Tag Archives: Touring

1963 Lancia Flaminia GTL Touring Coupe

April 16, 2014 Graham 2 Comments

In the realm of memorable Lancias, the Flaminia doesn't often come to mind for most enthusiasts. Indeed, even when Top Gear did their memorable Lancia episode, the Flaminia wasn't even mentioned. That's a shame, because while the Fulvia, Stratos, 037 and later models really created the rally legend, the Flaminia was an absolutely stunning coupe that was easily as beautiful as some of its contemporary Alfa Romeos and even Ferraris. Available in Pininfarina, Zagato or Touring designs, this example of the latter represents a rare opportunity to get into a classic, early Lancia:

Year: 1963
Model: Flaminia GTL Touring Coupe
Engine: 2.8 liter V6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: TMU mi
Price: $65,000 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1963 Lancia Flaminia GTL Touring Coupe

Selling a lovely 1963 Lancia Flaminia Touring L coupe 3C for a client.

The car is rust and alloy corrosion free, and has been a West Coast car since it was brought into the US in the early 60's. Well cared for and never seriously damaged.

What small amount of rust was removed from the inner sills professionally and fresh metal welded in correctly. The pictures tell the tale here.

The car was media stripped to bare aluminum about 5 years ago and the car was repainted, a dark metallic blue roof over a lighter metallic blue bottom. The paint work was done to a good club standard and not concours, not to say the car is not very show able but again not concours on paint. The bumpers, grille, tail light housings and other bits were very nicely re-chromed. The car has a full set of new tires from Coker Tire (all 5)

The car had a very extensive and correct valve job performed and the carbs gone through along with the entire front suspension was re bushed and re built (not a small task on a Flaminia) all this work was carried out by a very skilled technician with previous Lancia experience, who also replaced (with correct new factory parts) the exhaust system from the factory cast iron headers back.

The rubber in the front and rear windshield was replace with new correct replacements from Italy along with the seals in the doors and around the roof where the windows meet the roof.

Most recently the interior was completely gone through, with new leather seats side and door panels, and a new headliner and Wilton Wool carpets. The only part of the interior that is original is the top of the dash board. The workmanship is incredible.

The car drives very well and does not smoke, I saw the engine when the heads were off and the cylinders looked excellent. All water hoses were replaced when that work was performed as well. There is none of the drive line vibration that plagues these cars when there are issues. It is absolutely smooth and the gear box is spectacular, brakes work properly and do not pull but there is some low speed brake squeal when your barely on the brake pedal. Steering is excellent and what you would expect from a solid well maintained car. The mileage shown is 33,928 KM but I am more inclined to believe that it is 133,928 KM but can not confirm that. Probably good to mention that this car has the long nose transaxle and hence the shorter drive shaft.

If your looking for a very well sorted, great driving older exotic this could be for you. The car was built to be a driver and made a cross country trip from the West Coast to the East Coast for the East Coast Lancia Reunion after the mechanical work was performed. The car has also received trophies at several events. (not included with the car)

Please call if you have interest or questions I am more than happy to answer any and all questions. Jim 425 238 5317, please remember I am on the West Coast so reasonable hours please. Should you get the message please leave your number and I will return your call at my earliest convenience.

More than happy to help arrange shipping to anywhere in the world, if you need or want me to get shipping quotes for you, I am happy to do that. The client wants to put another car in his stable and needs the room or this car would not be for sale, it is priced very fairly and I feel the reserve is set too low, but that is his decision.

Obviously, having fairly recently undergone a major restoration, the condition of the car is pretty impeccable and for that alone it stands apart from most of the early Lancia crowd. Certainly you'll be in rarefied company if you purchase this machine, but I really think wherever you go it will be greatly appreciated. The color combination is lovely, the engine is said to run well, and the major headaches are gone from worrying about what's underneath the shine. Pricing for such a turn key car will undoubtedly be high, but this price even might be a bit optimistic; for $65,000, it's roughly $10,000 higher than what Hagerty places top value at - and the Flaminia market has been pretty flat over the past few years. For the right person, if you like the color combination especially, this might still not be a bad deal, but I'd like to see all the records and the car in person before forking over a 20% premium over the market value.

