2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Manual

February 7, 2019 Graham

After posting yesterday's manual shift Murciélago Roadster, we thought a Gallardo Spyder manual might be a good follow-up. Now, compared to the Murciélago, the Gallardo represents a paradigm shift for Lamborghini. Out is the Paolo Stanzani V12 in favor of an Audi-derived V10. Gone too are the vestiges of Chrysler ownership, in favor of Audi switchgear - not necessarily a demerit, but more romantic solutions certainly existed. At least the styling, another effort from Luc Donckerwolke, the Murciélago designer, musters some continuity with past Lamborghinis.

We won't say that we are particularly drawn to the Gallardo. A Lamborghini, to us, is fast sports tourer, whereas the Gallardo appeals more to the mid-engine Ferrari and the Porsche 911 Turbo crowd. That said, we do have the Gallardo to thank for the continued solvency of the Lamborghini brand, which has turned out some world-beaters lately. The Huracán Performante is not what comes to mind when we picture a Lamborghini, but we are nonetheless in awe at its performance - from a naturally-aspirated powertrain, no less!

Year: 2007
Model: Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster
Engine: 5.0L V10
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 11,461 mi
Price: $119,951
Location: West Palm Beach, FL

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2007 LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO SPYDER MANUAL

***ONLY 11,461 MILES FROM NEW!*** 6-SPEED GATED MANUAL SHIFTER!*** CONVERTIBLE! NAVIGATION SYSTEM! FRONT AXLE LIFT SYSTEM! BRANDING PACKAGE! INTERIOR LEATHER PACKAGE! POWER HEATED SEATS! PERFORATED LEATHER STEERING WHEEL! STOP BY LAMBORGHINI PALM BEACH TODAY!

Do Gallardo engines experience carbon buildup issues like their contemporary Audi V8s do? We wouldn't expect that issue on a low-mileage example such as this, but we do recommend reading up on the common Gallardo issues if interested in purchasing. We would imagine that with the more reasonable prices as of late, the DIY community for these machines would be pretty developed. We like the sort of press release yellow on this one, and think that the contrasting interior, though tastefully-done, hasn't aged quite as well as the exterior.

At nearly a third of the price of yesterday's Murciélago Roadster, does this Gallardo Spyder make a case for itself? If it were our money, we'd either save up for the big boy Murciélago, or head a bit downmarket to something like a Maserati GranCabrio. But, for those in the market for a manual Gallardo Spyder, this example presents rather well.

-Graham

Lamborghini

2006 Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster manual

February 6, 2019 Graham

Yesterday's Gandini offering, the Qvale Mangusta, didn't go over too well with the readership. While today's car isn't a Gandini design, it bears quite some resemblance to prior Lamborghinis penned by Sr. Gandini. The Murciélago's designer, Luc Donckerwolke, made his Lamborghini debut on the update of the Gandini Diablo following Audi's purchase of Lamborghini. We think he succeeded Gandini quite well, and offer today's Murciélago as a palette cleanser for readers who didn't take well to the Mangusta yesterday.

Early Murciélago Roadsters were equipped with the same 572hp 6.2L V12 as in the Coupes, with the engine tracing its origins to the original 3.5L quad cam 60 degree V12 designed by Giotto Bizzarrini at the inception of the Lamborghini brand. We aren't so sure the AWD is necessary in a roadster such as this, but perhaps the 572hp have their own opinion.

Year: 2006
Model: Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster
Engine: 6.2L V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 3,030 mi
Price: $319,900
Location: West Palm Beach, FL

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2006 Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster manual

2006 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster!
Monterey Blue with Bi-Sportive Nero Perseus (Black) and Avorio Lilium (Crme) Interior!
Only 3,030 Miles!
SHOWROOM CONDITION!!
-Loaded!

