Tag Archives: Modern Classic

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1986 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5

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The Alfa Romeo GTV6 is one of those cars that is greater than the sum of its parts. Originating from the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT which bowed in 1974, the GTV moniker debuted in 1978 on the 2.0 liter version of the car, which at the time, was the top engine choice. In late 1981, the GTV became the recipient of a SOHC 2.5 liter V6 taken from the Alfa Romeo 6, perhaps one of their most forgettable executive sedans. The V6 also received Bosch fuel injection in a move to solve the carburettor issues the Alfa Romeo 6 suffered.

The GTV6, as it was called, was hailed in the motoring press as a well balanced sports coupe, and it enjoyed racing successes in both the British Touring Car Championship and Australian Rally Championship. These coupes were marketed in the US and along with the Alfa Romeo 75 (Milano), they are revered by Alfisti as the last true Alfas before the Fiat takeover. I do come across quite a number of GTV6s for sale on a regular basis, but few as nice as this one for sale in Texas.

1986 Alfa Romeo GTV6

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Alfa Romeo GTV6 in Excellent condition (I’ll rate it 9.9/10) Always garaged kept. No dash board cracks. The car has the original Campagnolo magnesium wheels, including the spare. It has a working rear window defroster, power windows, power door locks and power mirrors. AC needs a charge and I suspect that there is a minor leak can go through the summer with one charge. NO 2nd gear syncro. Tires have 85% left. This car is all original, except for 4 new koni Yellow shocks and an ANSA muffler. It has been lowered to Euro specs.

This GTV6 is in the rarest condition you’ll ever find never been painted or upholstered 100% rust free.
NOW for all the Alfistis out there – this is the last GTV6 to be imported into the USA. As you can tell the rear emblem says Alfa 6 2.5 – the story behind it is that Alfa run out of emblems so they used the ones from the sedan (Alfa 90). I would not sell if not for the fact that i have to many Alfas/Fiats/projects and I would rather keep my GTV6 racer.

Bidding is up past $7,000 with a few days left, not having met the reserve. The most mint examples of these Alfas usually sell in the $12,000 to $15,000 range. Taking into account the AC repair, if this could GTV6 could be had for around $10,000, it would be a solid buy for a significant piece of Alfa Romeo history.

-Paul

Lamborghini, Modern Classic

1992 Lamborghini LM002 – The Last One Sold to the Public

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There are many cars which are obscure and which are legendary. Few are both at the same time. The Lamborghini LM002, however, falls into both categories. While all wheel drive is common in most current day Lamborghinis, the LM002 was Lamborghini's first vehicle to drive all four wheels. Conceived with the intentions of sale to the US military, the Cheetah, as it was called, had a rear mounted AMC V8 engine. This configuration was ultimately dropped due to bad handling characteristics. Instead, the V12 engine from the Countach was mounted up front and the LM002 was born.

The final LM002 rests in the Lamborghini museum, and this example for sale represents the last LM002 to be sold to the public.

1992 Lamborghini LM002

Without any doubt, the LM002 is one of the strangest cars ever built but also a turn in the motor car history. Back in the late 70s the idea came from US to replace the infamous JEEP by a powerful and modern fully independent suspended 4x4. Lamborghini made a study and built a serial of prototypes called “LM” to be tested by US army but Lamborghini had to face American’s way of business and patriotism … Actually Hummer got the market with a project actually mostly inspired by the LMs. As the car was already developed Lamborghini decided to produce and launched it in 1986.

The first “LM002” cars were delivered in late 1987, no need to say that it was really an “UFO” in the mid – 80s market. Actually the very first super performance 4x4 ever built. With the 5.2 liter 4 valves engine from the Countach it was a 444 HP beast of 2.8 tons, 1.9m height, 2 meter width, and 5.3m long ! 301 examples were built which is a kind of success considering the “strangeness” of the concept in the road cars market. The last cars were fitted with fuel injection a very modern one at that time, of which the Diablo will benefit. There is no valuable discussion if this a “nice” or “hugly” car … this a turn in the car history capable of 200km/h among the dunes.

