Tag Archives: 1988

1988 Ferrari Testarossa

May 26, 2012 Graham

The Ferrari Testarossa is one of those cars that needs no introduction. Instantly recognizable even to those who aren’t car enthusiasts, this was a car that defined a generation in the 1980s and whose moxy still reverberates in the automotive world to this day. This example for sale in Massachusetts has but 5,600 miles on the clock, is in very original condition and comes with all records and receipts.

1988 Ferrari Testarossa

What we have here is a near perfect 1988 Ferrari Testarossa with 5,600 miles on the odometer. The car is finished in a beautiful factory Bronze Metallic with a full tan leather interior. This car has to be seen to be appreciated. This 1988 Ferrari Testarossa comes with AC, PW, PB, PL, PS and has the original radio that is non-functional; I've often wondered who listens to the radio when driving a Ferrari! We have service records and history for the car and would love to discuss any aspect of this beautiful machine with anyone who has questions. This car's color combination makes this Ferrari special. I've seen more red and yellow Ferraris in my life-time than I ever needed to see but the subtlety of this metallic bronze with the tan interior is both stunning and sophisticated; a true winner.

Even by Ferrari standards, this is very low mileage for an example of one of the brashest supercars to emerge from the 1980s. The very best Testarossas of this vintage may bring anywhere between $60,000 to $70,000. The shade of bronze on this example could be a deciding factor on this car’s final value. Some may love it, others, well, it may not be loud enough. I actually like it. I think subtle colors really show off the Testarossa’s flamboyant lines quite well.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1988 Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet

May 4, 2012 Graham 2 Comments

A Ferrari for under $30,000 sure is tempting, but is it a smart buy? This 1988 Mondial Cabriolet is certainly attractive at $24,000. While it looks fairly straight, are there potential maintenance pitfalls afoot? The seller describes this Mondial as being mechanically solid, although it was the victim of a minor fender bender at one point.

1988 Ferrari Mondial Convertible

This is a really nice car in excellent condition. Great paintwork (original except for right fender and bumper). There was a small accident 2 years ago that resulted in right fender damage as well as bumper and right fog light. No frame damage. The car runs very strong and shifts perfectly. It even goes into 2nd gear when cold which is a rarity with 328/308 and Mondial. The interior is almost factory new as well as the top. A new back window was installed about 4 months ago as the old was not clear and cracked. The top is perfect.

The air blows cold and everything works as it should. Heat cold etc. Brakes excellent tires excellent motor and drive excellent. Not sure when belts were changed but had them all checked with ferrari mechanic and he said they were in great condition. Everyone has a different idea when Ferrari belts should be changed. This is a chance to own a very nice Mondial at an incredibly low price. I just don't have time to drive it. The milage is low and this car is something that you can drive anywhere. A real head turner. These cars are starting to really go up in value.

As usual, while this car may only cost $24,000 to purchase, one could theoretically spend almost half that price embarking on a variety of maintenance items this car may need over the next few years. If I was in the position to have a second car, however, I'd certainly kick the tires on this car. Black works well with the slightly awkward proportions of the four seat Mondial and cosmetically, it looks rather good. If anything else, a solid starting point to fix up an average example of this open top Ferrari into an exceptional one.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde

April 22, 2012 Graham 3 Comments

Lately we've featured several mint condition Alfa Romeo 164s, but here's a well kept example of the 164's predecessor, the Alfa Romeo Milano, or 75 as it was known in Europe. This is the last of the rear-wheel drive Alfa Romeo sedans and it is looking cosmetically tidy with just under 45,000 miles.

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde

If any of you have ever read any of my post you know that I'm always in and out of the country, and now more out than in. So, I've finally decided that I can not let the Milano keep sitting in a garage, because this time I may be gone for a year or so. So about the Verde. It's an '88 with 43,743 original miles in great condition. This is not a show car but a great daily driver for anyone who wants to enjoy driving to work grocery shopping and what not.

List of things done to car (only 261 miles driven since all these things have been done):

timing belt, water pump, oil + filter changed Mobil 1, new spark plugs, rear break pads, tranny mounts
coolant flush, any rust on body has been taken care of. Brand new accumulator, brand new front and rear guibilos (flex donuts) on drive shaft replaced. Reupholstered head liner, minus sunroof panel. I still have dealership window sticker, and title shows 15,000 miles on car. And God knows how many other things I can't remember.

THE BAD:
Like I said not a flawless show car, various little dents on hood, small dent on left rear quarter, several nicks, the car, when I found it had a tire and some random things chucked in back seat, which obviously did some damage, front left shock is squeaking and front passenger seat has some wear seat (friggin' Recaro matirial) and the sun roof upholstery has fallen.

Asking $6,500 no resonable offer will be refused. PS: if buyer pays for shocks I'll put them in. Will deliver with in a few hundred mile radius as long as travel expenses are payed by buyer.

Cosmetically this car is great, but the two downsides are that it resides in New England (road salt) and that the owner says it had been sitting for a while. Still, there's not a lot of choice these days when it comes to Milanos in good condition and this example is as good as any that are out there for sale. With some attention paid to the front suspension and some reconditioning of the upholstery, this would be a fine driver and about as big of a conversation starter as any sedan could be.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano 3.0 Verde

March 12, 2012 Graham 2 Comments

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

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