Tag Archives: 1982

Double Take: 1980 and 1982 Lancia Beta Zagatos

April 19, 2014 Graham

With the sun finally creeping out from behind the clouds and the last throws of winter grumpily making way for spring flowers, it's nice to think about an affordable Italian roadster. Sure, the Ferrari 550 Barchetta is a great option if you own some oil fields in the Near East, but for most of us the budget will be a bit more modest. One of the more interesting options that would really set you apart would be to look at the Lancia Beta Zagato; if for no other reason than not many remain. Quick depreciation, spotty reliability and rust-prone panels mean these have become a rare sight in the U.S. However, two have popped up on Ebay that are near twins, though being born two years apart. Let's look at the elder first:

Year: 1980
Model: Beta Zagato
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 39,838 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1980 Lancia Beta Zagato

Up for a NO RESRVE AUCTION is a 1982 Lancia Zagato vin ZLAFS00C3C0203559 the listing would not read this vin? sorry for the confusion one fine car! This car is out of an estate sale that has been consigned, has duplicte title paper work, clean, Has 39k original miles, Original paint, leather,top, outstanding condition, Everything in working order runs smooth, no leaks, the red paint gleams, the tires are original and have some weather cracks. This car has been in storage since 04. but started once a week!. The car has original tool kit, spare , car cover! please email me for any questions! selling as is! if you win please have the funds!

Holy mackerel, it's got the original tires on it! What an impressive condition example; it certainly looks nearly good enough to have rolled off the showroom floor and displays none of the normal wear and tear that is associated with these budget convertibles. With under 40,000 miles on the clock and being a California car, the concerns about what's underneath that polished facade are put at ease. What about the second example?

This 1982 also looks pretty stellar, sporting a different grill setup but otherwise nearly the twin of the earlier model. Condition also looks outstanding on this example overall, though unlike the earlier car it appears this car was resprayed at some point:

Year: 1982
Model: Beta Zagato
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 66,128 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1982 Lancia Beta Zagato

I have a very nice Lancia Zagato up for sale. This fun little Italian sports car reads only 66000 orig miles and runs and drives great with its peppy 4 cyl engine and 5 speed transmission,it's a joy to drive. The Targa and convertible top have been redone a few years back and look and work great. The paint on the car looks to have been redone at some point but not recent, it shines nice but not perfect. Bumpers and glass are near mint cond. the interior of the car is in very nice cond. no dash cracks,clean carpet,nice seats some seem separation on driver seat only .The engine is clean and runs smooth,the wheels are in nice cond tires should be replaced from lack of use. I have all books,manuals and some service records with the car. Please call or email with any questions. Thank You 1 603 387 1693

So it's a little less than perfect; I have no problem with that, although life in New Hampshire for a Lancia would give me a bit of concern. In this case, I'd spend a little extra to get the all-original California example. Hagerty lists top value of these cars around $12,000 and I'd expect the 1980 is heading that way; the 1982, while nice, probably is closer to half that value or slightly more, but I'd inspect it closely underneath before buying.

-Carter

Lancia

1982 Lancia Gamma Coupe 2.5

July 7, 2013 Graham

The Lancia Gamma Coupe has to be one of my favorite designs to come out of Italy in the last 40 years, hands down. With each passing year, I've been surprised that more of these large coupes haven't found their way to US shores, now that they are legal to register here. But maybe it is a testament that few survived. Sure, these cars had their faults, but I'd be more than willing to put up with them in order to get my hands on a sharp piece of Pininfarina history. This Gamma 2.5 for sale in Florida has been in the country for about one year, after the owner sourced it from Austria.

