Tag Archives: Modern Classic

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo 164L

2 Comments

Our feature car today comes from reader and fellow enthusiast Robert. The Alfa Romeo 164 was the last new Alfa Romeo sold in the United States until the 8C Competizione arrived on the scene in 2008. With Alfa's imminent return to the US market, it's a good time to reflect on the last of this company's mainstream offerings. There are less survivors of these midsize luxury sedans than contemporary Spiders, so when I come across a pampered 164 sedan, I take notice. This particular 164 has had only two owners over more than 20 years, comes with a wealth of service records and has the desirable 5 speed manual transmission.

1991 Alfa Romeo 164L

Asking $6,200.00 OBO; may trade for the right Ducati, Moto Guzzi, or BMW airhead.

For sale: my 1991 Alfa Romeo 164L in great condition. I have owned 3 of these cars and they are a pleasure to drive and to own. Their looks and sounds attract all the right kinds of attention.

About the Alfa:
-1991 164L (Lusso), styled by Pininfarina; one of the most reliable Alfas, and the car that saved the company; Enzo Ferrari's daily driver was an Alfa 164.
-5 speed manual gearbox
-2 fanatical owners (first owner for 20 years, I'm the second)
-No accidents (Carproof and CarFax included with vehicle)
-Excellent condition; car runs and handles beautifully with no issues; fast, smooth and responsive
-Metallic blue paint with some minor scuffs on the rear bumper
-Bright, supple leather interior with embossed crests; leather was treated regularly with Leatherique and is in amazing condition (smells fantastic)
-All service records since new come with the car; serviced exclusively by Alfa expert Pino at Pinarello Motors; no expense spared on the maintenance of this gorgeous car
-All original manuals, tools, spare, jack, included with sale
-All rubber and plastic on the car has been treated regularly with Aerospace 303 and Wurth protectants
-Hinges lubed regularly with Wurth products
-$400.00 custom Coco mats included with the car
-New Michelin tires
-Rust sprayed regularly
-Stored winters; hand washed and waxed

Spares:
I have a huge inventory of spares that will go with the car: Spare fenders, trunk, hood, full dashboard and HVAC system, shifter, pedal assembly, console, front and rear lights, full black leather interior, 2 extra sets of floormats, tool kit, manuals, bulbs, alternator, radiator, rubber trim, trunk mat, relays, ecu, and much more. This is a very enjoyable, beautiful car that handles a dream and will make someone very happy. Serious inquiries only; Thanks for looking.

The bright tan leather over the metallic blue really makes this car stand out amongst modern sedans, save for some of the more interesting color combinations one can order in modern Audis. The chiseled Pininfarina looks have stood the test of time and for the money, this is a fun alternative to a number of used sports sedans one could buy. I know I'm not the only one waiting for Alfa Romeo to return to the US market. Lately I've gotten bored with the styling direction of new cars, particularly BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes. The Italians have always had the lock on aesthetics and as Jeremy Clarkson said "alpha males drive BMWs.....Alfas are for nice people."

My compliments go out to Robert for preserving such a great piece of Alfa Romeo history. If you have had your eye on an Alfa Romeo 164 for some time, this car is the one to buy.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1985 Fiat Panda

With the revival of the Fiat 500, MINI Cooper and New Beetle, there’s a lot of talk in the automotive industry about how far basic transportation has progressed. These cars are all way more luxurious than their predecessors; some purists deride this fact, but for the most part, the public has warmed up to them because of this. However, back in 1980, Fiat kind of split the middle between vintage and modern when it came to cheap transportation with the introduction of the Fiat Panda. Devised as a basic car that would be cheap to maintain, it was fashioned in the mold of the CItroën 2CV and Renault 4, cars that were popular with rural communities. With simple, box like styling, it had a few unique features like a rear seat that would fold flat, removable, washable seat covers, door trims and dashboard cover and flat glass panels, which made for cheap repairs. This was also the first small, transverse engine vehicle to utilize a four wheel drive system, making it optimal for the rural market at which it was targeted. With a new Panda on the horizon and with talk surrounding it that it may be sold in the US market, this is a good point to highlight a vehicle that is still beloved the world over for its simplicity and all terrain capability.

