Ferrari

1990 Ferrari F40

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In a world where Cadillac sedans are hitting 60 miles an hour in under 4.0 seconds, a car like the Ferrari F40 may seem insignificant. This would be a gross misunderstanding. Sheer speed isn't everything this car is about. It's about the delivery, the theater and the engineering. In the mid 1980s, Ferrari set out to create a successor to the 288GTO. Their sights were aimed squarely on the Porsche 959 in FIA Group B. After Group B came to a halt in 1986, this left Ferrari with a partially developed supercar with no race series in which to field it. Nevertheless, the F40 bowed in 1987, powered by a 2.9 liter, twin turbocharged V8 producing 471 horsepower with 16 psi of boost.

Accompanying the impressive powerplant was a body constructed of revolutionary materials, such as carbon fiber, kevlar and alumninum. Along with sparse interior accoutrements, this led to a low curb weight of 2,400 lbs. As a result, this car could reach 100 mph in about 7.5 seconds and could power on all the way to 201 mph, the first road legal production vehicle to break the 200 mph barrier. It isn't everyday an F40 comes up for sale, and this US spec example for sale in New Orleans is in impressive condition.

1990 Ferrari F40

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1990 Ferrari F40. 6,700 miles. Fully Serviced. Books, tools, records. In February 2012, this F40 completed a full service; mileage at end of service and current is 6699 miles. This F40 has all of original body parts, The paint is glossy and the body has no defects. The interior is clean and has no blemishes. The car is mechanical sound and the engine compartment has no fluid leaks. The tires are the proper size and match. A clean title.

We bought this pristine F40 from the private collection of the 1st owner in 2004 with 800 miles. The AutoCheck history report is described as having a mileage discrepancy in 2004. This is a erroneously report, The car was in the possession of Ferrari at the time of the alleged discrepancy and did not have a odometer repair, replaced or malfunction. Included with all records are documents from Ferrari stating and declaring the mileage on the car was correct mileage with no discrepancy.

Last year, Gooding & Company sold a US Spec F40 for $495,000 in Scottsdale. In 2008, a similar F40, albeit with a very low 712 miles, sold for $735,000 at the R&M Auctions Monterey Preview. The asking price of this example is in the ballpark. While these cars are impressive on their own technical merit, an overarching fact about the F40 is that it was the very last Ferrari to be commissioned by Enzo Ferrari before his death in August 1988. With this car, the old man went out on a high note.

As Jeremy Clarkson so eloquently put it in the following clip, this just isn't a supercar, it is the supercar.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

Current statistics show that Americans are hanging onto their cars longer; about six years or 27% longer before the recession according to Polk. It has me wondering, with increased reliability of newer vehicles, just how long can you keep a car going these days? Apparently very long if you can squeeze almost 230,000 miles out of an Alfa Romeo Spider. Normally we wouldn't feature a car with such high mileage on CICFS, but this Spider is a study in preservation, having benefitted from a repaint, replaced engine block and revived interior.

1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce on eBay

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1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce Roadster. VIN ZARBA5416D1016845. Aqua blue/light blue leather.

Equipped with:
2000 CC 4 CYL aluminum engine
Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection
Computerized digitial ignition
5-speed overdrive transmission
Limited slip differential
4-wheel power disc brakes
Capagnolo five star alloy wheels
Tinted glass
Power window
Side vent windows
Windshield antenna
Full instrumentation
Courtesy lights group
Front air dam
Rear spoiler
Upgraded stereo system
Car cover
Bra
Original window sticker
Workshop manual
Spare tire and tools
Maintenance records

EXTERIOR:
10 year old repaint that looks good
Right front fender has a small dent near valance
Small dimple on right side of hood
No cracks in glass
Doors, hood and trunk all align nicely
Top looks like new, back window is clear
Wheels and tires in excellent shape
Small rust issue in spare tire well
Great looking car that's 29 years old.

