Tag Archives: Pininfarina

1995 Alfa Romeo 164Q

January 23, 2021 Graham 2 Comments

Of all of the 164 models, the 164Q seems to fall victim to the most customization. Here we have a dark window tint, Alfa Romeo script on the rear light bar and at the top of the windshield, a custom exhaust, tinted taillights, and yellow foglights. Oh, and the car, originally black, is wrapped in red vinyl. Fortunately, it's all reversible, and it's hopefully the sign of an owner who enjoyed and cared for his car enough to make a few tweaks here and there.

More notable than the mods is the fact that this example doesn't run. The seller doesn't know the exact reason, but suspects that it has something to do with timing. We'd be cautious with starting a 24V car without confirmation of proper cam timing - as long as the valves aren't bent, it could be a pretty simple fix.

Continue reading →

Alfa Romeo, Pininfarina

1991 Alfa Romeo 164L

October 25, 2020 Graham

All of the 164 hounds out there know that 164s are cheap and easy to come by if you know where to look. Sub-$1000 transactions aren't uncommon, and we've heard of 164s simply given away to their new owners. And, while we understand the realities of market value - the potential market for a used 164 is really quite small - limited appeal doesn't mean that the 164 lacks for redeeming qualities.

In a 1991 Alfa 164L, you will find automatic climate control, heated seats, fog lights, 15" wheels, a 3.0L Busso V6, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power locks, and a power moonroof. In its time, that was a really generous list of options; if you want some interesting and Italian to drive in relative comfort, you can buy a new Giulia, sure, but a clean 164 will check many of the same boxes (off the track at least) and do so in excellent 90s Pininfarina style.

Continue reading →

Lancia, Pininfarina, Uncategorized

1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe

March 26, 2019 Graham

Let's take a quick inventory of the flat-engined sports coupe market. Porsche is still plugging along with the 911 and its flat six, and there is the Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ pair with their flat fours. In both examples, power is routed to the rear wheels, whether through a transaxle in the rear-engined Porsche, or a driveshaft and differential in the Japanese twins.

But, a flat four powering a long, low front wheel drive sports coupe is no longer available. In the case of the Flavia, the reasons for the format are not readily apparent. There is, of course, the benefit of lowering the vehicles center of mass by situating the cylinder heads low to the ground in the flat format, but the byproduct of this is the added mass of an additional cylinder head. Interestingly, the camshaft count does not multiply, as the flat four in the Flavia is of a pushrod design, locating its single camshaft in the engine block.

1963 Lancia Flavia coupe side view — *Click to view listing*

Year: 1963
Model: Lancia Flavia Coupe
Engine: 1,488cc flat four
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 60,587
Price: Auction
Location: Millstone Township, NJ

1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe interior — *Click to view listing*

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe

This spectacular 1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe was purchased in Italy roughly 4 years ago from a gentlemen in north Italy where he participated in the 1995 Vintage Montecarlo. The car is rust free, very solid, had a 1.5 liter engine with a 4 gear box and mechanically sound. There are a lot of new parts in the steering compartment. This car is ready for vintage racing, or a cruise on the road with a little bit of work. All lights are working properly including brake lights. Paint is in fair condition for possibly original. Brakes are brand new. Roll cage is for it's era. Speedometer needs some attention. Car sells with Italian papers and customs form. For more information on this car please contact Franco at (917)-596-4331. Good luck!!

1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe 1488cc engine bay — *Click to view listing*

This particular car has been outfitted for use in Vintage Montecarlo events, though the last event took place in 1995. Fortunately, given the nature of vintage events, this vehicle should be ready to go - once you're stuck in an era, there isn't a real reason to update. The interior is stripped out, but the floors look to be cleaned up and the dash appears to be in great shape.

We like the way that this Pininfarina coupe sits on its relatively large alloy wheels. The hoodline is low, the dash sits far back from the front axle, and the roofline is interesting. Our admiration for the car extends to its innovative FWD and aluminum flat four engine. If the price on this car stays reasonable, it could make for a great car to take on vintage events.

