Tag Archives: SS

1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS

April 19, 2015 Graham 1 Comment

In the years following World War II, plenty of manufacturers went ahead and developed racing specials off existing platforms in an effort for niche models to be more fiscally viable. Alfa Romeo debuted the Sprint Speciale, or SS, in 1959, based off the Giulietta platform. The first 100 cars of the production run were low nose specials devised specifically to meet FIA homologation requirements. With a twin cam engine and a very low coefficient of drag for the period, these were serious contenders. Later, in 1963, a Giulia based Sprint Speciale with a larger, 1.6 liter powerplant would debut. This example for sale in Houston represents the last of the Giulia SS breed, as these cars would disappear after 1966.

Year: 1966
Model: Giulia SS
Engine: 1.6 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 8,704 mi (?)
Price: $132,500 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS

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1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale

Chassis No. AR.10121.381227

Body No. *87*2658*

Motor No. AR00121.01269
One of only 1,400 examples produced between 1962-66
Ideal Example for Tours and Rallies
Verified by Alfa Romeo Historic Motoring
Desirable 1600cc Giulia Model
Striking original-color White SS

The Giulietta Sprint Speciale was a more upscale version of the normal Sprint and featured a smooth, 2-door gran turismo body by Bertone. In the efforts to make the SS as light as possible, the wheelbase was made four inches shorter than the Sprint's. Since it was intended for competition use, the SS only had room for two people and a limited amount of storage for luggage. However, this allowed the cabin to be much more spacious than the four-seat Sprint.

According to Alfa Romeo Historic Motoring, chassis number AR 381227 originally corresponds to Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale (101.21), engine series AR 00121 - Manufactured on the 14th of September 1964 and sold on April 20, 1965 to Alfa Romeo Inc., Newark USA. The example offered here makes for an ideal driver's SS in correct, refreshing non-red paint color and good mechanicals. Other noteworthy items include correct radio delete, Borrani vented wheels, and the unique plenum and air box - considered 'regular' 105 Veloce items, but are believed to be original on the later cars. All body numbers are present on the front hood, rear decklid hinge, and firewall.

The older paintwork is well suited for a touring candidate, while the interior upholstery displays well and appears fairly recent. Its engine compartment remains remarkably clean, while the car runs as strong and smooth as the striking cosmetics imply. Above all, the Giulia SS's appeal lies in its good looks and driving pleasure. It continues to be one of the most recognizable and collectable post-war Alfa Romeos to date.

Note: This Alfa is titled as a 1967 model.

$132,500.00

Full Resolution Photos: 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS

To learn more about this vehicle, please contact our sales department at (281) 497-1000 or sales@driversource.com

Only 1,400 Sprint Speciales were ever built and as such, they are highly prized. There's a lot to like about this car, especially the great contrast between the white exterior and red leather. The asking price for this car is about on par with what average examples are pulling these days, with the very best verging towards $200,000. Given the rarity of this car and what you pay for similar Ferrari and Lamborghinis of the era, this car offers a lot of style and lore for the money.

-Paul

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

Alfa Romeo

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS Ghia

May 14, 2012 Graham

After World War II, many things changed for Alfa Romeo, the most important of which was the evolving new car marketplace. No longer was there a great demand for large engined grand touring machines. Consumers preferred much smaller, more efficient vehicles as a result of an economy in recovery. Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1950, the 1900 was the first Alfa Romeo to carry unit body construction and had a twin cam, four cylinder engine that matched the power of it's six cylinder predecessor, the 6C 2500. The switch to smaller vehicles ensured Alfa Romeo's survival going forward but coachbuilders had a difficult task when it came to modifying a car without a separate chassis. Nevertheless, there were several versions of the 1900 bodied by famed Italian coachbuilders, such as this SS Ghia, which included a slightly larger, higher horsepower engine.

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS Ghia

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS Ghia ID# AR1900C01838. Delivered new to George Walker, then VP of Design at Ford Motor Company and comes with known provenance that includes Miami, Italy, Monte Carlo, Switzerland, and returning to the U.S. in mid 2000. This Alfa was also shown at Florida’s Italia Fest in February and received a 2nd in class award. Pictured and described in Benson’s book as unusual and bearing resemblances to the Bertone BAT cars.