INTERIOR:
Seats have been redone and look great
Carpets are clea
No cracks in dash
Door panels look good with the exception of the top side on passenger door
More than nice inside

MECHANICAL:
Fires up easily and runs smoothly
Shifts excellent
Brakes work great
All gauges work
Had a long block installed at 161,410 miles
Drives like a dream

I've always had a weakness for Aqua blue, as it compliments the delicate lines of the Spider and reminds one of being near the ocean, which is the natural habitat for such a roadster. This car has had attention in all the right places. While it has a few dings and scratches and a little bit of surface rust in the trunk, I'm a fan of this car. The patina works well and it's heartening to see such a vehicle used as intended while being well maintained.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano 3.0 Verde

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When the Alfa Romeo Milano was new, I was never really drawn to its styling. There were notable design tweaks between US and European models. The crash bumpers on the US models weren't the worst we saw in the era, but certainly didn't help aesthetic matters. Also, the only engines available in the US market were the 2.5 and 3.0 V6 engines driving the rear wheels through a rear mounted gearbox. Four cylinder engine options were available abroad in 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 liter capacities. I've grown to like these cars over the years and appreciate their period looks. They are renowned for their performance and make a good Italian performance bargain, if purchased properly. This example is on its third owner with almost 140,000 miles, but looks to have held up reasonably well.

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano 3.0 Verde

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1988 Alfa Romeo Milano 3.0 (Verde). One of the few without a sunroof. Excellent Daily Driver or full restore. Nothing missing. 137,000 + miles! Color is Alfa RED (Code 555). Good paint, but not show quality (door dings). Recaro interior is excellent One stain on small area of driver seat back. Have fabric for repair. This car drives great with no engine or transmission issues. No leaks. Brakes are good with ABS functioning. Car has a great Nakamachi radio, trunk mounted disc changer, McIntosh Amplifier and remote control. All speakers mounted in original Alfa positions so no new cut outs were made. Aftermarket 17" wheels with brand new low profile tires.

New since purchased: Fuel Pump and Filter, Thermostat, Fan Switch, Recaro interior repairs, Battery, tires, water temp gage sender. Car has passed smog (last time for Washington) and is registered. Clear Title. Third owner, always in Washington state. Car driven very little for last 7 years:

133,683: New Clutch, master cylinder, etc.
130,525: Timing Belt, tensioner, lambda sensor, axle boots, ignition cable, valve cover gaskets
126,946: Drive shaft, flex joints, bearings, water pump, alternator, timing belt & tensioner.

This car isn't the most mint condition example we've seen here at CICFS, but it looks fairly straight and has certainly benefitted from a comprehensive amount of maintenance, which is important for any Alfa with over 100,000 miles. The asking price of $7,500 is not unreasonable for a Milano, but is a little high for an example with this kind of mileage. Realistically, a Milano of this caliber would more than likely bring between $5,000 to $6,000.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1992 Maserati OPAC Spyder Prototype

Heading into the 1990s, Maserati was emerging from what could be described as an underwhelming decade. In the early 1980s, the last of their mid-engined sports cars rolled off the line and the Biturbo took over as a the mainstays of the lineup, along with the V8 engined Quattroporte III executive sedan. The Biturbos did to Maserati what the Beta did to Lancia: it soiled Maserati's reputation and labeled it as a builder of unreliable cars at a critical juncture for the company. On the cusp of Fiat's takeover in 1993, Maserati was exhausting what they could out of the Biturbo chassis with the introduction of the Shamal in 1989. This car had a 3.2 liter twin turbo V8 engine and updated styling by Marcello Gandini.

The Shamal formed the basis for the car you see here, the OPAC Spyder Prototype. OPAC is a company famous for its automotive convertible top engineering and recreational boat manufacturing. This Spyder Prototype has both a cloth top and removable hardtop, similar to the contemporary Mercedes-Benz R129 SL. First show in 1994, this car was subsequently bought by a Dutch collector and is now for sale in The Netherlands, wearing Quattroporte IV alloy wheels.

