1976 Alfa Romeo GTV

June 4, 2014 Graham

There's got to be a joke out there somewhere dealing with low mileage Alfa Romeos. I mean, if they're not running it must be pretty easy to keep the miles in check, right? But of course, at this point in the game you're not likely to be looking at a nearly 40 year old Alfa Romeo as your primary transport, so dependability probably isn't high on your list. What may be, though, is that the pre-GTV6 4-cylinders are attractive, light, reasonably practical, fun, and above all, inexpensive when compared to some other classic Italian cars. Just take a look at this 1976 GTV:

Year: 1976
Model: GTV
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 21,767 mi
Price: $11,500

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1976 Alfa Romeo GTV

1976 GTV, Body perfect, no rust anywhere, new paint, interior like new. Cold Air. Original 21,767 Miles. Driven only in good weather. Non-Catalyst. 8/76 Manuf. Date. New exhaust, fuel tank and pump new. New seals, and gaskets.

Probably the cleanest Alfetta GTV available, all stock. Collector licensed in Minnesota. Call Tim 651.261.7447, for details.

This car certainly ticks the right boxes - it's original minus the refreshed paint, is claimed to be rust-free, has some recent maintenance performed and low miles. There aren't too many 1970s era bright red Italian cars that you can jump into in this condition for a reasonable amount, but this is sure one. With a "Buy It Now" price of only $11,500, this car is priced aggressive considering the GTV market has been on the rise recently. To me, this is a car that can be bought on a very modest budget, enjoyed on the weekends and occasional show, and will appreciate if kept in good condition, all while bring you smiles and stories along the way. Isn't that what Alfa Romeo ownership is supposed to be about?

-Carter

Ferrari, Pininfarina

1995 Ferrari 456 GT

June 3, 2014 Graham 5 Comments

The other day I popped up a 400i 5-speed, remarking that it was one of the most affordable ways to get into a classic Ferrari with a V12, front engine-rear drive and manual configuration. Of course, that's not very fair to the car that replaced it - the 456. Sporting a new V12 pumping out a then-astonishing 436 horsepower - nearly as much as the F40 - this 2+2 offered an attractive Pininfarina-styled body with perhaps the best use of pop-up headlights ever. While not the immediate obvious choice for a big coupe, these 456s have become a solid value amongst Ferraris - the best examples are still available for under $50,000 and compare quite well to competitors like the BMW 850CSi and Porsche 928GTS - in fact, they're usually cheaper than the German counterparts. Today's example is my favorite color combination and looks like a great driving example:

Year: 1995
Model: 456 GT
Engine: 5.5 liter V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 35,000 mi
Price: $44,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1995 Ferrari 456 GT

selling my 1995 Ferrari 456gt V12 w. manual transmission. car is in awesome shape w/ only 35K miles. I am 6'4 and this is one of the only models that a big guy can fit comfortably in. title is clean and I have bought enough cars to know what makes for a good deal so, upon purchase the car will be: cleaned, waxed and supplied with a full tank of gas for you. you will also notice some professional pictures in this listing. this car was used in a few local ad spots so I have a group of approx. 30 - 40 professional pics that I will include w. this car. some of them are really cool and would make a nice framed pic or memento to hang on your wall....

please note: this is a weekend cruiser NOT a show car as reflected by the sales price. for the sake of time, I'd rather just point out what's wrong w/ the car:

1. nothing major
2. could use a new stereo system. one of the tweeters is blown in the dash.
3. minor paint chips on the car in the normal places. like I said, not a show car.
4. p-zero tires have about 60% life left on them.
5. the hood needs new shocks to keep hood open.
6. does not have keyless entry. guy before me took it out and I didn't drive it enough to really matter to me to put it back in.

other than those minor things, this car is ready to go! literally. thing is fast as hell. continuously kept up w/ and serviced at german auto outta savannah, ga and stored in a climate controlled warehouse.

feel free to call me anytime at (912) 713-1975. I do NOT have voicemail, but text me and i'll get right back with you.