-Carter

Alfa Romeo, Classic, Touring

1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

April 14, 2014 Graham

A few weeks back, I looked at a 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider, one of the prettier and more Ferrari-like designs to come out of Milan. Decidedly un-Ferrari-like is the price of these vintage Alfas, which despite their elegant Touring-designed coachwork don't generally come within even a tenth of the value of most of the mid 1960s Ferrari crowd these days. For that money, you're decidedly getting one of the better looking and lesser known Italian roadsters ever produced. Today, there is a near mirror-copy of the earlier 1963 model for sale on Ebay; this time, it's a 1966 but nearly everything else is the same!

Year: 1966
Model: 2600 Spider
Engine: 2.6 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 85,915 mi
Price: $69,500 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

Chassis No. AR192999
Engine No. AR00601 07437

Rare DOHC Six-Cylinder 1960's Italian Spider
Verified by Alfa Romeo Automobilismo Storico Centro Documentazione
A Late Production Example with 5-Speed Gearbox and Disc Brakes
One of Just 2,255 Examples Produced from 1961-1968, Representing Classic Styling with Strong Performance
Recent Major Mechanical Servicing
Incredibly Well-Mannered Driver - Great for Tours & Rallies

Specs: 145hp, 2584cc. dual overhead cam inline six-cylinder engine, three Solex 44PHH carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, independent front and rigid rear axle with coil springs suspension, front disc and rear drum brakes.

As Alfa's all-new flagship line, the 2600 marked the end of the Italian company's long-standing tradition of producing four-cylinder cars. Offered as a Spider, four-door Berlina, or a two-door Sprint, the 2600 was available to customers in three very distinctive body styles. The all-alloy 2.6 liter inline six-cylinder engine, like its predecessors, made use of dual-overhead camshafts. Less than 2,300 2600 Spiders were ever produced.

Presented here is a highly coveted late production example featuring 5spd manual transmission and disc brakes all around. As driver's quality Spider, this car displays older cosmetics, with recently serviced mechanicals making it the perfect candidate for spirited driving.

Exhibiting a nice patina throughout with typical blemishing and imperfections on the paint (pictured), it appears this 2600 remains largely correct in Red paintwork over a Black cabin and convertible top. The majority of brightwork and all side-glass are untouched as is the dash and several underlying components. The car's numbers-matching alloy 2.6 liter twin-cam, with its freshly rebuilt triple Solex carbs is incredibly well mannered and very responsive. A recent complete tune-up also addressed new rubbers, cooling and intake hoses, clamps, spark plugs, fluids, clutch and brake master + slave cylinders, brake lines and rebuilt calipers, battery, ignition components and more. Its broad torque band and the 2600's inherently balanced characteristics easily tackle the most challenging roads.

Great for tours, rallies and continued use as-is, the Spider is accompanied by a vintage 2600 Shop Manual, 2600 Tech manual, servicing receipts and catalog.

Price At: $76,500.00
Offers Welcomed

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

Selling Made Simple. We buy classic European & American sports cars! One vehicle & entire collections! Finder's fees paid!!

While condition on this car looks close to the earlier example, pricing is significantly less at $30,000 less than the earlier car. For that money, you also get a few less miles than the earlier example. While this car exhibits more patina than the 1963, personally I'd accept that for the hefty discount and to be comfortable taking it for a drive. After all, what use is the car if you can get out and enjoy it? This is a lovely car and a neat (and affordable) alternative to the Ferrari crowd!

