Alfa Romeo

1958 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sedan

The Alfa Romeo 1900 was a series of firsts for Alfa Romeo. In addition to being the first all new postwar vehicle, it was also the first to be built on an assembly line and the first Alfa to employ unibody construction. Marketed as a family car with a racing heritage, the 1900 employed a 1.9 liter, twin cam four cylinder engine which produced 90 horsepower. An impressive figure, considering some American cars of the day were using engines two and three times larger that struggled to produce much more power.

This particular 1900 was bought new in South Africa and brought over to the United States only recently, in the hands of the original owner. This Alfa has an impressive story for such an ordinary car and would be a standout at almost any car show one could think of.

1958 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sedan

1958 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sedan, s/n AR1900*19202*, Engine no. AR1306*19685*
Silver Blue Metallic with Grey/Green Interior. The 1900 was Alfa Romeo’s first all new postwar model and featured a number of innovative features including unit chassis, and dual overhead cam inline-4 with hemispherical combustion chambers and an aluminum alloy cylinder head. The majority of 1900’s produced were sedan models as offered here, while a minority of the total production numbers were coachbuilt cars by Touring, Ghia, and Zagato.

This particular car is a charmingly undisturbed, exceptional tight example showing just 53,325 original miles. It was sold new to South Africa, and remained with its first owner until 2008, importing in to the United States (Arizona) when he immigrated. During 2010, in the hands of the current owner, the car successfully completed the California Mille Miglia.

Best described as a largely unrestored, ‘exceptionally nice driver’ example, this car will be particularly appealing to the Italian car enthusiast whom values the coherent feel of a low mileage, unrestored car. Unbelievably cool, and eligible for numerous premier events, this 1900 makes a wonderful diversification for any Italian car collection. $89,500

At first I did a double take over the price of this car. These are surely rare cars in the United States and to find an original, preserved example is near impossible. But closing in on $100,000 for a 1950s four cylinder Alfa Romeo sedan? Even with the most ardent Alfa enthusiasts, I have a hard time seeing a car like this break $40,000 to $50,000, with a price of around $30,000 as a more realistic, yet still optimistic value. Barring that issue, this is a really nice example of where it all started for Alfa-Romeo post World War II.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1989 Ferrari 348TB

The Ferrari 308 and 328 were icons of the 1980s, made popular by the television series Magnum P.I. and by the sheer amount produced, which was a little over 18,000 units. The 308 was even campaigned in Group 4 Rally, racking up a number of wins from 1979 through 1984. When the last 328 rolled off the assembly line in Maranello in 1989, it's replacement, the 348, had big shoes to fill. Over six years, the 348 proved to be rather underwhelming. After owning one, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo stating "with the exception of its good looks I was utterly disappointed. This was clearly the worst product Ferrari had developed for some time."

These were fairly strong words for what has proven to be a proud company with a storied history. Now these have become rather forgotten, as enthusiasts remember the 348's successor, the F355, as one of the last "classic" Ferraris, unburned with complex gearboxes and futuristic yet sometimes fussy styling.

1989 Ferrari 348TB

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This is without a question one of the most handsome and sensible Ferraris one could ever desire or find. It is finished in a flawless fly yellow with impeccable (and rare) tan leather interior and perfect headliner. It is powered by a 3.4L V8 fuel injected DOHC 32V engine and has a manual 5 speed gear change. No accidents, it has a clean Carfax and has been exquisitely kept both mechanically and cosmetically. Tools, books and extensive records included. The colors of fly yellow with a deep tan leather interior are one of the most beautiful combinations to emerge from Ferrari. It has gone only 54,601 certified miles and a finer example of the great marquise could not be found and is for the true connoisseur.

A Ferrari for under $40,000 is very tempting, especially as modern as this one. This one comes with a service history and presents well, but it goes without saying that one will have to account for future maintenance costs, which are more frequent and costlier than your daily driver. In Giallo, this 348 looks sharp and while well used in Ferrari terms, with care, it should provide plenty of enjoyment in the future, even if deemed a lesser Ferrari by the Chairman himself.