-Very Rare!
-LOW Mileage!
-Yellow Calipers!
-Xenon Headlamps!
-Dual Color Interior Trim!
-LP640 Hermera Style Wheels!
-Contrasting Interior Stitching Trim!
-6 Speed Manual Transmission!
-Extremely Rare Color Combo!
-In Door Showroom Kept!
-Will NOT Last!
-Low Miles!
-RARE!

2006 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster!! VERY RARE 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION!! VERY RARE COLOR!! Monterey Blue with Bi-Sportive Nero Perseus (Black) and Avorio Lilium (Crme) Leather Interior! Only 3,030 miles! Showroom Condition! You will NOT find another 6-Speed Manual 2006 Murcielago Roadster like this on the Market Today!! Save Thousands from New!! Extremely LOW Mileage!! This 2006 Murcielago Roadster is equipped with Lamborghinis all aluminum DOHC 48 Valve 6.2 Liter V12 with an intake variable geometry system and intake and exhaust variable valve timing. This longitudinal mid-engine exotic is outfitted with features and upgrades such as: 4WD Viscous Traction, Power Steering rack and pinion, Electronic self adjusting shock absorber system, Lamborghini Electronic Engine Management, Multipoint sequential fuel injection, 6-Speed Manual Transmission, Climate Control Air Conditioning, External Mirrors with electrical closing, Powered Remote Locking System, Tilt Steering Wheel, Premium Sound System, Hand Built Leather Interior and more! Additional upgrades include: 6-Speed Manual Transmission, Bi-Sportive Dual Color Interior, Upgraded LP640 Hermera Style Wheels, Yellow Brake Calipers, Black Leather Dashboard, Contrasting Stitching throughout Interior, Plus Much More! This Ultra Rare Murcielago Roadster was recently serviced in November of 2016 (Only 75 Miles have been driven since the service) by an authorized Lamborghini dealership! The service performed included an Oil & Filter Change, 15K Mile Service, and 4 Pirelli Tires!! This 2006 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is spectacular in every aspect! Please contact our experienced sales team. Please feel free to contact our showroom at 561-845-3838! Driving Emotions.

Click to view listing

We are pleasantly surprised by how well the mostly leather interior of this example has held up, though maybe we shouldn't be considering the low mileage. The update to later LP-640 Hermera wheels is subtle, and fits the design better than, say, the LP-560 front-end conversions that we tend to see on early Gallardos.

Enthusiasts often yearn for the simple, pure sports cars and supercars of yesteryear - supercars such as this beautiful blue Murciélago. From the gated shifter 6-speed manual transmission, to the austere interior, to the unadorned yet striking exterior, we're having trouble finding fault with today's offering. The rare exterior color certainly pairs well with the two-tone interior. In this price range, there are numerous race-inspired new offerings from the usual suspects, but we aren't so sure that the fast, sporty, comfortable roadster exists in the marketplace. For that, only something like this low-mileage Murciélago will get the job done.

-Graham

De Tomaso, Gandini, Modern Classic

2001 Qvale Mangusta

February 5, 2019 Graham

We cannot even begin to do justice to the Qvale Mangusta's interesting history. So, we'll attempt to sum it up in a sentence. Former Maserati owner, Alejandro de Tomaso, upon soliciting a revival plan for De Tomaso from Maserati technical director Giorano Casarini, was given the suggestion to attempt an Italian TVR under the De Tomaso brandname.

The resulting creation featured a chassis fabricated from steel sheetmetal, which is visible in galvanized form when viewing the vehicle from underneath. Glass reinforced plastic, produced using the resign transfer molding process found in Alfa Romeo SZ bodywork, made up the bodywork. And the body itself was designed by none other than Marcello Gandini. Power came courtesy of a Ford SVT 32 valve V8 - the Ford connection a vestige of prior De Tomaso projects.

