There are sport sedans, and then there are sport sedans. While some manufacturers might be content to tinker a bit with cylinder bores and valves or add a bit of forced induction to come up with a hot version of a sedan, Lancia, in their usual fashion, went about things differently. They dropped a 2.9 liter Ferrari V8 under the hood of their executive sedan. And thus, the Thema 8.32 was born. With the addition of a cross plane crank and modified firing order, this car was a screamer in its day, capable of 60 mph in under seven seconds. The Thema 8.32 is a unique car indeed, and this particular example for sale in Switzerland is made even more so with rare blue paintwork and custom alloys.
Very nice 8.32 in a very rare color combination, 18" three piece aluminum wheels (customized especially for this vehicle). Modified chassis includes new shock absorbers, new front and rear brakes, revised brake calipers, timing belt and water pump replaced, great service history and great condition
It's great that many of these Thema 8.32s are now eligible for importation to the US, as a few, like this one, are over 25 years of age. It would take some nerve to own one here, though. Make friends with your local Ferrari mechanic and say a prayer, because servicing on such a rare beast will not be easy on these shores. But, for the dedicated few, you could be proud in saying you own what could be considered the closest thing to a four-door Ferrari this side of a fifth generation Maserati Quattroporte.
The 1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde we featured back in February is back up for sale. As our friends our friends at BlythBros. can attest, owning one of these cars can provide the owner pleasure and pain. For the days these cars run right, however, they reward you with lots of pleasure. This car is quite presentable, harboring a few issues consistent with its age and easy enough for those handy with a wrench to tackle.
The below post originally appeared on our site February 3, 2014:
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Alfa Romeo often is likened to the heart and soul of the motor industry, producing cars that are sometimes less than rational as a consequence of the pursuit for sheer driving ecstasy. Even their more practical offerings have had an individualistic flair about them, witness this Milano Verde for sale in Vancouver, British Columbia. I was never too keen on these cars when they were new, but after visiting my local auto show, the sharp lines courtesy of Centro Stile Alfa Romeo are a refreshing break from the ho-hum styling of modern day sedans.
This 1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde is a lifetime Vancouver BC car. Mileage is approximately 173,000 km. These cars have some well documented design features and quirks, so if you aren't already aware of the history of Milanos it is worth doing a quick read on Wikipedia. This is the top-spec Verde model, with 3.0 L V6, fantastic Recaro interior, body kit, unique instrument cluster, LSD, and ABS. Verdes were quite rare with estimates of fewer than 1,000 being sold in North America during their three year production.
In general the condition of the car is good. Paint shows a few small marks. The grey trim on the sides and spoiler is the weakest point on the exterior and would benefit from fresh paint. There is one rust hole in the rear passenger wheel well, visible in the passenger door jamb (common area). There are no other rust areas. The interior is decent with the exception of the bottoms of the front seats which show wear but no holes. The headliner is sagging. The wheels have some scuffs but are straight and bend-free. Tires are getting older but have decent tread. Glass is original and good. These issues noted, the car cleans up very well and turns heads at most car meets.
Mechanically the car is good to very good, with details listed below. As can be seen in the photos, the car has not been freshly detailed but photos represent its normal state, e.g. tidy but not spotless. This car has benefited from quite a bit of attention while under my care.
Maintenance in the last two years
- Transaxle mounts (3) replaced
- Rear calipers, rear wheel bearings, and brake flex lines replaced
- de Dion bushing (poly) replaced
- Watts linkage bushings (5) replaced
- Timing belt, tensioner, water pump, aux belts, and associated seals replaced
- Clutch master and slave cylinders replaced
- Steering rack replaced
- Caster bushings replaced
- Front roll bar end links replaced
- Air inlet box, inlet hose, and MAF restored
- Floor mats replaced
- Oil pressure sender replaced
Other good stuff
- The Alfa 'Busso' has been described as one of the best sounding motors ever built. It is glorious.