-Carter

Alfa Romeo, Classic

1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Touring

March 21, 2014 Graham 1 Comment

The past few years have witnessed many of the popular convertibles and roadsters from the 1960s on an upwards pricing spiral. Where once you could perhaps consider classic Porsche cabriolet ownership, for most mortals the idea of forking over well in excess of $100,000 for a clean original 911 and close to $150,000 or more for a 356 is just over the top. W113 Mercedes-Benz SLs, also once a solid value that could be had for well under $50,000, have also pushed upwards so that now you're looking at $60,000 plus for a clean, restored example. And classic Ferraris? As the saying goes, if you have to ask....but if you want a boatload of Italian styling and character, there's still hope. You could, for example, buy this 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider by Touring:

Year: 1963
Model: 2600 Touring
Engine: 2.6 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 100,012 mi
Price: $99,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 Touring

1963 ALFA ROMEO 2600 SPIDER

KURT TANNER RESTORATIONS offers for sale, here on Ebay, for your consideration an exceptionally nice 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider with coachwork by Touring. There were only 2255 examples of these elegant Grand Tourers produced worldwide. This vehicle offered here has a completely original rustfree and accident-free body (amazingly!), and was a California-delivered car from new. It was cosmetically restored approximately 6 years ago and is still presenting extremely well.
Details of the restoration include complete removal of all items such as chromework, glass, interior trim, rubber, etc. The vehicle then underwent a stripdown of the entire underchassis and exterior body panels by shot-blasting, followed by full show-quality bodywork and paint to very high standards. All the body panels display exceptional fit and finish to the car's main body, with beautiful shut lines as original.
The undercarriage was re-undercoated back to original specifications. All chromework/ stainless was replated/ polished and re-installed with new rubber, along with a new windshield and door glass. The complete interior was retrimmed in black. Original style rubber floormats were fitted to the car's interior as well as the trunk with the correct Touring logos. A new, quality, black cloth top was fitted. The steering wheel, dashboard, and instruments all appear in very nice original condition.
The car's mechanicals are in fine fettle. The engine starts easily from cold. Once warmed up and driving along the road, oil pressure registers 55psi at 2500 RPM. There are no unusual noises and the car revs well, with a smooth and quiet exhaust note. It is fitted with the original and rebuilt set of triple Solex sidedraft carburetors. The steering, suspension, and brakes all behave properly. The gearbox shifts very well with no noticeable wear on any of the syncros. The driveline appears to have been detailed during it's restoration as well. It is a very nice car going along the road at speed, effortlessly and quietly cruising in 5th gear...
This vehicle for sale here offers a relatively affordable entry into 60's Italian motoring in an open sportscar. It is presented in the quintessential Alfa Romeo colors, and it's low production ensures that it will be a sound investment in the years to come. This car is located in Southern California and can be viewed by appointment. $99,000 OBO.

KURT TANNER RESTORATIONS. 909-920-9221, work. 909-241-1051, cell.

For anyone that's undertaken a full restoration on a car of this generation, unless you had some devote connection to an unrestored car this is the way to do it - buy one that's done. At $99,000, this car is priced right at the top of the current valuation curve for a condition 1 car, and it should be. It's gorgeous, showing the impressively crisp and yet flowing lines that Carrozzeria Touring created. Squint a bit, and you've got yourself a Ferrari, and frankly most non-enthusiasts (and some poorly informed enthusiasts) would probably think this was a Ferrari at first sight. It's that pretty, and considering where some of the other classic models of the era have gone in pricing, it's a downright deal. It may seem expensive now, but I'd expect we'll see this car's value go up 50-100% over the next decade if the trends continue. They're a rare, very pretty, great sounding Italian roadster, and this one is fully restored and in near perfect condition - could you ask for anything more?

-Carter

Maserati

1962 Maserati 3500GT Touring

June 14, 2013 Graham

The Maserati 3500GT Touring that we featured last month has been relisted, advertised at the same price we previously saw.

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1962 Maserati 3500GT Touring - REVISIT

The below post originally appeared on our site May 4, 2013:

Some of the most gorgeous cars in history have come from the cars which bear the Trident badge. I doubt anyone would argue with that statement upon laying eyes on this beauty, the Maserati 3500GT. With its 3.5 liter twin cam straight six engine derived from the 350S racing car coachwork by Touring, this car popularized the marque, selling over 2,200 between 1957 and 1964. Popular with celebrities, this car had performance that few of its contemporaries could match.