Year: 2001
Model: Qvale Mangusta
Engine: 4.6L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 13,168
Price: $45,000
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Qvale Mangusta

Supercharged 2001 Qvale Mangusta

This car is Pristine Don't hesitate to ask questions

Mileage: only 13,168 at time of posting
Horsepower: 600
4.9 liter supercharged Ford V8 built with forged rotating assembly (just completed)
Tremec T56 6-speed Transmission
Borla Exhaust
Brembo brakes
18" Antera Wheels
Eaton 2.3 Liter Supercharger
Alpine Sound/Navigation system
Video of walk around can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/m2fCyruJ400

Click to view listing

Sorry, what was that about a supercharger? And 600hp? That should feel plenty spry in a 3,350lb roadster! And while the build was probably pretty expensive ($45k reported by the seller), it's not like Ford performance parts are all that hard to source. For some reason, we're more intrigued by this build than we are concerned. What could go wrong?

For $45,000, you get a (hopefully) reliable 600hp Gandini body with a chassis by a former Dallara engineer. Sounds like the formula for a Lamborghini, if you ask us. Taking the rarity into consideration as well, as we have to recommend that someone take the plunge with this example. And drive it across the desert, please.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1985.5 Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0

February 4, 2019 Graham

Those who saw the art car post over the weekend are no doubt aware of the recent contact that our humble site has made with the Alfa Rob. Today, we are pleased to offer yet another transaxle Alfa from the Alfa Rob fleet: a 1985.5 Alfa Romeo GTV6 with a 3.0L engine swap.

Astute readers and knowledgeable readers of more average intelligence will recall that the GTV6 was offered with a sole 2.5L V6 option in North America. There was some weird 3.0L stuff happening in South Africa, but that's a story for another time. To motivate a GTV6 with a 3.0L V6 in the US, a fairly straightforward engine swap must occur. And, we do mean straightforward. While there are a number of small changes required for the swap, the vast majority of components do remain the same. It takes a bit of work, but the end result looks like it came out of the Alfa factory.

Year: 1985.5
Model: Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: N/A
Price: $12,000
Location: Denver area
Contact: Click to Email

CLICK TO CONTACT: 1985.5 Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0

3.0 engine from Milano

164S camshafts

3.0 exhaust manifolds

Magnaflow front exhaust section

ANSA rear section (gutted)

New ball joints

New tie rods and boots

Fresh alignment

Wilwood 6 piston brake calipers

NOS OE Alfa front brake rotors

LSD transaxle, recently rebuilt (not by me, not as good as it could be)

New air filter

New fuel filler boot

New timing belt and tensioner

New water pump, all hoses, belts, Norma clamps

Converted to single high CFM radiator fan

New temp switch

Relays installed for headlights

New headlights

Narrow spot beam inboard driver headlight

Headlight adjusters repaired/replaced

Volvo 240 Turbo expansion tank

Fresh starter

Rebuilt clutch and throwout bearing

New front Giubo

New oxygen sensor (Denso)

Cosmetics/Body/Interior

No rust, never hit

Non- sunroof

Original black paint, faded and worn through

Small dents and imperfections

Alpine vintage stereo

Boston Acoustic speakers

Recaro LS driver seat, reupholstered (have original seat and extra Recaro available)

A/C all present, not charged, no belt

Sparco steering wheel and hub

Comments:

Propshaft/clutch has minor vibration at low RPM. Occasional smoke at startup, suspect oil separator apparatus.

Click to view listing

This is a clean example maintained by one of the most fastidious Alfa owners in the country. In order to drive it with confidence on mountain roads and racetracks alike, he spared no expense in maintenance. Factor in the desirability of a dry, original-paint and non-sunroof model, and this GTV-6 starts to represent a real value to those in the know.

We would buy it, drive it home from Colorado, and run it as-is. Water pump, timing belt, and clutch are all done. Now it's time to enjoy this beautiful machine of excellent provenance. Please find more photos in the gallery below, and don't hesitate to contact the selling by clicking here.