- Set of 5 @ 15x7 Fondmetal basketweave alloy wheels with centercaps included with sale
- Aftermarket headers installed (brand unknown)
- OEM first aid kit included
- Box of random small spares included
Quirks (besides the well documented ones from the factory)
- ARC panel has blinky lights for brakes, oil level, brake lights and side-marker lights (but all reported functions do actually work correctly)
- Intermittent wiper setting works intermittently
- Shifting between 1st and 2nd needs a slight pause
- Limited range on the sun-roof due to the sagging headliner (works properly otherwise)
Issues
- Front passenger side window motor/regulator doesn't work reliably
- ABS warning light won't go out, and in the past pedal feel changes after a drive longer than one hour. I've had this checked at two mechanics and they haven't found a fault. Brakes work fine and the warning light could be due to a failed ABS sensor (which is no longer available). A spare ABS pump/accumulator, reported to be working, is included with the sale should buyer wish to troubleshoot further.
- Two small oil leaks present under the motor, generally only occur if the car is parked on a slope.
If you are reading this add from the USA, price is in CAN$, and the car is 25 years old so per previous experience import to the US is easy. Information is available on your government websites.
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A lot of the major mechanical points have been addressed on this car. There are a few remaining issues, but nothing too catastrophic as to deter those handy with a wrench or friendly with a good mechanic. Those who have driven these sedans know what a great drive they are. With a throaty V6 and rear-mounted gearbox, it allows this car to stand out with performance rarely seen at this price point. These are cars that are certainly worth preserving, as they are the last Alfas designed before the Fiat takeover and the last rear-drive sedans from the company to this day.
The Ferrari 308/328 stablemates were, for a long time, the bread and butter of Ferrari's sales. Great looks, an even better soundtrack, and big screen appeal made the Ferrari the natural choice if you wanted an exotic Italian sports car. They were also much more reasonably priced than the headline-grabbing Testarossa and F40, and much better looking than the Mondial and 400/412i. Was it the perfect Ferrari? A lot of people seem to think so; the counterpoint to Porsche's 911 model, the 308 and 328 are still some of the most popular Ferraris - and amazingly, still some of the cheapest to buy and own. While classic Porsche 911 prices have gone through the roof, as have Ferrari's own Dino 206/246 prices, the 308 and 328 remain cars that can be bought on a reasonable budget. What's the best one to own? Well, if you like the angular styling of the originals obviously they'll be top on your list - but if I was in the market, I'd look for the best example of the last of the run - the 328, just like today's ultra-low mileage example:
You are looking at a garage kept 1 owner collector car in PRISTINE condition. This is a 1989 Ferrari 328GTS with only 7900 miles. She's finished with its original Red paint with Black leather hides. The back leather is also original with no leather repair performed.
LOOK AT THE DASH AND PANEL PICTURES
THIS IS A COLLECTOR CAR
7900 ORIGINAL MILES AND ITS PRICED FOR A QUICK SALE THESE CARS ARE APPRECIATING RAPIDLY
WE GUARANTEE THIS VEHICLE TO BE IN SHOW AND ORIGINAL CONDITION OR YOUR MONEY BACK.
MAJOR SERVICE JUST DONE WITH TIMING BELT AND ENGINE RESEAL.
Call Nick on my cell direct 239 269 7713 call or text
Behold the holy grail of collector cars!!
WE ARE RANKED # 36 IN THE WORLD ON EBAYMOTORS. WE SELL EXCLUSIVE LUXURY AND EXOTIC CARS SHIPPING ALL OVER THE WORLD
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Perfect color combination, excellent condition, recent service; this car has it all. Truth be told, I'd rather have a Berlinetta than the GTS model, but for the right car I'd probably make an exception. Either way you're sure to turn heads, be able to show up at a car event and gather a crowd, and enjoy some classic V8 Ferrari motoring. 1989 was the swan song for the 308/328, as later in the year they were replaced by the mostly new 348. It was the end of an era, and one that produced some classic cars that are still on the rise in value. This car should fetch top dollar - around $65,000 in today's market. You can buy a cheaper one, but you're not likely to find a better one.
