We interrupt our scheduled Alfa Romeo sports sedan content to share this rare beauty/beast. We are not, admittedly, experts of the Fiat 500, despite owning a modern Fiat 500 Abarth. In our limited google-searching, we are absolutely unable to come up with a factory explanation for the quad front headlight Fiat 500. Looks to be custom work, but the seller describes it as special edition limited production. If someone can vouch for that, we'd be happy to hear more.
We did some additional research, and it would seem that the car was either swapped from a 499cc up to the 595cc engine from a later car, or that the seller is optimistic. We can't tell from looking at the engine.
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Year: 1971 Model: Fiat 500 Engine: 595cc 2-cyl Transmission: 4-speed manual Mileage: 39,911 km Price: $2,850
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Great deal this car is definitely money make not money loss my selling price is very low! Up for sale 1971 Fiat 500 special edition limited production with the 4 headlights very rare in US! Car was import from Milano Italy the 595 engine it runs good the 4 speed transmission it shift good.The interior is red and is in good shape, the body has some minor rust underneath the spar tire and one spat on left side rear floor noting major also as you see the picture she could use new paint job or just fix the fuel problem check the brakes and drive as is! Car was run and drive but since it was sitting for a year the engine not start, she will start and run by spray start fluids in carburetor i put the new fuel filter but no gas come out the fuel filter possible the fuel tank need to be clean. If you wanna inspect or pickup the car in person call 347 631 9496.
As far as cheap 500s go, this is one of the better ones that we've seen. Sure looks like a driver, at least once the fueling issue is solved. We would even venture to say that the underside doesn't look especially rusty. But, who know what lurks beneath the paint. the interior is surprisingly complete, and stands to really clean up.
Look, under $3,000 is relatively short cash for a classic 500 these days. The headlights - factory or otherwise - are a hoot, as is the Italianate branding down the center of the car. This could be a great opportunity to buy an odd little 500 with a hot engine!
Well, we promised a Giulia, but this isn't the Giulia that we promised. We'll get a modern Giulia up on the site later this week, but for now, check out this surprisingly clean 105 series Giulia 1300 Ti, and let us know how we do in describing the details on this thing - 60s Alfa experts, we are not.
The Tipo 105.39 Giulia 1300 Ti shared chassis and suspension mechanical bits with the sportier Super, but differed in engine selection. The 1300 Ti Giulias featured the 1,290cc single down-draft Solex carburetorater engine of the 105 series 1300GT Junior, vs. the more basic 101 series-derived lump in the plain Giulia 1300. Being a later car, it has circular gauges, but lacks the binnacles of the Super models. For better or worse, it lacks the dual-circuit brakes of the 1970+ models, but maintains four wheel disc brakes. The Turismo Internationale represents a sporty medium in the Giulia range.
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Year: 1969 Model: Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Ti Engine: 1,290cc 4-cyl Transmission: 5-speed manual Mileage: 8,309 mi Price: $22,500
The condition of the car is rather remarkable. We would be sure to ascertain that the mileage listed is actual. We would also seek out all of the relevant details required to consider a car of this ilk, as the listing is entirely devoid of detail. Is the car restored? Is there rust? It sure appears that either the car was restored, or it is an incredible survivor - and at $22,500, we'd wager that the former scenario is more probable.
Were we not in the middle of some space-consuming garage activities, we'd have a tough time turning this example down. Mark us down as fans of the light blue color and single headlights. We're also keen on the simpler single-circuit brakes, and four-wheel discs. Would a 1600 Super be preferable? Sure, but we'll take top condition over top spec any day. And, this car sure seems to deliver on condition.
Please contact the owner, John, by clicking his email address here.
We are pleased to present this 1961 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder with Coachwork by Vignale as a reader classified. Sold originally in white paint by a Roman Maserati distributor, the Spyder was repainted to its current Rosso Rubino by its second owner, a Napolitana. The interior remains original to the car as delivered from the factory. At some point in the car's history, it was fitted with a factory replacement 3.5L engine, which it retains to this day.