It's not likely that these 456s will ever have the following of the more sporting GT versions like the 550 and 575, but that means - if nothing else - that they represent a solid bargain for classic Italian car enthusiasts. Ferrari made some serious leaps and bounds in quality and design between the 1980s and 1990s, and these 456s still feel quite modern - in spite of the 1980s throwback pop-up headlights. At $44,000, this car is priced aggressively and I'd consider it well bought if the PPI checked out!

-Carter

Abarth, Fiat

1967 Fiat Abarth 1000 OTR – REVISIT

June 2, 2014 Graham

Having made its way from Australia to New York following an impressive restoration, the 1967 Fiat Abarth 1000 OTR that I wrote up back in 2012 has once again popped up for sale, now on Ebay. The picture above and link below will take you to the current auction for the car, which is advertised nearly unchanged, except for location and price. Now at $98,000, it's a serious premium over the original asking price below - but does take into account the rarity, condition, and having imported the cars to the United States.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1967 Fiat Abarth 1000 OTR on eBay

The below post originally appeared on our site October 10, 2012:

For 63 years, Abarth has been the tuning arm of Fiat, turning out wins on the track and hot versions of ordinary Fiat passenger cars on the street. From the wicked 131 Rally to the modern day 500 Abarth, the Abarth range has been rather diverse over the years. Vintage Abarths are highly prized and often bring large sums at auction. One of my favorite vintage Abarths is the 1000 OTR, a car we featured in August. Based on the Fiat 850, these were handsome, well proportioned coupes that hid their diminutive stature well. Another OTR for sale has come to our attention via our reader Graeme, who is located in New South Wales, Australia and is selling his 1000 OTR.

1967 Fiat Abarth 1000 OTR

A genuine Fiat Abarth OTR 1000 coupe, fully restored, with only 9,800 miles and absolutely NO rust ever. With FIVA papers and easy re-import into the US, this highly desirable Group 4 factory racing car can lay claim to being the best of the nine known survivors.

Abarth & C. was formed in 1949. The company was very successful under Carlo Abarth’s leadership, receiving extensive support from FIAT. Abarth & C. was purchased by FIAT in 1971. On 9 September 1965, Abarth launched the OTR 1000, derived from FIAT’s new 850 coupé, with a special “radiale” engine where the combustion chamber was formed by two intersecting spherical domes, one containing the inlet valve and the other the exhaust. The intention was to achieve the efficiency of the Abarth twin camshaft cylinder head without the complexity. The OTR engine was based on an Abarth modified FIAT 850 block.

Unfortunately the SCCA thought the Radiale head too clever, and the OTR too modified and powerful for its class, and exercised its right to exclude from SCCA competition cars “not considered suitable”. This probably explains why Abarth made only a few OTRs and homologated the car in Group 4, not Group 3. This car was imported into the United States in 1967 by Abarth Sales Corp. It was raced from 1967 to 1970 by the first owner before he had an accident. The car was stored, eventually coming to Australia in 1993. It sat in a shed on the Central Coast of New South Wales until purchased by the current owner in April 2005 who spent 18 months restoring it.

The car was stripped to bare metal and all panels straightened with minimal use of filler and repainted. All the missing bits and pieces were sourced from around the world. The engine had new valve springs, the head was fitted with hardened exhaust valve seats and all seals were replaced. The car has since been featured in Australian Classic Cars magazine and has won awards at a number of car shows including the FIAT Club of NSW Concorso d’Eleganza Best of Show in 2007 and 2010, and Best of Show and 1st Street Modified at the FIAT Clubs of Australia National Meeting at Bathurst in 2008. The car has travelled only 4,800 miles since restoration and the total mileage is 9,800. It comes with a detailed history and the original owners manuals.

For more photos please click on the following link:
http://www4.snapfish.com.au/snapfishau/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5248217018/
a=80400830_80400830/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/

Enquiries to gtowers@ozemail.com.au or call +61 2 9960 7876

Graeme is asking $63,000 USD for his OTR and can be reached via the contact information above. The OTR that was for sale in California was advertised at $85,000, so even though there are little comparables to go buy, I think our reader is being realistic in his asking price. It is estimated that around 35 of these OTRs were ever produced, so that figure represents a small price to pay for exclusivity that most Ferraris and Lamborghinis can not match.

