Tag Archives: ItalDesign

1988 Lancia Thema 8.32

May 19, 2014 Graham

If you wanted to go fast in an executive sedan that was rear drive in the 1980s, you bought a BMW M5. If you wanted to go fast in an all-wheel drive sedan in the 1980s, you bought an Audi 200 or 5000 quattro. But if you wanted to go fast in a front wheel drive executive sedan in the 1980s, this is the car you wanted - the Lancia Thema 8.32. Outfitted with a Ferrari sourced, Ducati built 3.0 V8 channeling over 200 horsepower through the front wheels, the Thema was an unusual choice to go fast in. It was also an expensive one; the coin-counters at Lancia must have figured that if they priced it high enough, everyone would just buy it. They didn't. As a result, only around 4,000 total of these cars were produced and they were never imported to North America. Despite that, one has made its way around the world - from Italy to Japan, and then on to British Colombia where it's for sale today:

Year: 1988
Model: Thema 8:32
Engine: 3.0 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 60,000 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1988 Lancia Thema 8.32

1988 Lancia Thema 5 speed 8:32 this car has a Ferrari 308 qv Motor thats all original

The motor needs some work there are two bad cylinders the mechanic did tests on them and determined that it is the valves so it needs the heads to be done, The car runs and drives like this, to see the motor running and more photo go to .

http://s433.photobucket.com/user/haultain/library/?view=recent&page=1

Condition throughout great shape no rust, the car is from Japan and has never bin driven in the winter .The interior seats are in really good shape, no rip, or stains on the seat .The dash has a crack from the sun and needs to be repaired .

This car is a lot of fun to drive, I driven a lot front wheel and this is the best one no torque steer .
You call me at 778-350-8111
The Car at Clemente's Autosports and you can call them at 604-568-0491
1600 Kingsway Vancouver B.C. Canada

Because of their limited appeal and running costs on the Ferrari V8, these Themas haven't gained the sporting reputation of the M5, nor have they gained the accompanying market value. Despite that, this is a pretty cool and interesting alternative to the M5, Audi quattros or Alfa Romeos and fast SAABS of the same generation. You're not likely to draw a crowd, unless of course you pop the hood and rev that glorious Ferrari V8 a few times. Unfortunately, that will be difficult in this particular example as the engine is in need of repair; however, in terms of Ferrari motors this is probably one of the cheapest you can fix. Does that make it worth it? Well, if the bidding stays low - it's at around $5,000 as of writing - this could make a neat and cheaper alternative to the quickly appreciating M5 market.

-Carter

Classic, Giugiaro, Italdesign, Maserati

1975 Maserati Merak Targa

May 3, 2014 Graham

I've posted this Merak to our CICFS Facebook Fanpage, so what's it doing back here? Well, first off, it's a nice example that's worth taking a look at; the Merak is one of the prettier "wedge" designs from Giugiaro, even if it lacked the performance of its big brother Bora. But what's unique about this one is what has occurred to the roof; because unlike nearly every other Merak out there, this one's a Targa::

Year: 1975
Model: Merak
Engine: 3.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 76,900 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1975 Maserati Merak

1975 Maserati Merak AM122-2182

Customization by Steering Wheel Inc. in South Florida circa. 1975. This particular car was delivered new to the US in 1975, and had it's roof customized by Tom Clark Sr. the owner of SWI. The book this car is documented in is on page 222 of "The Maserati Road Cars, Post war production cars 1946-1979 by Richard Crump/Rob de la Rive Box".

The strengthening of the chassis was done at the sills, the windscreen pillars were gusseted on the seams (see book photograph, main picture). This part of the roof work was done by local company, Trust Manufacturing Co.

It came with a blue interior originally, which has since been changed to the current caramel hides you see today. It is in driver condition, with many documents and receipts for work done in the past 30+ years.

With her original Campagnolo wheels, she has had 1 re-spray (by Gene Winfield btw for you SoCal hot rod nuts), in 1982, major services (hydraulics/clutch) in 2003 and 2008, and remains largely original with 76,9xx miles showing.

The paint is not perfect, nor is it a show car, but more of a "good ol' nail of a driver" (as my friend says). Purchased new in Florida in 1975, she then went to California and remained with the same owner for the next 37 years. Tons of paperwork and receipts go with the car, detailed documentation and papers for everything that was worked on.

The Merak is really just a nice, California, no major issues Driver, that needs a new home, she starts right up @ cold, idles great, doesn't run hot, shifts, brakes and drives down the road quite well. She has never been wrecked, or damaged, clean, no issues, straight car, with no Smog too!!! (we have a Video of a Cold start and a quick drive off in her).