-Paul

Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled by Italians: 1981 BMW M1

So far, we've featured cars from the United States, United Kingdom, France and Japan which have all been influenced by Italian design. Saving the best for last, here is a BMW styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro which represented year dot for the Motorsports badge on street BMWs: the M1. Lamborghini helped bring this car to market for BMW, via a homologation agreement resulting in the only mid-engined, mass-produced BMW. From 1978 through 1981, 455 examples were manufactured and featured an exotic 3.5 liter inline six with 24 valves and 273 horsepower. The engine would later be pressed into service in the E24 M6, E28 M5 and a special, low volume version of the E23 745i made especially for the South African market. With such low production numbers, the M1 is one of the priciest classic BMWs, with mint condition examples fetching well over $100,000 on a regular basis. This example in Florida is one of the last to be produced and could possibly be the lowest mileage example outside of BMW's own collection.

1981 BMW M1

The 3rd or 4th from the end of the production. We got this car from a long time owner in California. It has to be one of the lowest mileage M1's available. Excellent condition condition inside and out. Mechanically perfect. EPA & DOT certified. We've sold over 20 M1's and this is one of the best we've had.

I have never seen many M1s in silver, but I did have a Matchbox model of the M1 painted silver growing up. A significant enough vehicle to garner its own racing series for two years, the M1 has never been forgotten by enthusiasts and there's been chatter over the years that BMW would revive the idea of building a low volume supercar, especially with the arrival of the Audi R8. This car is an amazing example of Italian flair and German practicality wrapped into one lust worthy package. Hopefully this example gets snapped up by a responsible collector who preserves it for future generations, while hopefully going over it and maybe giving it a little exercise in between.

-Paul

Modern Classic, Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled by Italians: 1994 Subaru SVX

For a Japanese car manufacturer, Subaru has been more daring than its domestic competition. Using all-wheel drive as a design hallmark, their cars have been the favorite of buyers looking for all-terrain capacity in a smaller package. Recently, with the WRX and STi, Subaru has turned into the object of desire for enthusiasts seeking rally performance for the street.

Before the Impreza STi became the darling of the rally circuit, there was the Alcyone SVX, or SVX as it was known in the United States. Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign was responsible for the SVX's space aged looks, a marked departure from the almost origami-like appearance of its predecessor, the XT Coupe. Powered by a 3.0 liter horizontally opposed six cylinder engine, all SVXs produced were mated to a four speed automatic. There was no manual transmission to which Subaru had access that could handle the six cylinder engine's power, but lately, enthusiasts have been swapping the 6 speed manual from the STi in these coupes. Here is a well cared for SVX with 74,000 miles for sale in Texas.

1994 Subaru SVX

Gorgeous pearl white 1994 model SVX with only 74K ACTUAL miles. EXCELLENT running condition, non smoker, and riding on close to new set of tires. This is a RARE find.

In white, the SVX looks great because the color accentuates it's black roof and the odd window within a window design cue. Even by today's standards, this is a very daring styling exercise. Even if its drivetrain was rather unimpressive, you have to give Subaru credit for bringing such a wild interpretation of a grand touring coupe to market. For slightly under $7,000, this is a very affordable, practical classic which can be enjoyed all year round.

-Paul

Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled by Italians: 1973 Peugeot 504 Cabriolet

Peugeot has a long history of relying on Italian designers for some of their most iconic and exclusive vehicles. Pininfarina is a styling house they have done business with for decades. A few examples of this collaboration was the popular 505 sedan and estate, the 406 Coupe and the 1988 European Car of the Year, the 405. One of the lesser known examples of Pininfarina's work with Peugeot is the 504 Coupe and Cabriolet. From the looks of it, this car could be a mix between a Fiat 124 Spider and Fiat Dino, both of which were styled by Pininfarina, as well. These sporting vehicles were based off of the simple, rugged 504 sedan, which was produced from 1968 and carried on with updates until 2004, when production ceased in Nigeria. This particular 504 Cabriolet for sale in The Netherlands has the 2.0 liter four cylinder engine with Kugelfischer mechanical injection.