Our friends over at BlythBros. have been chronicling the rebuild of an Alfa Romeo Milano, a rarely seen but rewarding drive of a sport sedan offered to US customers in the 1980s. Known as the 75 across the Atlantic, these were great drivers cars, as those that arrived stateside came equipped with a V6 engine hooked up to a rear mounted transaxle for optimum weight distribution. This 1989 Milano Verde for sale in New York represents the final year the Milano came to the US.
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Year: 1989 Model: Milano Verde Engine: 3.0 liter V6 Transmission: 5-speed manual Mileage: 144,220 mi Price: Reserve auction
The last year for the Milano. This car is in flawless mechanical condition despite the high mileage. The body is Straight and there is no need for paintwork. Runs and drives like new. No issues with synchromesh or the clutch. Jack points are solid. No significant rust. Everything works.
Koni Yellow Shocks
New Clutch Master and Slave Cyl. with Hose.
Goodyear Eagle GT 195-55-15 on straight original Wheels LIKE NEW
New Headliner
Cold A/C
Good Heat
Rebuilt rear calipers
Stebro Exhaust
Ready to go anywhere as it sits. Maintained by Alfa Specialists of Alfa Auto Clinic. Vehicle may be inspected on a lift and test driven by appointment. Just call 516-623-0199 and ask for Guiseppe or Barry.
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These 1980s Alfas are not the simplest vehicles to maintain, but if you're handy with a wrench and have the time to invest or know a good specialist and are willing to invest the money, they can be a unique practical classic, for those needing a bit more space than a sports car. Those considering a Milano in good condition can expect to pay in the range of $4,500 to $7,000 these days, representing a lot of Italian flair for not much cash.
Complimenting the mint condition Maserati Biturbo we featured last week, here we have a very low mileage example of that car’s evolutionary successor, the 430. The one thing that can be concerning about low mileage Maseratis from the 1980s is determining whether they have low mileage due to the fact they might have been bought by a collector or whether they spent more time in the shop than on the road. This 430 is claimed to have been from a collection and certainly looks as such from the condition. The problem here is, how much of a headache can a 24 year old Maserati that has sat for most of its life be?
1989 Maserati 430, 3850 original miles. This is literally a brand new car. It was stored indoors in a climate- controlled collection for 24 years, this is the first time it is being offered to the public. Still has remnants of the plastic on the leather that covered it during shipping from the factory. Has original tires as it rolled out of the factory. Comes with the dealer window sticker and full professional maintenance manual in three ring binder. Standard equipment on this car are: 2.8 liter SOHC aluminum V6 engine, 3 valves per cylinder, twin turbochargers and dual air-to-air intercoolers, Webber- Marelli computerized fuel injection/ ignition system, rack and pinion power steering, ZF 5-speed manual transmission, Ranger limited slip differential, 4 wheel independent suspension, Hi-Speed radial tires on 15" alloy wheels, servo-assist four wheel disk brakes, automatic air conditioning with touch-sensitive control panel, power windows & door locks, tinted glass,leather upholstery, adjustable steering column with leather steering wheel, Maserati clock, tool kit, electric door mirrors, stereo cassette radio, noise & corrosion control coatings, factory fog lights. Clean California title. This car cost $45,786.00 in 1989.
There are very minor scuffs, imperfections in the paint and interior as can be expected of a car this age. The power antenna has also been removed and is in the trunk. This car runs and drives good, but can use a standard tune up to get it running excellent. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer, I can assist in loading. Payment is due 7 days after close of auction. See my other auctions for other super-rare cars I'm selling from my collection.
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Like the Biturbo, the 430 can be had for pennies on the dollar these days. These cars were meant to be targeted as a more exclusive, upscale choice to the typical BMW 3 series and Mercedes 190s of the era, but have seen their values plummet to the level of those cars and below, due to the cost of upkeep. This car has minor cosmetic issues but nothing to detract terribly. A clean, well-sorted 430 could fetch between $12,000 and $14,000 at the high end. Good examples of these cars usually hover around $10,000. There’s a lot of questions to be asked with regards to this car and why it sat for so long, and a lot of things might need attention to make it reliable for regular use. This one is certainly worth a punt, but, as they say, caveat emptor.