Year: 1982
Model: Gamma Coupe 2.5
Engine: 2.5 liter flat-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 87,700 km (~55,000 miles)
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1982 Lancia Gamma Coupe 2.5

Lancia Gamma Coupe designed by Pininfarina (1982), only 87,700 original km (less then 55,000 miles). I believe the only one in the USA. Lancia Gamma is an executive car from Italian Fiat Auto's up-scale Lancia marque, a true italian GT car. Gamma coupe was introduced in 1979 and produced till 1984. Only 6790 coupes built (15,272 berlinas). When launched at the Geneva show in 1979 there were crowds around the Lancia stand. The Lancia Gamma is a FWD car with longitudinally-mounted flat four engine, producing 140HP. This has the second generation fuel injected (BOSCH L-JETRONIC), with 5-speed manual transmission.

Very few survived and even in Europe it's hard to find a nice example. I found this rust free, original car in Vienna (Austria) last summer, sitting in a garage for years, because of a blown headgaskets. After the engine rebuild she got a new, very nice paint job, using the original color. I shipped it to Florida and it has now a clear Florida title. I mentioned it was rust free car when I found it and of course there in no rust anywhere. Please see the pictures (door bottom, fender's top and bottom). Interior is nice and original (cloth seats). Floor carpet very nice and clean no signs of wear.

There are some flaws: - both door upper weather stripe (belt moldings) is a little bit out of shape. Some wear on the driver seat and 3 dirt spots.

She is a real Grand Tourismo, a cruiser, which seats 4 people comfortably. The engine is strong, clutch and transmission works fine. Body is elegant and simple lines . The Fiat stopped to produce the 130 Coupe in 1978, and the next year the Gamma Coupe is introduced. Both car were designed by Pininfarina, but the Lancia more curvaceous then the angular Fiat Coupe.

Last week on the ebay the bid on the Fiat 130 Coupe went over $24,000. You can buy this Lancia (her sister car) for a significantly less. If you like to own a very unique Italian sports car or one of Pininfarinas works of art, this your chance. There are many more Lamborghinis, Ferraris or Alfa Romeos on the road from this era, but very few Lancias. One of rarest car on the market. If you have any questions call me evening at 407-732-6120. The car can be seen in Orlando area. This is an 1982 car but ebay did not let me list as 1982 because this vehicle does not has the 17 digit us standard VIN.

On Jul-07-13 at 05:30:51 PDT, seller added the following information:
Looks like this is the second Lancia Gamma in the US. I got an email from the owner of the other Gamma. He imported this spring. The car has NO a/c.

Given the prices of Fiat 130 Coupes that have migrated stateside, I'd suspect somewhere in the range of $12,000 to $17,000 should be a reasonable estimate. With only two examples said to be in the US, this is a good price to rarity ratio right here. Sure, the flat-4 engine offers up more torque and isn't a rev happy engine, but for a unique touring coupe, the Gamma is hard to beat.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco

April 19, 2013 Graham 3 Comments

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV is an Italian performance bargain. These rear drive coupes started life in the 1970s powered by twin cam, four cylinder engines and wound up closing out the production run in the 1980s with V6 power to rival the best sports coupes in their segment. The Balocco edition was a limited edition trim and graphics package for 1982 only, taking its name from the famous test track in Italy. This particular car for sale in the Boston area was originally a west coast car that is complete but could benefit from a little TLC.

1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco

111,000 original miles. Originally a west coast car, this vehicle has never been outside in the winter. It was a daily driver until moved east three years ago and has been garaged since then. Registered in Massachusetts and insured--it still gets out for the occasional drive. A proper tune up, including new plug wires, and some brake work would make this car a dream to drive again.

Paint is faded. Black polyvinyl parts are now greyish. But very limited and superficial surface rust . . . a tiny bit above the rear bumper cover and along the top edge of the boot, a tiny bit of rust below the windscreen gasket, and some significant rust through at the boot latch on the hatch. (Spare replacement hatch included in sale).

Too many “news” to list here: car was well maintained and, again, a daily driver until relatively recently. Timing belt and tensioner were changed at 84,000 miles. Exhaust system is new. Injectors were recently cleaned. Still sitting on nearly new Toyo tires. I have all records from my time as steward. I will also throw in my Car Disk with images of all of the original manuals--both operator, and shop.