Please keep in mind, this car is 39 years old! It has never been restored, it has it's imperfections, so if you're looking for a "show" car, move on! I am upfront and blunt, I do not need to sugarcoat things like some people who sell. Pooling through the documentation on her, what I'm asking for the car and than some, adds up in receipts alone...

A clean, no stories, California Title (1975 NO SMOG!) comes with the car. The Merak also comes with (2) keys, original Owner's Manual, and 40+ pages of receipts/documentation.

Some areas of attention are as follows.

-All of the hydraulic lights on the dash work, and gauges (except noted gas gauge)

-A/C car, but currently non-functional, fan motor and defrost etc. run though

-Crack rear flying buttress (picture)

-Crack front bumper (picture)

-Chip in hood above Trident (picture)

-Hood latch is not working properly (hence the "ajar" look of the fitment per pictures, common)

-Driver window is slow going up/down

-Gas gauge is INOP

If you need more information or pictures, please let me know I'll do my best. Car is located in Roseville, CA at my best friends shop.

-Please call if you wish to discuss, Ken @ 203-770-0839 CT, or Nick if you'd like to stop by and look at the Maserati @ 916-792-1645

-It has nicks, imperfections and some small areas of surface rust here and there. I have tried to take as many good, informative pictures as possible, if there is any area left out, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate.

To those seriously interested parties, I have a DropBox with all of the papers/documentation uploaded I can send if interested in looking through it. Also, please note, if you would like more information about this cars history, I have made contact with Tom Clark Jr. in Florida, and he would be willing to discuss the car with prospective, serious individuals.

If you saw the 1975 Merak sell @ Auctions America a month back, you know that the values on these cars have increased. My reserve is respectful to the condition of the vehicle, and far below what the auction car sold for...

Happy Bidding, someone's going to really enjoy this mid-engined car...

Shipping is 100% the buyers responsibility, though we will do as much as possible to help. PPI's may be requested if given ample time, and if scheduling can be made without a time hassle. Thank you.

*Due to 2 non-paying buyers, this has been re-listed, and I am looking for a serious buyer, not a time waster...Thanks*

* Please note, if you have less than 5 feedback, you need to contact me before bidding, or you risk having your bid deleted.

**Please note, this vehicle is sold, as is, where is, condition, no warranty is expressed or implied.

***Please note, I take my time very seriously, and you should to, so please do not waste mine, and I will not waste yours. Do NOT bid on this car if you have no intentions or the means to purchase it. Do NOT win this auction only to show up wanting to "inspect", the duration of the auction time is the appropriate time for that action, not after the fact.

Yesterday on our sister site German Cars For Sale Blog, I wrote up a converted Porsche 928 - questioning the sanity of anyone that would take the roof off of an otherwise perfectly good coupe. I'm not sure why this was such a trend, but obviously it extended into the 1970s as well. It was reportedly converted when new and is generally original. These original run Meraks - during the Citroen ownership period - generally aren't the ones that are the most sought after, nor is this one in the best condition. But it's a neat piece of history for Maserati fans and I'm sure would be welcome at any meet; as a conversation starter alone, it's worth the story, especially with the documentation there!

-Carter

Maserati

Mid-Engined Maseratis: 1977 Maserati Bora & Merak SS

February 6, 2014 Graham 1 Comment

Maserati is one of those companies that came back from the brink. Several times. Through multiple owners the marque somehow bumbled its way throughout the 20th century, eventually being absorbed by Fiat, where it is currently enjoying a renaissance. At the end of the 1970s, however, the situation was bleak. Maserati's owner, Citroën, went into receivership in 1975. The new controlling group, PSA Peugeot Citroën declared this applied to Maserati as well. After ownership was transferred to an Italian government and eventually, Alejandro de Tomaso, they were forced to lumber along with the same products until de Tomaso geared up production of the Quattroporte III, Kyalami (based on the De Tomaso Longchamp) and the Biturbo.

The last holdovers from the Citroën era are the two vehicles we see here, the Bora and Merak. These were limited production sports cars that, while pretty, couldn't secure the future of the company. The first car we'll take a look at is the Bora. This car's V8 engine could trace its lineage back to the 450S race car, with four cams, 16 valves and hemispherical combustion chambers. Just over 500 Boras were built, with an almost equal number distributed between the 4.7 and 4.9 liter models. This 4.9 for sale in Miami is a low mileage barn find and was sold new in Florida.

Year: 1977
Model: Bora
Engine: 4.9 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 806 mi
Price: $169,900 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1977 Maserati Bora

1977 Maserati Bora

True barn find - 806 original miles

One of only 275 Bora 4.9L produced between 1974 and 1978 for the world. This 1977 Maserati Bora, sold new to its one and only owner by the authorized Maserati dealer of South Florida "Steering Wheel, Inc." Driven just 806 documented miles then stored until now. Finished Bleu Sera with Bianca leather interior.