I won't deny that I'm one of the folks who laments the passing of the traditional manual gearbox and the more visceral, unforgiving sports cars of yore. Nowadays manufacturers have made it easy for kids transitioning from video games into real time driving, eliminating the learning curve for many when it comes to proper driving. The Ferrari 328 was the final chapter for the 308 that debuted in the mid 1970s. In its final year, new technology could be seen creeping through in the form of anti-lock brakes and revised suspension geometry to accomodate this feature.
This GTS, or Gran Turismo Spider, for sale in Miami has ultra low miles and is a car that looks right at home sitting under the palm trees.
This 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS, finished Rosso Corsa with tan leather interior. Driven only 14,887 documented miles. Major service completed nn 07/23/2012. Limited production vehicle and only model year with ABS. Original manuals, original keys, original tool kits. It's as good as it gets! Trades accepted, non smoker.
The 308 on which the 328 is based is one of the cheapest ways into the Prancing Horse club these days. However, the final 328 models, especially clean, final year examples such as this one are rightfully prized. A good 328 GTS will set you back somewhere between $50,000 and $70,000, depending on mileage of course, and this car is right at the top of that range. Which is hovering right around what these cars sold for new...albeit that would equate to much more in 1989 dollars.
The 1980s weren't a glorious period for Maserati. The 430 was a derivative of the infamous Biturbo that was meant to soothe US customers and make them forget about the teething problems of the turbocharged V6 engine. Sadly, fewer than 1,000 of these sedans were built between 1987 and 1994, with even fewer still making their way stateside. As a result of their obscurity and infamous reliability record, these Italian compact executive sedans can be had on a budget. But does a cheap purchase price make for a smart buy? Not all the time. Bought right though, and you could have something. This 430 for sale in California has had a lot of work done to it, which should help to assuage some fears.
1989 Maserati 430 - Silver. Beautiful condition. 91k miles. Always garaged. Here is a list of some of the new parts and work that has been done on the car within the last year to get it up to spec: Timing belt + (all important) valve adjustment, water pump, radiator, fuel injector relays, fuel filters, air cleaner + filters, Interstate battery, alternator, fuse box, Alpine radio + front speakers, tires: Yokohama (S-Drive), wheel alignment, replaced all worn buttons, ashtray, floor mats, trunk struts, and the list goes on, over $4500 in work. The only thing left is the A/C needs a recharge or new seal on the compressor (which I have the parts for). Speedometer reads: 31k, but the car has 91k on it (the speedo was changed in 2007 and recorded on the door and with receipts). Everything on the car works and it runs like a dream. I have all the records on this car since it was purchased back in 1989. This is a California vehicle that has been very well cared for, no rust, great paint. A rare and wonderful automobile.
Some of it’s features: 225 hp V6 (twin turbo), 5-speed manual transmission (0-60 under 6 sec.), Silver ext./Black Leather Int. + Grey Alcantara. All power: Steering, Brakes, Driver’s Seat, Windows, Sunroof. Wooden (factory upgrade) steering wheel, Maserati clock, fog lights, etc.
Selling only to make space in the garage for a new car. No Trades. Serious inquiries only.
At $10,000, the seller is right at the top end for what these sedans are bringing these days. At close to 100,000 miles, I'd suspect this car's real value is closer to the $6,000 to $7,000 mark. Cosmetically, the car appears mint and it has had a slew of work done to it. We all know Italian cars are not the most reliable of vehicles at times, but the Biturbo Maseratis can really take the cake sometimes. Whether the ownership experience would end in joy or pain is pretty much a roll of the dice.
I can't think of a car that makes me sit around the office more and daydream about the summer months and vacation more than the Alfa Romeo Spider. Well, those warmer days are not too far off for us in the Northeastern US, but it's never to early to start thinking of a summer plaything. This late model Series 3 Spider Veloce for sale in Florida is just the thing for those carefree summer trips.