-Graham

Fiat, Pininfarina

1976 Lancia Scorpion

March 14, 2019 Graham

After last week's mostly negative take on the Lancia Scorpion, here we find ourselves sharing one yet again. The reason for this is twofold. First, we had an unpleasant interaction with a painter earlier this week while stripping down a Milano Verde for some rust repair, and made us think a little bit. He was incredulous as to why anyone would spend the money to repair an 80s Alfa sedan. We don't wish to sound like that painter, so we won't rain on the Scorpion parade just because we don't 'get' the cars. Reason two? Well, we 'get' this one!

The example that we shared last week was actually in better shape, but we like the details on this one much better. First, the BWA basket wheels are all sorts of cool. And then there's the paint color; we love how the black trim works with the bright blue. Finally, this car has a quad headlight conversion from a Lancia Beta Spyder/Zagato. Mind you, these are all aspects of any Lancia Scorpion that could be altered, but seeing them all present on a car for sale is rather compelling.

1976 Lancia beta Montecarlo Scorpion blue exterior rear quarter — *Click to view listing*

Year: 1976
Model: Lancia
Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 80,786
Price: Auction
Location: Conway, SC

1976 Lancia beta Montecarlo Scorpion blue exterior black seats interior — *Click to view listing*

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1976 Lancia Scorpion

You're looking at my 1976 Lancia Scorpion targa-top coupe. This is a neat little car that is almost ready to be put back on the road. I purchased this last Summer when I bought a '65 Porsche 912 from an older gentleman and he asked if I'd also buy this as well to help him out. I had always thought they were cool, and had literally only seen one other in person many many years ago, so I bought it. It wasn't running when I got it, but it looked like a pretty well taken care of example overall.

I had the starter rebuilt, performed a general tune up, oil/filter change, and she fired right up. It runs really well. I was told the motor was rebuilt a few years back. It has an Alquati intake with Weber 42 DCNF's. Exhaust is a CSC system. Bosch alternator, Pertronix ignition. I had a shop install new clutch master and slave cylinders, and new brake master and slave cylinders. The shop had the car for well over 8 months and I was getting peeved. They kept saying "It'll be ready tomorrow" and tomorrow never came. I finally went and took the car back, but they hadn't connected some of the brake lines or bled them, as well as the clutch line. They also had let the hard top fall off the car and get scratched, as well as lost one of the black plastic trim pieces on the hood, and the shift knob is missing! Needless to say I won't be going back to that shop!!!

The car was originally a different shade of blue as you can see in some of the pics (inside trunks, door jambs). I like the color now as it's very period correct and looks great. The paint job is several years old but looks good. I'd call it a 5 footer. Not really any major paint flaws, it's just not "perfect".The hood has a few small dings in it that a paintless dent repair guy can massage out. The interior is in really good condition and was restored about 10 years ago, and looks very good still. This Carolina's car has been stored indoors, and is very solid underneath for a 43 year old example.

I believe the rims are vintage 15" BWA's. Front brakes are Wilwood 4 piston calipers with slotted rotors. Koni struts in front, KYB in the rear.

The car comes with two tops...the fiberglass "double bubble" hardtop as seen in the pics, and the folding cloth top that is stored in the front trunk. As I mentioned, the shop let the top fall off the car and it has some minor damage. A paint shop can fix easily.

I am selling the car as it sits because I have moved on to another project that is more up my alley...another classic air cooled Porsche 911 to bring back to life. You can probably have this car back on the road with a few hours of work connecting and bleeding the lines. Im pretty sure everything is still there, just needs properly hooked up and bled. I'm just not fooling with it any more. Someone might ask "Why don't you just fix it and get more $$$ in the end?". It's one of those things where I got so disgusted by the shops' BS that I have just moved on. If you're handy, you'll be on the road in no time.