Restoration work commenced in 2006, starting with a full-body repaint, which included stripping the body to bare metal. The chrome was restored at D&S Plating, whose reputation has led them to work on multiple Pebble Beach award-winning automobiles. Following the restoration of the Spyder, it was presented at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours, where it was the only Vignale Spyder present at the Maserati 100th anniversary celebration.
This beautifully preserved example of the legendary Maserati 3500 GT was originally delivered with its splendid Vignale Spider coachwork in white paint with black leather interior and sold new by the Maserati distributor Cornacchia Automobili of Rome, Italy, to Vasco Migliacci—renowned Italian songwriter and composer, also from Rome. It was later purchased by a lady in Naples who, it seems, had the car color changed from white to Rosso Rubino, the beautiful Ruby Red it presents in today. The interior was not touched and remains as it was when delivered from the factory in Modena. The Napolitana kept the car until 1980, when it was acquired by Pierre Honegger, a race car driver and entrepreneur in Princeton, New Jersey. Honegger maintained the 3500 GT in his collection. Correspondence with the race driver confirmed that when he received the Maserati, other than the paint, the car was totally original, without any evidence of accident or modification. He sold the Maserati in March 1997, to noted collector Peter Starr, with 29,037 kms on the odometer, believed to be the original reading. The current consignor states that when Starr took possession of the car it had already been fitted with another Maserati 3500 GT factory replacement engine - a correct 3.5-liter 6-cylinder motor exactly as the original one. It is unclear whether the engine change was at the request of a previous owner or whether it was Honegger who switched out the motor, which seems most likely.
In 2006, Starr commissioned Ayer European Auto Restorations in Gardiner, Maine, to perform a respray, taking the body back to bare metal to ensure a first-class result. At the same time the chrome was sent to D&S Plating Co., the Pebble Beach award winning specialist based in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Following many years careful maintenance and meticulous service, the Maserati was presented at the Amelia Island Concours in 2014 as the only Vignale Spyder at the 100th Anniversary celebration of the marque. After two decades of ownership, Starr sold the car to the current steward, a long-time enthusiast with a large and eclectic collection, including numerous Maseratis.
This gorgeous 3500 GT Spyder is believed to be dressed with the original top and interior, and other than a small tear in the top canvas and some insignificant paint flaking on the dash, the overall condition of the car is amazingly well-preserved with a patina of careful wear over its fifty-seven years. It has three Weber carburetors and disc brakes in the front with drum in the rear and a lovely set of Borrani steel wheels, as well as the desirable 5-speed manual transmission.
This fabulous Ruby Red Maserati is one of fewer than 250 of the 3500 GT Spyder's built, with less than 40,000 kilometers on the clock, it is a highly desirable and drivable marque icon.
1961 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder interior
We do not have the skills to assess the concours-readiness of such an exquisite example. That said, we can easily place this vehicle at the absolute acme of desirable Italian automobiles. Now, we have to wonder - what will the owner replace this with? We think that a Lamborghini 350GT is the only way up from here.
Have an Italian car that you'd like to share with the readers? Email us graham@blythbros.com to arrange your reader classified posting!
Let's see this Alfa Romeo sports sedan theme through; spoiler alert: tomorrow's post is going to be a modern Giulia.
The 164 breaks with Alfa's tradition of basing its sports sedans on its sports cars. The internet at large will be quick to point out that the 164 shares DNA with the Saab 9000, Fiat Chroma, and Lancia Thema, and it does share much of the floorpan with those sedans. But, having owned two 164s, I can tell you that they share shockingly few components with that trio. At first glance, it's not a very appealing Alfa sports sedan - shared platform, and FWD at that. Drive one, though, and you'll quickly understand.
The 164 doesn't weigh as much as you might expect. Combine the relative light weight with excellent steering feel, a comfortable and controlled ride, and a torquey V6, and the car really excels at daily driver duty. In S guise, the V6 makes 200hp, thanks to the vaunted S cams, a bump in compression ration. Piston cooling jets, a water to oil engine oil cooler, and a bumped-up oil pump curve ensure durability at the increased power level.
The Alfa Romeo 164 is a four-door executive saloon that was manufactured by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1987 to 1998 and designed by Pininfarina.