You are looking at a beautiful Alfa Spider that is in super condition. This is a totally rust free car. The exterior is like new with really not a mark on it. The wheels all look like brand new. The convertible top is brand new! The interior is leather and is in amazing condition. Look at the pictures. Amazing condition. Has the factory Alfa floor mats. Super clean interior. This car runs brand new! Hits the road like new. It comes with a car cover, extra A/C condenser and a brand new bra. The previous owner of this car spent a huge amount of money restoring this car. His loss is your gain. This will make someone a great car with great investment potential.
Some of the most affordable Spiders are the Series 3 versions from the 1980s. You can find plenty on the market at any given time for well under $10,000, such as this one. I'd suspect given the condition and mileage, this Spider won't last too long, as it is well sorted and painted a desirable hue.
The 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32 that we featured for sale last year in Canada is back up for sale with a Buy it Now of $15,900. Is this tempting enough for a US enthusiast to travel across the border, bring it back here for one year under a potential "show and display" exemption and then be in the clear in 2014?
The below post originally appeared on our site June 27, 2012:
Cars like the original Mercedes-Benz 500E, the BMW M5 and the Cadillac CTS-V are all sedans that enthusiasts are familiar with. Take an executive saloon, drop a bomb of an engine under the hood, tweak the suspension, brakes and transmission and you have a recipe for stealth. But one of the most interesting and seductive sports sedans to ever hit the streets is probably one you never heard of. The Lancia Thema 8.32. This car shared architecture with the Fiat Croma, Saab 9000 and Alfa Romeo 164. While the Giugiaro inspired styling may have been a bit tame, in true Lancia form, the engineers went off the reservation. In went a 3.0 liter V8 from a Ferrari 308. Mounted transversely with a cross plane crankshaft and a few bits from Ducati, this was a serious motor. With 212 horsepower on tap and a sub seven second 0-60 time, the Thema 8.32 could hang with the best of them. This one for sale is unique in that it has been imported to Canada, putting it within arms reach of US enthusiasts.
I am offering one of the rarest, world's best, unmolested factory original 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32 with the Ferrari 3.0 four cam V8. Yes, a true sleeper. Incredible performance from the 3.0 four cam Ferrari V8. This rare all numbers matching Thema 8.32 is one of only 3,971 ever made and in spectacular original condition with only two meticulous owners since new. It was professionally appraised in January of 2006 for $36,000. That was six years ago. VIN #: ZLA83400000164763.
SOME BRIEF HISTORY: First shown at the Turin Auto Show in 1986, the Thema 8.32 ("8" standing for the number of cylinders and "32" for the number of valves) was assembled at Lancia's S. Paolo plant in Turin. Shaped by the hands of Giorgetto Giugiaro, the boxy sedan model featured a 0.32 drag coefficient, which was an impressive figure at the time. Being a luxury model, it featured a comprehensive list of standard and optional features, including automatic air conditioning and heated seats wrapped in leather or Alcantara.
Two years after the launch of the model, Lancia executives decided to step it up a notch with the presentation of the Thema 8.32, perhaps better known as the "Thema Ferrari." The Italian Q-car was fitted with a 3.0-liter 32valve V8 engine (hence the 8.32 in the name) sourced from Ferrari. Power was sent to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. The Ferrari-powered Thema completed the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 6.8 seconds and achieved a top speed of 240 km/h or 149 mph!
The styling of the Thema 8.32 was rather discreet with exterior upgrades being limited to the different grille, tailpipes, gold/yellow pinstripes on the sides, a retractable rear boot lid spoiler and the alloy wheel designs. Inside, the flagship Thema offered buyers a full leather treatment (or Alcantara) along with a wood trimmed dashboard featuring unique gauges and a three spoke leather steering wheel.
Here are some highlights: The actual mileage on this 8.32 is 123,413 original km or 73,000 original miles. No rips, tears, cuts, or any other imperfections in the Alcantara seats, door panels and dashboard Non-smoker and was never smoked in by anyone else. Full service history from Grand Turismo in Alliston, Ontario. One of 2 in North America that I know of. Does anyone else have one in North America? I would sure like to know.