1976 Lancia beta Montecarlo Scorpion blue exterior engine bay Fiat Lampredi — *Click to view listing*

The condition of this example is at a juncture where it could either descend into disrepair or emerge victorious, faults having been addressed. We see a fair amount of non-terminal scale on the underside, especially on the shield covering the coolant pipes underneath the car. The engine bay shows signs of neglect, with flaking paint and missing timing belt covers, and the seller states that some brake and clutch bleeding will be required to make the car streetable.

If there is one problem we have with this car, it's the current bidding. Seems pretty high for a repainted car without any sort of refreshing, other than the claimed engine build a few years back. With rust to address, hydraulics to bleed, and a so-so interior, we'd hope to see something under $5k. But, like us, perhaps the bidders are loving the 037 look to the quad headlights - we can blame them!

-Graham

Lancia, Pininfarina

1976 Lancia Scorpion

March 6, 2019 Graham

It is forgivable to forget that Lancia sold the Scorpion in the US, with Lancia only offering the car in 1976 and 1977 - two years in an eight-year production run. Given its edge over the X1/9 from Turin, it would seem that the Scorpion squandered its potential by petering out after two years. How many cars go off the market for an entire year to rework the braking system after complaints of locked front brakes? Sadly, the sharp Pininfarina duds didn't have the mechanical backing to impress drivers.

And yet, the Scorpion came close to success. A twin cam 4-cylinder mated to a 5-speed, four-wheel disc brakes, and a McPherson suspension front and rear were a good place to start in that era. The strangling effects of the catalyst - interestingly, requiring an extra pair of vents on the rear of US cars - and the detuned camshafts of the US Scorpion models really sank the deal. We're sure that some devoted Scorpion fans in the US, or California really, are onboard with the emissions equipment, but we'd be inclined to ditch it to reclaim the nearly 40hp lost in transit across the Atlantic.

1976 Lancia Scorpion silver rear — *Click to view listing*

Year: 1976
Model: Lancia Scorpion
Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 26,500
Price: Auction
Location: Seminole, Florida

1976 Lancia Scorpion silver red interior — *Click to view listing*

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1976 Lancia Scorpion

Clean, complete car in running condition. New convertible top.

1976 Lancia Scorpion silver engine — *Click to view listing*

The car appears to be in great driver condition. The Florida locale benefits it somewhat, and we imagine that the car has been stored indoors, based on the condition. Rust could be an issue, so we recommend a thorough discussion with the seller and an inspection for any prospective buyers. The vinyl interior is salvageable, with just a few ripped seams to repair, but sourcing vinyl isn't at all difficult, should it come to that.

We're curious to see where this one ends up. On the one hand, we're fortunate to see such cool and interesting cars like this on the market for relatively small sums. But, there could be a reason that these have remained affordable for so long. We're optimistic - upgraded carbs, some hot cams, and a proper exhaust, we think that one of these would wake up quite nicely.

-Graham

Abarth, Lancia, Pininfarina

1984 Lancia 037 Stradale

February 24, 2019 Graham

By now, the story of the Lancia 037 is a familiar one: Lancia set out to follow up the FIA Group 5 World Rally Championship success of their Stratos with the 037 in the newly-minted FIA Group B World Rally Championship. Series regulations required the manufacture of 200 road-going examples in order to compete, and thus, the Lancia 037 Stradale was born.

The mid-section of the cars was borrowed from the Lancia Montecarlo/Scorpion, while steel tube structures replaced the front and rear of the donor cars. Kevlar-reinforced fiberglass made up the new front and rear body work, which was designed by Pininfarina. The mid-engine layout was retained, but with the engine and transmission rotating 90 degrees into a longitudinal layout. Abarth breathed on the powertrain, while none other than Dallara provided the necessary suspension design and tuning.