-Paul

Classic, Ferrari, Pininfarina

1967 Ferrari 330 GTC

May 30, 2014 Graham 2 Comments

When I was a young man, my father and I were at a car show with his 1927 Bentley 3/4.5 open tourer. At the show was also a late 1960s Ferrari 330 GTC. I remember the owner of the GTC was very interested in the Bentley, to the point where he offered a trade of his GTC in exchange for the Bentley. At the time, it seemed like a poor idea; the Bentley was at that point worth about triple what the GTC was, aside from being a family item which had been passed down. In hindsight, it probably would have been a very good investment if you could have predicted prices on these cars - while early Bentley prices have increased over the past few years back to the level they were at in the early 1990s, Ferrari prices have absolutely gone through the roof. The 330 GTC isn't the prettiest, fastest or most rare Ferrari - but none of that seems to matter, because it's got the right look, the right engine, and the right badge:

Year: 1967
Model: 330 GTC
Engine: 4.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 30,000 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1967 Ferrari 330 GTC

Chassis Number: 9595. Engine number: 9595.

One of 604 produced between 1966 and 1968.

Euro model with just 48,411 kilometers (30,081 miles) from new.

One-owner for 30 years with all service receipts from 1985-2014.

Original “Celeste Charo Metallizzato” (Metallic Light Blue) color.

“Nero Franzi” (Black) Leather interior.

Rare working factory air conditioning.

Always pampered, this 330 GTC is accident and abuse-free. Current owner has driven it just 12,659 miles (20,373 Km) over the past 30 years (An average of 421 miles per year.) Properly maintained and serviced by the same Ferrari specialist the entire time. Receipts from 1985-2014 totaling in excess of $53,000 in service are included.

Original numbers-matching Type 209 V-12 engine develops 300 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, fed by 3 Weber 40 DFI carburetors, giving this 2,866 pound coupe a rated top speed of 152 mph with performance of 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Runs beautifully with no issues.

Disc brakes stop the car smooth and straight. Rides on the original Campagonolo 7L/15 alloy wheels with new, correctly sized radial tires.

The body is laser-straight with all original panels in place. No rust of anywhere. Recently repainted in correct color it is stunning from every angle. Interior is correct and largely original. Please see photos and video. All gauges register accurately. Original tool roll and custom fitted flannel car cover are included. Ready to show or go.

Inspection is invited by seriously interested parties. Please call to schedule an appointment. David: 503-309-7729. Located in Portland, Oregon USA. A realistic reserve has been placed on this car in keeping with its rarity, condition and mileage. Please bid accordingly.

If you are looking for one of the finest 330 GTC Coupes available today, this is it.

WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS, WORLDWIDE.

If the video link below is inactive, please go to: http://youtu.be/qVd9IEow-Xw

This model is a very pleasing color combination and condition is certainly very good. In the past four years, GTC pricing has quadrupled from around $200,000 for the best examples to just shy of $800,000 for the best examples. It really puts the 400i into perspective; a car that can be had for less than a tenth of the price of the GTC but is very similar in many aspects. While GTCs are certainly pretty to look at, I'd probably choose a 365 GTC/4 well before this model for less than a third of the price.

-Carter

Ferrari, Modern Classic, Pininfarina

1985 Ferrari 400i 5-speed

May 29, 2014 Graham 2 Comments

The promise of a cheap Ferrari is an alluring one, especially when that Ferrari derives from some pretty special sources in the Maranello world. Take a Daytona-derived V12 and a mate it to a rear drive development of the 365 chassis, couple with a 5-speed manual and get Pininfarina to style it and it sounds like a perfect recipe. The results, though, were somewhat disappointing compared to some of the previous and subsequent offerings by the same formula; the styling was conservative and didn't capture the beauty of the 365 GTC/4 in my mind. But not judged against some of the more attractive Ferraris produced, it's still a handsome V12 coupe in its own right that - above all - is one of the few ways to get into the classic Ferrari V12 in front engine/rear drive configuration for well under $100,000 today. While most of these cars were optioned with an automatic, there are manual versions floating around and today's example is so equipped:

