Tag Archives: Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6

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The Alfa Romeo GTV6 is a fantastic way to get into the Italian car hobby without spending a lot of money. With its V6 engine, well balanced rear drive chassis and history of racing in its bloodlines, it's an attractive piece for the sporting enthusiast. These coupes are not too hard to come by these days. While many have been beaten to within an inch of their lives, there's a surprising amount of well kept examples out there to choose from. This GTV6 for sale is a survivor that was stored for many years but recently revived to a reliable driver.

1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6

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1983 Alfa Romeo GTV 6 With 39,103 Original Miles. The Auto Check mileage has been corrected. I bought the transmission in it, years before I found the car, knowing this was special and the transmission I would want in the car I was going to keep the rest of my life. It is from a Milano Verde with taller gearing and a limited slip differential. The standard GTV 6 transmission does not have a limited slip differential. The transmission was rebuilt by Merritt Carden and features lightened gears. It has a Merritt made copy of a Shankle short throw shift linkage with Hyme joints. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the old transmission, all the synchros were (and are) fine and there were no issues what-so-ever. My mechanic said the transmission was perfect! I put in the LSD with the taller gearing for better mileage as I was going to use the car on road trips. This transmission has only about 1,000 miles on it; it is just breaking in nicely and is superb! Another thing to bear in mind; it is getting close to impossible to find new synchros that are OEM parts and the aftermarket ones are frequently junk. Lightening the gears allows the synchros to last close to forever, if you DON'T lighten the gears, your synchros will not last. With this transmission, you can expect 100k (or more) miles of flawless shifting.

I got this car from the Carden family in the San Francisco Bay Area. It belonged to one of the older brothers but he got to the point he couldn’t climb in and out of it, so it was sitting in a horse barn and needed a complete resurrection which was done properly as I planned on keeping this car for the rest of my life. It had the original timing belt in it with the original hydraulic chain tensioner. There is no question this is a 39,000 mile car. All work was done by Alfaman Jim Cestarolo, whose family still runs Alfa Center in San Francisco and has for many years. I have all the service records since I had Jim do the work and you can talk to Jim. This is not just an average GTV 6, this is a really GOOD car! If you fins another GTV 6 with the same mileage on it that hasn't had all the work that I've done on mine, you will need to put $5,000 into it. All the rubber rots, the fuel pump will go bad, etc.

A friend and car guy I've known for over 30 years, told me this story about when he bought his Jaguar XK 120, "If I'd spent $5,000 more for a better car, I would have saved money in the long run." Again, everything was done as if I was keeping the car and I wanted it all done right. I have put about 1,000 miles on it getting it fully sorted out. If you have questions and want to speak to the mechanic, I will give you his number. He’s in Novato, California.

The good:

It still has the original dual fans and they work. New water pump, rebuilt hydraulic tensioner with OEM rebuild kit and timing belt. Stainless steel brake lines, rebuilt alloy front calipers and steel rear calipers, new master cylinder. Replaced all injector rubber hoses underneath the plenum. All new hoses for the radiator and heater, radiator checked. The clutch is excellent with 98% + of material remaining, the bearing and fork are excellent, new clutch slave cylinder. New center bearing for the driveshaft and new Giubos. New fuel pump and fuel lines. Air conditioning converted to the new refrigerant.

Fresh Michelin tires. 195/60 R 15 XSE, Pilot Exalto A/S. They appear to have less than 2,000 miles on them. There are still some “nubs” from the mould. The good condition leather interior has been treated with Connolly Hide Food. There is one small hole in the driver’s side front seat bolster, facing toward the door, probably from the previous owner getting into the car. There are surface cracks in the leather, but if treated and kept parked in a garage, the seats will last a long time. What kills the leather is lack of treatment and being left in the sun. It has the $200 sunroof handle surround that is machined out of ¼” thick material. The stock ones are all broken, they’re all cr*p. The guy is on the fence about making any more, he may and he may not. I got one of the last 4. The power windows work. There are no dings or chips in the glass. I have the windshield washer tank, although it is not pictured installed. It has a good pump on it. The paint is generally very good with a few chips here and there. There are a few very minor areas of surface rust. It does NOT have the usual rust in the wheel wells. The car has a clean California title and is registered. If the buyer is from California I will supply a recent smog certificate. It passed when I registered it.