Year: 1962
Model: 3500GT Touring
Engine: 3.5 liter inline six
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 72,913(?) miles
Price: $279,000 Buy It Now

1962 Maserati 3500GT Touring

Chassis AM101*2428*:
According to Maserati historian Adolfo Orsi, chassia 101.2428 was assembled in late 1962, and exhibits features from both the early and late series. Specifically, this car appears to have been built with the earlier side window frames without the second vent window at the rear of the door, and the earlier, single-piece taillights. Maserati's official historical archivists, George Mauro and Fabio Collina recently confirmed that chassis 101.24289 was retained by Maserati and not released privately until 1964. What she did at the Maserati factory during this time frame remains unknown but she may have been a test and loaner car for perspective clients and visiting VIPs. Upon being deemed surplus to the needs of Maserati, she was sold to a client in Belgium and delivered with her exterior painted "Grigio Metallizzato" (Max Meyer code 16.677) and was fitted with an interior in white "Neutral" leather (Connoly code PAC.1544) which she still retains to this day.

Chassis 2428 possesses a very desirable combination of features, with the five-speed gearbox of the later production 3500GTs with the classic Weber carburetors and Borrani wire wheels typical found on the early cars. This particular 3500GT was purchased in 1988 by a knowledgeable and experienced collector of Italian cars who is well known for the spectacular level of quality and detail in his restoration projects. He commissioned Joe Piscazzi of Akron, Ohio, to oversee the complete restoration of the Maserati and gave him the budget required to guarantee the finest work possible. Vanguard Automotive Enterprises, Inc. Of Medicine, Ohio, was responsible for rebuilding the DOHC inline six-cylinder engine. Mastercraft Metal Finishing of Seattle, Washington, provided chrome and metal finishing services, and the interior of the Maserati was crafted by artisan John Bowser. Photo documentation and receipts of the two-year restoration accompany this car today along with a tool and jack kit.

It is not surprising that the concours history of this stunning 3500 GT is truly impressive. Some of the laurels it has earned include: Best in Class, the Count Lurani Award and Best of Show at Le Belle Macchine d'Italia; Outstanding Maserati at the Concours of Italian Style at Meadow Brook; AACA Junior and Senior First Prizes; as well as National Award Candidate at Hershey. Not least of its accomplishments was a Second in Class prize at the 1994 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Today, two decades after its restoration, this Maserati 3500 GT presents itself confidently. Expertly and fastidiously maintained, the deep blue paint and chrome and alloy brightwork accents appear unmarked, while the straight body panels show tight, even gaps. The dramatic white leather interior appears to have minimal traces of use and the engine compartment shows as restored, with correct finishes and fittings.

As a marvelous finishing touch, further study of the engine compartment reveals the distinctive signature of Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni who led his family's company, Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, from 1949-1966. Sig. Anderloni autographed this car when giving it special recognition with the Dolce Vita Award at Concorso Italiano in Carmel, California, in 1994. In November of this year, chassis 2428 was given a comprehensive mechanical rebuild and full round of services that included having her engine and gearbox out for full overhaul. All services and maintenance are now current and up to date.

Superbly styled, well-built and very entertaining to drive, the best 3500 GTs are now being actively sought by savvy enthusiasts. The fact that they are historically significant as well just adds the final nudge to spur an erudite collector to action. This particular 3500 GT is undoubtedly an exemplar of the breed, and would be difficult to duplicate.

At almost $300,000, this is very strong money for a 3500GT. Usually the best examples will bring between $175,000 and $200,000. I'd suspect the seller will have a hard time moving the metal at this price, although it might bring over $200,000 to the right buyer. This is where it all began for Maserati and for a company that has gone through triumphs and tragedies, not a more gorgeous piece of metal could represent genesis.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

May 3, 2013 Graham

As rare as they are, we’ve featured a few Alfa Romeo 2600 Spiders over the past year. Here comes another one for sale in California. These roadsters featured a fantastic dual overhead cam inline six that bellowed out a mellifluous tone worthy of the most exotic Italian machine. The car’s styling was courtesy of Carrozzeria Touring and looked very much like an enlarged, but refined Giulietta Spider.