Year: 1985
Model: 400i
Engine: 4.8 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 51,112 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1985 Ferrari 400i 5-speed

1985 Ferrari 400i 5 Speed (Rare) Like New!

The engine, based on the Daytona's 4,390 cc (4.39 L; 268 cu in), is a 4,823 cc (4.8 L; 294.3 cu in) V12 producing 340 HP; front mounted and driving the rear wheels. This car features the 5 Speed fully synchromesh Manual Transmission. The traditional GT car layout allowed Ferrari to fit four seats into the stylish coupé. 0-60 mph takes 7.1 seconds

This car has been Fully Serviced by noted Ferrari Specialist. It has been impeccably maintained since new. Every fluid was drained and replaced: Radiator, engine oil, transmission fluid, differential fluid. Everything works on this car as when new. It has a new stainless steel free flow exhaust. Brand new Michelin TRX tires at a cost of over $2,000. Complete inspection and any issues that were not working with the car were addressed. For example the rear self leveling system is working with a new shock placed in the rear and hydraulics fully functional. New power antenna in the rear was put in and connected to CD player. All work done at a cost of over $3,000.

Scuro Blue paint Tan Leather interior.

One of 442 produced.

52,112 miles.

Have all Books, Jack, and Tools.

See photos for VIN.

You will not find a nicer driving and looking Ferrari 400i.

Please contact me if you have any questions.
Happy Bidding!

I really like the look of this car - the color combination is just right, the miles aren't outrageous, service and tires are up to date, and the condition looks to be great. While this wouldn't be my first choice if I had an unlimited budget, I'd seriously consider this car in comparison to some other highly priced coupes - for example, you can get one of these cars for about the same money or less than a well-sorted BMW 3.0CS. While that may sound crazy, viewed in that light the Ferrari is a much more special car that I think will continue to appreciate as more people recognize that standing on its own, this too is a very special part of Ferrari's history.

-Carter

Alfa Romeo

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

May 29, 2014 Graham 4 Comments

Almost 20 years have passed since the last Alfa Romeo that was affordable to mere mortals was sold in the US. Sure, there was a brief comeback with the 8C Competizione and new models are set to reach these shores soon, but it seems like us Italian car car enthusiasts have been waiting a lifetime for this to happen. If you are impatient, why not sample one of the last new Alfas we had access to, the 164 sedan? For sale in Georgia, this final year 164LS 5-speed manual is about as close to new as you can get, with just over 25,000 miles on the clock.

Year: 1995
Model: 164LS
Engine: 3.0 V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 25,775 mi
Price: $13,500

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

One owner 25,000 miles, very clean and nice, Fresh timing belt and water pump. Clean Carfax. A great find with very low miles that is in very nice condition.

Versus the rear-drive Milano & 75, the 164s seemed to be valued just a little bit less, no doubt due to the fact that some hardcore Alfisti deride the front-drive architecture shared with Fiat, Lancia and Saab. This 164 truly pushes the envelope of what is possible when it comes to values currently, but it's doubtful you'll find one with less mileage anytime soon. For someone who has to have Pininfarina styling, a sonorous exhaust note and just needs to be different, there are few better luxury sedans with which to do it with on US shores.

-Paul

De Tomaso

1977 De Tomaso Pantera Group C

May 28, 2014 Graham

The heady days of the Group C saw near limitless speed from major manufacturers; Porsche, BMW, Lancia, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar all vied for the top spots in what was some of the most exciting automobile racing the world had ever known. But it soon became clear that the more money one team spent the more that they'd win, and while in the late 1970s and early 1980s there was enough attrition amongst teams that a small privateer team stood a chance of winning, by the mid 1980s you needed a well sorted, heavily funded factory car to run in Group C. That didn't stop many one-off efforts by some enterprising individuals, though the fruits of their labor seldom were particularly ripe or well formed. Today's Pantera is just such an effort; while it certainly looks the part, this attempt to take the 1970s sports car to the highest rung of motorsports was doomed for failure through lack of development and money. As a collector, that's good news - it means you can buy this fully restored, original configuration Pantera Group C for only a fraction of what race-winning cars from Porsche would bring in today's market:

Year: 1977
Model: Pantera Group C
Engine: 5.7 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: Not Listed
Price: $195,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1977 De Tomaso Pantera Group C

DeTomaso Group C
DeTomaso Group 5
Factory Homologated
Chassis 0001
The last factory homologated
DeTomaso race car built
1 of 1 - 1977 Pantera chassis

The ultimate DeTomaso collectable or historic racer

Most probably the rarest and fastest Pantera-based DeTomaso racing car ever created.