1992 Maserati OPAC Spyder Prototype

Unique and one-off prototype of the Maserati Spyder. This car was intended as a successor to the 80's Maserati Biturbo Spyder was first presented in 1994 at the motor show in Turin. In early 2000 this car is in the hands of a Dutch collector came and waited for the car perfectly, and was driven regularly. Technical features include a twin turbo V8 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. Specifications are identical to the Shamal. The manufacturer OPAC has also built a hardtop, which makes this car really complete. For collectors of this unique car is also an absolute must! Complete history and maintenance!

While this car is a mash up of Maserati and Ferrari elements, it pulls off a cohesive, wedge look. A one off prototype, no matter the marque, is a purchase that only the very serious and well informed should undertake, not only for one's sanity, but also to help preserve rare vehicles such as these. Unlike a lot of prototypes, this one is perfectly drivable, since it is based on the Shamal. Hopefully it is bought by a collector who won't lock it away, but bring it to events for other enthusiasts to observe and enjoy.

-Paul

Lancia

1971 Lancia Flavia 2000 Coupe

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With cars like the Mini, Citroën DS and Oldsmobile Toronado rolling around in the 1950s and 1960s, it is not surprising that Lancia, itself an innovative company, introduced its first front-wheel drive car, the Flavia, in 1961. With a horizontally opposed four cylinder engine and disc brakes on all four wheels, this was an advanced design for its time. The Flavia name has been resurrected for the modern day, in the form of a rebadged Chrysler 200 Convertible. It's rather unfortunate that some modern day Lancias are merely restyled Chryslers, as this glosses over the greatness that the Flavia name conveys with enthusiasts.

1971 Lancia Flavia 2000 Coupe

The first Italian front wheel drive car. Before the takeover by Fiat in 1969 Lancia’s always were technically sophisticated cars and the designers often had no eye for the commercial reality. The Flavia, which was introduced in 1960 was no exception to the rule. Italy’s first front wheel drive car was spacious, silent, comfortable, ugly, too expensive and was lacking performance because the designing engineer Antonio Fessia thought that fast cars were unsafe.

Because of the high prices Lancia had to ask for their technical masterpieces, sales actually were too low. Nevertheless Lancia added three additional versions to the Berlina. Every one of them designed and built by famous Italian designers. Pininfarina took care of the coupé, generally appreciated as the most beautiful Flavia. The Convertibile, with four seats, was created by Vignale and it looks more like the Berlina than the coupé. Zagato presented the very extraordinary Sport which had great aerodynamics.

His extravagant design however could not please everybody. Although the commercial success was poor (97,300 cars were made), the Flavia stayed in production for more than twelve years. The last two years the car was known as “2000”. It is also extraordinary that the car was manufactured for four more years after the takeover by Fiat. It can hardly have been profitable during that period.

During the twelve years the car was built, three series can be distinguished. Nowadays one would say that the car had undergone two facelifts, the first one in 1967. A new Berlina was introduced and production of the Convertibile and Sport ended. There were no changes to the coupé. In 1969 first the coupé had a facelift, followed by the Berlina in 1970.

This Flavia 2000 Coupé was first registered in 1971. The car is in a very goor condition. It looks stunning in this beautiful colour. It is very comfortable and it drives superbly! The Flavia 2000 Coupé now available at Montagna was first registered in 1971. The car is in a very good condition. It looks stunning in this beautiful colour. It is very comfortable and it drives superbly!

The seller's description is rather impressive, giving a good amount of history along with a little background on this particular car's life. While it could be mistaken for a later Beta model, these Flavias should not be confused with that model, as they were a significant were a huge step forward for Lancia. They were highly engineered cars and known for their durability. At about $17,000, this is a lot of classic Lancia for the money, considering it has covered under 50,000 miles.

-Paul

Maserati

1974 Maserati Bora

The 1970s were a time of upheaval at Maserati. The decade began with the automaker under Citroën's control, and ownership being handed over to Alessandro de Tomaso in 1975. Under Citroën's guidance, the company introduced it's first mid-engined vehicle, the Bora. Powered by the familiar 4.7 liter twin cam Maserati V8, this engine was mounted north/south in the chassis and produced 310 horsepower. This was the first Maserati with four-wheel independent suspension, and was an interesting car, with its stainless steel roof and adjustable brake, clutch and accelerator pedals, as the driver's seat was only height adjustable. All US market cars had an emissions equipped 4.9 liter V8. In total, 289 Boras were built with the 4.7 liter V8, 235 with the 4.9 liter engine. This example for sale in New York by way of Arizona is a low mileage original.