Alfa brought the 164 to American shores in 1991, and all of those cars were equipped with the beautiful 3.0-liter motor. This engine, with its exposed intake tubing, was as satisfying to drive as it was to look at and in SOHC 12-valve form was rated at 183 horsepower in the base and “L” versions and 200 horsepower in the “S” cars.
1991 Alfa Romeo 164S. The exterior is White with a Black interior. 5 Speed manual transmission. 134,363 km. V-6 Engine. FWD. Sunroof. Options include power windows, power mirrors, power seats, heated seats, air conditioning. In showroom condition.
The mileage and perceived condition of this example are desirable. Missing is any record of engine and suspension service. The electronic shock absorbers and their bearings are difficult to source, if broken. The engines are robust, but it never hurts to reiterate that timing belt service must be kept up on. In general, these cars are outside of their design lifetime in age, if not mileage, so elastomeric components will be worn out - belts, hoses, seals, suspension bushings. It's nice to see a record of what has been replaced.
Having only dredged the bottom of craigslist for 164s, the price of this one is a bit rich for my blood. That said, the 164S is sort of favored to the 164Q for those who want similar performance, but can't stomach the service requirements of the 24V Busso of the 164Q. At this price, I have a feeling that an outsider to the Alfa world will make a foray into Alfa ownership. With this particular car, they will more than likely emerge unscathed.
The concept isn't foreign to the elders at CICFS: US serviceman buys desirable car in Europe, drives it while serving in Germany, and then brings it back to the US to enjoy. We have to imagine that e30 BMWs are currently popular among car enthusiast serviceman in Europe, so we applaud this gentleman for his taste in less-common sports sedans.
The Alfa 75 in 1.6 trim is as basic as the model was offered. A friend of the site has a particularly mean 75 1.6, which was swapped to a 3.0L Busso V6 powertrain for the ultimate sleeper 75. This particular 75 doesn't deliver on sleeper status, with its aftermarket wheels and Alfa Romeo decals, but we see nothing that couldn't be reversed for a 2.0 TS sleeper build.
This is a 1988 Alfa Romeo 75 2.0 Twin Spark, the European version of the Milano in the states.
VIN: ZAR162B2000049876
This car is a European spec car, originally it was imported from Italy and sold new in the Netherlands in 1988 as a White Alfa 75 1.6. From there It changed hands and had a full documented restoration in 1998 by L Beute. When it was restored, the drivetrain was swapped over from a 2.0 Twin Spark and the car was resprayed green. The car was purchased from the Netherlands in 2014, from there it was imported to Germany and then to the United States. Once it made it over here, the car was brought back up to good condition.
What Separates it from the Milano:
Euro Bumpers and headlights
Euro Tails
Reliable 2.0TS engine
Center Exit Exhaust
Fuel tank under the car instead of in the trunk
NO quirky ABS system
NO sunroof
Power front windows only
NO A/C factory
Less weight
The Good:
Everything from the rear doors back was rebuilt. All new transmission mounts, new slave cylinder, lines, brake calipers. Brake rotors, replacement axles and new rear bearings.
New wheels and tires
New brakes all the way around
Rebuilt Transaxle
Rebuilt Shifter
Strong Engine
Excellent Paint
Mint interior
Lowered with Koni Adjustable Shocks and Springs
The Bad:
Inner and outer rear wheel arch rust,
The passenger rear door has a rust hole in it
Inner fender behind the coolant bottle also has a hole in it.
Paint has two clearcoat blemishes
Headliner Sagging
Though the suspension components seem to be pretty devoid of rust, this car does show a fair amount of rot, particularly in the area where the rear doors meet the rear wheel wells. This is a common rust area for the 75 / Milano, and repair sheetmetal does exist - as do examples without the rust.
Asking price is strong on this car. We attribute that to the rarity of this particular model in North America, as well as to the considerable list of maintenance that the current owner had completed on the car. We'd ditch the Nardi steering wheel and shifter, swap out the Crown Royal shift boot for something less 2008, and get to work on rust mitigation. For those in search of the ultimate lightweight 75 and a powerful engine to boot, this car is a good opportunity.