Restored and ready for museum display or with further race-preparation, for vintage racing in the popular Goup V, GTP and Group C classes.

Own a significant DeTomaso racing car with fascinating history and provenance. Ready for private collection or you prepare for serious historic racing.

As raced in Group 5 trim, this car is probably the most recognized Pantera in the racing world.

For more information and photos, please refer to the book, DeTomaso Macchine da Corsa by Philippe Olczyk on pages 305, 306, 307 353 and 436. Also featured in the book, DeTomaso the Man and the Machines.

Body

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As originally raced.

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Engine

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History

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This automobile was sold in 1981 to Auto Elite in Maranello, Italy where it was re-bodied and converted to Group C specifications. The Group C was owned by Maurizio Micangeli and co-driven by Carlo Pietromarchi in various races in 1982 and 1983. The racing record is basically a string of D.N.F.s and before the car could be thoroughly developed and sorted, the owner had moved onto another marque. This Group C, thought to be the last factory homologated racecar was parked outside the workshop of Auto Elite from 1984 until 2004 when its current owners liberated her and brought the sleeping giant to California for restoration. For more information and photos, please refer to the book, DeTomaso Macchine da Corsa by Philippe Olczyk on pages305, 306, 307 353 and 436. Our research and in the opinions of DeTomaso historians, this same chassis was originally bodied as the Group 5 Pantera that was raced at LeMans. Also featured in the book, DeTomaso the Man and the Machines.

Interior

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Miscellaneous

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Specifications

This car is not over-restored and the bodywork, frame and metal work has not been altered to look better than it was built or raced. Original parts that were replaced have been retained.
All paperwork and tech inspector notes from races as a Group C are included.
Fresh paint and new windshield
Rebuilt fuel cells and ZF transmission.
All suspension rebuilt.
Not raced since restored.
Rebuilt fuel cell, OMP seats and harnesses.
Ford 351 Cleveland with rare Ford aluminum manifold and original 180 degree headers
This is not a full race engine. A full race engine can be prepared if desired at extra cost.
Full crack-testing and race preparation is necessary before this car can enter competition. This has not been done. If your intention is to race this car, additional work will be needed to prepare this car to meet current racing requirements. The style of preparation of the car currently is in accordance with the methods of race car builder Ismo Sabattini who built this car for its former owners. We did not attempt to update the car. The suspension and safety systems of this car are the same as when it was last raced in the 80's. This is NOT a resto-mod, faux vintage racer that has the latest high-tech, go-fast components hidden under a rare body. The car shows battle-scars underneath to prove its provenance.
Please do not expect to purchase this automobile and expect to take it to the next vintage race you enter. Race preparation will be necessary before the car can be safely raced. However, you can expect to be able to enter this car in nearly every Historic Race you choose to enter because this is a very rare, authentic DeTomaso that is capable when fully developed, to win races.
For the serious collector or investor, simply leave the car as is and know that you have purchased a unique Pantera with a fascinating history.
Rare 19 inch rear wheels and 16 inch fronts- all from BBS with new Hoosier tires.
Many more photos available for the serious buyer.

Contact

Telephone - 760-731-8303 - California 9-6 PST M-F

It will certainly have to be a hardcore Pantera or Group C fan to buy this car, but it is pretty lovingly restored and certainly looks quite impressive. The BBS wheels are a great and classic look on just about anything, and the seller is right - they're quite valuable especially in shocking 19" rear configuration. Otherwise, this car is more show than go right now; if you really wanted to race in the historic Group C races you'd need some safety updates. It's probably better to leave the car as is; racing a car like this would both be expensive and hard on the chassis - and, honestly, it just can't really hold a candle to the competition it would line up against. But it's a neat oddity, a reminder of the inspiration that motorsport fosters, and above all just really cool.