1985 Fiat Panda

Fiat Panda 4X4 Series 1 (now a rarity). Excellent condition, body has had a little conservative restoration. Leather seats and mechanically flawless. Thanks to her drive system lever very capable in snow or in mountains of ice. Words can not describe the toughness and strength she has to climb out of everything. ALso an interesting car historically. Now a vintage vehicle that can be enrolled in ASI taking advantage of low insurance. Possibility of shipping: All in Italy, pick up direct with maximum delivery within one hour.

At almost €3,000 (~ $4,000 USD), this is big money for what could be described as a peasant car. However, few Series 1 Pandas are left in such good condition these days and one could be assured they wouldn't be exactly throwing their hard earned money away, as these cars are quite durable and are used as they were meant up to the present day. If the seller could knock something meaningful off the price, say, about €500, it could be considered a good buy and a topic of conversation if brought back stateside.

-Paul

Lancia, Modern Classic

1987 Lancia Delta HF 4WD

When the Lancia Delta was released in 1979, it was a very modern vehicle for the times. However, no one could possibly fathom that it would go on to become the champion in rallying that it was, winning the World Rally Championship six times in a row and setting a record that has yet to be beaten. The 25 year importation rule has vehicles of 1987 or older being allowed in the US at the moment, which is right around the time that the Delta legend began. This 1987 Delta for sale in Tuscany is in good original condition, having covered around 50,000 miles.

1987 Lancia Delta HF 4WD

Absolutely original condition. Recent service with new timing belt. Superb interior condition in original Alcantara. Not restored. A very good car!

I've been watching later model Evo Integrales for sale in Canada and prices for clean examples are hovering in the $30k range. At €8,500 (~ $11,300), this represents a decent value for an early Delta 4WD, even considering shipping costs to the US. I think it would be fun to get something like this to our shores and show up at the next Subaru Impreza owners club. I think it would be warmly received, as this car is, in a way, its spiritual predecessor.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

2001 Ferrari 456M GT

In the past decade, an alarming trend has taken hold with Italian supercars: the death of the traditional manual gearbox. Sure, more often than not the new automated manual gearboxes are more efficient in terms of performance and economy, but I can't help shed a tear contemplating the lack of involvement versus having a car with three pedals. The only new Ferrari you can buy with a proper manual gearbox is the California, and who knows how long that variant of their hardtop convertible will stick around for. I miss the old Ferrari, specifically, the impressive Gran Touring coupes that used to emerge from Maranello. The 456 was an impressive machine; the first front engined V12 Ferrari sold in the US since the 1970s. Most were equipped with a GM 4 speed automatic, but a few were sold in this market with a proper 6 speed manual. This car is one of them.

2001 Ferrari 456M GT

Click to view listing

2001 Ferrari 456M GT. One of only 688 456M GT built, very hard to find 6-speed, absolutely impeccable. Black With Crème Connolly leather interior, books & records, toolkit and Ferrari cover. 30K service done at Ferrari dealership to the tune of $16,279.98 in 2011. New belts, new clutch, new radiator, new alternator, new Michelin Pilots, stainless steel Tubi exhaust, brand new leather dashboard!

Original paint, stunning condition. Original MSRP Of $226,964.00. Clean carfax, no stories. You probably won't find a nicer one. The name 456 is derived from the fact that each cylinder displaces 456 cubic centimeters. The Modificata 456 M appeared in 1998, starting with chassis number 109589. Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) was just 5.2 seconds. Many changes were made to improve aerodynamics and cooling, and the interior. The undercarriage spoiler on the 456 M is fixed, where the older 456 had a motorized spoiler that began its deployment above 105 km/h (65 mph).

Power was up slightly on the Modificata now using Bosch Motronic 5.2 engine management at 448 hp. The firing pattern was changed for smoother running, and the torque remained the same for later versions of the 456 GT. Despite its supercar performance, the 456 has a relatively unstressed engine, which has proven to be a very reliable unit. The chassis is a tubular steel spaceframe construction with a one-piece composite bonnet and body panels of aluminium. VIN# ZFFWL44A910125402.