1973 Peugeot 504 Cabriolet

Peugeot 504 Cabriolet in excellent condition. Very beautifully restored and well maintained. This Peugeot is rust free and still has the old four headlights and rear lamps. Original cloth seats in good original condition. Super convertible. Car has license plates and TUV. To register simply enter any EU country, you pay no import tax.

The 504 Cabriolet is a good way to get into a French cabriolet with bespoke styling on a budget. While the asking price of €17,950 (~ $22,000 USD) is not exactly chump change for an almost 40 year old French classic, it is a lot less than what you could expect to pay for a Citroën DS Cabriolet of the same vintage.

-Paul

Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled By Italians: 1974 Jensen Interceptor III Convertible

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Continuing on with theme week, here's an example of one of Britain's greatest grand touring vehicles, the Jensen Interceptor. The Interceptor was designed by Carrozzeria Touring, with the first examples having bodies manufactured by coachbuilder Vignale. Along with the Italians, the United States had a hand in bringing the Interceptor to life, with Chrysler lending their 383 and 440 cubic inch V8 engines and Torqueflite automatic transmissions.

A fastback version and a rare coupe were marketed, along with a convertible version of the Interceptor, intended mainly for the American market. With 267 manufactured, it's not everyday you see one for sale and rarer still, in this condition. Almost 40 years on, these cars still look the business, especially in this very classy combination of black on black.

1974 Jensen Interceptor III Convertible

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1974 Jensen Interceptor III Convertible.

Beautiful example of a classic British super car! This indeed is a rare car in the states! A limited production and of which only 843 ever imported! A beautiful convertible variant, in excellent condition! In the late 60s, this British answer to the super car race, was this Grand Tourer designed by Italian craft, and powered by American Muscle.

This California Jensen is for sale from an Interceptor collector's garage, ready to cruise by the new owner. Mechanically, this Interceptor is in good standing, with all services complete on the Chrysler 440 original engine. The car has no issues like leaks or cooling. Only 70K original miles! Many new parts installed recently. Including new belts, brakes, starter, head gaskets, starter, rebuilt carburetor, etc. This car runs great, with no smoke, leaks, just smooth powerful performance! The AC is ice cold! The suspension is in good standing, stiff, and responsive, with recent servicing.
Many receipts and documents are available for the life of the car!

The interior is almost perfect, also recently restored with great carpet, and great leather! Being a late production Interceptor, this "1974 1/2" features a gorgeous wooden dash that came on 1975 models. The trunk has been re-carpeted, with new paneling. The headliner is a saddle wool, with a newer canvas convertible top. Interior components work, all electronic issues sorted out! This Jensen will also come with a convertible boot cover, and a rare sport cover exposing the just the driver.

The original color yellow, was repainted the current black. The quality glossy paint is older, and now shows age in some areas. The body is straight, with no evidence of accidents. all the chrome is perfect! The undercarriage is rust and corrosion free thanks to the California climate!

Almost $45,000 for a vintage British sports car is nothing to sneeze at, but this is one of the nicest examples of an Interceptor convertible I've seen in quite some time. The color combination is timeless and the combination of several countries coming together to produce such a car is impressive. Sadly, Jensen Motors Ltd. ceased operations in 1976 and the Interceptor has, to many, become an obscurity in the annals of automotive history.

-Paul

Modern Classic, Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled by Italians: 1993 Cadillac Allante

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From food to science, there are few things the Italians have not influenced in our everyday lives. This influence includes cars. In recent years in the United States, though, you wouldn't know it, as Italian car sightings are uncommon. However, from American classics to British sports cars, the Italians have had a wide reach with automotive styling in the 20th century. Not even the French could escape their inspiration. I want to take this week to look at a few significant and sometimes forgotten classics that Italy had a hand in bringing to market.