Minor trim flaws include broken interior door handles, but I have found replacements and they are included. Dash has four cracks. Leather was repaired once, but the heat of the summer here in the east has led to some stitching failure. The once beautiful red carpeting is a dark pink in places. I am partial, but I believe the Balocco trim package to be one of the prettiest things Alfa has ever done: Black leather with red and black striped welting, teakwood headrest supports, red carpeting.

The electrical system seems free of ghosts, but the windshield wipers aren’t working at the moment, it could just be a relay or fuse. Water temperature gauge is not functioning, but the thermostat is good and the cooling fans run correctly. Tach is not completely accurate. If you know these cars, you know better than to ask about the air conditioning!

Not very pertinent to the true Alfisti, but the car has a great four speaker Rockport Fosgate CD player installed in an aesthetically appropriate manner. I have grown to prefer the sound of the engine! This car is perfectly positioned for restoration, which has been a dream of mine for many years. But I’m going back to school in the fall, and three years in the garage have not been kind to it (the heat-dried upholstery). The three additional years it will have to sit while I complete my graduate degree will do it no good at all.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. I know a lot about this car and will be happy to find out anything I DON'T know for you. This Alfa is located in Arlington, MA. You are welcome to come see it in person.

I will not ship personally, however buyer is welcome to arrange pickup with a transportation company of their choice. Deposit of US $500.00 within 24 hours of auction close via PayPal. Full payment required within 5 days of auction close.

Payment methods accepted are:
- Cash (in person)
- Cashier's Check (certified from US or Canadian bank) or money order

Please note: this is a 30 year old automobile. It needs some work, and the auction reserve price and my expectations reflect this. This car is being sold AS IS with no explicit or implied warranty.

Please also note: pictures number one and two are several years old, and from “happier times” on the west coast, just before I drove it across the country and back. What a trip!

Good GTVs of this vintage will run you somewhere between $6,000 and $12,000. The limited edition doesn’t add a whole lot to the value, and given the state of this car, I’d suspect it will fetch somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1982 Fiat X1/9

March 23, 2013 Graham 3 Comments

The Fiat X1/9 is a good bargain for those looking to get into a modern Italian classic. The problem is these cars were fairly affordable when new, so many have been neglected. In addition, rust proofing wasn't as good 30 years ago as it is today. While it's hard to find an X1/9 in good nick, it's worth the hunt. The X1/9 can be a usable, fun collectable that can be run on a budget. This mildly modified X1/9 was brought to our attention by our reader Michael and appears to be a great example of a sports car that was ahead of its time when it replaced the 850 Spider in 1972.

1982 Fiat X1/9

Spend the summer with your top down! Very rare, desirable 1982 Fiat Bertone X1/9 for sale, most immediately, for $7,300 or best offer. Please correspond by email or call/text 714-476-7399 with any questions or comments. Truly the last chance to own a timeless classic.

Details:
-71,000 Original Miles
-Convertible top
-4 cylinder
-Fuel injection
-Manual transmission
-Power windows
-CD player
-Extremely clean
-Exceptional gray and black interior
-Excellent charcoal exterior
-Very unique, one-of-a-kind vehicle

A decent X1/9 will usually center on the $5,000 to $6,000 mark. We featured an X1/9 last year on offer at $7,000 from a private seller. At $7,300, this car isn't wildly priced, provided the pictures do this car justice and the mileage can be verified. It may not be stock, but the loss of the cumbersome crash bumpers is certainly a bonus both for aesthetics and weight. While many collectors may go the more traditional route of the Alfa Romeo Spider or Fiat 124 Spider, the X1/9 offers to take you down the road less traveled, offering traditional open roofed Italian motoring thrills with a bit of modern thought thrown in.

-Paul

Fiat

1982 Fiat Spider 2000

January 6, 2013 Graham 2 Comments

We've featured a lot of Alfa Romeo Spiders in the past few months, so I felt it was about time to take a look at that other popular Italian roadster, the Fiat 124 Spider. This car had an equally long life, lasting in production from 1966 to 1985. Fiat would not have another roadster in their lineup until the Barchetta came along in 1995. This 1982 Spider for sale in Georgia looks decidedly rich in with its dark green paintwork over tan interior.