The bad:

The left front corner of the car and part of the front around the grill has been repainted. The bodywork was done well but the paint is not an exact match in terms of shade or sheen. (it’s really not very bad) The plastic piece on the top left of the rear bumper that covers the gap, is separated from the center joint piece, (also not very bad). Some of the usual minor cracking on the dash. I have a dash pad for it that also cuts down on glare. It is not installed and comes with the car. The radio is nothing special but works. The car still has the “in the windshield” radio antenna, which never did work even when they were new.

There is no ugly!

The conclusion:

If you buy a car with this kind of low mileage that’s been sitting for 20+ years, plan on having to do everything I’ve had to do to have a reliable car. I have receipts for over $7,000 + plus the transmission which was a $1,500 overhaul, not including finding a Milano Verde transmission to be rebuilt, plus the cost of the car! Everything was checked for reliability and longevity. I have all the repair receipts. I’ve invested between $9,000 and $10,000 in total, to make a car that will give no surprises. I would not hesitate an instant to get in this car and drive from California to New York, or anywhere else on the east Coast. If you want a good one, buy this car!

A good GTV6 will run someone anywhere between $8,000 to $12,000 these days. The opening bid of $8,000 is a bit high and doesn't leave a lot of breathing room for bidders, but given the work done to it, plus the later transmission with the limited slip differential, I'd say this GTV6 would be as good as any if you're in the market for one of these.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo 164L

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We've featured a bunch of clean Alfa Romeo 164s on CICFS. While the newest US market 164 is going on 17 years old, it doesn't seem that there is a shortage of low mileage examples out there. While it was the first front-wheel drive exexutive car for Alfa Romeo, enthusiasts have noted that even without a traditional rear-drive chassis, these sedans still have good poise on the road. This 164L for sale in Pittsburgh has covered a scant 22,000 miles and looks amazingly modern in white even though the car is over 20 years old.

1991 Alfa Romeo 164L

One owner, only 24,000 original miles. We have all the books and original window sticker. This is a rare find! Four door, 2 Wheel Drive, Alloy Wheels, Sun/Moon Roof, Air Conditioning, Leather Seats, Power Windows, Alarm, AM/FM Radio, Anti-theft, Antilock Brakes.

While this car has extremely low mileage and appears to be an unmolested example, we're probably about $2,000 to $3,000 off the mark here. Typically, clean 164s will trade hands in the $7,000 to $10,000 range, possibly reaching a little beyond that if it's the sportier 164Q model we're dealing with.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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The Series 4 Alfa Romeo Spider we featured last week sold for $12,600. Not a bad deal at all considering the low mileage and stunning condition. Here’s another Spider Veloce similar to the one featured last week that looks great on a set of Panasport alloy wheels. While I never had a problem with the stock wheels, this classic pattern adds a little something special to what is already a great design.

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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1991 Alfa Romeo (Red) Spider Veloce Roadster. Mille Magna Red w/Tan Leather & Suede Interior. Mileage: 48,975 pampered miles. This vehicle was sold at Cornes Motors Ltd. in San Diego, CA. in 1991. I believe it to be a three owner vehicle. Has all the original books and records including the sales brochure. Also included is a complete shop service manual and related CD. The original Alfa Spider rims (telephone dial) style have been replaced by five (5) PanaSport aluminum wheels and new Toyo Proxes 4/205/55R15 tires. What a difference in the overall vehicle's appearance. Whew! For those purist out there I will include the five (5) original rims with the vehicle's sale.

New custom logo floormats are also included. The convertible top assembly is in great condition with no rips or tears visible and a crystal clear back window. The seats are leather and suede and are in good condition (some wear showing on suede part of seats). The vehicle has had some paintwork on the passengers side door and (R) front fender due to a minor "fender bender" other than that the body's straight. The vehicle runs and drives great! This same year, same color Alfa Spider Veloce just sold on eBay Motors last Friday 08/10/12 for $12,600 with 41K+ miles and the original rims. I spent over $2,000. upgrading the old wheels and tires on the vehicle. This vehicle needs nothing but a new owner!

Given the recent sale of a nearly identical car, it's safe to say the reserve is a little north of $10,000. Panasport wheels are not inexpensive and I doubt 8,000 miles is really that much of a detriment to buyers in the grand scheme of thing. It seems these lower mileage Series 4 Spiders have settled in strongly in the $10,000 to $15,000 range, with the usual condition, mileage and color being the main determinants in value.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

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A reader of ours from Australia left us a message recently that he was looking for a clean Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. Last week, this mint 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider in Germany caught my eye, but I thought why not follow up with a Giulietta that is a little less expensive but could use a bit of work for the intrepid buyer? This Giulietta for sale in Texas is pretty much complete but needs a good sorting to get it to a good driver level.