1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

The annual national Alfa Romeo convention is coming up in July; wouldn't you like to attend it in style? Location is Napa/Sonoma Wine Country. This beautiful Italian lived most of her life in Northern California, but now resides in Southern California. It would be a homecoming of sorts for her.

2600's are rare; just 2,255 were built between 1962 and 1966; this one is number 204. It is estimated less than 500 are on the road today. Six cylinder, in-line, hemi-head, DOHC. I am the third owner, however, just two families have owned this car. A friend of my Dad's at work purchased it new in 1963 from an Oregon dealership and registered it in California. He owned it for 10 years, sold it to my Dad. I remember as a kid riding in the back seat going to races at Laguna Seca, Candlestick Point, and Crows Landing. Dad drove it for just 3 years including to Mom's 40th high school reunion in Washington, Iowa before parking it in a garage. Car is 50 years old this year/ the last 39 years in my family.

New paint in 2000, rebuilt engine 2005, new interior 2010, new top 2011, and new exhaust 2012. I kept this car with as many original parts as I could; triple Solex carburetors, generator, points and condenser, 400 MM size tires and wheels. Black with a red interior is striking; a real head turner. I get thumbs up, waves, honks, and smiles whenever I take her out for a spin, top down, on a sunny Southern California day.

Extensive work was done by the famed GTA shop in Santa Ana 2011 removing all rust from the kick panels and inside on the frame where you cannot see it. Automobile is maintained by Stewart at APC in Orange. Garaged and car-covered in San Clemente, California. About 73k miles. Looks gorgeous, runs great, sounds beautiful. Fun to drive. Comes with black and gold plates, some original parts, including rubber mats, tonneau cover, car cover, 1:43 model, DVD of S1M0NE. No shipping on this item; just drive it or you arrange to have it shipped home.

While they command a bit more than their smaller stablemate, these 2600 Spiders offer relatively good value for money when it comes to Italian exotics, mainly due to their obscurity as compared to vintage Maseratis and Lancias of the same period. Values for these big Spiders can range from $20,000 to a little over $60,000. I'd suspect this car is somewhere near the top, and will bring a figure solidly in $50,000 territory.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

March 17, 2013 Graham 2 Comments

We featured an Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider here at CICFS last month. These are a bit of a dark horse in the history of classic Italian roadsters, but nevertheless important in the genesis of Alfa Romeo. The 2600 series was the last Alfa Romeo to be fitted with a twin cam, inline six cylinder engine. This 2600 Spider for sale in Nevada is not a concours example, but looks ready to be enjoyed.

1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

For Sale: 1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 Touring Spider (VIN #AR192973). The 2600 Touring Spider is a beautiful and rare automobile. Only 2,255 were manufactured during its four year production run from 1962-66. There are far fewer on the road today. It’s a roomy, comfortable sports car that’s solid, elegant, and smooth on the road.

The car features a 2,582cc in-line six cylinder dual overhead cam engine that delivers 165 horsepower at 5,900 rpm. It has less than 1,500 miles on a rebuilt engine. Engine is running rich and a bit rough. Valves and Solex carbs will probably need adjustment. Transmission shifts smoothly. Body is straight and in good shape. Very nice paint, though not perfect. The most noticeable blemishes can be seen in photo of left rear taillight (in corner where trunk meets body), and the two close-ups of paint by rear bumper. Interior in good condition. Gauges work and appear to be accurate. Five 165R400 Michelin X tires purchased from Coker Tires have less than 1,000 miles on them. This vehicle has been kept in an insulated garage, and hasn’t been driven in the rain or snow since I’ve owned it (2007 – present).