This same car was for sale back in 2006 by the same seller at $350,000. The worldwide economic downturn has affected the classic car market, especially for more obscure classics such as this car. One of the last 1900 Ghia Coupes to sell was in 2009 at Gooding & Company at Pebble Beach. That car sold for $170,500, inclusive of the buyer's premium. Realistically, this car might bring anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000 in this market.

-Paul

Fiat

1975 Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS Clone

April 16, 2012 Graham 2 Comments

Sometimes you don't need a supercar to experience huge motoring thrills. Even the smallest of cars, such as this recreation of a Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS will provide big car thrills in a small package for relatively little cost. While this 695 SS is not an original, it is well executed example with good attention to detail, from the Jaeger gauge cluster to Abarth badges.

1975 Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS Clone

Really nice Fiat Abarth 695 esse esse with the coveted Assetto Corsa kit. Vehicle is complete, including the original Jaeger dashboard. Vehicle has been restored by a Fiat specialist. During restoration, the engine was overhauled and gearbox rebuilt. Vehicle is on the new Avon tires. Ready to use for the historic motor sport (including street legal). This 500 is completely rust free.

At a shade under $13,000 USD, this Abarth clone is priced around the going rate for standard 500s in the US. Considering an original 695 SS may run around $40,000 to $50,000, this is a relative bargain. Given the fact modern clones are more usable than the originals, both with regards to drivability and the fear of devaluation that comes with use, I think I would be more inclined to buy a sorted example like this rather than pay for the premium of an expensive museum piece.

-Paul

Maserati

1972 Maserati Ghibli SS

March 31, 2012 Graham

The Maserati Ghibli is one of those grand touring cars that epitomizes everything that was great about Italian design in the 1960s and 1970s. Long, flowing lines and sumptuous details are the hallmarks of this machine. This particular Ghibli is a desirable one. Not only is it the later, higher horsepower SS model, but with the 5 speed manual, black paintwork and Borrani wire wheels, it certainly looks the part.

1972 Maserati Ghibli SS

Designed by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro while at Carrozzeria Ghia, the Maserati Ghibli has been referred by some as the most beautiful sports/GT car of all times. Even if you do not agree with that strong of a statement, there is no denying the Ghibli is certainly a very striking and handsome car whose timeless design has aged very well. Even today, when driving a Ghibli, people stop and stare at the car's beautiful lines.

Powered by a dry sump V8 engine and fed by four Weber carbs, the Ghibli delivers the performance you would expect from an Italian exotic. Its closest competitor, and the car it is most often compared to, is the Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona. Both are large front engine cars. Both were for 2 people and were built in the similar years (1967 - 1973). Both were priced about the same (the Ghibli was a little more expensive) and built in similar numbers (about 1150 each). Where the cars differ is in their character. The Daytona was optimized for performance while the Ghibli towards being a “gentleman’s GT cruiser”. People that own both cars generally agree that the Ghibli is the better car for regular driving and rallies. If going around the race track is your thing, go for the Daytona. Of course there is also the matter of price, as today the Ferrari Daytona is MUCH more expensive; both to purchase and maintain.

The exterior styling of the Ghibli is equally matched by a gorgeous interior. The Ghibli all leather interior is quite spacious and can easily accommodate tall drivers. One famous Ghibli owner was basketball star Wilt Chamberlain. This particular 1972 Ghibli SS is a three owner car with only 33K miles. Sold new in Los Angeles and had always been there until I purchased the car 4 years ago from the second owner. I then sold it to its third owner. The car is currently in at my house near Atlanta, Georgia area. Has all the desirable features you normally would want on a Ghibli SS; the larger 4.9 liter engine, Borrani wire wheels, power steering, 5-speed, AC and rare quad exhaust. Ghiblis look very good in black, and this car is no exception!