Chromed parts installed by selling dealership when new. Recent oil and fluids changed as well as fresh gasoline. Here is your chance to own a part of Italian sports car history. A must have by any serious Italian sports car collector. Sure to appreciate!

TRADES ACCEPTED

NON SMOKER

If you have any questions about this or any of my other cars please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your interest and I look forward to hearing from you.

305-949-4100
steven@kesslermotorcars.com

Bora values languished for a while, but in the last couple of years have shot up. These cars represented everything great about Maserati, from eye-catching good looks to a sonorous, race bred engine. It seems that collectors have finally taken notice. The seller is asking all the money for this one. Given the interesting history and very low mileage, I'm not surprised.

The next Maserati we'll take a look at is this 1977 Merak SS, which is sometimes described as the junior version of the Bora. The Merak is two cylinders down on the Bora, sharing its engine with the Citroën SM. The smaller engined allowed for limited rear seating, best for either children or small luggage. This car would compete with the Lamborghini Urraco and Ferrari 308GT4 as a sort of entry-level super car. This Merak SS is also for sale in Florida, a little further north of the Bora, situated in Orlando.

Year: 1977
Model: Merak SS
Engine: 3.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 14,152 mi
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1977 Maserati Merak SS

This a 1977 Maserati Merak SS, a very unique car. It has a great color combination, orange exterior with black leather interiors. The car has A/C, radio cassette, power windows (are not working), and tilt wheel. It also has a 5 speed transmission. This car has a V6 engine with 3 carburetors. The mileage is only 14,152 (exempt). It also has Campagnolo wheels and a tornado mirrors. This car runs good. It is one of those cars that everyone enjoys looking at it because of it's unique features and very rare.

This car is being sold by dealer. If you are not a dealer, you will be require as a traditional buyer to pay for Florida tax,tag and title. We are a serious dealer and want to deal with only serious buyers that have the money ready to go to purchase vehicle. We do not want to have buyers that have to get a bank approved their monies; only serious buyers please. We had listed and sold this car before (twice) and buyers did not have the money to purchase the car and bank loans were not approved. Bank loans after the car has been purchase are not an option.

Personally, I'm a fan of the pre-1976 Meraks, as they had the stylish Citroën SM dashboard. This feature would disappear after Citroën went belly-up. In 1976, they would transition to a dashboard with more square aesthetics. Given the smaller engine, it's no surprise the Merak is more affordable than the Bora. The best Meraks out there may bring in the $50,000 to $60,000 range. This example is quite presentable, if a little bit rough around the edges and has the problem with the non-funtioning windows. Expect an example like this to fetch somewhere in the $35,000 to $40,000 territory.

-Paul

Maserati

1977 Maserati Bora

December 29, 2012 Graham

The sun was setting on the mid engined sports cars of Maserati by the late 1970s. With Alejandro de Tomaso at the helm of the company, smaller front engine, rear drive coupes would be the order of the day along with the mainstay Quattroporte executive sedan. This late model, one owner US spec Bora has the larger 4.9 liter V8 and is great example of Giorgetto Giugiaro's handiwork from the period.

1977 Maserati Bora

You are looking at one of the lowest mileage, best kept, all original, ONE OWNER Maserati Boras in existence! The original paint, mechanics, and interior are in excellent condition for their age. The car is well sorted with the hydraulic system in top condition. The A/C blows cold. Original jack, spare tire, tools, engine cover, owners manual, and original service booklet are included. These sought after exotics are rarer than hen's teeth and even rarer in one-owner immaculate original condition! This Maserati Bora is priced to sell and represents an EXCELLENT investment opportunity for the discerning collector!

Maserati's first mid-engined, road going supercar was the Bora, announced in November 1971. It was named after the wind that blows around Trieste and follows the wind theme of the legendary Ghibli and the Mistrale. Giulio Alfieri had taken Maserati's experience on the racetrack with the Tipo 63 and 65 sports racers of the early Sixties and the Cooper-Maserati Grand Prix Car. The basic design was sent to Giugiaro at Ital Design. Giugiaro produced a body that combined muscle and delicacy, with a hunched, purposeful high rear and curvy front end, suggesting the mid-engined configuration without making a fuss about it. Of the 524 Maserati Boras produced, only 235 were equipped with the 4.9L engine!

The Bora is an interesting beast with quirky styling touches, not completed in the slightest by the larger US spec bumpers. At almost $100,000, this is about on par with where Bora prices have headed lately. The later model with the larger engine certainly is a plus, along with the one owner status. As is the case with many Maseratis from the 1970s, these are excellent collectors items for someone looking to take the road less traveled when it comes to Italian exotics.

-Paul

Modern Classic, Theme Week, Uncategorized

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

January 5, 2012 Graham

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