-Graham

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Uncategorized

Art Car: 1987 Alfa Romeo Milano Gold

February 2, 2019 Graham

As serious investors scramble to lock their 164s in underground vaults, permitting only filtered air and a fine mist of Armor All into the bubbles encasing their 4-wheeled investments, the shrewd enthusiasts have been snatching up the 164's brother: the Milano.

It goes without saying the to buy the best example of any car, you must first shop for the best seller and then examine the car. Here, we've located the seller for you. An expert of the Milano from the transaxle to the microscopic coatings on the front brake caliper bolts, this seller can be trusted with setting a Milano right. This street legal road/track Milano art car is his latest creation, and he is seeking to sell it to a worthy buyer.

Year: 1987
Model: Alfa Romeo Milano Gold
Engine: 2.5L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: N/A
Price: $5,995
Location: Denver area
Contact: Click to Email

CLICK TO CONTACT: 1987 Milano Gold Art Car

1987 Alfa Romeo Milano Gold “Art Car”

California car till Colorado, not bent body, no sunroof

New timing belt, StayBelt Ultimate tensioner

Fresh radiator, new slim electric cooling fan, new hoses and belts

New lower ball joints, tie rods, boots, alignment (negative camber). Lower control arm bushes are a little weak

Fresh front wheel bearings

Rebuilt transaxle, 1st gear synchro updated, new seals, resealed case (Milano 4.10 final drive type), Goetze (NOS) or 5th gear OE synchros. Build sheet available.

New trans mount

Shankle "sport" rear springs

Watts link bushes replaced, poly center pivot

Rebuilt propshaft (Giubos and support and bearing)

Rebuilt shifter and isostatic parts

Rebuilt clutch

Stainless clutch slave hose

New rear brake rotors (Italian)

New rear brake pads (NOS Alfa)

Wilwood adjustable brake prop valve

All brake hoses new

Fuel pump new

Fuel filters new

New fuel hoses and clamps

New fuel tank filler boot

Team Dynamics 15x7 wheels with BF Goodrich G Force Rival tires, low miles
Custom exhaust with cat converter and glass pack
New brake master cylinder
Silicone “hi perf” intake boot
New air filter

New short injector hoses and seals (OE Bosch and Reinz)
Cosmetics/body/interior

Repainted in 80’s “Art” livery

Repainted gray trim (some not installed)

New door handle gaskets

Sparco hood pins

Stripped interior, gutted rear doors

No door glass

Legal for road – lights, horn, wipers, etc. all work

Heater present, fan not installed
Extra Recaro interior available (not installed)

Excellent black carpet available (not installed)

All exterior plastic lenses polished

NOS headlights

Verde trunk spoiler

Small rust area in rear dogleg

Rear reflector cracked

LED CHMSL

Various small dents and marks on body

Notes:
Engine is a strong 2.5. No smoke, no noise, excellent oil pressure. Run at multiple track days at altitude and during high heat, no issues whatsoever. The rebuilt transaxle and DeDion service have less than 200 miles of use. Sounds great, turns heads, lots of smiles. Clean clear title. Fun car, not perfect, very cool.

A massive, if not intimidating list of recent work accompanies the car. With multiple track days under its belt and an Alfa Romeo racing heritage in its DNA, this art car should be good to go for many years to come. We won't ask why it needed new door handle gaskets - and it's really none of our business - but we wouldn't be surprised if the explanation isn't printable on our pages; seller, we salute you!

Interested parties can contact the seller by clicking here.

Fiat

2017 Fiat 500 Abarth

December 18, 2018 Graham

Today's post is another reader request, and makes a great follow-up to yesterday's Fiat 500L. Our friend, the G-MAN, is fretting the end of his lease and needs to find his next daily driver in the coming months. He's currently in an Italian-American product, the Dodge Challenger - would a 500 Abarth improve on that?