The interior is very nice and mostly unmolested. It still has the original front carpets with the logoed heel pads. Luckily nobody ever installed a modern radio nor were extra speakers cut into the door panels. No signs of accidents or rust. Paint is good but not show quality. Mechanically this car is sweet! Engine was recently rebuilt by Terry Girone; who use to work for the Maserati imported in the Northeast and also was the service manager of the Atlanta Ferrari/Maserati dealer. I have owned about 15 Ghiblis and I must say this is one of the best running one I've driven. Oil pressure is great. Coolant temperature stays constant, gearbox shifts well, brakes work as expected. Engine compression is between 150 and 160 psi across all cylinders, which is excellent. Gauges, switches, lights, clock in working order. AC was recently serviced. Between the engine rebuilt, the AC work and a few other items the previous owner spent over $44,000 in the last 3 years. Receipts come with the car.

Ghiblis are great rally cars as they are comfortable for long drives and quite reliable for an exotic. Included is the original jack with bag, receipts, and factory supplied owner’s manual. The owner’s manual is the rare 4.9 liter version in English and Italian. Note: State of Alabama does not issue titles for cars build prior to 1974. Car is sold with Bill of Sale and a certified letter from Licensing Director which explains the State law.

Prices for Ghiblis tend to range anywhere between $75,000 and $120,000 these days, and the Spider variants command much more than that, given their rarity in comparison to their hardtop sibling. Given this example’s provenance, I’d say $80,000 to $90,000 is probably in the ballpark of what this owner is looking for. With the work and money invested in it, it certainly would be worth it. This is truly an honest car for the discerning collector.

-Paul

Maserati

1971 Maserati Ghibli SS

January 18, 2012 Graham

In the 1960s Ferrari had the Daytona. Lamborghini had the Miura. And Maserati had the Ghibli. This was the most celebrated Maserati yet, and in 1970, they turned up the heat with the Ghibli SS, bumping capacity of the quad cam V8 to 4.9 liters with horsepower increasing from 335 to 350. These are sleek cars and with the extra horsepower, few vehicles of the time could match its performance. This particular Ghibli SS is for sale by the owner of the Lamborghini Islero we featured last month, as you can see from the pictures.

1971 Maserati Ghibli SS

1971 Maserati Ghibli SS - Eurospec, (French Market)

This is a Real Eurospec SS, the rarest and most desirable of all classic Maserati V8 GT coupes only around 100 were ever made. #2110 was a Special Order for a long time Maserati customer, the President of the Société Marseillaise de Credit, Edouard de Cazalet. The car was ordered in Black with Wild Boar Skin Interior including headliner. It features a unique full width storage bin behind the seats with straps to secure additional luggage. The odometer indicates 60,000 kilometers (37,000 miles).

When the Bank was Nationalized, de Cazalet joined the World Bank in Washington DC bringing Ghibli SS #2110 with him. It was sold to an Airline Pilot that owned the car for 17 years restoring it, including rebuilding the engine. (Photo of bare metal restoration included) In 1996 it was sold to an attorney that kept the car for 10 years until I purchased it in 2006. The car was featured in Autoweek's Escape Roads - May 21, 2010.

Includes copies of the original Factory Build Sheets and extensive records dating back over 20 years including those related to the engine rebuild. Service performed by former National Technical Director of Maserati North America (from the 70's thru early 90s) during my ownership, previous work performed by the well respected Grand Touring, Inc of Laurel, MD (now Dew Motorcars) for the previous owner.

The car is good driver quality, it is very reliable with a strong engine. I have owned 11 Maseratis and driven many more. This is without a doubt the most powerful classic GT V8 I've ever driven. I was told by the previous service shop that the engine was rebuilt during restoration by Holman Moody which is located in the home town of the previous owner. I don't have documentation to verify it. The car has 5 relatively new correct Michelin XWXs tires. Books and Tools. 1968 Lamborghini Islero in last picture is also for sale on ebay.

With its history and documentation, this Ghibli should garner its fair share of interest, as we can already see with the amount of bids. Even though it is not an original, it wears an older restoration that presents well and comes with a history that is as interesting as the company that built it.

-Paul