1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

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1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce Spider. VIN# AR1495F04191. The car has a 1962 Giulia Sprint or Spider 1600 Twin Carb motor #0011205344 and a 5-speed gearbox. I do not know when it was swapped, nor do I know the whereabouts of the original drivetrain. I have an invoice from 1979 when this motor was rebuilt by Bob Wallace Cars in Phoenix, Arizona. It has had one family ownership since the late 1970s. I have a repair order from 1989 with 35,546 miles.

The car runs and drives, but the carbs need rebuilt, there is some power loss due to the car having been stored for a long time. I had the gas tank cleaned, new fuel pump, rebuilt the master cylinder and a new battery. The brakes are hard, I had the left front wheel cylinders rebuilt due to leaks, but the brakes still need more work. It stops, but has a hard pedal. You can't drive this car home. Body, very solid and straight, no rust holes or patch panels.

Original floor and trunk in excellent shape. Paint is an old paint job that shines, but has chips and scratches and faded spots and a few dings. The hood has been repaired, the front of the hood has a few bubbles, missing the long chrome trim and the underside cross structure was modified. Best to et another hood eventually. Good glass. Tires old. Top is black, but it has shrunk because it hasn't been used for over 30 years.

Interior, good quality driver. Oil pressure is 55 when engine is running. Please look at all the photos. I have additional photos I can email. Car can be seen by appointment in Plano, Texas. Good clear Texas title in hand. Texas residents to pay 6.25% state sales tax and all license fees. No fees to export out of state buyers or dealers. Sold as is. Vehicle and title released when funds clear.

A Giulietta Spider in fair condition, as described by Hagerty, is valued at close to $25,000. If I was in the market, I wouldn't spend much more than that for a Spider in this condition. Putting the engine, brakes and convertible top right will not prove to be cheap repairs and could easily push your total investment above the $30,000 mark. After that, who knows what other issues may arise which need ironing out. Still, black over red leather is a classy combination for these roadsters and this particular car certainly isn't a lost cause. For those with the funds, it may prove to be a worthwhile project.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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Hot on the heels of the low mileage Series 3 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce we featured on Monday, here's a mint condition example of that cars successor, the Series 4. With almost identical mileage, this Spider looks great in Rosso Corsa over tan leather. Summer isn't over just yet and I'm sitting here longing to have a go in one of these cars.

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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Hi, you are looking at a very nice and original 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider with only 41k original miles. Signal Red with tan leather and sued interior, 5 speed transmission, AC works ice cold, everything works on this car. Summer time is here and this is a dream car to be driven with the top down. This is a original car and it looks almost the same way as it left the factory showroom. Just a little wear as you see in the pictures, car runs like a dream. Starts right up with no smoke or leaks.

Dashboard looks brand new (very important) paint is very nice and shiny, just little scratches on few spots that you have to look for it to see it. The top is in good condition, original stereo (CD) with premium sound system, oil has been changed recently. This is a 22 year old classic Italian car and for its age is in mint condition as you see in the picture but it is not a brand new car so please ask any questions before you place a bid. I am selling the car as is with no reserve auction, that means that I am here to sell the car.

I demand a $500.00 none refundable deposit by PayPal after the auction is over and the rest in 4 days by wire only. If you don't agree please move on to the next car. If you have less than 10 feedback you must contact me first or I will cancel your bid and block you. I can assist with shipping, oh by the way the car needs engine mounts as my mechanic told me. Tires are very good, brakes are very good, clutch is very strong. All inspections must be done before the auction ends, after the auction I wont allow inspection. Thank you all.

With no reserve, it would be safe to say this car will probably reach somewhere between $13,000 to $15,000, which is what clean Series 4 Spiders with under 50,000 miles seem to be bringing these days. Personally, the Series 4 is my favorite of the bunch, barring the original boattail Duetto. It's certainly on my short list in the next couple years, and if one surfaces for sale in Rosso Vinaccia, I'm going to have a hard time holding back.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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The Series 3 Alfa Romeo Spider doesn't get as much love as it's earlier or later counterparts, it seems, but it is just as important in the marque's history. This is the car that kept the company going in terms of US sales in the 1980s. With the imminent return of Alfa Romeo to the US market, the manufacturer is acutely aware of the Spider's popularity on this side of the Atlantic, as they plan to bring a new generation Spider to these shores. This low mileage Spider Veloce is a nice way to enjoy al fresco Alfa motoring in the meantime.