Our experience with the 500 Abarth has been largely positive. Space hasn't been a concern for our two-person, two-dachshund household, and the rear seats are surprisingly comfortable for shuttling additional friends around town. We even made a junkyard run in the runt yesterday, stuffing a large Mercedes-Benz 400E front sway bar in the rear seat area with some 72" brake lines that we were returning to the parts store. Rear seats deletes are popular on the Abarths, but with the rear seats folded down, we don't see the need.

Year: 2017
Model: Fiat 500 Abarth
Engine: 1.4L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 12 mi
Price: $16,995 or best offer

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth

As far as reliability goes, our only complaint has been a leaky transmission seal, replaced under warranty. We are nearing 60,000 miles with no further issues to speak of. The trim and interior are generally holding up well, too. We've heard that our experience might not be representative, which is why we are recommending this new model with a full warranty.

Unfortunately for Fiat, these cars were sold new for $5-10k more than what we think most folks were willing to pay for them. We didn't become interested until the low-mileage used examples were a tick or two below $10,000, ourselves. We think that this new model from last year is a smart way to get into the seat of fun daily driver - the discount off of MSRP is substantial, but the full balance of the warranty remains. Good luck, G-MAN!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

Investment Grade: 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 VHS Tape

December 18, 2018 Graham

I'm being sarcastic. This is not investment grade. Do not invest in this. What the hell drives a man to list a promotional VHS tape for an 164 for $200? One of 300...

Year: 1990
Model: Alfa Romeo 164 VHS Tape
Engine: Delusion
Transmission: Fantasy
Mileage: N/A
Price: $200

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 VHS

This was a dealer used VHS tape for the Alfa Romeo 164. This tape was used for mechanics to go through the pre-delivery process!
Tested and works! Fun to watch and a must have if you love the 164!

Only 300 tapes were made, I have not seen another one! March 1990!
Thanks for looking!

We're glad to see that the seller tested the tape - even better that it works. Do not hesitate to join fellow investors in recession-proof Alfa Romeo 164 investments. Act now!

-Graham

Fiat

2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

December 17, 2018 Graham

No, we haven't been hacked! We're wading into the controversial surf of tall wagons - in this case, a model with history rooted in the most polarizing tall wagon of them all: the Tipo 186 Multipla I. Now, we are open to automotive designers challenging the status quo, especially when it comes to vehicle packaging. In this area, the Multipla did not disappoint. The way it reimagined the fundamental proportions of a 6-seater passenger is still very off-putting to many, but we prefer the risky design to the vanilla compact crossover SUVs clogging today's roads.

The 500L came onto the scene in 2012, replacing not on the Multipla, but also the Fiat Idea, as the 500L was offered in both 5 and 7-seater configurations. While the design in less pioneering when it comes to proportions, the shape is by no means universally accepted, and the round headlights, especially in North American markets, win the car no favors. We, on the other hand, are welcoming of the creative design and relieved to see some effort and risk from the Fiat design group.

Year: 2014
Model: Fiat 500L Trekking
Engine: 1.4L 4-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 17,050 mi
Price: $9,900 or best offer

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

Fiat 500l daily driver for sale. Low highway mileage. 17250. Serviced and oil change per maintenance schedule. Navigation, parking sensors, back up camera, panoramic roof. Runs great. no mechanical issues.

More general info. - includes bi-halogen headlights with daytime running lights, 16-inch wheels, power windows, air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power locks, and more. No dents or damage. Surface scratches from normal use. The Trekking model adds aluminum wheels, tinted rear glass, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a premium audio system (Beats).

The 500L is powered by the 500 Abarth’s 160-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 with 184 lb-ft of torque that routes power to the front wheels. Fuel economy is EPA-rated 24-25/33 mpg city/highway.

VIN Vehicle History report is pictured

The 1.4L turbocharged powertrain comes courtesy of the Fiat 500 Abarth, albeit without the raspy exhaust note. Along the way, it picks up a 6-speed manual - an option we wish that our personal 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth had included. The engine is boosted relatively aggressively, so do not expect modern levels of throttle response, but once on boil, the power is plenty acceptable. We find the quality of interior trim assembly to be relatively lacking on our North American Fiat 500, but the Serbian-assembled 500L might benefit from better suppliers in that area.