Purchased from the first and only original 73 year old owner in Italy and imported by Autoforum into Canada several years ago. Must be seen and driven to be appreciated.
MOTOR: 3.0 quad came FERRARI V8. The previous owner (Paul) has spent over 20K in making sure this 8.32 is perfect. Speak to Brett at Gran Turismo. I would be more than glad to give you Brett's telephone number.
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed transmission. The transmission shifts perfectly in every gear!
BODY: 100% rust free with factory original paint. Never in any accident or collision whatsoever. All original factory shell panels, no aftermarket parts whatsoever. Perfect floors, rocker panels, trunk, etc.
EXHAUST SYSTEM: Upgraded Magnaflow exhaust system. Comes with factory exhaust system as well.
WHEELS/TIRES: Factory original 15" WHEELS with Yokohama tires! I will install a brand new set of 205/50 15" tires for the new owner.
INTERIOR: All original, as new. What can I say, again, let the photos speak for themselves.
COMES WITH THE FOLLOWING: Color brochure, untouched original tool kit, original untouched spare wheel/tire, original factory jack, appraisal - was appraised in 2006 at over $36,000. Today it would be appraised at $45,000. Full service history from Gran Turismo. Original factory exhaust, Lancia Thema floor mats, everything you see in the video/photos. This Lancia cost the equivalent of $80,000 when it was brand new.
TITLE/SHIPPING: This 1989 LANCIA THEMA 8.32 comes with a clean Canadian title. For US residents, I can title this Lancia in your name here in Toronto and get Ontario license plates/sticker in your name so you can drive this Lancia anywhere in North America.
The attractive thing about this Lancia is that it is already residing in North America and will be legal for US road use in 2014. I'm not sure how the seller would work out Canadian license plates for a US buyer, but it wouldn't be out of the question for a US collector to buy this car, store it away for a short while and then title it. It sound kind of crazy, but sadly the US government is so draconian that we are left with few other inexpensive options. The last Thema 8.32 we featured had a little more than 30,000 less miles on the clock and was being offered at $18,000. This car was also located in Germany. I would wager to say averting the hassle that comes along with importation logistics, the asking price of $22,000 is almost a bargain for a decently preserved example of unobtanium.
Hot on the heels of the 1988 Milano Verde we featured on Friday, here is a stunning example of Alfa's chiseled sport sedan for sale in Georgia. This Milano has had one owner over the last 20 years and comes with a stack of records.
Excellent Original 1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde 3.0, 85,000 Orig. Miles
·Same Owner since 1992
·Excellent example in very good original condition
·Good to Very Good Black Exterior
·Immaculate Original Recaro Interior (headliner professionally replaced)
·Upgraded Polk Audio and Alpine Speaker System
·Concord Deck w/power amp
·Very Good AC
·Cruise Control
·Bridgestone Potenza SP-03 Pole Position Tires – Only 4000 Miles
·Ansa Exhaust
·PIAA fog lights (original lamps included)
·Acrylic Headlight Covers
·K&N Air Filter
·All records since 1992
Extras Include:
·Wolf Front Bra – Excellent Condition
·Original Trunk Storage Boxes
·Original Four Piece Fitted Alfa Romeo Luggage
·Original Owner’s Manual Package including: manual, maintenance log, road atlas, note pad, mileage/expense log, dealer listing, tire warrantee, etc.
·All original tools in cases including complete tool kit box with included gloves.
·Black cloth “Seat Saver” covers for Recaros
·Full factory maintenance manual
·Touch Up Paint
This is a great looking example of the last of the rear-drive Alfa sedans. Anything over $10,000 for a Milano these days is is a bit dear, but this particular car has certainly been cared for by one fastidious owner. I'd wager a guess that $7,000 to $9,000 is a bit more of a realistic price range for this example. But if I was going to buy a Milano, this final year example would be right at the top of my shopping list.
