Tag Archives: Pininfarina

Modern Classic, Theme Week, Uncategorized

Theme Week – Non-Italian Cars…Styled by Italians: 1993 Cadillac Allante

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From food to science, there are few things the Italians have not influenced in our everyday lives. This influence includes cars. In recent years in the United States, though, you wouldn't know it, as Italian car sightings are uncommon. However, from American classics to British sports cars, the Italians have had a wide reach with automotive styling in the 20th century. Not even the French could escape their inspiration. I want to take this week to look at a few significant and sometimes forgotten classics that Italy had a hand in bringing to market.

In the 1980s, General Motors was looking for a way to position Cadillac as a competitor to the world's best, and their solution was to go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz 560SL and Jaguar XJ-S. The two seater Allante convertible bowed in 1987 to much fanfare. Its body was assembled in Italy and shipped back to the United States for final assembly via specially equipped Boeing 747s. This method of manufacturing garnered the nickname "the world's longest assembly line." It also added a good amount to the sticker price.

The final model year, 1993, was the best year for the Allante. In true General Motors fashion, they killed off this car just as the plot was thickening. Equipped with the new Northstar V8, this engine was a massive upgrade, delivering a whopping 95 horsepower more over the old 4.5 liter V8. It was still front wheel drive, but at least this kind of power had people taking this two seater a bit more seriously. Our feature car is in fact the desirable 1993 model with an amazingly low 18,000 miles in museum-like condition.

1993 Cadillac Allante

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1993 Cadillac Allante Convertible. Finished in classic red with beautiful soft tan leather interior and black convertible top. This incredible motorcar has been driven just 18,353 miles and can virtually not be told from new. This magnificent motorcar is equipped with nearly every available option and is finished in one of the most sought after color combinations. We are proud to offer this investment grade, last year Cadillac Allante to the most particular collector, investor or enthusiast who demands the best. You will not be disappointed in this truly wonderful motorcar!

I never liked the Allante when I was younger, but with age, the design has grown on me. Granted, it's driving dynamics may leave something to be desired, but it's sharp, unadorned lines make it stand out in everyday traffic. Even though this particular car has extremely low miles, the asking price of almost $25,000 is well over market values. On a good day, I'd wager to say a car like this would bring $15,000 tops, with drivers in good condition changing hands in between the $10,000 to $13,000 range. Eventually, these Italian-American roadsters may become an icon like the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado, but we aren't at that point yet.

-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

Fiat

1974 Fiat 130 Coupe

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Large Fiat saloons and coupes, much like their French counterparts, have always been the vehicle of choice for people who march to the beat of a different drummer. The Fiat 130 sedan and coupe were never sold new in the US, so this is a car which is rather obscure outside enthusiast groups stateside. Nevertheless, this is an important car in Fiat history and a rather rare one at that.

The 130 coupe featured a 3.2 liter, 60 degree V6 engine designed by famed Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi. Many of the coupes, like our feature vehicle, came equipped with a Borg-Warner 3 speed automatic transmission. Features such as four wheel disc brakes, four wheel independent suspension and an alternator set the tone for future Fiats to come. The number of roadworthy 130 Coupes has certainly dwindled over the years, while mint condition examples are a rare find indeed. This particular two owner car for sale in The Netherlands is a mint example of Fiat's attempt at a personal luxury coupe for the 1970s.

1974 Fiat 130 Coupe

Fiat 130 Coupe, two owners with only 146,000 km (~ 90,720 mi) from new. Swiss approval only (no tax & duty). The body is very solid, no rust and the underneath is very clean. The car drives perfectly. 20 km (12 mi) from the German border.

The asking price for this 130 coupe equates to about $16,850 USD given current exchange rates. That is a princely sum for an almost 38 year old Fiat. However, with 4,294 ever built and fewer still which have survived, this is a personal luxury coupe that can match many Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis in rarity. The 130 coupe looks amazingly modern in comparison to its sedan counterpart and exudes the tailored look we've come to expect from Pininfarina.

-Paul