BMW is the household name in sports sedans in North America, and deservedly so. But, Alfa certainly produced some equally-appealing, if less beloved models in the category. While Europe saw even more models, North America was fortunate enough to receive the Giulietta, Giulia, Berlina, Milano, and 164 sedans, with the modern Giulia arriving for the 2017 model year.
Folks are usually surprised when I share that Alfa sports sedans benefit from being largely derived from their sports car counterparts and not vice versa. The Berlina is no exception to this, sharing its powertrain, brakes, and suspension with 115 series Alfa sports cars. The additional mass of a sedan body style might no be so welcome, but the proven hardware is up for the task.
Offered for sale is a 1969 Alfa Romeo Berlina 1750, that is powered by the improved 2000cc inline-four engine.
Recent mechanical and cosmetic improvements were made to make this Berlina a reliable and comfortable daily driver. Mechanical improvements include new brakes, tune up, and installation of the Shankle Sure Start replacing the thermostatic actuator to assist in cold starts. With the exception of the clock, all gauges, lights, heater and radio (new speakers) operate. Mechanical improvements to the car were performed by an experienced Alfa mechanic, resulting in the car running strong with solid handling and quick acceleration.
The car has also had an interior refresh, including new carpet and reupholstered front seats complementing the classic Nardi steering wheel and wood dash. There is one crack in the dash top and the console wood is showing wear (see pictures) - otherwise the interior is in excellent condition.
Rust repairs were made to the rocker panels and the car has been resprayed in Amarante/Maroon, which was a color change at some earlier point in the life of the car with the original color appearing to be Verde Olivia/Olive Green.
This Berlina is a perfect candidate for a complete restoration or with attention to a few more areas such as improving the suspension and addressing minimal rust spots, specifically in the tire well, this Berlina could become an even stronger daily driver.
With Spiders and GTVs dominating the Alfa classic market, the Berlina is a rare fine and this one is a solid performer and great fun to drive.
We've seen this particular Berlina before, and we've even considered buying it. When it was shared on Bring A Trailer in November 2016, the photos were not very promising. The underside showed a discouraging amount of rust. The car certainly didn't look beyond repair, and at the $5,900 asking price, didn't show too much optimism on the seller's part.
Now with bidding over $12,000 at the time of posting, we are curious to see the rust repairs to the sills claimed by the new seller. If completed correctly and thoroughly, the car stands to be a great purchase. The 115 series sedans don't share the plucky proportions or driving experience of the 105 series Giulia sedans. But, all accounts point to these being comfortable and rewarding sports sedans in their own regard. If the rust repairs check out, this could be an enjoyable Berlina to sink your teeth into.
Today's guest post comes from our friend Joe D, who happens to own a Ford Fiesta ST. Thanks, Joe!
The Lada 1200 (VAZ 2101) is an Italian car much in the same way that the Ford Fiesta is a German car. In need of a durable people’s car to handle harsh Soviet roads, Russian officials tested the best of the west and found the Fiat 124 (Car of the year, 1967!) to be the most suitable choice. A deal was struck between the Soviets and Italians that resulted in a modified version of the 124 being engineered for the Soviet market. To produce it, Fiat would design and construct a massive new factory along the Volga River in the newly created city of Tolyatti. The new factory - the largest in Europe at the time - would go on to produce the facelifted version of the Soviet-Italian-mashup and contribute to the over 18 million vehicles sold (third only to the Volkswagen Beetle and Ford Model T) between the two generations' 40 year lifespan. This facelifted version retained the same underlying mechanicals and updated the styling to the now-iconic square headlamp look. The Soviets also gave back to the Italian auto industry ,supplying, as part of the deal, tons of recycled steel. As the legend goes, many Italian cars of the 70s and 80s were constructed using this poor-quality Russian steel….it is left as an exercise to the reader to conclude the long-term effects this had on corrosion resistance.