1974 Maserati Bora

1974 Maserati Bora Royal Blue with Tan leather interior. Car has been owned by the same elderly gentleman since 1976. 27K original miles. Extremely original Arizona car. Absolutely rust free. It has spent all its life in Arizona. Good original Bora with such a low mileage is almost impossible to find. Interior of the car looks almost brand new but its all original. For only $67,500.

Supercars from the seventies are an interesting breed, as ever tightening emissions controls and crash standards compromised these vehicles in the US market. The Bora, while down 30 horsepower from its European brethern, escaped rather unscathed, with exception of larger bumperettes. The Merak, sibling of the Bora, got a bit of a rap on Top Gear's Supercar Challenge for its unreliability and inadequate performance. With it's V8 engine, the Bora has power befitting a wedge shaped classic such as this.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1993 Ferrari 348 Series Speciale

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The Ferrari 348 reminds me of the series 996 Porsche 911. It came between two legendary models and is often overlooked by enthusiasts. The 348 was the successor to the successful 308/328 and the predecessor to the F355, which is fast becoming a modern classic in the truest sense. The 348 had an unusually short lifespan for a Ferrari of just six years. It was enough time to see a few special variants come along, including the car you see here for sale: the 348 Series Speciale. Only 100 units of this car was produced in TB and TS variants. Limited for sale to the US market, this edition had a higher horsepower motor (312 horsepower), revised tail lamps and a bigger front spoiler. The rear track was also widened by 25 millimeters. Fifteen units were made with Kevlar sport seats and this is one of them.

1993 Ferrari 348 Series Speciale

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1993 black/tan interior. 50,500 miles, engine out service was done January 2011 at 48,000 miles. New nuvolari exhaust, new cam belts and hill engineering tensioners, new front cover bearings, oil pump and timing chain tension blocks, waterpump rebuilt, new rear glass, valve covers powder coated red, new gaskets, ss brake lines, degree camshafts, Mobil 1, Red Line gear oil in trans, new ignition wires, new coil packs, rebuilt alternator, car at this time is registered and inspected, car sounds great drives great.

The mileage on this Ferrari is a bit higher than what we are used to seeing on these models, particularly on a rare edition such as this. This is a lot of exclusivity for the money, and with a recent servicing last year, one should be good for a few more thousand miles. All things being equal, this is a good price of entry for a modern day Ferrari and allows one to set aside funds for the next major servicing.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo 164L

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Our feature car today comes from reader and fellow enthusiast Robert. The Alfa Romeo 164 was the last new Alfa Romeo sold in the United States until the 8C Competizione arrived on the scene in 2008. With Alfa's imminent return to the US market, it's a good time to reflect on the last of this company's mainstream offerings. There are less survivors of these midsize luxury sedans than contemporary Spiders, so when I come across a pampered 164 sedan, I take notice. This particular 164 has had only two owners over more than 20 years, comes with a wealth of service records and has the desirable 5 speed manual transmission.

1991 Alfa Romeo 164L

Asking $6,200.00 OBO; may trade for the right Ducati, Moto Guzzi, or BMW airhead.

For sale: my 1991 Alfa Romeo 164L in great condition. I have owned 3 of these cars and they are a pleasure to drive and to own. Their looks and sounds attract all the right kinds of attention.