-Carter

Bertone, Classic, Lamborghini

Restoration Candidate: 1971 Lamborghini Jarama 400GT

May 27, 2014 Graham

There are plenty of cars out there that are in horrible shape, left to rot and sulk in corners surrounded by the shadows of their former glory. Some of them are even very expensive cars that you can't believe would be forgotten and neglected, but often the best laid plans can go awry and one man's vision of a restored car is in reality a project that will never see fruition. But in recent years there has been a tremendous amount of interest in "barn finds" - cars that are just these types of situations, and today's Jarama 400GT could probably be classified as such. All original minus a pretty spectacular set of Miura SV wheels, this already rare Jarama is ready for a full restoration - or would you keep the patina?

Year: 1971
Model: Jarama 400GT
Engine: 4.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 26,041 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1971 Lamborghini Jarama 400GT

1971 Lamborghini Jarama
s/n 10224
Red with Black Leather Interior

The Jarama, introduced in 1970, was one of the last front-engined Lamborghini GT’s, concluding the line that began with the very first Lamborghini, the 350GT. Mechanically, it was similar to the Espada, but with a 10.6 inch shorter wheelbase, the Jarama was considerably more agile to drive. Fitted with Lamborghini’s sophisticated quad-cam V-12, all independent suspension, and five-speed gearbox, the Jarama was a deliberately understated high performance “businessman’s express” intended for those who appreciated Lamborghini’s engineering and performance, but who wanted to maintain a more refined lifestyle and image. Nevertheless, the styling has a subdued excitement that is hinted at by the sharp creases and muscular wheelarches. The car is very well proportioned, and thanks to its thin pillars and generous greenhouse, visibility is excellent. Today, the Jarama continues to exemplify this more subdued approach to enjoying a Lamborghini, in addition to gaining momentum as collectors and enthusiasts start to appreciate the unique blend of attributes that the car embodies.

This particular car is a longtime California example which the previous owner reports has covered 26,000 miles from new and has never been apart. It is structurally excellent and highly complete, with and overwhelming sense of authenticity. He purchased the car in 1989, drove it once, and then laid it up with the intention of restoring it. It sits on genuine and extremely rare Miura SV wheels, which are staggered in width and tremendously valuable. It also comes with its original tool kit, jack, books, manual, and several photos taken in 1988 in San Diego, in which the car looks virtually identical to its present day appearance, right down to the car’s stunning and absolutely fantastic stance facilitated by the staggered wheels.

The car needs a complete restoration but is gloriously complete and undisturbed. All mechanical and cosmetic systems should be inspected and restored as necessary but everything is there, right down to the accessories and Becker Europa radio. The body is extremely straight with great fit and virtually no rust. The small amount of rust present is limited to the rocker panels. The undercarriage is extremely solid as well. The engine compartment is unmodified in appearance, right down to the original FIAMM silk screening on the airbox covers and the windscreen washer fluid reservoir. The car is fitted with air conditioning.

This is a superb opportunity to acquire an ideal restoration project. Just 177 Jaramas were built, and this is an exceptionally honest, solid, and undisturbed example that could serve as an invaluable reference for originality for other cars, as well as for this car’s restoration. It is highly complete, extremely sound, and is reported to have covered just 26,000 miles from new.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This car is sold AS IS without warranty. A 10% deposit is due upon the successful completion of the auction. Remainder of payment is due within one week of the end of the auction, and prior to the delivery of the vehicle. Fantasy Junction reserves the right to end this auction early in the even of the sale of the car outside of eBay. Inspection is available and encouraged, and should be arranged and completed prior to the completion of bidding. A final bid (if reserve is met) is and should be considered a sale and acceptance of terms, and the vehicle is AS IS and WHERE IS. If you have NEGATIVE or ZERO feedback, please contact us prior to bidding. Please contact us for names and phone numbers of local professionals familiar with this type of car, whom you may interview and with whom you may arrange an inspection. If you are concerned with what the car may need, an inspection is an excellent way to remove surprises. Please allow for normal wear and tear items based on the age of any car and restoration if applicable. Please use your better (or even your best) judgment. We have done and will do our best to describe the car faithfully and correctly, and would like you to know and understand exactly what you are bidding on.

