Lancia

1957 Lancia Aurelia B24 Cabriolet

4 Comments

While their current offerings are a bit underwhelming and not much more than rebadged Fiats and Chryslers, as enthusiasts, we must never forget that Lancia was a revolutionary marque right from the start. Known for their engineering prowess, they brought innovations such as the five speed gearbox and independent suspension to market and were the first with a series production V6 engine. In 1950, Lancia replaced their Aprilla sedan with the Aurelia, brainchild of famed engineer Vittorio Jano. As a precursor to Lancia's string of rally championships, the Aurelia had successful outings in the Mille Miglia and took home a 1-2-3 finish at the Targa Florio in 1952. Lancia went one step further and in a desire to create an all out sports car, developed a Spyder version in conjunction with Pininfarina. These were gorgeous machines, with flowing lines and delicate quarter bumpers. Designed with the American market in mind, only 240 of these Spyders were ever produced, making them extremely rare and desirable. Later, a convertible version of the Aurelia was released after Spyder production ended in 1955. This new open top version shared no panels with the Spyder it replaced, and 521 were produced until 1959. This cabriolet for sale in The Netherlands has undergone a restoration and is simply stunning in gray over dark red leather.

1957 Lancia Aurelia B24 Cabriolet

Superbly restored and very elegant Lancia Aurelia B24S Cabriolet. Finished in beautiful dark grey metallic with dark red leather interior and black hood. This lovely example was comprehensively restored by Aurelia specialist Clerici in Italy. It has participated in the 2006 edition of the famous Mille Miglia. These rare convertible are excellent event cars or very enjoyable for a weekend out. A welcome addition to any collection! EEC registration. FIVA passport.

As of late, Aurelia Spyders are changing hands in the $400,000 to $500,000 range at auction, and this restored example is probably no exception. While the Corvette was just making a name for itself in America and some circles in Europe, it is interesting to look back at its contemporary from Italy to see how similar, yet different, the concept of a sports car across cultures can be.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1989 Maserati 430

With two extra doors and a longer wheelbase, the Maserati 430 was the . Similar in size (and appearance) to the BMW 3 series, it cost a whopping $16,000 more than the 325i sedan. With two IHI turbochargers and twin intercoolers, the 2.8 liter V6 was good for 225 horsepower and a 0-60 time of around six seconds. This example for sale outside of Richmond, VA is equipped with an automatic transmission and has 61,000 miles on the clock.

1989 Maserati 430

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Nice one owner example of Maserati 430. Runs and drives excellent. Everything works from seats to power antenna, no leaks. No rust, If you are looking at it you probably know everything about it. If properly maintained these late model Biturbos are solid and dependable like Mercedes. Car is located in Richmond Virginia. Reserve is $5,900.

I wouldn't fully agree with the seller with regards to the late model Biturbo reliability, but by the time the 430 came around, the Biturbo had been around for eight years. By then, at least, a few of the issues had been worked out. This 430 appears to be straight and the interior is in decent shape, so I'd wager to believe the mechanicals have been kept up in a similar fashion. It's not the most desirable Italian classic, but with 995 examples built between 1987 through 1994, this is an affordable way to sidle into exclusive and exotic motoring.

-Paul

Fiat

1939 Fiat Topolino 500A

2 Comments

With the Fiat 500 barely a year old in the US market, few consumer may be aware that this car can trace its lineage back before the outbreak of World War II. Legendary Italian engineer Dante Giacosa set out to create a small car for the masses in the middle of the 1930s and came up with the 500cc Fiat Cinquecento, which quickly took on the name “Topolino,” or little mouse, in Italian. It was a revolutionary car, with an ingenious design; it’s sidevalve (and later overhead valve) inline four cylinder engine swung out ahead of the front axle. The engine only produced horsepower in the single digits and was good for a top speed of around 53 mph, but fuel economy was outstanding at almost 40 mpg. After World War II, few Italians, however, could afford the asking price of 720,000 lire, which represented a yearly salary three times over for the average worker. Nevertheless, the Topolino soldiered on until the introduction of the Nuova 500 in 1955, a car which became so much a symbol of Italy that it overshadowed its predecessor and was built under license worldwide. Our feature car for sale in Switzerland has undergone an outstanding restoration and is a one family vehicle. The car even has its original Turin license plates.