1984 Lancia 037 Stradale red rear — *Click to view listing*

Year: 1984
Model: Lancia
Engine: 2.0L supercharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 3,234km
Price: Auction, €350.000 - €400.000 estimate
Location: Essen, Germany

1984 Lancia 037 Stradale red interior — *Click to view listing*

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1984 Lancia 037 Stradale

Chassis No. ZLA151AR000000022

1984 Lancia 037 Stradale red engine — *Click to view listing*

As exciting as the history of these cars is, we wonder if there isn't a way to coax more power from the twin cam Fiat engine. Nothing irreversible, but something more nonetheless. Aside from the relatively - and with a curb weight of 2,579lb, we do mean relatively - low power output of 205hp, we wouldn't change anything about one of these Stradales.

Homologation specials are, it now seems, strictly the domain of wealthy collectors. If that describes you, then this example may be a wise purchase. For the rest of use, well, a nice Montecarlo with a hot 2 liter might come close.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Pininfarina

1991 Alfa Romeo 164 S project

February 26, 2017 Graham

While an honest seller is invaluable when purchasing a 25 year old Italian car, where does one draw the line on honesty? Is it ever truly necessary to post a photo of your vehicle on a flatbed in a for sale ad? If no, give the seller of this 1991 164 S some credit for brutal honesty, at least.

According to the seller, a small engine fire wiped out some of the engine wiring harness, HVAC, and engine compartment components. In the process of repairing the damage, the seller stripped the entire engine bay down to bare metal, and reportedly rustproofed, primed, and painted the area back to factory specs. Yet to be completed is a full repaint of the front fenders and hood, as well as a replacement of melted plastic components on the engine.

Year: 1991
Model: 164 S
Engine: 3.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 155,000 mi
Price: $4,500 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 S

Alfa Romeo 164S Restauration Project Car, many parts available./ missing original front bumper S version. was damage by small engine fire/ engine electrical harness, heating and ventilation, engine compartment completely restored with mostly new components.
Rustproof, primed and painted to factory specs front chasis section.
Need to paint front fenders and hood, detail and replace damage parts on engine (mostly plastic)
Same owner since 2001 engine was rebuilt with 99k miles actual 155k
List of parts include: two sets of wheels one OZ Superligera 17x7.5 second: OEM Euro Alfa 15x7
Euro HeadLamps
Front Brake Rotors Slotted and Drilled, Pads, Hoses (new)
Front Suspension Frame Arms with Bushings (new)
Brake Master Cylinder, Clutch Master Cylinder (new)
Engine Plastic Covers and Msc. parts
Rebuilt Rack and Pinion Steering
Properly stored in shop and warehouse away from sunlight
Car is assembled and rolls, $4.500.00
Serious Inquiries Only *** Picture #11 shows condition before incident ***

Having spent more than our fair share of time under the hood of various 164s, we can appreciate the clean engine bay paintwork. It would be difficult to resist the temptation to bring the engine itself up to the level of finish already present in the engine bay. The rest of the exterior appear to be sorted cosmetically, though higher resolution photos would required to truly assess that. A few interior photos wouldn't hurt either - otherwise, the interior condition remains a mystery.

$4,500 is not quite average for a sorted 164 S with similar mileage, so the seller isn't completely unreasonable with their asking price. The remaining paint and assembly work will add up quickly, unless done yourself, so be sure to factor that into any offers. The OZ Superleggera wheels and Bosch Euro projector headlights sweeten the deal a bit, in our opinion. And, the recent brake, suspension, and steering rack maintenance, along with a reportedly rebuilt engine, should instill some level of confidence in any buyers' minds. We say check the car out in person, get a paint quote, and make a judicious offer - this could end up as quite a sharp 164 S in the hands of a knowledgable buyer!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1994 Alfa Romeo Spider Commemorative Edition

March 1, 2015 Graham

Alfa Romeo has had fits and starts with a return to the US market over the last few years. In 2008, the 8C Competizione was unleashed on US customers in limited numbers, giving the well-heeled an opportunity to once again bask in automotive nirvana that the brand has been known for over the years. Now with the introduction of the 4C Coupe and Spider, ownership of an Alfa Romeo is becoming ever more realistic for those of us stateside. Luckily, there have been enthusiasts who dutifully preserved classic Spiders, the car which brought Alfa Romeo fame on these shores. This Series 4 Spider for sale from our reader David is one of the rare Commemorative Editions, which marked the end for the 105/115 series Spider after an impressive three decade production run.