We are extremely glad to offer this LM002 as this is probably the most interesting one, being the last example to be sold to a private actually the second by the end. The very last one was kept by Lamborghini and is currently exhibited in the make’s museum. This is a fuel injected version, sold new and registered in Germany in 1992 then kept by the same owner in 2003. There is a great history file including all of the service records from new, a copy from the registrations and very interestingly a letter from Lamborghini about the car’s singular history. This fabulous 29000kms LM002 has always been maintained to the highest level and can only be described as being in immaculate condition in and out, driving is superb also. No doubt this outstanding car would be a master piece in any major Lamborghini collection.

On our sister site, German Cars for Sale Blog, I've expressed my less than enthusiastic stance towards SUVs and off-road vehicles. The LM002, along with the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen and Land Rover Defender, is one of those off-road vehicles without my respect. A Lamborghini V12, manual transmission and intimidating stance are the key ingredients to making this, quite possibly, the most over the top off-road vehicle the world has ever seen.

-Paul

Lancia, Modern Classic

1987 Lancia Thema 8.32

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With the new year upon us, no doubt everyone is busy making their resolutions. I, on the other hand, am busy figuring out what new cars are legal to import, now that 1987 vehicles fall outside of the 25 year importation ban imposed on enthusiasts living in the United States.

One car that has always fascinated me is the Lancia Thema 8.32. If you aren't familiar with the Thema, this large Lancia shared it’s platform architecture with the Fiat Croma, Saab 9000 and Alfa Romeo 164. The Thema was rather sedate styling wise, but in true Lancia form, their engineers went ahead and did something completely off the wall. They stuffed a 3.0 liter V8 taken from a Ferrari 308 under the hood. This V8 was pretty much unchanged, save for a cross plane crankshaft which replaced the Ferrari’s flat plane crank, a different firing order and smaller valves. This was a rather exotic engine, as some of the engine components came from not only the Ferrari factory in Maranello, but from famed motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, as well.

The resulting car put up numbers which were impressive for a sedan at the time; 212 horsepower, 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed glancing 150 mph. The interior included added luxuries such as wood trim and leather by Poltrona Frau. And electronically deployable rear spoiler rounded off the package. In total, 3,971 examples of the Thema 8.32 were built. For the intrepid US Italian automotive enthusiast, here is an example for sale in Germany.

1987 Lancia Thema 8.32

ABS, alloy wheels, central locking, ESP, leather seats, warranty. Car is in excellent condition, service receipts available at the official Ferrari shop.

For someone brave enough to tackle importation to the US and the servicing costs that come along with Ferrari V8 ownership, this is a Q ship right up there in rarity, if not desirability, with the Mercedes-Benz 500E and Lotus Carlton. You would certainly be the center of attention at any Fiat Lancia Unlimited meet up. With 65,000 km under its belt (~ 40,000 miles) it has been lightly used. The asking price of €13,800 (~ $18,000 USD) is at the high end of the range for these sedans and similar money can buy equally fast (and more reliable) new and used vehicles. For the Lancia or Ferrari enthusiast, however, this is a nicely preserved example of a rarely seen and forgotten Autostrade beast.

-Paul

Lancia, Modern Classic

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe

The Lancia Gamma Coupe has more than a few things in common with the Fiat 130 Coupe we featured yesterday. First, it's no coincidence that its styling is similar to the 130 Coupe, as both cars were styled by Pininfarina. Second, these two big coupes were never sold new in the United States. Third, they are quite a rare sight on the road today, no matter what country you are in.

I'm a big fan of the Gamma, as it has a bit of a budget Ferrari 412 air about it. The Gamma draws off of some of the Lancia Beta suspension technology and employs a horizontally opposed four cylinder engine, a departure from the Lancia norm. This particular Gamma coupe has the later Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, which is a welcome upgrade on the reliability front versus the carburettor setup. While these engines offered good torque, they were nortorious for overheating and had issues wearing out camshafts. The power steering system was driven off the cam belts and at full lock, these belts could fail - leading to a dangerous situation, to put it mildly. Along with the horrible press the smaller Lancia Beta was garnering in the press due to rust issues, these were indeed dark days for Lancia.