1939 Fiat Topolino 500A

In same family ownership since new! With original license plate Torino, TO-59233. Serial Number 3245TO. First registered in 1940. Totally restored in bi-coloor Beige and Black, aoriginal paint scheme. Originally the car was blue. Interior redone in red artificial leather, originally was in fabric. Soft rag top redone in original fabric. New sunroof. Engine, 500 cc, 8 hp, overhauled in 1998, driven 800 km after overhaul. Electric starter. Original Pirelly White Star Tires, installed new 800 km ago. Original documents available. Registered in Italy. Never in an accident. Approved by the ASI (Auto Storiche Italiane) registry with certificate.

At almost $20,000, this is big money for a supermini, but the historical significance of this car has me thinking that this is a fantastic value for a restored and documented example of Italian engineering ingenuity. Overall, this is a great example of a milestone car overlooked, even by some hardcore automotive enthusiasts.

-Paul

Ferrari

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi

3 Comments

With the arrival of the Lamborghini Miura in 1966, Ferrari suddenly had a problem on its hands. Its lineup consisted of front engined V12 sports cars and while the mid-engined Dino arrived one year later, it packed half the number of cylinders as the V12 Miura. At the end of the Miura's life, a new mid-engined Ferrari appeared, the 365 GT4 BB. The "BB" was short for Berlinetta Boxer, a reference to the new 12 cylinder engine. While not a true horizontally opposed engine, you could almost call it that, as the angle between the cylinder heads was 180 degrees. The 365 GT4 begat the 512 BB and fuel injected 512 BBi, which gave way in 1984 to the well-known Testarossa. The Berlinetta Boxer was never sold new in the United States, but a few found their way here via third party importers. If you squint, you'd have a hard time differing the 512 BB from a 308, but they are vastly different animals indeed. Our feature car was owned for 27 years by Michael Anthony of Van Halen fame.

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi

VIN number: ZFFJA09B000047319. One of the greatest 12 cylinder Ferraris of all time, the 512 BB combines the excellent power of the melodious flat 12 with timeless Pininfarina styling. Perfect in its Rosso Corsa coat with a stunningly redone interior by Prestige Auto Upholstery this up-to-date, serviced and meticulously kept example is 50 state legal and ready to go. Owned by Van Halen rocker Michael Anthony from 1985 until now, this car has seen nothing but the best care. The odometer sports a mere 30,300Km (18,800 miles) and looks younger yet. The Campagnolo center lug wheels are excellent, the glass is clear and the paint is nearly perfect. If you’re looking for a little more flash there’s a one-off set of 18” Boyd Codington wheels which come with the car. Even on the stock rollers you’re not going to shrink into the scenery!

Mechanically the car is better than new, and when it was federalized it was done to the far more stringent California emissions standards, so this car can follow you anywhere--all EPA/DOT releases are included. There are receipts for multiple engine-out services including a full belt and reseal job fewer than 2000Km ago. When it was apart, the intake runners and various other aluminum pieces were sent out and polished for a mild custom look for the usual all-business compartment. The stock exhaust is on the car now, complete with newer catalytic converters, but we have the Tubi exhaust which was on the car a short time and is perfect. The front suspension is rebuilt, the clutch is new and the car drives like it did on delivery day.Inside, power features are everywhere. Power windows, air conditioning, a newer Alpine stereo with component speakers and a front mounted amp are there to make the cruise easier, but the real star is the upholstery.

Fernando at Prestige Auto Upholstery took the interior completely apart (we have a CD full of pictures to show the extent) and replaced every scrap of the old leather and vinyl in favor of glove smooth, intoxicatingly fragrant saddle leather. The seats were redone with black inserts for the Daytona look while the rest of the surfaces are textbook correct. The service cost more than $11,000, and you’ll never have to worry about it gumming up or warping again! All manuals, tools and the jack are included, as well as extra European lights. This car was even featured on Hot Rod TV on Speed Channel! The driving experience can’t be ignored--it’s what makes a Ferrari a Ferrari. From the sound of the engine to the feel of the shifter running through the gates to the visceral acceleration of 12 cylinders pounding away behind you, there’s simply nothing like it. Once one of the finest supercars at any price the 512 BB is now and ever shall be a world-renowned classic.