About the Alfa:
-1991 164L (Lusso), styled by Pininfarina; one of the most reliable Alfas, and the car that saved the company; Enzo Ferrari's daily driver was an Alfa 164.
-5 speed manual gearbox
-2 fanatical owners (first owner for 20 years, I'm the second)
-No accidents (Carproof and CarFax included with vehicle)
-Excellent condition; car runs and handles beautifully with no issues; fast, smooth and responsive
-Metallic blue paint with some minor scuffs on the rear bumper
-Bright, supple leather interior with embossed crests; leather was treated regularly with Leatherique and is in amazing condition (smells fantastic)
-All service records since new come with the car; serviced exclusively by Alfa expert Pino at Pinarello Motors; no expense spared on the maintenance of this gorgeous car
-All original manuals, tools, spare, jack, included with sale
-All rubber and plastic on the car has been treated regularly with Aerospace 303 and Wurth protectants
-Hinges lubed regularly with Wurth products
-$400.00 custom Coco mats included with the car
-New Michelin tires
-Rust sprayed regularly
-Stored winters; hand washed and waxed

Spares:
I have a huge inventory of spares that will go with the car: Spare fenders, trunk, hood, full dashboard and HVAC system, shifter, pedal assembly, console, front and rear lights, full black leather interior, 2 extra sets of floormats, tool kit, manuals, bulbs, alternator, radiator, rubber trim, trunk mat, relays, ecu, and much more. This is a very enjoyable, beautiful car that handles a dream and will make someone very happy. Serious inquiries only; Thanks for looking.

The bright tan leather over the metallic blue really makes this car stand out amongst modern sedans, save for some of the more interesting color combinations one can order in modern Audis. The chiseled Pininfarina looks have stood the test of time and for the money, this is a fun alternative to a number of used sports sedans one could buy. I know I'm not the only one waiting for Alfa Romeo to return to the US market. Lately I've gotten bored with the styling direction of new cars, particularly BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes. The Italians have always had the lock on aesthetics and as Jeremy Clarkson said "alpha males drive BMWs.....Alfas are for nice people."

My compliments go out to Robert for preserving such a great piece of Alfa Romeo history. If you have had your eye on an Alfa Romeo 164 for some time, this car is the one to buy.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000

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We featured a very original, low mileage 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000 last month and it seems where there is one, there are several. Here is yet another original, low mileage example that has cropped up again in, you guessed it, California.

1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000

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Beautiful 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000 in excellent condition. This Nero Black exterior over Brown interior has been a one owner car since new, This Alfa is 100% accident free! By its overall condition, it was very well cared for. The paint is in very nice condition, the body is in excellent shape, the Interior is in amazing condition. Mechanically this Alfa is great with only 50k original miles on the engine and transmission. This GTV needs nothing but a fun driver. All services are up to date, Everything works like it should. This GTV is in very good condition and a great driver quality vehicle. This Alfa is by no means a concourse vehicle, but shows beautiful. The new owner will receive with the car, clean and clear title, some service records and some new and used parts. Please note: inspections are more than welcome before the end of auction, at any Alfa shop of your choice.

I like this GTV better than the one featured last month because it has a little more patina and encourages potential buyers to use it as intended. However, it is still a very much show quality vehicle. The reserve is probably hovering in the $20,000 to $25,000 range, and I'd say, for the originality and presentation, anything up to the low $30,000 range wouldn't be out of the question. Overall, this is a nice, honest example of one of the best classic Alfa coupes.

-Paul

Lancia

1963 Lancia Flaminia Convertible

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It has been a warm winter here on the east coast of the United States and with even warmer weather arriving shortly, the thoughts of owning a convertible have been running through my mind once again. An Italian convertible would certainly be a treat, especially one as nice as this restored Lancia Flaminia convertible. Designed and built by Carrozeria Touring, the GT and Convertible had aluminum bodies and a rear mounted transaxle, mated to a 2.5 or 2.8 liter V6 engine. Fewer than 850 were built with production of the convertible halting in 1964.

1963 Lancia Flaminia GT Touring Convertible

Car completely restored to factory condition.

At a little over $100,000 USD, this type of sports car is for serious collectors. True, this is Ferrari money, but this car is the thinking man's exotic. I've seen a few Flaminia convertibles in rather ragged condition on the market, and even these still command princely sums. This one, for sale in the north of Italy, is in remarkable condition and certainly would be a good investment, as to restore one would take considerable time and efforts in sourcing parts.

-Paul