When it comes down to it, we think that this 500L makes a great case as a tall wagon, with its spunky engine and manual transmission. The panoramic moonroof and tall glass would make for a bright and airy cabin, and the interior room would be appreciated on long hauls. FCA has infotainment down pretty well, although this vehicle was developed before Apple CarPlay, so temper your expectations somewhat. We are fans of the green exterior and the unusual shape too. We can see ourselves adding a low-mileage example such as this one to our fleet in the coming years, if only as a 'shop runner'.

-Graham

Ferrari, Pininfarina

1990 Ferrari 348 TS

December 16, 2018 Graham

We'll go easy on the listing because 1) we like Ferraris 2) we like seeing them get driven 3) we like Colorado. Hopefully the first two reasons resonate with the readership, and the Colorado origins at least help justify the coating of dust on the red paint.

300 brake horsepower do not raise any eyebrows in modern automotive circles, but viewed through the lens of 1990, one could do much worse. We like to view the 348 as the super sports car complement to something like our 1988 Milano Verde, and compared to the Verde's 183 (stock) horsepower, 300 is a very impressive number. Continuing with the Verde comparison, we like the large, integrated front foglights, the orange gauge numbering, and the Momo Ghibli steering wheel, which we'd love to install on our Verde.

Year: 1990
Model: Ferrari 348 TS
Engine: 3.4L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 69,541 mi
Price: $33,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 Ferrari 348 TS

This car has a lot of miles and not so many service details. Service records and any indication of general condition will be very necessary to even consider the purchase. That said, a low-mileage example will require a lot of catch-up in the maintenance department, so we are actually quite supportive of going for a high-mileage example such as this.

For those in search of a mid-engined V8 Ferrari in the low $30,000 range, we think that this 348 TS has some potential. Even better, if the buyer has experience repairing Italian cars. Parts will be of considerable expense, information scattered, and frustration common, but we think that the juice is worth the squeeze.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

December 16, 2018 Graham

Spare us, dear commenters, for we know not what we type, or something. Wouldn't a 1978 Alfetta GT actually be a Sprint Veloce? We're not entirely sure - maybe some 1978 cars made it out before the Sprint Veloce moniker took effect. We'll trust the car's owner's manual on this one.

We'll admit that we got overly excited when we saw the engine bay of this one. Individual air filters leading to carbs? If only. The car actually maintains its original SPICA fuel system, for better or worse. The local Alfa expert swears by a functioning SPICA system, and we can see the advantages over carbs. But, here we were, excited at what we thought we carbs. The appeal transcends logic, we guess.

Year: 1978
Model: Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT
Engine: 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 37,470 mi
Price: $19,888

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta

1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT Only 37,460 Original MilesRuns and Drives Original Int and Paint appears Original

Rust is the big question on this car. Windshield frame, jack points, rear hatch and nearly everywhere else should be inspected before getting one's hopes up. Assuming that rust is not an issue with this car, we are impressed with the general condition and subtle upgrades. We see an Ansa muffler poking out from the rear, some shiny long-tube headers under the hood, and handsome 15" Ronal A1 alloy wheels in the wheel wells. The front bumper looks to be painted to mimic a GTV-6, and the front air dam has a GTV-6 vibe as well. These cars can be styled into the 80s if desired, and this example makes the jump well.

The low mileage is worth something to potential buyers, but don't expect this car to drive like it came off of the lot unless a lot of rubber has been replaced in the recent past. We have a feeling that that might be the case, given the general condition of the car. The asking price is a wasp nest that we'd prefer to leave be. Ok, fine - it's twice what we'd pay. That said, we're impressed with this example, and do recommend checking it out. Maybe the price is a barrier against tire-kickers. This one is a perfect example to buy and double the odometer count on in short order.

-Graham