I've seen only one of these BBs in the wild stateside and they are every bit as impressive in person as they are in pictures, especially when you get an earful of the exhaust note. I was happy to read about the engine servicing, because the engine in the BB has timing belts and not chains. If these fail, it would be a very expensive headache. If I was buying this car, I'd probably sell the Boyd Coddington wheels. While the late hot rodder made some high quality wheels and cars, aftermarket rolling stock would be out of place on such a legendary supercar. The chrome intake runners under the hood add to the dramatic looking engine and mirror the beauty of the Alfa Romeo V6. Today's manufacturers could take a lesson from such engineering sculpture. It doesn't take much to make the heart of a car look beautiful.

-Paul

Fiat

1987 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

Following on to the Innocenti de Tomaso Turbo we featured yesterday, here is another, larger hot Italian hatchback. Known as the Strada ("road" in Italian) where it was sold in North America until 1982, the Ritmo, or "rhythm," was Fiat's answer to the Volkswagen Golf GTI. With the rise in popularity of the hot hatchback in the 1980s, Fiat was not about to be shortchanged. The first sporty Ritmo, the 105TC, appeared in 1981. This car had a 1.5 liter, 104 horsepower twin cam four cylinder engine, however, it lacked the Abarth name. Later that year, the Abarth 125TC was unleashed with a 2.0 liter, 123 horsepower engine. The final evolution of the Abarth Ritmo was the 130TC, with a higher output 2.0 liter engine, producing 128 horsepower. The 130TC was upgraded with twin carburetors, Recaro seats and upgraded alloy wheels. This car could reach 60 mph in 7.8 second, which was extremely fast for its day and outpaced many of its rivals. Our feature car is for sale in the south of Italy with about 40,000 miles on the clock.

1985 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

From my private collection I am selling my Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC series 3, 1985. Amazing undercarriage, perfect Recaro interior, 65,000 km with excellent mechanicals. All documentation, new rubber, trim, fast with excellent roadholding. Price is negotiable, just €9,800 (~ $12,800), plus expenses for the ride. I do not respond to e-mail, I evaluate trade-ins of old cars to my liking, or exchange for a red Alfa Romeo 155 Q4, 156 GTA, 75 turbo America, 3000, 3000 V6, 147 GTA, Escort Cosworth, Renault 5 GT Turbo or other interesting trades.

The Ritmo has was never a favorite of mine, but with the twin cam engine, styling tweaks and Abarth's DNA enfused into it, suddenly this becomes an attractive package. It might not be engineered as well as the VW GTI (most certainly the reason they are more scarce), but it exudes that Latin flair which turns what appears to be an irrational choice into an almost irresistible one.

-Paul

Modern Classic, Uncategorized

1985 de Tomaso Innocenti Turbo

1 Comment

If you catch yourself saying, well, the original Mini is just a bit boring for me, then meet its Italian cousin, the Innocenti Mini. Developed when British Leyland Motor Corporation owned Innocenti, this car was a revamped version of the original Mini with bodywork styled by Bertone. Upon BL’s bankruptcy in 1976, Innocenti was sold to de Tomaso, and a year later, the Mini de Tomaso arrived on the scene with styling tweaks and a higher horsepower engine. In the early 1980s, the BL engines were swapped for units supplied by Daihatsu, much to the dismay of Italian enthusiasts. The Turbo version we see here bowed in 1983, and featured a 993 cc three cylinder turbocharged engine good for about 71 horsepower, or 67 horsepower in Canadian trim. These were brought into Canada new via an importer by the name of Incacars Inc., but only from 1984 through 1986. This particular example for sale in Quebec City looks clean but is listed as a project car.