1982 Fiat Spider 2000

Beautifully restored, dark green metallic, 5-speed, 1982 Fiat Spider 2000 Pininfarina with only 97,250 miles! Gorgeous Italian roadster ready to be driven and enjoyed.

If you would love to have a great little roadster for some top down, sun in your face, wind in your hair motoring then the Fiat Spider is an excellent choice! Produced almost exclusively for the North American market, although sold occasionally in some European Countries, the Fiat 124/Spider is becoming a very sought after roadster among car enthusiasts looking for an affordable collectible sports car that can be driven and enjoyed as well as make a great investment. Designed by Italian stylist and coach builder Pininfarina the Fiat 124/Spider rivaled the MGB and Alfa Spyder as the worlds longest running sports car. In 1982 Pininfarina, who had always assembled the bodies since production began in 1966, took over sole responsibility for the entire assembly, distribution and marketing of the car. 1982 was the last year that wore the Fiat Badge. Many collectors I have spoken with have indicated that the most desirable models are the fuel injected models which began in 1980.

This particular 1982 Fiat Spider 2000 has lived a very pampered life and is believed to have had just 3 owners prior to us. We were told the car was originally owned by some folks from Alabama who moved to Kentucky and owned the car until 2004. At that time the car had about 75,000 miles on it. It was sold to a Fiat and Lancia enthusiast in West Virginia in 2004. This gentleman decided to do what he called a Level 1 restoration in 2005. I spoke with him and he said the body was virtually rust free and was completely stripped down and treated to a very high quality, professional paint job in the original color. The interior and top were completely redone and the drivetrain was gone through and rebuilt where needed.

According to him he spent close to $20,000 during the restoration process and what resulted was a show winning, spectacular little Fiat Spider 2000. He told me the local Fiat/Lancia club asked him to stop bringing it to the shows after a few years so that someone else could win first place. He drove and enjoyed the car for about 7 years before selling it to the 3rd owner who was from Canada but also lived in Florida part of the year where he stored this Fiat. He had several cars in Florida and while he had plenty of fun with the car during his one year of ownership, he decided it was time to let it go to the next lucky owner....maybe you! The Fiat now has just under 98,700 miles on it and while it is not perfect, it still turns plenty of heads and is an absolute blast to drive. chances are it will still take home its share of trophies if that is what you enjoy. I will do my best to provide enough large images, a video of the car running, and an honest description to allow you to decide if this great little Fiat Spider 2000 belongs in your garage. What a great way to bring in 2013, a great investment in a classic sports car that you can truly drive and enjoy!

As I mentioned this Spider was treated to a very extensive restoration about 8 years ago and it has held up beautifully. I took the pictures of this roadster on 2 different days, so you will notice that in some of the pics you can see the glittering green metallic body as it sparkles in the bright sun, and in others it takes on a deeper dark green tone on an overcast day. The body on this Fiat is completely rust free and rock solid. I believe it has all of its original body panels and I do not see any evidence of any accidents or body work. Body panels are very straight and the body panel fit appears as good as factory fit. Bumpers, chrome trim and rubber looks excellent overall with only minor signs of aging. The paint has held up beautifully and other then a few tiny chips that have been touched up it is still very show worthy!

The level one restoration that was performed 8 years ago also included a complete restoration of the tan interior and convertible top. A brand new, high quality canvas top was installed and still looks almost brand new. Rear window is still very clear with just a few small marks on it. I recommend you the drop top whenever possible and it is a simple and quick, one person, operation. Once down the tan boot cover goes on easily. The tan leather interior is a beautiful compliment to the dark green metallic exterior. Door panels and seat covers are in fantastic condition with one small mark on the passenger seat. The wood dash and console trim was changed to a very cool looking tiger eye wood look. The dash pad is in great shape overall with just 2 small cracks by the defroster vents which is quite common. The original steering wheel is showing some wear and age to the chrome spokes but still presents itself well. An aftermarket Am/Fm/CD stereo was neatly added and a cd changer is located in the trunk with speakers mounted in the kick panels. All of the gauges, lights and turn signals appear to be working correctly with the exception of the oil pressure gauge which is not currently working.