Those who are familiar with this model will notice that it’s missing the Touring badges, the large rear chrome license plate holder, and the chrome trim “spears” that run between the wheel wells on each side below the doors. I have the Touring badges and the license plate holder (see photos), but they will need to be installed by the buyer. I do not have the chrome side “spears”, but I know of a supplier that carries them. Also included are original owner’s manuals, a CD that includes owner, service, and parts manuals, and a variety of spare parts. Have service records for past six years, along with service records from previous owner.

As we noted with the 2600 Spider from last month, Hagerty is listing values for these roadsters anywhere from about $20,000 to $60,000. This car isn't the most perfect example, but is certainly presentable. As such, it will probably fetch somewhere between $45,000 to $50,000.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

February 10, 2013 Graham 1 Comment

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider was one of the open roofed cars that started the American love affair with the Italian roadster. Small and lively, with it's twin cam four cylinder engine, these cars have attracted a following amongst collectors and it certainly shows, given what these cars trade hands for. Lesser known is the Giulietta Spider's big sister, the 2600. Distinguished by it's longer bonnet, four lamps at the front and graceful Carrozzeria Touring bodywork, the big Spider was motivated by a twin cam, six cylinder engine, noted for it's sonorous exhaust note. It's rare to spot one of these, even at a show, as a little over 2,200 were built. This 2600 Spider for sale in Massachusetts needs a little attention but is a solid car to start with for those looking to undertake something a bit short of a full restoration.

1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

1962 Alfa Romeo 2600 Touring bodied Spider with only 56,850 Km, 35,500 miles, believed to be original. 2.6 liter straight 6 double overhead cam motor, 5 speed transmission. This is an original European model that I bought from a 90 year old gentleman in California 3 years ago. It is a good solid unrestored 52 year old classic car. It was repainted many years ago and the paint shows some age. Both bumpers have been rechromed along with the center grill, some of the other chrome could use rechroming. The top is like new in black cloth. The rear window is like new, clear and no cracks or coloring. The interior has had the seat covers replaced at some time. I had the original Solex carbs rebuilt along with new rubber intake pipes. The master brake cylinder was rebuilt last year. I also installed a new "123" electronic ignition and coil. The original Marelli distributor, points and cap go with the car. The fuel tank has been removed, washed and coated with "Kreem" to prevent rusting in the tank. The tires are the original type Michelin X 165Rs from Coker Tire, just a few years old with no wear. This is not a concours car but a great old classic Alfa that has survived 52 years without being molested and is all there including all the emblems. There were only 2255 made of these Touring bodied spiders from 1961 to 1968. These were the last of the big 6 cylinder Alfas made. A true classic. The current NADA average retail is $48,400. The current Hagerty average book value is $49,084. The prices of these rare Alfas have been climbing in recent years. The car is being sold as is where is.

Hagerty is just about spot on in terms of value here. A really rough 2600 Spider might run you in the mid $30k range up to about $45,000. The best of the best may bring between $60,000 and $70,000. Considering what you are getting, with the classic Alfa Romeo inline six and Touring bodywork, that is one of the better deals to be had when it comes to a classic Italian roadster.

-Paul

Lancia

1959 Lancia Flaminia GT

November 13, 2012 Graham

Of all the design houses in Italy, Carrozzeria Touring is my favorite. Iconic cars such as the Alfa Romeo 8C of the 1930s, the Jensen Interceptor and the Maserati 3500GT all owe their looks to this firm. The company ceased operations in 1966 and was resurrected in 2006 by Zeta Europe BV, a company specializing in boutique brands. Before the original firm closed shop, they produced this gorgeous coupe, one of my favorite of all Touring designs, the Lancia Flaminia GT. We featured 1966 Lancia Flaminia GT last month, but this stylish hardtop deserves another look. This earlier example for sale in Indianapolis is a one family vehicle and a great example of an 1950s Italian design that has a little bit of American flair about it.

1959 Lancia Flaminia GT

This lovely example has been owned by one family since new, until we recently acquired the car. It was purchased new in Italy and then brought Stateside when the owner emigrated to the US. Largely garaged most of its life it was sent back to Italy for restoration in the late 90's. The car runs and drives quite well and has needed little sorting since we received it. Everything works on this car. There is no rust or corrosion. It is now ready for any of the exciting rallies for which it is eligible, and with a little effort would be an award winner at just about any concours. I havent seen one this nice in many years!

