission. It is still equipped with its Speedline wheels and original Pirelli tires. The body is Kevlar-reinforced with glassfibre. 0-60 MPH in less than 6 seconds! Top speed is over 140MPH. It would be extremely difficult to find a better original example!

The asking price is not for the faint of heart but I can't remember the last time I saw an 037 for sale. These are beastly cars with a very notorious reputation in motorsport, as rally driver Attilio Bettega lost his life in an 037 in the Tour de Corse on May 2, 1985. In a very eerie twist of fate, fellow rally driver Henri Toivonen died in the exact same race on May 2, 1986 in an all wheel drive Lancia Delta S4, which replaced the 037 and was an evolution of that car. The S4 had a twin charged engine (supercharged and turbocharged). It produced roughly 480 horsepower and was reported to have acceleration from 0 to 62 in under 2.3 seconds. Toivonen had complained that the car was too powerful and twitchy at the limits for this particular race but nevertheless pressed on, when suddenly he lost control of his car and went off the side of the road where no guardrail was present and plunged down a cliff. The car exploded killing Toivonen and his co-driver, Sergio Cresto, instantly. These events sealed the fate of Group B and the series would be banned by the FIA following the 1986 season.

For a taste of what it's like to ride in an 037, here is a clip of Stig Blomqvist demonstrating one on a dirt track:

-Paul