In the 1980s, General Motors was looking for a way to position Cadillac as a competitor to the world's best, and their solution was to go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz 560SL and Jaguar XJ-S. The two seater Allante convertible bowed in 1987 to much fanfare. Its body was assembled in Italy and shipped back to the United States for final assembly via specially equipped Boeing 747s. This method of manufacturing garnered the nickname "the world's longest assembly line." It also added a good amount to the sticker price.

The final model year, 1993, was the best year for the Allante. In true General Motors fashion, they killed off this car just as the plot was thickening. Equipped with the new Northstar V8, this engine was a massive upgrade, delivering a whopping 95 horsepower more over the old 4.5 liter V8. It was still front wheel drive, but at least this kind of power had people taking this two seater a bit more seriously. Our feature car is in fact the desirable 1993 model with an amazingly low 18,000 miles in museum-like condition.

1993 Cadillac Allante

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1993 Cadillac Allante Convertible. Finished in classic red with beautiful soft tan leather interior and black convertible top. This incredible motorcar has been driven just 18,353 miles and can virtually not be told from new. This magnificent motorcar is equipped with nearly every available option and is finished in one of the most sought after color combinations. We are proud to offer this investment grade, last year Cadillac Allante to the most particular collector, investor or enthusiast who demands the best. You will not be disappointed in this truly wonderful motorcar!

I never liked the Allante when I was younger, but with age, the design has grown on me. Granted, it's driving dynamics may leave something to be desired, but it's sharp, unadorned lines make it stand out in everyday traffic. Even though this particular car has extremely low miles, the asking price of almost $25,000 is well over market values. On a good day, I'd wager to say a car like this would bring $15,000 tops, with drivers in good condition changing hands in between the $10,000 to $13,000 range. Eventually, these Italian-American roadsters may become an icon like the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado, but we aren't at that point yet.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1994 Ferrari 512TR

Having grown up in the 1980s, I can state unequivocally that, along with the Lamborghini Countach and Mercedes 560SL, the Ferrari Testarossa was one of those cars that displayed to the world that you were someone. Its popularity amongst the connoisseurs and the wealthy alike is evidenced by its 12 year production run resulting in almost 10,000 units manufactured. An evolution of the Ferrari 512i BB, the BB short for Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa improved upon the formula, adding space, comfort and power from the horizontally opposed 12 cylinder engine.

The car received a facelift in 1991 and a name change, to 512TR. Once again, power was increased from 390 to 428 horsepower, a new Bosch engine management system was employed and the front and rear fascias were updated to bring the styling in line with the newly released 348. The final iteration of the Testarossa appeared in 1994 as the F512 M, but this car was a more awkward than its predecessors, with its exposed headlights, fussy wheels and incongruous rear tail lights. The 512TR, for me, was the ultimate expression of the Testarossa. It improved upon the original yet kept much of its character intact. Like most Ferraris, I’ve mainly seen these models in shades or red, black or yellow. Occasionally you see a color outside of the normal Ferrari spectrum, such as this 512TR in Aubergine for sale in Belgium.

1994 Ferrari 512TR

Very well maintained 512 TR, Color: Aubergine with tobacco interior, alarm, power locking, cambelts changed at 88.443 km (03/2007). Very good condition!

I have never seen this color on a 512TR before, or any other Ferrari that I can remember. While it is a tad effeminate, I think this dark hue works great with the lines of the car. It gives it a rich, bespoke look befitting such an awesome machine. At €52,000 (~ $67,500 USD) it is about in line with current Testarossa prices, however, the mileage is a tad bit higher than you usually see. Still, it looks as if it was well cared for throughout its life and the cambelt service is a welcome relief. While this is a 1994 model and not eligible for importation to the United States for another seven years, it would be a nice buy for someone on The Continent seeking a uniquely colored Ferrari.

-Paul

Ferrari

1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

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The Ferrari 365 GTB/4, known as the Daytona, is arguably one of the most recognizable Ferraris ever produced. Introduced two years after the revolutionary Lamborghini Miura arrived on the scene, this grand touring machine was vastly different in concept than its rival from Sant'Agata Bolognese, yet a departure from Ferrari norm at the same time. It's long sweeping bonnet, crisp lines and headlight treatment were unlike anything anyone had come to expect from Maranello at the time.