1983 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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40,131 original miles, this car has been garage kept and rarely driven for the last 15 years, and has been run weekly. It is ready for the show circuit or as a daily driver and needs nothing. The body is flawless, the engine is mechanically sound, and the top is like new! You must see in person to appreciate how like-new this car truly is! Power windows were a rare feature for this year, and the leather interior feels like sinking into the home-recliner. Contact me with any questions. While this is a very nice low mile car, it is still 26 years old, so it is AS-is where is.

White cars are in vogue these days; as such, this hue adds a bit of contemporary flair to an otherwise classic design. Spiders of this vintage with lower mileage can bring anywhere between $8,000 to $12,000 these days, with the very best reaching beyond that range. While this car has low mileage, these roadsters need exercise, so any potential buyer should make sure things such as belts, hoses and tires haven't suffered any degradation along with being mindful of the usual mechanical items that may be compromised due to age rather than mileage.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

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While we featured an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider just last week, rarely do I see one of these looking as nice as this Spider in classic black for sale Dortmund, Germany. This restored roadster is akin to an automotive cocktail dress: sassy yet dignified at the same time.

1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

For sale is an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. The vehicle was fully restored. The gaps in doors and hoods are almost perfect. The paint has good flatness. All chrome parts were rechromed. The vehicle was rebuilt only with original parts. The entire electrical system was replaced and the gearbox, as well as the drive train, chassis, brakes, etc. The interior was re-trimmed in real leather. The roof quality is good and matches the interior in black. This Spider is ready for much driving pleasure and many pleasant hours in the sun. Get in and start driving.

This Spider, at €39,000 (~ $48,000) is at the top of the range for what Giulietta Spiders go for these days. It isn't often that I see these priced above $40,000, but when they are, they must be the best of the best. The restoration quality looks supreme on this one and I never thought I'd say this, but black may be the new red when it comes to these vintage Alfa Spiders.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super “Torpedo”

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While we just featured an Alfa Romeo Giulia last Sunday, this particular car was just too interesting to pass up as a feature. Carrozzeria Colli was best known for their estate variants of certain Alfa Romeo sedans, most notably the handsome Giulia Giardinetta, a precurser to the lifestyle estates that are popular throughout Europe today. In the mid 1960s, they produced two open roofed examples of the Giulia. Similar to the Fiat 500 and 600 Jolly, this Giulia "Torpedo" as it was called, had no doors and a roof similar to a golf cart. Meant for parades and as transport in resort towns, this was a very unlikely Giulia variant of which few enthusiasts are aware. This car is for sale in Northern Italy, approximately 40 miles from the Swiss border.

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super "Torpedo"

The body set up by Torpedo 'Colli'sul stretched floorpan of the 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super was designed for use in representing special occasions for visits to the establishment of the centenarian. Only two examples were produced, one is in possession of a museum. Definitely a unique piece!

At €75,000 (~ $92,000 USD), this Giulia is obviously not for your average collector. Perhaps a resort may snap it up. One could imagine how fun it would be to motor around in this thing on the banks of Lake Como or along the French Riviera. This car is certainly an intriguing piece and given the price of Fiat Jollys these days, I'm sure if the right buyer comes along the asking price will be met, or if not, will come close.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1969 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1600

At first glance, the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan doesn’t do much to suggest just how remarkable this small car is. With a lower drag coefficient than a 911 from the period, a robust twin cam, four cylinder engine and a curb weight under 2,300 pounds, this was a lively car. As a result of this performance, these were popular cars with the Carabinieri in Italy. Today, these sporty sedans tend to be a more affordable way into classic Italian car ownership than their more sporting two door counterparts. This Giulia for sale in Nebraska was imported to the US in 2003 after being owned by the same owner in Rome for 30 years.

1969 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1600

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ALFA ROMEO 1969 GIULIA SUPER 1600
TIPO 105.26
VIN AR*889715
Color: Beige Cava

Although Alfa Romeo's sports cars may be better known in the US, the Giulia sedan was far more popular in its day, combining the practicality of a family car with the same chassis and drive trains used in Alfa's sports models. With the Giulia, Alfa Romeo deserves the credit for developing the sports sedan well before BMW conceived the 2002. This Giulia Super is one of the desirable 1600 “Biscione” variants, manufactured only from 1968 to 1971. The 1600 Biscione cars (named for the serpent badge in the roof pillar) incorporated mechanical updates from the 1750 series and had more powerful engines and a higher level of interior and exterior trim than other Giulia models.