Barring all the issues, these are pretty coupes that have aged well. I haven't seen a decent example of a Gamma for quite a few months, but this one in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, looks to be a well cared for example.

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe

Lancia Gamma 2500 ie Coupe with lots of history.

The seller's description is lacking, to say the least. €7,700 (~ $10,043) is strong money for any Gamma coupe. From the pictures, it does look like a clean, well cared for example. The Nardi wood rimmed steering wheel and shifter knob complement the tan interior and the metallic brown fits the car's '70s flair quite well. It would be awesome to ship this over stateside, as there are few, if any Gammas roaming US roads. If you had a good mechanic and a back channel to parts in the Old World, this would be a practical classic; one which exudes class, good taste and which would make you the hit at car shows and club events.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1987 Alfa Romeo Milano 2.5 with 53,000 miles

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The Alfa Romeo Milano, or 75 as it was known outside of the US market, was the end of an era. It was the last Alfa Romeo designed before the Fiat takeover, and was the last rear drive Alfa Romeo sedan to be produced. Introduced as a replacement for the Giulietta in 1985, the 75 and Milano enjoyed good sales, selling almost a quarter million units over a three year period.

Milanos are noted for their rear mounted transaxle and sonorous 2.5 and 3.0 V6 engines. Few examples survive today stateside and this particular car with a shade under 54,000 miles under its belt is certainly one of the best you could find.

1987 Alfa Romeo Milano 2.5

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Stunning Original Alfa Romeo Milano

Perfect Interior/no rips in seats/no stains/headliner is perfect
Body is ding and dent free. No scratches.Original paint
Glass is original
Moldings perfect
Paint shines like new!!!

-Original wheels/no scuffs or marks
-Bumpers are perfect
-Everything on exterior and interior is show condition!
-All power windows and locks work.
-Original radio and power antenna work.
-Dash has no cracks
-Exhaust is perfect and factory.
-A/C blows cold!
-Spare in trunk new.
-Original keys.

All emblems glow! Side view mirrors perfect. Clutch is great. Trans shifts great. Engine bay area is showroom new! This might be the nicest Milano left in the US. A true needle in a haystack!

I don't doubt the dealer's claim that this could possibly be the nicest Milano left in the US. It certainly appears from the pictures that this car lives up to the seller's claim that it needs nothing. Also, the timing belt change at 35,000 miles is reassuring. With a few days left in the auction, bidding is strong and heading towards $10,000. A final estimate of around $7,000 to $8,000 seems reasonable, but you more than likely won't come across another Milano in this shape for some time.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta was the successor to the Alfa Romeo 1750/2000 Berlina, and if any car had big shoes to fill, it was this one. The 1750 was a popular sight on Italian roads in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and served Italian police faithfully. The 2000, while less common, had a 2 liter twin cam four cylinder that was equipped with dual carburetors (mechanical fuel injection taking place of the carburetors for the US market). When the Alfetta arrived, it harkened a split in the upper reaches of the Alfa lineup. The Alfetta served as the more middle range vehicle, while the Alfa 6, a very rare sight these days, took the flagship role.

Here is a well-cared for 1979 Alfetta for sale in Rhode Island for a reasonable $5,500.

1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta on Hemmings Motor News

A very nice rust free California Alfa. Well serviced/kept. Stainless Euro bumpers fitted. BBS and factory alloys. Very fun to drive. $5,500 obo

These Alfettas have never been hugely popular with collectors and Alfisti alike, but they are an inexpensive way into Italian car ownership versus the more desirable GTV coupes. The slimmer Euro bumpers are certainly a nice touch and with a little adjustment to the front wheels' offset, you would have a nice, unique alternative to the more popular BMW 320i of the same vintage.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1986 Ferrari 412

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The Ferrari 412 is perhaps one of the most obscure, least understood Ferraris. While they were never sold officially in the United States, a good amount found their way stateside, which is not surprising. With its 4.8 liter V12 and available GM sourced 3 speed automatic (a 5 speed manual was on offer), these were an ideal touring car for a large country. The 412 and it's predecessor, the 400 and 400i, had an unusually long lifespan for a Ferrari - 13 years. Eventually the Ferrari 456 took over the four seat touring car mantle in the Ferrari lineup in 1992.