1985 de Tomaso Innocenti Turbo

Little is given in the way of a description for this vehicle, but I have a hard time seeing how this is a project car, as it looks rather complete. It could have mechanical issues, but as far as the bodywork, trim and interior go, it looks solid. Since the Charade was sold in North America, parts would not be as difficult to source as one may think. One could also go the unconventional route and fit a breathed on engine from a period Mini Cooper as well. Either way, this is a neat piece of automotive history that has the fingerprints of several manufacturers on it. With such a chequered history, it is amazing that these lived on in production until 1993.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Classic

1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

2 Comments

Introduced in the mid-1950s, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint was an interesting model in that the coupe was the first to debut at the Turin Motor Show, followed by sedan and convertible variants. Even a rare station wagon variant by Carrozzeria Colli was built, with just shy of 100 examples seeing the light of day. Designed by Bertone, this was one of the first Alfa Romeos to be mass produced and earned the reputation as one of the most nimble handling, balanced machines of its time. The coupe variant is not particularly rare, with approximately 25,000 produced. This example for sale outside of Philadelphia was owned by the DuPont family until 2001 and comes with many spare parts.

1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

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I finally got the Sprint back running and on the road. So, now it's time to put it up for sale.

Here is a brief history of it:
- Car was purchased by someone in the DuPont family (the chemical company) – originally robins egg blue with blue(?) interior
- Car was sold to someone, but then repurchased by the DuPonts again (Baird DuPont)
– It was subsequently painted dark blue, then pininfarina red
– It also had the interior redone at some point in brown vinyl with basket weave fabric inserts – very 70’s.
- It was also conveted to a 5spd at some point.
- It's engine was swapped out for a 1600 from a Spider. I sold the Spider long ago for parts. I have the original 1300 (which supposedly was rebuilt with a 1400 kit and never run). That engine goes with the car. The 1600 has a vintage Mallory distributor.
- In 2000 or 2001, Baird DuPont advertised the car in the local (Delaware Valley) Alfa club classifieds (I was running the club and website at the time, so handled the ad). On a whim, I called about it and purchased it along with a ’63 Spider and a bunch of parts from him. I’ve owned it since.
- After purchasing it, I needed to go over the brakes, replace the exhaust and a few other items to get it running/driving.
- I haven’t done much to it since, other than maintenance and putting on a Weber carb. I drove it to NH in 2004 for the Alfa Convention and drove it regularly until about 2010 when the head gasket went. It’s sat in my garage since then.
- In December 2011, I pulled it out to get it ready to sell. Yesterday, I finally got it back on the road again. The brakes are a bit dodgy - need to be gone over from sitting so long.
- The car is pretty well preserved, probably due to the fact that it was sprayed everywhere with cosmoline (or something like that). It’s been hit in the front – the hood, grill, bumper and both front fenders were replaced at one point. There is some rust bubbling in the front quarter panels where the new fenders were brazed in with a lap joint. On the positive, the front bumper is beautiful. It’s been hit in the rear also – the trunk lid was repaired and the rear bumper replaced. The rear bumper is perfect, but it does not have the reflectors on the fenders. Other than the front fender bubbles, there is a small bubble on the lower rear fender. Other than that, the car is rust free as far as I can tell.
- The interior is deteriorating – it is not original anyway. Both front seats are torn. The headliner has a hole in it above the driver door. The tach does not work. One of the gages has the lettering falling off. The car does, however, have a rare rear seat which is very nice. The rear seats are in good condition.
- The glass is fine.
- Bumpers are near perfect. The grill has a small ding that can be taken out. The trim is fine. The airplane is pitted. The door handles are also pitted, but not as badly. The front fenders do not have the marker lights on them. The hood does not have the spear on it. One tail light lens has a hole in it – don’t ask! I have the trim for the hood and rear reflectors. I don't have the side marker lights.
- As mentioned before, the 1600 needs a head gasket. The transmission is fine. Brake MC was rebuilt a couple of years ago and some of the wheel cylinders were replaced – not all.
- The car would come with spares, most of the missing trim, the 1300 engine, and some new parts like window seals. Depending on selling price, i will also include a spare trunk lid, hood, rear glass and other Giulietta parts I have.
- Overall, it is a solid car that can be enjoyed with very little work. However, if you intend to show it, it would need a complete restoration. My plan was to take it off the road and redo it, back to its original colors. Unfortunately, I have neither the time nor the energy anymore to seriously think about restoring it. While I love the car, I need to simplify and both it and my ’74 GTV must go. I’m still holding on to the ’74 GTV race car, for now.