Year: 1994
Model: Spider Commemorative Edition
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 21,415 mi
Price: $19,900

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1994 Alfa Romeo Spider Commemorative Edition

1994 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce CE (Commemorative Edition)

Number 15 of only 190 Alfa Romeo Spiders sold in the US in 1994 - the last year in the US after a 27 year production run.

~22,000 original miles. Verde Inglese (Green) with original pristine tan leather and Alcantara interior.
All original except routine maintenance items (battery, fluids, tires, rear muffler).
Original window sticker and leather portfolio and books.
Items unique to only the 190 1994 Commemorative Edition Spiders: Numbered dash plaque, wood grain door and console trim and gear shift knob, CE badges on nose, rear, numbered key chain, unique wheel center caps, etc.
Fully professionally serviced, shifts perfectly, cold A/C, drive anywhere (car thoroughly professionally inspected, all synthetic fluids, valve clearances adjusted, new rear muffler and tailpipe, Pirellis all around, motor mounts and suspension components "look like a 2 year old car").

Excellent original condition. Pristine original tan leather/Alcantera interior. NO dash cracks. All original paint with minor blemishes on nose and rear trunk lid which can be professionally detailed if desired. Absolutely NO dings, dents, rust, prior accident damage. Drives beautifully, shifts smoothly (no 2nd gear synchro crunch), wonderful highway cruising all day long at 70+ mph.

Fairly priced at $19,900 (you will not find another CE with <25,000 miles for <$25,000). Car located in Chapel Hill, NC. Serious buyers only are welcome to call David at: Nine-One-Nine-27-Zero-4228 or email at 94SpiderCE@gmail.com

The Series 4 Spider will always be a favorite of mine, as it mixes classic looks with integrated bumpers and the reliability of Bosch Motronic engine management and an electric fan. Even though this is labeled a 1994 model, Spider production ended in 1993, with this CE model being one of them to roll off the line. Given the condition and mileage of this example, the price is in the ballpark. When you consider what you pay for early 105/115 Spiders and that Alfa Romeo is set to introduce a new Spider in the near future, the collectability quotient for these roadsters is strong.

-Paul

Ferrari

1964 Ferrari 250GT Lusso Berlinetta

February 25, 2015 Graham

The Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Lusso is, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful cars ever produced. I don't heap such praise lightly, but there's something about the low slung nature of this coupe, with its soft, flowing Pininfarina lines that embodies the true GT spirit. Unlike most Ferraris, this is a car that looks better in a shade other than the ubiquitous Rosso Corsa. Steve McQueen was famous for owning one of these very Ferraris in a subtle Marrone Metallizzato, or Metallic Brown. This Blue Notte example with Bordeaux leather interior is equally stunning. This is a car that is begging to do the run from St. Tropez to the Champs-Élysées.

Year: 1964
Model: 250GT Lusso Berlinetta
Engine: 3.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 58,750 km (~ 36,505 mi)
Price: €2,375,000 (~ $2,698,570 USD)

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1964 Ferrari 250GT Lusso Berlinetta

The Ferrari 250 GT/L or 'Lusso' is the last evolution of the famed Ferrari 250 Berlinetta line of vehicles; one of the most beautiful cars ever made. The car was initially revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October 1962, the last vehicle to carry the iconic "250" name, carrying design and performance features from legendary cars such as the GTO and SWB. Such DNA meant that the Lusso was not only one of the best looking Ferraris ever made, but also one of the best to drive; the ultimate Grand Tourer, focused on luxury over competition.