Here is a mint example of a well sorted 412 for sale in St. Louis, Missouri.

1986 Ferrari 412 on eBay

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V.I.N: ZFFYD24B000063601, Miles: 26,153

You are viewing a 1986 Ferrari 412 Automatic finished in Nero Metallic over Avorio hides with just 26,153 miles driven from new. Acquired by us from a many times repeat and avid collector client of ours in the form of a partial trade in against another new exotic vehicle. This 412 has just had a new Starter Motor and Flywheel installed by us, Ferrari Service of St. Louis (we are afactory franchised Ferrari Serviceand Parts dealership) plus in August it had both front shock bushings replaced, a side marker assembly, a new air horn and electrics along with new exhaust hangers to pass the state safety inspection for Missouri.

After completing the work we carried out we have thoroughly road tested the car and can attest that this 1986 412 starts, idles, shifts, corners and stops exactly as designed and it appears to really be in need of nothing cosmetically or otherwise at this time either than a new owner to enjoy it!

With it's crisp styling, concealed headlights and classic five spoke alloys, this car brings me right back to the 1980s. I'm a big fan of this 412's color as well. The metallic black suits the conservative lines quite well and with the creme leather, is a timeless combination. The only thing making this less than perfect, for me at least, is the transmission. But in reality, this Ferrari wasn't meant to be driven as spirited as other contemporary models in the lineup at the time, such as the 328GTS and F40. All in all, a great example of an under-appreciated grand touring coupe.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

2005 Maserati Coupe GT

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The Maserati Coupe GT and Spyder were the vehicles that reintroduced the Trident badge to the United States market after a little more than a decade long hiatus. Selected as Forbes best GT for 2001, this grand tourer packed a 4.2 liter Ferrari V8 and made good headway in eradicating memories of cantankerous Biturbos from the 1980s.

As with many exotic vehicles, plummeting resale values make these an attractive buy for enthusiasts with deep enough pockets to maintain them. Here's a low mileage, 6 speed manual example outside of New York City for a shade under $40,000.

2005 Maserati Coupe GT on eBay

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2005 Maserati Coupe GT. Carbonio Black (Metallic), MSRP $99,277. Purchased new at Wynn Ferrari Maserati at the Wynn Hotel Las Vegas. I am the original owner, purchased after lease term. Showroom condition, always garaged in heated garage. Non-smoker, never in an accident (zero body or paint work). Full set and extra keys, plus valet key. All books and original Maserati accessories including window sticker.

ENGINE/EXTERIOR
- 4.2 LITER FERRARI BUILT DRY SUMP V-8 ENGINE 400 HP
- RARE AND DESIRABLE 6 SPEED MANUAL (FERRARI) TRANSAXLE
- OPTIONAL SKYHOOK (FERRARI) SUSPENSION
- OPTIONAL FULL JAEGER LeCOULTRE GUAGES BLUE AND WHITE
- OPTIONAL SPECIAL (FACE) MASERATI CLOCK
- MSP STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM
- ASR TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
- OPTIONAL XENON HEADLIGHTS
- 18" LIGHT ALLOY 7 SPOKE FACTORY WHEELS w/MICHELIN TIRES
- OPTIONAL RED BRAKE CALIPERS
- CLEAR BRA PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED AT DEALER (NO STONE CHIPS)
- WINDOWS TINTED PROFESSIONALLY AT DEALER