An under $60,000 asking price is very tempting for so much Ferrari goodness. The recent service is encouraging but keep in mind that Ferrari services come up often and they are expensive. Therefore, a $60,000 Ferrari could turn into an $80,000 one in a heartbeat. Still, it is nice to dream and this is a fine example of a true gentleman's express.

-Paul

Lamborghini, Modern Classic

1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary

One feature car visibly absent here at CICFS is arguably one of the most well recognized and visually arresting exotics ever to hit the road: the Lamborghini Countach. Designed as a follow up to the car that invented the supercar genre, the Miura, the Countach was a legend, known for it's scissor doors, raucous V12 engine and less than friendly driving experience. Towards the end of the Countach's life, a 25th Anniversary model was introduced to celebrate 25 years of Lamborghini vehicles. Mechanically similar to Countach's that preceded it, the 25th Anniversary had restyled airboxes, a wealth of body colored trim and different taillights. A total of 650 of these Anniversary models were produced until the Diablo was released in 1990.

1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary

Click to view listing

Thanks for viewing this STUNNING 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition. With just 7,129 KM's (4,430 Miles) and in the perfect color combination of Red with Black Leather, this is a every you could want in one of the most iconic SUPERCARS!

Some people say that this is a collector car of the future, but if you follow the trending UPWARD prices of these beauties, you'll understand that this is a collector car of the PRESENT. SICK AND TIRED of losing $$$ on brand new exotic cars? Here's your chance to buy a SUPERCAR that will appreciate in value! This Countach is in EXCELLENT CONDITION. It has little to no wear in the interior and the exterior is exceptional. The paint is bright and shiny without any significant blemish.

It's had a very recent full fluid service and a new set of Pirelli PZero tires as well as new cooling hoses and drive belts. This Anniversary Edition adds the rear wing and U.S. front bumper painted red to match. Unlike the earlier cars, the 89 was upgraded with restyled and enlarged rear air boxes, the vents behind them were changed so that they run front to back instead of side to side for improved cooling. Also, a new air dam and side skirting, both with air intakes, were fitted, and the taillights were restyled to be narrower, with body-colored panels replacing the upper and lower parts of the previous large taillights. Complete with books, jack, spare tire, service records and keys.

The asking price of almost $120,000 is not unreasonable considering you are buying an almost 23 year old brand new Lamborghini. It most certainly won't be bought to be used on a daily basis, as the Countach driving experience is not as friendly as the contemporary, Audi influenced Lambos. For a kid that grew up in the 80s, though, this car was the poster child of outrageousness in the automotive world, and more than a decade on into the new millenium, nothing has changed.

-Paul

Uncategorized

1986 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5

We've featured a variety of Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTVs on the site, but none quite as exquisite and showroom fresh as this late model example with only 28,000 miles on the clock. With it's 2.5 liter V6, rear wheel drive and rear mounted gearbox, this is one of the best handling sports coupes of the 1980s and a clean example such as this is sure to grab everyone's attention at the next big Italian car meet.

1986 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5

If you missed your chance on buying an Alfa Romeo GTV6 new, well, here's your second chance. I've never seen one for sale at a price this high, but I'd wager to say this is the best one I've seen in years, in a desirable color to boot. If this car wasn't enough nostalgia for you, here is a period Alfa Romeo commercial from 1983 highlighting a similar GTV and the rest of the lineup with the tagline "The Master Car."

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1989 Maserati 430

With two extra doors and a longer wheelbase, the Maserati 430 was the . Similar in size (and appearance) to the BMW 3 series, it cost a whopping $16,000 more than the 325i sedan. With two IHI turbochargers and twin intercoolers, the 2.8 liter V6 was good for 225 horsepower and a 0-60 time of around six seconds. This example for sale outside of Richmond, VA is equipped with an automatic transmission and has 61,000 miles on the clock.