The vehicle we are fortunate enough to offer is number 329 of 350 built and comes with an extensive service and ownership history. The car was delivered to Germany in 1964 before moving to a new home in France in 1972. The vehicle enjoyed a full restoration in the 1990s, before going on to be a serial concourse vehicle in the 00s. In 2008, the vehicle became Ferrari certified and is subsequently presented with its 'Classiche' folder. Originally Blue Notte, the car sits in the same colour it left the factory, now over Bordeaux hide and is in absolutely beautiful condition. There has never been a better time to buy one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever made; a guaranteed long-term earner and one of the most enjoyable vehicles to drive and own.

Not only was this one of the most gorgeous Ferraris ever produced, but it was to be the swan song for the 250 line, a series dating back to 1953. Only 350 copies were ever produced, and those that still exist are highly prized. Values for the Lusso began to take off at the beginning of this decade. It is now hard to find any for under $1,000,000, and those in exquisite condition, such as we see here, can push $2.5 million. For those who have the means, there are few cars that embody speed, class and old world craftsmanship better than this particular Ferrari.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1995 Alfa Romeo 164 LS

February 17, 2015 Graham 5 Comments

This square-jawed 164 LS presents the rare opportunity to purchase what is, in my opinion, the ideal configuration of a 164. It starts with the superlative 164 LS platform; introduced in 1994, it brought a 210hp 24V engine, a refreshed interior with - and this is difficult to believe - an updated version of the sea of button 90s HVAC controls, and handsome body-matched cladding - a notable improvement over the grey cladding in 1991-1993 cars. Usually, to upgrade to the 164 Q's 232hp, you have to stomach the swaths of grey body cladding, which have their place, but are by no means subtle. Fortunately for LS owners, it's possible to surpass the Q's 232hp spec with a Squadra chip upgrade and the Q's 45mm intake runners - $860 in kit form. In the case of this car, the chip is already present, so it's just a matter finding some $400 (or less used) 45mm Q runners to get to a claimed 240hp. Not bad for this black tuxedo of a sedan.

Year: 1995
Model: 164 LS
Engine: 3.0 Liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 79,000 mi
Price: $7,200

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1995 Alfa Romeo 164 LS

With a bit of trepidation and reluctance, I’m selling my 1995 164LS. I bought it here in 2009 from fellow member sjmst. I brought it to the left coast and have driven it about 29,000 miles since purchased. Need to shed this one to make room and some funds to assist the completion of my GT junior redo. Looks like I’m the 4th or 5th owner based on the materials I’ve been provided. Most everything from a copy of the original Monroney window sticker on through the most recent work detailed below is documented. Still in great condition, properly maintained by a AR specialty shop when needed and about as clean as you’ll find. Runs fast and firm, a great grand tourer with a lot of ‘sport’ mixed in. Now to the details (a lot of which I’ll plagiarize from the 2009 trade / sale post from where I purchased…):

Asking Price: $7,200
Miles: ~79,000
Black/Black, 5speed, 3L 24V
ZARED33E6S6310243
Photos @ flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/129463...7648339523413/ take a look there and if there are others you want, ask and they will post there.
Located in SF Bay Area, CA

• 17” wheels w Falken Z1EX 225/45 17’s with ~19k miles on them w/ lots of life left
• Squadra chip
• B&G springs
• Goats repaired LCD HVAC display – all works and legible
• Invisible bra at leading edge of hood – no stone chips there as a result
• One small seam split in FL seat, professionally repaired and unnoticeable
• Headliner redone and flawless
• Original owner manuals, tools, keys, alarm fobs included (never could figure out how to program/reset for the fobs though)
• Original AM/FM/Cassette unit with 6 disc changer in trunk. All operable though the speakers are old and crap (usable and OK with me – I like hearing the 24V music) and should be replaced
• Dash is 10/10 – no cracks, no fading or warping, interior is 9or10/10, exterior

is probably 8 or 9/10 (I’m picky)