INTERIOR/OPTIONS
- OPTIONAL FULL CARBON KIT (STEERING WHEEL, SHIFTER, INTERIOR, DOOR SILLS ETC)
- FULL SPORT SEATS
- BLACK SAPPHIRE METALLIC TRIM
- OPTIONAL BLACK FULL LEATHER WITH LEATHER HEADLINER AND WHITE STITCHING THROUGHOUT
- OPTIONAL SPORT MULTI-FUNCTION HEATED FRONT SEATS WITH DRIVER MEMORY
- OPTIONAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM
- OPTIONAL AM/FM RADIO WITH 6 CD CHANGER IN TRUNK
- AUTO CLIMATE CONTROL
- OPTIONAL MASERATI INFORMATION SYSTEM
- OPTIONAL CARBON UNDER-DOOR MOLDING
- OPTIONAL ALUMINUM RACING PEDALS

I am selling this car because I have received my new CLS63.

I really like this Coupe since it doesn't have the paddle shift Cambiocorsa transmission. I was speaking to a gentleman who owned a 6 speed manual Spyder and he had mentioned that the electronically controlled manual transmission had issues with burnt up clutches from maneuvers such as backing up a hill. Technology is great and all, but for me, I'll take my Italian exotics with three pedals, even if the automated transmission can shift faster than me.

-Paul

Lancia, Modern Classic

1989 Lancia Delta Integrale 16v: A Rare Opportunity to Own in the U.S.

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This is 1989 Lancia Delta Integrale for sale in the U.S. They were never imported to the U.S. and as such this is truly a rare opportunity to own what is arguably one of the hottest hatches of it's day. The specs speak for themselves: 16 valve four cylinder turbocharged engine that put out a healthy for it's day 200hp and screamed to 60mph in only 5.5 seconds.

1989 Lancia Delta Integrale For Sale in the U.S.

quote from the seller's listing:

Up for auction is a rare in the USA Lancia Delta Integrale 16v. If you are considering this car you know that Lancia developed this car to dominate the World Rally Championship Series race in the mid 80's and into the 90's. The Integrale is the winningest car of all times in the WRC.

This car was sold new in Italy and brought to the United States a handful of years ago by an old Italian guy in NY. He had and sold an 8v Integrale as well as a Lancia Thema. I have a clear Colorado title. I bought it with a clear NY title. The car comes with no other paperwork.

The car runs and drives well. I have replaced the timing belt and pulley. A complete tune up was done and the turbo was sent to Pop Shop to be rebuilt. New tires were installed. The paint has a few spots and there is just a little bit of bubbling around the bottom of the windshield. The interior is in very nice condition. All gauges work as do the power windows. The car has AC but it was not blowing cold. There is a small crack in the windshield. Other than these small issues this is a really cool Integrale here in the States!! The odometer shows 103k km which is roughly 65k miles. Enjoy!

The owner states several honest facts about the condition of the car and with only 65k miles this one has a lot of miles left to be enjoyed. While the more desirable Evolutione models will command significantly higher prices, this is still a very fast car and should be considered if the price is right. {currently at $8300 reserve not met with 7 days to go.}

dc

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1989 Ferrari Mondial T Cabriolet

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Who could forget the scene that featured this lovely Ferrari spider in Scent of a Woman. Early Modial's have not aged as gracefully as the later models and this one in particular looks really well looked after. Relive the movie scene in this really nice looking example!

Check out this

quote from sellers listing:

I am very pleased to present this gorgeous 1989 Ferrari Mondial T Cabriolet. Rossa Corsa with Crema hides (that Ferrari talk for red with tan interior) and striking red carpets. This is my personal car.

This 4 passenger Ferrari is commonly considered in the Ferrari community as one of the most underrated of all Ferraris. It shares the same 3.4 Liter V8 motor with the 348 and produces approx. 300 HP. It offers top down, spirited driving and you can even fit the kids in the back seats (I do) - best of all worlds. Mileage is 29,7XX and VIN # is ZFFFC33A3K0082172.

Mondials get a bad rap from most armchair enthusiasts, but lets be straight... This isn't a car you'd kick out of bed. It's gorgeous and represents a really good value for top down driving with all the panache that comes with driving a classic red Ferrari. If you've been a skeptic, wait until you see a nice one in person -- it will change your mind about this under valued modern classic.

dc