- I'd like to get $20K for it and the spares package.

While not a concours example, this Giulietta is rather complete and not horribly rust ridden as some examples you see that are on their last legs. This car has a lot of potential and it says a lot that the current owner drove it from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire for the Alfa Convention. This would make a nice, affordable project car for an enthusiast to turn into better looking, but perhaps not show quality driver.

-Paul

Fiat

1962 Fiat 2300 S Coupe

2 Comments

Italian coupes have always been an interesting lot and more often than not, as these strikingly handsome sporting vehicles were based on the underpinnings of rather pedestrian sedans. The Fiat 2300 S Coupe was styled by Ghia with production subcontracted to OSI. The car's roofline was unlike anything else on the market at the time, with a forward swept C pillar that predated the similar looking Plymouth Barracuda by four years. The coupe had a wider track and more aggressive final drive gearing than it's sedan counterpart, and the S version saw the employment of dual carburetors to give the overhead valve straight six cylinder engine 136 horsepower. Our feature car is a two owner original vehicle for sale near Turin, Italy.

1962 Fiat 2300 S Coupe

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Original and very rare Fiat 2300 S Coupe. Always maintained. It runs perfectly. Original matching number engine. This rare coupe has been made by Fiat involving Abarth factory for the mechanics and the engine. This car has been homologued by ASI (the most relevant Italian classic car association, the Italian branch of FIVA) with the gold plate for its stunning original preserved status. Sold new in Turin, the car has original Italian title and first original black plate Turin. Only 2 owner since new. The odometer signs 66333 km. Everything on this rare coupe is original and it works!

Big Fiats are rare, interesting beasts and this coupe is no exception. They often are viewed as a Ferrari for the working man, as many of them had larger engines and accoutrements befitting vehicles with more prestigious nameplates. As with most upmarket Fiats, few examples are still on the road these days, so to find one in original, numbers matching condition is a real treat.

-Paul

Ferrari

1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

7 Comments

The Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 was the first production Ferrari to feature a V8 engine, making it a very important car in the history of the marque. There has been a Ferrari with a mid-mounted V8 in the lineup ever since this model was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1973. Styled by Bertone, this vehicle signaled a change of direction in Ferrari’s styling language for years to come. The love it or hate it styling concealed a surprisingly practical package, with a fairly usable backseat for passengers or the proverbial golf clubs. This example for sale is an early pre catalytic converter example with the 255 horsepower version of the 3.0 V8, which turns out to be a rare package, more so than which I was aware.

1974 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

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Rare Opportunity to own a slice of history. I'm selling my 1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 2+2, vehicle identification number 10770. After extensive research, we've determined that this is one of the last four series 1 cars produced by Ferrari and quite possibility the last one running of those four. This car drives and looks beautiful. A must have for a 308 collector or enthusiast. Don't let this one get away!

I have tried to photographically document the car as best as possible, showing hi-res close-up pictures and a video. Bare in mind, this is not a garage-queen, 100 point car, but a rare GT4 driver car, well taken care and maintained in great condition. Please take a moment to review the pictures and video below. Here's what makes the Series 1 cars different and more desirable:

Series 1 cars had 255hp with euro cams and euro timing specs.
Series 1 cars had the narrow grille with the wrap valance
Series 1 cars were standard equipped with Cromodora wheels and center caps.
A series 1 glove box opens with knob under dash, the dash front is solid leather.
The left dash panel on a series 1 GT4 had 3 switches with 3 indicator lights.
Steering rack mounts same a 246 Dino