With it's 4.4 liter V12 and 347 horsepower, this car could hit 60 mph in well under six seconds. From the movie Cannonball Run to a class victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona and appearances at Le Mans, this celebrated machine cemented its legacy amongst Tifosi and enthusiasts of other marques alike. Our feature car is a numbers matching, restored example presented in its original color, Rosso Corsa with Borrani wire wheels.

1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

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The Ferrari 365GTB/4 unofficially known as the Daytona was produced between 1968-1973. 1,284 were made during that time period. The car was designed by Pininfarina and powered by the 4.4L 352hp V-12 with six weber carburetors. The car utilized a rear mounted 5 speed transaxle for optimal weight distribution and handling. It also featured 4 wheel independent suspension and 4 wheel disc brakes. They are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts and can be found in some of the world’s finest collections.

This particular example shows just over 39,000 kilometers (24,000 miles), and is finished in its original color combination of Rosso Corsa with Black Leather interior and red carpeting. Fitted with 5 Borrani’s and 5 XWX tires including the spare. This example also has book and complete tools and jack bag with jack, and is numbers matching. The mechanicals have been gone through by noted Ferrari experts Algar Ferrari and accordingly this is an outstanding driving example.

These particular Ferraris have always fared well, both in good economic times and bad. The asking price is right around the middle of the range for what Daytona Berlinettas are going for. At the low end, you can expect to pay a tad over $200,000, and certain vehicles with exceptional provenance have sold for well over a half million dollars. The factory Spyders will always garner the most money, but I've always preferred the one with the tin top.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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The final iteration of the original Alfa Romeo Spider bowed in 1990 and was introduced in the North American market for 1991. This was to be the final rear wheel drive Alfa Romeo until the introduction of the 8C Competizione in 2008. A number of changes were brought about for this final iteration of a classic, including Bosch Motronic fuel injection, a drivers side airbag and all new front and rear fascias that incorporated the look of the Alfa Romeo 164's tail lights.

Marketed in the US until 1994 (and all 1994 Spiders were built in 1993), this was to be one of Alfa Romeo's last vehicles sold stateside until the 8C Competizione would appear 14 years later at Ferrari/Maserati dealerships. Even though they are getting on twenty years old, good, clean Spiders are fairly easy to come by, with some ultra low mileage examples on offer from time to time.

This particular Spider is in good nick, has a full history and is the higher spec Veloce model, which included leather seats, 15" alloy wheels, air conditioning and a cloth top fitted as standard. With a little bit over 48,000 miles, this car splits the middle nicely between show quality piece and higher mileage driver.

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

This is a beautiful Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce; an excellent example of the 4th and final version in classic Red with Tan leather. It was originally sold in Beverly Hills, stayed in Los Angeles until 2005, and brought to Seattle after the previous owner scoured the West Coast for a like new Alfa. Now I brought it back to Southern California. Included are the complete factory handbooks, receipts and a notebook with literature, maintenance records, California smog reports, Alfa Spider information, and a clean CarFax history report. Alfa Romeo made their last updates for 1991: driver airbag, new tail, new integrated bumpers, air conditioning, full leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, 15inch light alloy wheels, 120 hp 2.0 liter engine, Alpine stereo, power Antenna, power windows and power mirrors.

Condition: Absolutely beautiful condition in every way: interior looks like new, exterior is equally excellent, engine is extremely clean and everything is well maintained. A/C blows cold. All original maintenance receipts are included. I would not hesitate to drive this car crosscountry, or enter into a car show.

The asking price of $13,900 is about in the middle of the range of what I've come across in terms of Spider values as of late. For a car with low mileage in this condition, it is certainly a nice price for a usable, everyday classic. It is a little pricier and a bit more boulevard cruiser than a Mazda Miata of the same year, but in classic red, a car like this reminds me why I love Italian sports cars so much.

-Paul