I had the pleasure of driving this sweet Fiat roadster about 30 miles recently and can testify that it truly drives as good as it looks and is also just as fun to drive as it is to look at! Hopefully you will agree that this is a sweet looking 1982 Fiat Spider 2000! If you live in a warm climate then you will be able to drop the top and enjoy this roadster the day it arrives. If not, you can store this beauty away this winter and be ready for that first day of spring with an amazing little convertible. Either way you will be making a great choice and investment for 2013!

My father owned a 1968 124 Spider before I was born and even years later when I was growing up, I'd hear horror stories about that car and its electrical problems. That's not enough to deter me from one of these machines, though. I'd probably opt for an Alfa Romeo Spider first, but the 124 runs a close second when it comes to which affordable Italian roadster I'd pick for my stable. The best 124 Spiders of this vintage might bring $14,000 to $17,000. Solid drivers with no mechanical faults and decent cosmetics hover in the $8,000 to $12,000 range. As such, this car will probably bring somewhere around $10,000 to $12,000, if the reserve is reasonable.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1982 Maserati Quattroporte

September 2, 2012 Graham 1 Comment

While the Biturbo brought a lot of negative press to the Maserati party during the 1980s, there was another model that flew under the radar: the third generation Quattroporte. It's Giugiaro penned lines aped a bit of the Maserati Kyalami and De Tomaso Longchamp, but on a grander scale. Available with a 4.1 or 4.9 liter V8, this luxury sedan offered impressive power in an era of engines strangled by emissions controls. With a plush leather to back up this power, this was a great long distance cruiser. Much like today's fifth generation Quattroporte, this car was the choice for executives wanting something just a bit more special than the usual run of the mill luxury sedan. This Quattroporte for sale in Louisiana looks handsome in brown with aftermarket wheels that aren't oversized and fit the character of the car.

1982 Maserati Quattroporte

1982 Maserati Quattroporte, VIN ZAMBC1109CA302062 50,000 actual miles. Current owner for about three years. Car is sorted and all maintenance up to date, ready to enjoy. These are wonderful cruisers………..great on the highway. It is very reliable. Driven regularly. Honestly represented, best validated with personal inspection and drive. Complete documented mechanical refurbishing as listed below.

Engine: Engine is strong with no smoking or noise upon start up and excellent oil pressure. Excellent oil pressure, car starts and runs exceptionally well. Current timing chain adjustment. Valve cover gasket / half moon seal replacement, Mobil one synthetic 20 - 50. NEW proper radiator core with all new hoses and clamps. New thermo switch. New thermostat and seal, BMW factory antifreeze. All emissions removed, fans are now on custom wiring harness complete with relays and fuses, bypassing original fuse block. Both fans are wired to come on. Overflow reservoir re-located to stock euro position. New coil, dist cap, rotor, plugs and plug wires. Air filter, new high torque gear reduction starter. All under hood parts re-plated. Trans cooler hoses replaced. Bosch 120 amp (orig 75) alt and new regulator, recent Bosch battery, new A/C blows cold and holds charge. New a/c dryer and press switch, new valves on compressor head.

BRAKES: Rebuilt master cylinder with new reservoir ($$$). New front and rear flex lines, EBC red pads. Rear EBC pads. Backing plates and hardware nickel plated

SUSPENSION: New front poly A arm bushings, new ball joints, refinished control arms. New front and rear shock bushings.. New front wheel bearings and seals. New inner and outer rear wheel bearings with seals. New tie rods/boots. New updated steering column bushing. Rear wheel bearings and seals properly replaced. All parts detailed, New rear shock bushings.

EXHAUST: New Stebro stainless center exhaust sections, ANSA rear tips on good stock rear exhaust. New hangers.