889715 a preservation car, registered continuously to the original owner in Rome for 30 years before I bought it through a Dutch dealer and brought it to the United States in 2003. It has been conserved, rather than restored. It still has the original Italian windshield sticker and insurance papers from 1969. To my knowledge the engine, transmission and differential are original, and the paint, interior and trim are conserved in very nice condition. All mechanical and electrical systems (except the electric clock) are in good working order and the car is reliable and a pleasure to drive.

In the 9 years I have owned this car I have maintained its originality and integrity while making necessary repairs and tasteful updates/upgrades to improve practicality, safety and performance. I have replaced worn parts with new factory, NOS, or good-quality reproduction items, whenever possible. It appears the previous owners did the same. The result is a beautiful, drivable vintage car that retains the unique combination of style, performance and practicality the Giulia was designed to provide.

Significant modifications and repairs are listed below. A collection of spare parts and Alfa Romeo factory manuals is available to the interested buyer for an additional price to be negotiated at the time of sale.

Modifications/updates
Marelli-Plex ignition (original Bosch distributor available)
Magnecor ignition wires
Halogen headlights (reproduction of Carello, originals available)
IAP Sport Springs (originals available)
Koni red shock absorbers
Weber 40 DCOE carb conversion (from Solex)

Repairs/restorations
New clutch and clutch hydraulics
New center and rear mufflers and exhaust pipes
Front suspension rebuilt with Lemfoder parts
Front turn signal lenses replaced with reproduction Carello
Reproduction hubcaps (originals available)
Bottom cushion of driver’s seat re-upholstered with original-style material by previous owner
Partial repaint of lower panels by previous owner
Reproduction carpets from Re-Originals. Note: the carpets I was sent were for the wrong car; correct replacements are being made and will be included with the sale.

Known issues
The electric clock does not work
The steering box drips oil when the car sits for a long time.
Rust is minimal for a 43-year old Alfa. No rust is visible on the outside of the car. I know about the following areas: an old, welded repair in the front passenger-side footwell, which seems to be holding up well; two holes about 1/8” in diameter in the spare tire well; small perforations where the left inner fender meets the slanted panel of the driver’s footwell beside the wash/wipe switch.

The asking price of $25,000 is a bit on the high side for Giulias of this vintage, even considering the condition and ownership history. This is creeping into GTV territory and I’m not sure the market is quite there yet on these four door Alfas. Around the $20,000 mark would probably be more reasonable, considering you can find similar, if not as original, Giulias for about $5,000 less on a regular basis.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

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As Americans wait with baited breath for the return of Alfa Romeo to this market, let's take a look back at one of the very last new Alfa Romeos, besides the ultra limited 8C Competizione, to grace these shores: the 164. With very few sales in its final year in the US market, these cars were not cross shopped by your typical Lexus or Mercedes-Benz customer. Only hardcore enthusiasts needed to apply. Two versions of the 164 were available in its final year; the Quadrofoglio and the LS version, as we see here. The LS was the luxury model of the pair, but equipped with a 5-speed manual such as our feature car, it still made for an involved driving experience. This 164LS for sale in Miami has a low 85,000 miles on the clock and looks the business in black.

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

Black on Black 95 LS with 85,000 miles. Asking $4,000. I have had this car since 2004 and all work has been done at Auto Veloce in Miami. The car runs great, its fast and I wouldn't hesitate driving it cross country.

The good:
- The engine is strong with and the car runs fantastic
- New clutch installed last week
- New radiator 9 months ago.
- No overheating issues
- Interior is in great shape
- AC work great.
- New Pioneer head unit can use new speakers.
- All maintenance is up do date.
- Oil change last week.
- New brake pads last week.
- Timing belt around 10K ago.
- No leaks
- No rust

The Bad:
- Needs a paint job along with minor repair to front bumper due to a minor parking lot bump. I have the metal trim piece (its used but its straight).
- Rear windows are stuck. motor or button, I don't know. They used to work until one day they didn't and I never bothered fixing.
- Needs new muffler.

The seller seems very motivated to sell and has been rather transparent about the issues with this car. At $4,000, I tend to think this is good value for a late model 164 with the desirable 5-speed gearbox. This is a car that certainly deserves the TLC that it needs. With a fresh paint job and some minor fixes, this 164 could serve as a classy executive express for many years to come.

-Paul