I know it's far from perfect, but there's something that's indescribably cool about the current state of this car. Granted, it likely needs a full mechanical service and updating, and I'd probably recover the seats so that I wasn't getting covered in a fine dust of disintegrating seat internals every time I went for a drive. But this Jarama has presence - especially with the Miura wheels - and it would be neat to just cruise around in it, regardless of whether the outside was perfect or not. The mechanical restoration alone won't be cheap or easy, but currently the car sits on reserve with bidding around $30,000 - with top Jaramas only bringing around $80,000 these days, you could concievably end up not losing your shirt in this deal - but I'd spend a little on a mechanical sorting and just drive it, personally. Just don't forget your gold chain.

-Carter

Classic, Lancia, Zagato

1972 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato

May 24, 2014 Graham

Its very interesting to me how each of the styling firms in Italy has distinctive features that seem to carry across their different designs. Perhaps when you first see the shape you don't immediately recognize the designer, but once you know it makes sense. Vignale and Touring had inspired if conservative designs; increasingly both Bertone and Pininfarina captured the angular market. Giugiaro's work at multiple firms carrys a signature blend of angles and curves, but one of the most distinctive in my mind are the Zagato designs. Be it an Aston Martin or an Alfa Romeo, the Zagato brand meant one thing - tight curves that pared down the shape to a bare minimum, flowing tightly around the wheel arches with minimal overhangs front and back. Some of the best known Zagato work is with the Alfa Romeos and Aston Martins of the 1960s and 1970s, but one neat car they really added a lot of character too was the already colorful Lancia Fulvia Sport:

Year: 1972
Model: Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato
Engine: 1.3 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 21,000 mi
Price: $38,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1972 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato

Here is for sale my 1972 Lancia Fluvia Zagato Sport 1.3, this car has a Florida clean title, I am first owner since it was import from Italy, runs good, looks great, all work on this car, take advantage of this opportunity, I am selling because need the space and the money too, any question please write to me at tony1961@msn,com

Click to view listing

When talking about really classic Italian designs, both the Fulvia and Zagato's work usually make the mark, and the combination here was both inspired and unique. Though certainly some aspects of the design are reminiscent of the NSU Ro80, the Fulvia Sport stands on its own as a truly neat design. This is the way to buy one; a one owner car that is in pristine condition - and the Zagato name doesn't break the bank here. Whereas an Aston will set you back the best part of a few million dollars, you can get into a similarly styled Lancia for just under $40,000. That strikes the middle ground on the Fulvia - cheaper than some of the most expensive models but about double what a condition 1 1.2 from the same year will set you back. It seems appropriate given the unique nature of the car that this should be the case, and I'd still consider $38,000 to be a reasonable asking price for such a cool car!

-Carter

Classic, Fiat, Pininfarina

1973 Fiat 130 Coupe

May 23, 2014 Graham

The large executive Coupe was something that was very popular in the 1950s and 1960s in America; but in Europe, the idea took a bit longer to catch on. Still, by the 1970s we saw increasing examples from manufacturers going through major growth - BMW and Mercedes joined the big coupe market, along with new examples from Ferrari and Lamborghini. But one that is seldom thought of in that company is the Fiat 130 Coupe; Pininfarina designed and with a Ferrari-designed V6 mated to a ZF 5-speed, it's the forgotten sleeper of the large executive coupe market in the 1970s:

Year: 1973
Model: 130 Coupe
Engine: 3.2 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 67,000 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1973 Fiat 130 Coupe

Somehow it seems the words "luxury" and "Fiat" should never be used in the same sentence. For some unknown reason the folks at Fiat decided they wanted to compete in the high end with the likes of Mercedes and BMW ... and the 130 was born. As was expected of a luxury car it needed to be spacious and has a lot of user amenities.