Things not working, not working right or maybe in need of attention (most from the PO’s list and have not been an issue, some added by me over time):
• DS front seat heater switch ‘iffy’ – mostly does not work, sometimes the display icon will come on but I don’t sense heat. Never need that where I am so never bothered with it
• Small ‘dimples’ in DS front seat bottom, kind of back right corner. Leather is not jeopardized at all and I think it’s just a normal defect expected in cow hides (PO thought it may be from former owners, keys in pocket sort of thing). I say not.
• Misc minor dings (you’ll see not really noticeable when visiting the photos)
• Bottom cladding – at rear valance – ‘nubby’ paint is wearing off a bit in spots. Not a big issue and with the black material, not too noticeable.
• Small bubble areas where paint is failing / peeling on front bumper. ~1”x2” area and base material is black so not too noticeable but would eventually warrant a respray
• PO says was rearended lightly about a year before I acquired. Professionally repaired with new bumper cover, paint, aluminum strip via PO (I have receipts). Good job, not any noticeable difference from surrounding areas.
• Refrigerant lasts about 1-1.5 seasons per charge. Must be slow leak somewhere but the charge can be done easily at a low cost so has been no big deal to me.
• HVAC controls all work as intended though the link to the heater flap door must be disconnected (under dash?). I’ve read here on the BB kind of a pain to R&R. My solution has been to adjust to my liking based on season by moving the actuator arm behind the false firewall a bit to provide more, less or no hot air to the cabin. Again, I’m in a very mild climate
with minimal seasonal swings so not been an issue.
• Seat height adjustment function does not work well. Teeth or belt(?) stripped or jumped? Front/back/seatback tilt all fully functional otherwise
• PO represented hood repainted at time of adding the invisibra (looks great)
• Trunk lifting gas struts getting tired – need assistance to raise the trunk fully but holds it there once opened
• Stone chip very top edge of L headlight lens.

I think that’s about it for the ‘defects’ etc. list. If not on this list, assume all else in good/very good to perfect condition but feel free to ask on specific things of interest or concern. Now on to things done since purchase:
• Smog check and registration done 1/14. Engine runs cleaner than my newer supposedly low emissions vehicles (Mini, Audi 2L)
• Steering rack replaced w/ properly rebuilt unit. Rock solid (aligned too) 5/14
• Fuel pump inc pump relays, Oil sensor unit replaced 5/13
• Brake Master Cylinder, Clutch Slave cylinder + hose 12/11
• Fan wiring harness, temp sensor, A arms replaced 3/11
• Plugs + tune, RR window regulator replacement, O2 sensor, transaxle fluid changed 3/10
• Serpentine belt, T-belt, bypass hoses, water pump replaced 3/09 (@ 50,100mi).
That’s about it. A fun car that gets smiles and comments by those both in the know and clueless as to what it is and a very good example of the last year and low volume US spec ’95 164.
Let the tire kicking begin!

The 164 platform is much less prone to rust than the earlier transaxle cars - not that rust should be too much of a concern for a California car like this one. Judging from the photos and description, exterior blemishes seem to be minimal, allowing the eye to focus on the flat surfaces and sharp creases so vital to the handsome Pininfarina wedge. Coming as more of a surprise is the state of the front leather seats, which are in remarkably superb condition, even for a car with relatively low mileage like this. Additional confidence as a buyer comes in the form of a fully repaired and functional climate control LCD screen - a common weak point on 164.

Mechanically speaking, this car is long overdue for a timing belt change; we wouldn't drive it far on the current 6 year-old belt. The belt jobs are expensive on these cars, especially when performed at a shop, so do not consider the rather optimistic asking price impervious to this reality. We'd also be prepared to spend some money on the air conditioning to address refrigerant leak, though it seems that we have a rare instance of a car with functioning A/C that actually does need the occasional recharge - a nice relief from the typical Craigslist seller's refrain. With a fresh timing belt, water pump, and A/C service, this 164 LS offers the rare opportunity to experience a 164 in 1990s condition, saving you 1.21 gigawatts in the process.

-Graham