There were 12,633 Flaminias sold over 13 years. Coupés outsold the four door saloon, an unusual occurrence otherwise seen at the time only in American compact and midsize models whose coupe versions were standard factory models that cost the same or less than the sedan, while the Flaminia coupes' coachbuilt bodies made them considerably more expensive than the limousine-like Berlina. The Flaminia was named after the Via Flaminia, the road leading from Rome to Ariminum (Rimini). This respected the established Lancia tradition of naming individual models after Roman roads.

The original two bodies of the Flaminia were developed by Pininfarina and modelled after his two Aurelia-based motor show specials, named Florida. The Florida I, presented at the 1956 Turin Motor show, was a saloon with suicide doors. The Florida II, presented a year later at the Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva, was a coupé, and became Battista Farina's personal car of choice. The production version of the Lancia Flaminia appeared in 1957. The Flaminia's engine was an evolution of the world's first V6, which was introduced in the Aurelia. It had increased bore and decreased stroke. The engines were mounted longitudinally, powering the rear wheels through a 4-speed rear-mounted transaxle. A version with increased displacement was introduced in 1962.

Carrozzeria Touring designed and built these aluminum bodied two-door versions, which can be easily distinguished by their four round headlights (rather than two on Pininfarina Flaminias), and a shorter cabin - the wheelbase was decreased significantly for the GT and Convertibile, allowing for only two seats to be mounted. The GT was a coupé, while the Convertibile was obviously a cabriolet version (with optional hardtop). The GTL, introduced in 1962, was a 2+2 version of the GT with a slightly longer wheelbase. The Convertibile was in production until 1964, with 847 made in total (180 with the 2.8), while the GT and GTL lasted until 1965, with 1718 GTs and 300 GTLs made (out of which, 168 GTs and 297 GTLs with the 2.8).

Like the last Flaminia we featured, this car will probably fetch somewhere between $50,000 and $70,000. The one family ownership will no doubt make this attractive for collectors. Lancias from this period are impossibly pretty machines that are engineered like few of their peers. While they aren't accessible for collectors of modest means, when you compare them to other high end Italian exotics, they appear a bit of a bargain.

-Paul

Lancia

1966 Lancia Flaminia GT 2.5 3C

October 30, 2012 Graham 2 Comments

Lancias from the 1960s are some of my favorite Italian classics. This was the decade that the impossibly gorgeous Fulvia was released to the public. Aside from that small, attractive coupe, Lancia's flagship models were also rather visually arresting. The Flaminia was unique in that three different coupes were offered by three different coach builders, Pininfarina, Zagato, and the Touring version we see here. The Touring was by far my favorite, and had a bit of '60s Americana flair to it. This Flaminia GT 2.5 3C is for sale in Pennsylvania after undergoing an extensive refresh.

1966 Lancia Flaminia GT 2.5 3C

This Lancia Flaminia GT 2.5 3C Touring bodied coupe being offered is a very well sorted out example of one of the most desirable Flaminia in the model line. It is not a 100 point car, but is a very presentable survivor. The car was repainted in about 1990 and has the original interior, except for new floor mats and carpet. The car has just received extensive mechanical renovation and is ready to use. Please feel free to contact me with any question you may have, Walt Spak - Pittsburgh PA. - 412-720-4334 - b20swalt@gmail.com

I have been very involved with Lancias' since my first ride in an Aurelia Convertible in 1966. Starting in the early '70s, I worked for the American Lancia Club Spares Registrar, importing and supplying parts for Lancias. After nearly ten years of doing this, I left to earn a real living and raise a family. I never left the club though and continued to own a Lancia through out that entire period. I bought my first one, a Flaminia Berlina in 1971 and have not been without at least one since.