1989 Maserati 430

Click to view listing

Nice one owner example of Maserati 430. Runs and drives excellent. Everything works from seats to power antenna, no leaks. No rust, If you are looking at it you probably know everything about it. If properly maintained these late model Biturbos are solid and dependable like Mercedes. Car is located in Richmond Virginia. Reserve is $5,900.

I wouldn't fully agree with the seller with regards to the late model Biturbo reliability, but by the time the 430 came around, the Biturbo had been around for eight years. By then, at least, a few of the issues had been worked out. This 430 appears to be straight and the interior is in decent shape, so I'd wager to believe the mechanicals have been kept up in a similar fashion. It's not the most desirable Italian classic, but with 995 examples built between 1987 through 1994, this is an affordable way to sidle into exclusive and exotic motoring.

-Paul

Ferrari

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi

3 Comments

With the arrival of the Lamborghini Miura in 1966, Ferrari suddenly had a problem on its hands. Its lineup consisted of front engined V12 sports cars and while the mid-engined Dino arrived one year later, it packed half the number of cylinders as the V12 Miura. At the end of the Miura's life, a new mid-engined Ferrari appeared, the 365 GT4 BB. The "BB" was short for Berlinetta Boxer, a reference to the new 12 cylinder engine. While not a true horizontally opposed engine, you could almost call it that, as the angle between the cylinder heads was 180 degrees. The 365 GT4 begat the 512 BB and fuel injected 512 BBi, which gave way in 1984 to the well-known Testarossa. The Berlinetta Boxer was never sold new in the United States, but a few found their way here via third party importers. If you squint, you'd have a hard time differing the 512 BB from a 308, but they are vastly different animals indeed. Our feature car was owned for 27 years by Michael Anthony of Van Halen fame.

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi

VIN number: ZFFJA09B000047319. One of the greatest 12 cylinder Ferraris of all time, the 512 BB combines the excellent power of the melodious flat 12 with timeless Pininfarina styling. Perfect in its Rosso Corsa coat with a stunningly redone interior by Prestige Auto Upholstery this up-to-date, serviced and meticulously kept example is 50 state legal and ready to go. Owned by Van Halen rocker Michael Anthony from 1985 until now, this car has seen nothing but the best care. The odometer sports a mere 30,300Km (18,800 miles) and looks younger yet. The Campagnolo center lug wheels are excellent, the glass is clear and the paint is nearly perfect. If you’re looking for a little more flash there’s a one-off set of 18” Boyd Codington wheels which come with the car. Even on the stock rollers you’re not going to shrink into the scenery!

Mechanically the car is better than new, and when it was federalized it was done to the far more stringent California emissions standards, so this car can follow you anywhere--all EPA/DOT releases are included. There are receipts for multiple engine-out services including a full belt and reseal job fewer than 2000Km ago. When it was apart, the intake runners and various other aluminum pieces were sent out and polished for a mild custom look for the usual all-business compartment. The stock exhaust is on the car now, complete with newer catalytic converters, but we have the Tubi exhaust which was on the car a short time and is perfect. The front suspension is rebuilt, the clutch is new and the car drives like it did on delivery day.Inside, power features are everywhere. Power windows, air conditioning, a newer Alpine stereo with component speakers and a front mounted amp are there to make the cruise easier, but the real star is the upholstery.

Fernando at Prestige Auto Upholstery took the interior completely apart (we have a CD full of pictures to show the extent) and replaced every scrap of the old leather and vinyl in favor of glove smooth, intoxicatingly fragrant saddle leather. The seats were redone with black inserts for the Daytona look while the rest of the surfaces are textbook correct. The service cost more than $11,000, and you’ll never have to worry about it gumming up or warping again! All manuals, tools and the jack are included, as well as extra European lights. This car was even featured on Hot Rod TV on Speed Channel! The driving experience can’t be ignored--it’s what makes a Ferrari a Ferrari. From the sound of the engine to the feel of the shifter running through the gates to the visceral acceleration of 12 cylinders pounding away behind you, there’s simply nothing like it. Once one of the finest supercars at any price the 512 BB is now and ever shall be a world-renowned classic.

