Tag Archives: Giugiaro

Theme Week, Uncategorized

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

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

1981 BMW M1

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

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

-Paul

Modern Classic, Theme Week, Uncategorized

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

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

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

1994 Subaru SVX

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

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

-Paul

Maserati

1967 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Coupe

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Saying that Maserati has a checquered history is an understatement. Founded by the Maserati brothers Alfieri, Bindo, Carlo, Ettore, and Ernesto in 1926, the marque's ownership changed hands seven times, including a partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroën and a short receivership under the Societa di Gestioni e Partecipazioni Industriali dello Stato Italiano (State Industrial Holdings Management Agency). Now Maserati is partnered with Alfa Romeo under the Fiat umbrella. In recent years, their sales success with models such as the Quattroporte and GranTurismo have ensured their survival.

The first Ghibli could certainly be regarded as a high point in the manufacturer's timeline. Introduced in 1967 with a quad cam, 4.7 liter V8 producing 335 horsepower, it was certainly a fast car for its time, capable of 60 mph in under seven seconds. It was also available with either a five speed manual or three speed automatic transmission.

This particular Ghibli was owned by the late Italian-American tenor Enzo Stuarti, who was an avid car enthusiast.

1967 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Coupe

1967 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Litre Coupe, 3 documented owners, 40,000 original miles, single ownership for over 35yrs

Chassis No. 115.616
Engine No. 115.616

Maserati Ghiblis show up less frequently than many other classics, but that's because there are not many of them and owners are often reluctant to let them go. The Ghibli with its 4-cam V-8 engine, quartet of downdraft Weber carburetors, superb suspension, powerful brakes and sublime Giugiaro-designed, Bertone-built coachwork is one of the greatest Italian GTs.

Originally owned by the famous opera star and car collector, Enzo Stuarti, this low mileage and meticulously documented example still retains its numbers matching 4 cam V8 with the correct Weber 40 DCNL5 carbs and the highly desirable 5-speed transmission.

The Ghibli shows well as a high quality driver. The exterior paint finish was resprayed several years ago in a very complimenting dark blue. The original Borranis were professionally restored by Dayton Wire Wheel and put on new tires less than 500 miles ago.

Its cabin presents very nicely, including the original and undamaged seats and door panels. Being an “early Ghibli” the car has the better looking, sleeker small hubbed steering wheel, more reliable Lucas signal stalk and the desirable toggle switches instead of rockers. The “mouse-fur” dash cover was replaced along with the center console, shift boot, map pockets and the front carpets. The remainder of the carpeting is original. The factory radio was professionally refurbished last year and new speakers were placed. The original electric antenna, lamps and instruments work as they should.

The car runs, sounds and performs very well, just as an Italian exotic should. A new fuel pump and filter all around were installed recently along with a thorough tuning and synchronization of the carburetors. An upgraded alternator and battery has been installed, as well as a new Pertronix Optic Ignition system (installed by the Pertronix factory) with new Pertronix coil, new plugs and new plug wires. Large puller and pusher fans help keep everything running cool.

Over $5K was spent refurbishing the A/C system, including all new hoses, fittings, etc. The compressor and new high-efficiency condenser work great, even in Texas heat. The entire braking system has also been fully sorted through. Completing the Ghibli are multiple sets of keys for ignition, doors, glove box, both gas caps and rare steering column lock - correct and original jack, jack bag, spanner wrench, shop manuals, owner’s manual and several notebooks of tech data and other useful information.

• Such a Rare, Beautiful & Well-Documented Example
• Only 40k Documented Miles Since New
• Factory A/C, 5spd transmission, and wire wheels!
• Original Owner’s Manual, Jack with Bag & Lug Wrench
• Includes an EXTENSIVE folder of receipts dating back to 1971

$89,900 firm

I always felt the Ghibli lent itself better to darker colors, and in this case, with the blood red leather, it looks stunning. This car has certainly been well documented and the amount of refurbishment undertaken is reassuring for collectors who might be interested in adding one of Maserati's finest to their stable.

-Paul