The first time I saw a 130 I had to tell myself ... now that is as weird as they come ... and of course I loved it! The car has a very 70's look with a lot of glass. Remember that these were the days when BMW had the 2002 and Mercedes were boxes with tons of glass. Unfortunately the Fiat 130 was never imported into the USA therefore finding one on these shores is rare. This car was just imported in 2012 and spent all its life in Italy. Several things attracted me to this particular car:

I love the color combination as it is very 1970's. The blue exterior has a hint of purple and what is not to like of the mustard leather! What makes this Fiat 130 rather unique is that most had velour interior. This has the optional leather interior. The leather is original and in really nice condition. It really makes the car look quite elegant. The other big plus is that it has the optional 5-speed ZF gearbox which was also used on the 2.4 liter Fiat Dino. Only about 10% of the Fiat 140 had this gearbox, the rest were automatic.

So how is it to drive? Surprisingly the car feels a lot smaller on the road than it really is. The V6 engine was designed by Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi and is loosely based on the Dino V6 engine. The engine feels very peppy and likes to rev. The gearbox has very short throws and gives the car a sporty feel. It has ZF power steering which gives the car a very good handling. The independent rear suspension is identical to the Fiat Dino and is rather sophisticated.

Paint is quite nice and the interior speaks for itself. The body is in excellent condition. There are a few rust bubbles on the right fender which were this way when I bought the car and has not gotten worst. The undercarriage is straight and rust free. Chrome is nice as is the glass. There is a crack on the inner laminate of the rear glass. The crack does not extend to the outside of the glass and it is barely noticeable. Mechanically the car is very good with no smoke or major oil leaks. AC works as do the gauges, power windows, power steering etc.

The car was imported into the USA a couple of years ago from Modena, Italy. It falls under the 25 years exemption which permits cars to be imported and not be subject to the DOT and EPA regulations of that year. Therefore this car retains the beautiful European headlights which I am sure would have been modified had Fiat brought the car into the USA ... also it would have had much bigger (and uglier) bumpers.

Overall this is the type of car that shows that it has been loved all of its life. It is what I would call an honest car which has its expected faults as it is after all 41 years old.I have really enjoyed owning this Fiat 130 but it is time to move on as I need the garage space for other stuff.

Car comes with its original owner's manual plus a copy of the shop manual.

Feel free to call me if you have questions: 770-998-0923 Ivan

Terms of Sale

Buyer is responsible for shipping and insurance costs.

Please only serious bidders. I have described the above mentioned vehicle to the best of my ability. However, with all pre-owned automobiles, the condition is subjective, so I recommend that the potential buyer inspects as well as test drives the vehicle before finalizing purchase.

NO BIDDERS WITH ZERO OR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH ME!

THIS VEHICLE IS BEING ADVERTISED ELSEWHERE AND COULD BE SOLD BEFORE THE AUCTION HAS COMPLETED. I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THE AUCTION AT ANY TIME.

I realize buying a car based on a few photos on an internet auction may carry some risks. I want to make sure the buyer feels comfortable with his/her purchase. I will promptly respond to e-mail questions.

- $1,000 deposit 24 hours after the end of the auction, Paypal is accepted for the deposit

- Balance to be paid via bank wire within 5 days of end of auction

- Seller reserves the right to end auction prior to its end.

- If the vehicle is not as represented upon personal inspection, I will promptly refund your deposit. No refund after final Bill of Sale is signed.

- I always strongly encourage a pre-purchase inspection before making final payment.

My intent is for you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase! Please check my eBay rating

The condition on this car is impressive, and the styling really stands out. Sure, it's not as much of a draw as some of the more exotic metal from the other Italian manufacturers and you could easily argue that the BMW 3.0CS is a better looking car. But really good examples of the 3.0 are heading up towards $100,000 these days and the same is true of any of the Lamborghini or Ferrari examples. So what you have here is a budget exotic; few will know what it is, but you'll have the driving experience that relies on ties to the more exotic siblings it is related to. At the end of the day, this car screams cool 1970s Italian and I'd love to be seen in it; slap your best suit on, pack the Campari, slick your hair back and head for Lake Como. But this car can be had for a fraction of the cost of anything else that would give you the feeling this package would.

-Carter