Wheels/Tires: New alloys with Pirreli tires. 5th alloy wheel with new Pirrelli tires,original wheels included

MISC: New period Nakimichi cassette with properly installed hidden sony amp. Fuel tank removed and seals replaced, no rust. Custom installation of factory Maserati clock.

Very rare to have a pristine factory owners manual and pouch. Factory trouble light, Factory keys with pouches. Collection of factory printed material presented in custom embossed leather binder. Much more documented work in Excel spreadsheet.

DISCLOUSURE: Minor bubbles in lower door areas which have remained as such since my purchase. Undercarriage, floors, rockers excellent. Typical Italian gauges, but all work with some learned interpretation! Currently washer reservoir is cracked. Slight separation of stitched seam on upper portion of drivers seat, sort of hidden by seat belt.

Anywhere around the $10,000 mark seems to be the going rate for a Series 3 Quattroporte in good running and cosmetic order these days. Anything over that mark is reserved for low mileage, museum quality vehicles. The caveat here is that Maseratis from the 1980s, whether they are the oft maligned Biturbo or their bigger sibling that we see here, don’t have the inherent collectability factor that earlier and later vehicles wearing the Trident badge have. True, there are a lot of enthusiasts out there buying, running and restoring Maseratis from this period, but you have to really love these cars or buy them in top condition, as they are a losing battle when it comes to an investment. Still, the Series III Quattroporte does have presence in its own right and you certainly don't see one, especially in this condition, every day of the week.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco SE

July 8, 2012 Graham 2 Comments

For twelve years, the Alfa Romeo GTV carried the sport coupe torch for Alfa Romeo. Some liked the fastback looks, others thought the split rear window treatment was a bit odd. Whatever the styling case may be, this was a two door sports car in the Alfa tradition, first with a four cylinder engine which was joined by the 2.5 liter V6 in 1982. With a rear mounted gearbox and near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, these cars were track day stars which made any skeptics forget about the looks. In 1982, a special edition Balocco in the lineup, which was named for Alfa Romeo's test track. To find one of these limited edition models unmolested is near impossible, but a tidy example has surfaced in California with a scant 40,000 miles.

1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco SE

1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco SE #218 of 350 (Original Black - Not Repainted - One of a Kind)
- 39,957 miles
- Vin Number:
(Euro) ZAR 11669000004204
(US) ZAR AA6693C1004204
- #218 of 350 made
- Black leather seats with Balocco red stiching - great condition
- Red Balocco carpeting
- Sunroof
- All the electrical and mechanical work fine
- Engine really clean (doesn't leak oil)
- 15 inch BBS Racing Wheels (spare tire is the original Balocco)
- Performance: Headers, Suspension (with yellow Koni shocks)
- No rust
- No accidents
- Previous work done to the car: headers, suspension, catalitics, timing belt, brakes, tune up, BBS racing wheels and stereo system worth over $5000
- AC needs charging
- Needs new tires

I spoke with Automobilismo Storico Centro Documentazione of Alfa Romeo to verify the VIN numbers. According to their records this car was manufactured on June 1, 1982. The pink slip is clear and in my name. I'm an Alfa Romeo mechanic and specialists with over 40 years experience and serviced this car in 1985-86. I've driven it the past couple days and it drives very fast and handles incredibly with it's performance suspension. This Balocco is originally black and a special order. The previous owner has passed away and didn't leave any records, but he told me he bought this Balocco at the Indianapolis race track in 1984. It was brought over from Italy, with the race car team, and was used on the Indy track as a pace car. After the race he bought it, as-is, and took it back to California.