The Fiat 124 and its Soviet clone are nearly identical. Small visual cues like the bumper overriders, headlight bezels, and hubcaps distinguish the communist copy from its western original. Major changes included a massive rear axle, massive drum brakes, and thicker steel. The pushrod engine of the 124 was scrapped in favor of a more modern Fiat-engineered overhead camshaft unit, supposedly originally intended for a small Fiat off-roader that never saw the light of day.
While the little Lada became the butt (Hehe, butt - Ed.) of jokes and cheap transport this side of the iron curtain, in its time it was considered top-of-the-line transportation affordable by most anyone. This example comes in classic white with a red leather interior, and only 75k miles on the clock. At just $12,500, this classic Italian masterpiece by way of Russia is comparable to the German-American Fiesta in both its price and its multicultural origins. Too bad Ford never offered a bright red interior on the Fiesta!
84 watchers, according to the eBay page at the time of this post. We already have a black Verde, so we're sharing this one with you all after a few days of talking ourselves out of buying it. It's not because this isn't going to be a great buy - it's a solid Verde, no doubt. No - it's because we don't have a place to park it. Why is that? Well, we've got a customer Verde on jackstands in the garage, stripped entirely of its suspension. And the other two (tight) spots in our 24x24' garage? The Maserati is in one. It should be in storage at a friend's place by now, but that would require its cover, which would first require a car wash, which would require windows that close. Currently waiting on the machine shop to produce a pin for the window regulator. Third spot goes to our black Verde, of course.
There are two types of Verde buyers: The curious, and the repeat offenders. The curious first-timers often buy the cosmetically sound but neglected cars, or the dilapidated projects, and once their wallets re-calibrate their expectations, they cut their losses and move along. The repeat offenders are always on the prowl for the cared-for drivers out there. Dents, dings, and worn interiors are simple enough to fix, but the various unorthodox systems on the Milano, if broken, do require more research and effort than on the typical Italian car.
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Year: 1988 Model: Alfa Romeo Milano Verde Engine: 3.0L V6 Transmission: 5-speed manual Mileage: 114,000 mi Price: auction
1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde (3.0L), 114,000 miles; I’ve owned this car for over 10 years, fun driver, but I don’t have time to drive it much anymore, so hopefully someone else will enjoy it and give it a good home. It’s a classic Alfa V6 (3.0L vs regular Milano 2.5L), with cool DeDion rear suspension, torsion bar and A-arm fronts, 5-speed manual transaxle and Recaro interior (seats, door cards, etc). Car is in good mechanical condition, but could use some cosmetics—though I didn’t bother as I liked it as a driver. In the last several years all the suspension bushings have been replaced, as have engine and transmission mounts, steering rack, tie rod ends, etc. It has Bilstein HD shocks, recent Performatek rebuild on shifter, Stebro mid and rear muffler... Cosmetically, the hood could use a respray (clear coat is cracking) and there is a dent on LR fender (paint still adheres).
Relatively new f/r calipers and rotors. Recent new injection hoses and matched injectors.
A/C works, sunroof works, newer headliner, passenger and driver lower seats recovered with OEM Recaro cloth.
ABS brake system (pump and accumulator) work fine, ABS light is on so likely a sensor needs replacement or adjustment.
This Verde is one of the good ones. Fresh engine and trans mounts were probably done in conjunction with the steering rack job. That rear engine mount and the steering rack are both weekend-crushers for the uninitiated. The suspension bushing replacement, as innocuous as it sounds, is a relatively time-consuming, though inexpensive way to bring an a worn Verde back to life. Paired with the fresh steering rack and tie rods, the steering on this Verde will feel like new. Stebro exhaust, Performatek shifter components, and the Bilsteins are all a great use of someone else's money. We don't love the ABS light, but that isn't insurmountable, and at least the accumulator is in working order. No seller comments on the engine, but the engine is usually the easiest part of a Verde to sort. If it's in good shape, service it properly and it will continue to function as intended for years to come.
There are plenty of venues for a bad deal on a Verde, so we are refreshed to find out the market price for a mildy scruffy but sorted example. Whoever buys it should get out and drive it - I've personally put over 7,000 miles on my Verde since April of this year. Maybe paint the intake manifold if you buy this one though?
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