I've seen only one of these BBs in the wild stateside and they are every bit as impressive in person as they are in pictures, especially when you get an earful of the exhaust note. I was happy to read about the engine servicing, because the engine in the BB has timing belts and not chains. If these fail, it would be a very expensive headache. If I was buying this car, I'd probably sell the Boyd Coddington wheels. While the late hot rodder made some high quality wheels and cars, aftermarket rolling stock would be out of place on such a legendary supercar. The chrome intake runners under the hood add to the dramatic looking engine and mirror the beauty of the Alfa Romeo V6. Today's manufacturers could take a lesson from such engineering sculpture. It doesn't take much to make the heart of a car look beautiful.

-Paul

Fiat

1987 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

Following on to the Innocenti de Tomaso Turbo we featured yesterday, here is another, larger hot Italian hatchback. Known as the Strada ("road" in Italian) where it was sold in North America until 1982, the Ritmo, or "rhythm," was Fiat's answer to the Volkswagen Golf GTI. With the rise in popularity of the hot hatchback in the 1980s, Fiat was not about to be shortchanged. The first sporty Ritmo, the 105TC, appeared in 1981. This car had a 1.5 liter, 104 horsepower twin cam four cylinder engine, however, it lacked the Abarth name. Later that year, the Abarth 125TC was unleashed with a 2.0 liter, 123 horsepower engine. The final evolution of the Abarth Ritmo was the 130TC, with a higher output 2.0 liter engine, producing 128 horsepower. The 130TC was upgraded with twin carburetors, Recaro seats and upgraded alloy wheels. This car could reach 60 mph in 7.8 second, which was extremely fast for its day and outpaced many of its rivals. Our feature car is for sale in the south of Italy with about 40,000 miles on the clock.

1985 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

From my private collection I am selling my Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC series 3, 1985. Amazing undercarriage, perfect Recaro interior, 65,000 km with excellent mechanicals. All documentation, new rubber, trim, fast with excellent roadholding. Price is negotiable, just €9,800 (~ $12,800), plus expenses for the ride. I do not respond to e-mail, I evaluate trade-ins of old cars to my liking, or exchange for a red Alfa Romeo 155 Q4, 156 GTA, 75 turbo America, 3000, 3000 V6, 147 GTA, Escort Cosworth, Renault 5 GT Turbo or other interesting trades.

The Ritmo has was never a favorite of mine, but with the twin cam engine, styling tweaks and Abarth's DNA enfused into it, suddenly this becomes an attractive package. It might not be engineered as well as the VW GTI (most certainly the reason they are more scarce), but it exudes that Latin flair which turns what appears to be an irrational choice into an almost irresistible one.

-Paul

Modern Classic, Uncategorized

1985 de Tomaso Innocenti Turbo

1 Comment

If you catch yourself saying, well, the original Mini is just a bit boring for me, then meet its Italian cousin, the Innocenti Mini. Developed when British Leyland Motor Corporation owned Innocenti, this car was a revamped version of the original Mini with bodywork styled by Bertone. Upon BL’s bankruptcy in 1976, Innocenti was sold to de Tomaso, and a year later, the Mini de Tomaso arrived on the scene with styling tweaks and a higher horsepower engine. In the early 1980s, the BL engines were swapped for units supplied by Daihatsu, much to the dismay of Italian enthusiasts. The Turbo version we see here bowed in 1983, and featured a 993 cc three cylinder turbocharged engine good for about 71 horsepower, or 67 horsepower in Canadian trim. These were brought into Canada new via an importer by the name of Incacars Inc., but only from 1984 through 1986. This particular example for sale in Quebec City looks clean but is listed as a project car.

1985 de Tomaso Innocenti Turbo

Little is given in the way of a description for this vehicle, but I have a hard time seeing how this is a project car, as it looks rather complete. It could have mechanical issues, but as far as the bodywork, trim and interior go, it looks solid. Since the Charade was sold in North America, parts would not be as difficult to source as one may think. One could also go the unconventional route and fit a breathed on engine from a period Mini Cooper as well. Either way, this is a neat piece of automotive history that has the fingerprints of several manufacturers on it. With such a chequered history, it is amazing that these lived on in production until 1993.

-Paul