The starting bid of $7,500 is close to the top of the range when it comes to the GTV6. While this one is a special edition with low mileage, this edition is mainly a trim package. The best example of a GTV6 may bring $10,000 to $12,000 tops. If this one can be snagged for under $10,000, it would be allow room for an AC recharge and would be a welcome addition at the next Alfa Romeo club meet.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint Veloce

April 30, 2012 Graham 2 Comments

One of Alfa Romeo's most successful models was one which never saw the light of day here in the US market: the Alfasud. Constructed at a new factory in the south of Italy as part of a labor agreement with the Italian government, this compact car was quite a departure for Alfa Romeo, as it featured front-wheel drive and a horizontally opposed four cylinder engine. I've never seen one on these shores, but this one for sale in Switzerland is quite appealing, given it is a two door Sprint version and has the more aesthetically pleasing earlier bumpers.

1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint Veloce

Rare, very beautiful Alfasud Sprint Veloce 1.5, 120,000 km, 95 hp, first hand, runs perfect, no rust. New timing belt replaced, five original steel wheels with small hubcaps are included.

Notorious for their poor build quality and rust issues as a result of crude Russian steel used during manufacture, it amazes me that the seller is asking almost $16,000 USD. Good, clean Spiders can be had for less, and there a multitude of other modern classics out there which offer more bang for the buck. If this car was for sale at just under half of the asking price, it would start to look a bit more appealing, given its condition.

-Paul

Lancia, Modern Classic

1982 Lancia Gamma Coupe

April 4, 2012 Graham

The Lancia Gamma is virtually unknown in the United States but this car, in my opinion, has to be one of the most handsome coupes to emerge from the late 1970s and early 1980s. While the coupe and its sedan counterpart competed in the executive segment, the engine would have suggested otherwise, as the Gamma was offered with a 2.0 liter and 2.5 liter horizontally opposed four cylinder. A torquey mill this was, but it failed to offer the power and refinement buyers in this class were used to. The engine also suffered a variety of teething problems from cooling issues to camshaft wear. Even if time has left the Gamma in relative obscurity, the simple rebadging of Chryslers into Lancias as of late has made enthusiasts long for the old Lancia, when uniqueness and adventurous engineering ruled the day. This car for sale near Brescia has covered about 46,000 miles and appears to be rather well kept, but lacks much detail from the seller.

1982 Lancia Gamma Coupe

Vehicle Features: Electric windows, alloy wheels, central locking. Additional accessories: radio, air conditioning, fog lights

Given that white is such a popular color nowadays, this car wouldn't look too out of place in modern day traffic. The Gamma is a stellar example of the timeless nature of Pininfarina's designs. At about $6,500 USD, it's a lot of style for the money. Shipping to the US would of course increase the bottom line, but if the price could be negotiated down to a level where it would keep this car under the $7,000 mark, it would be a practical classic for enthusiasts looking to take the road less traveled and have an instant conversation starter in the company of other automotive enthusiasts.

-Paul

Ferrari

1982 Ferrari 308GTS

February 24, 2012 Graham

The Ferrari 308 needs no introduction here at CICFS, as it is one of the most iconic Italian vehicles of the 1980s. It's performance, arresting wedge shape and sonorous V8 are still revered by Ferrari Tifosi and enthusiasts across the automotive spectrum alike. Recent values have been dipping into the range where these cars are more accessible to a wider audience. However, given this, one must approach with caution to make sure their investment doesn't go up in smoke, literally. Here is a nice, original example for sale in California with slightly higher than average mileage but looking every bit as radiant as it did when new.

1982 Ferrari 308GTS

Up for your consideration: A very rare and beautiful Farrari 308 GTS in perfect condition inside and out, this car has all of the origional tools, extra belts and fuses as well as a brand new Farrari car cover that is micro fiber on the inside to prevent scratches. This is truley a amazing car, always garage kept and always serviced by Gary Bobilef motor cars.

I almost can't believe a car this striking is 30 years old, especially given the condition of this example. The buy it now price of $33,500 is squarely in BMW 1 series territory, and it's remarkable that something this exotic could be had for such a low price of entry. The owner sounds as if he has taken good care of it, but it would be wise to look over service records before signing on the dotted line. Also, a recent service would go a long way towards making this an even better value. If you want to try your hand at your best Magnum P.I. impression, here's your chance.

-Paul