Fixed type seatbelts on most, but some had the “reel” type

Fuse box visible inside glove box

No cats
Here's a PDF document concerning the differences: 308 Dino GT4 Overview

Now for a little specific information on this Dino. Looks like a three owner car, 50,121 miles, brought into California in 2006, bought by me in 2009. Well maintained with major service done in 2007. Everything is working on the car, including the clock, windows are fast and A/C is cold. Tires and brakes are excellent. Radiator and electrical are redone, no overheating or electrical issues. Hoses, wires and tires all new. Carburetors have been rebuilt. Interior is excellent tan leather, dash is perfect, seats are perfect. Exterior paint is very glossy and the color is a beautiful Ferrari red. Some panels have been resprayed but basically the body and paint are in very good condition considering age. Car drives beautiful and handles great, never heats up. Clutch and shifting are perfect. Just completed oil service with Mobil 1, V-Twin, Synthetic ( only oil with the correct additives for older vehicle valve guides and rings ).

Known repairs/improvements/service:

Replace cam belts and tensioner bearings
Replace all accessory belts
Adjusted valves
Re-timed cams
Replace water hoses & fuel lines
Rebuild water pump & carburetors
Repair / re-core radiator and flush cooling system
Flush brake system
Replace spark plugs and wires
Replace air filter
Recharge A/C system
Re-wire radiator fans
Replaced final drive seals
Replace and rewire fuse box
Included Extras:

Set of 4 five spoke Ferrari 308 wheels
Original Blaupaunt radio
Owner's manual with leather Dino
Shop manual
Cover

I’ve never been the biggest fan of mid-engined, four seat V8 Ferraris, as the proportions can be a bit off and styling from certain angles can be a bit awkward. However, I’m impressed by the quality of this vehicle. Oftentimes, the leather interior looks tired and bodywork can be a bit dodgy on these 308 GT4s, as they are one of the cheaper ways of entry into Ferrari ownership. This car looks remarkably well kept, the tan leather appears to be in like new condition and the bodywork is quite straight. Aside from the cumbersome federally mandated bumpers, I’m coming around on these early V8 Ferraris. The asking price of almost $35,000 is strong money for a 308 GT4, but it is better to buy one complete and well sorted. These cars may be cheap to purchase in Ferrari terms, but one must always remember that maintenance can be an eye opening experience.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5 Balocco S.E.

The Alfa Romeo GTV6 is a car noted for being one of the last Alfa Romeos to be designed before the Fiat takeover in 1986. With a 13 year production run, this rear drive coupe was a mainstay in the Alfa Romeo lineup. In 1982, the limited edition Balocco edition bowed, mainly a trim package named after the famous Alfa Romeo test track, later used by Fiat for their proving grounds. This particular Balocco has had an engine transplant, a turbocharged 3.0 V6 from a 164 sedan.

1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5 Balocco S.E.

Alfa Red with black leather interior, 5-speed, two owner Texas car, correct Balocco SE trim including numbered dash emblem, original 2.5 liter V6 (with an arguably inadequate 160 horsepower and 157 lb-ft of torque) was swapped out and replaced with a 3.0 liter V6 from an Alfa 164L (an AR06412 block) and then a large turbo was added to it (likely ~270 horsepower and ~270 lb-ft of torque now) to create a true Italian tuner car, original paint, four new high performance 215 mm tires on 17-inch Serpent Autosport Type 3 five-lug 5-spoke alloys (very tasty upgrade compared to stock 15s), significantly lowered, original manual sunroof, inboard rear brakes, and De Dion rear axle, super light sports coupe at only 2,702 pounds new. Only 4,674 GTV6s were sold new in the United States over its 6 year model run (fewer than 800 per model year) of which only 350 were Balocco SEs in 1982. This is an extremely rare, desirable coupe. Price of $7,900 is flexible, but is already way below cost of engine swap plus original low mile donor car.

The turbocharger slapped onto the later V6 engine concerns me, as there is no way of telling how professional of an installation this is. The updated wheels give this GTV6 a bit of a meaner stance and the fact that it has the original paint leads me to believe it is more honest of a car than I originally had thought. It is a bit pricey at $7,900, but being the rare Balocco version, it is one of a few hundred examples produced. Provided this car is well sorted and can provide a modicum of reliability, it would certainly be a sleeper, not only with the power but the legendary rear drive Alfa chassis.

-Paul