In the early 90's I started to restore Lancia engines as a part time endeavor. I have restored 2 Fulvia, 2 Flaminia, 1 Gamma, and over a dozen Aurelia engines. I have also restored a Ferrari 250 GT engine and a couple of Fiat/Siata Otto Vu (8V) engines. Cars that I have restored the engines for have been shown at Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, Meadow Brook, Hilton Head, Elegance at Hershey, and Radnor Hunt Club. My most recent Lancia Aurelia Spider engine restoration is in a car that won 2nd place in class at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'elegance.

I bought this Flaminia GT in a dismantled state. The engine had been apart and partially re-assembled. The subframe was removed and the entire suspension and steering was dismantled, down to ever last nut and bolt. Some work had been completed, primarily cleaning, sand blasting and powder coating. A small amount of the work that I am describing was performed by the previous owner, but rigorously inspected, and corrected if necessary, by myself. For instance, I discovered that the new cylinder liners had not been machined for proper protrusion above the engine deck. This prompted me to completely disassemble the engine and start from scratch. I subsequently discovered that the ring end gap was too large and that the crank shaft was not balanced to the precision that I require.

I have strived to do as an exacting renovation to this Flaminia. I have replaced any part that I found to have wear and rebuilt all of the components to the best of my ability. If you research pricing of these cars, you will see that they typically go for $65,000.00 and are in need of most, if not all of the work I have preformed. I have expended over 950 man hours on this project and spent nearly $40,000.00 on parts in addition to the machine shop charges. If you purchase the $65K car and do all of this work, you can expect to have over $175,000.00 invested. You are invited to come and inspect the car before you buy. I can pick you up at the airport.

This Flaminia is an excellent example of the better to buy one finished theory. Restoration costs will surely outrun what the car is worth. In this condition, this Flaminia should bring somewhere between $50,000 to $75,000.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

October 28, 2012 Graham

With an appearance like a scaled-up Giulietta Spider, the Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider is a much different animal. The flagship of the Alfa lineup, the 2600 was available as a Berlina, Coupe and Spider. Highly acclaimed for its 2.6 liter, twin cam inline six cylinder engine, these cars were capable of providing the passengers a fantastic aural experience, especially with the top down. Few of these 2600s exist today, and command higher prices than the four cylinder Spiders. This 2600 Spider for sale in New Jersey is in very good condition and mechanically sound.

1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

Chance of a lifetime. I would like to sell this car before I need to put it away for the Winter. As such, I am selling it at NO RESERVE. It's going to be sold to the highest bidder.

This car is awesome! I would describe it as completely clean, fully restored mechanically and cosmetically, excellent condition, a pleasure to look at and drive. I cannot call this a show car, however, it can likely be brought up to that standard. It is an excellent example of a daily driver. I am not a dealer, merely a private individual with an enthusiasm for fun, unique cars. THIS CAR IS EXCEEDINGLY RARE. Less than 2300 Spider 2600s were produced and likely only a few hundred remain in existence today. It is possible that another will never appear on eBay again. This car looks as good in person as it does in the photos. As Alfa's all new flagship line, the 2600 marked the end of the Italian company's long standing tradition of producing 4-cylinder cars. I have driven this car 90 mph on the highway without a hiccup or a shake. The car has a black soft top but the top down is the way to go. All electrical parts work, even the cigarette lighter! My mechanic cannot find anything wrong with the car mechanically and it looks gorgeous comsmetically. See photos and particularly photos of the undercarriage which show just how rust free this car is.

A car of this quality and rarity is not cheap. Please understand this and bid accordingly. I am not a car dealer and I have a very active day job. If you are serious (and within a reasonable distance of NYC), please look at it in person or have your mechanic look at it and check it out. No time wasters please. Thank you and anyone who wins this car should be very happy indeed!

As mentioned above, the 2600 Spiders are valued more than the Giulietta Spiders. Since this is a no reserve auction, I would guess the final bid would wind up somewhere between $50,000 to $70,000, considering current market values. This is a great classic for those seeking something a bit different than the usual Duetto or Giulietta Spider, but aren't yet ready to dabble in the six figure Ferrari market.

-Paul