Monthly Archives: October 2012

Ferrari, Modern Classic

2002 Ferrari F575M

4 Comments

It's no secret that I'm a fan of cars painted in interesting colors. I have to admit, I've never seen an F575M painted in what appears to be British racing green. At first glance, I didn't like it, but this car is beginning to grow on me. For sale in The Netherlands, this 6-speed manual, V12 coupe is one of my favorite Ferraris of all time. It represents a period of Ferrari motoring that, with the introduction of automatic clutches and various electronic aides, is fast becoming a part of history.

2002 Ferrari F575M

Special 575 M Maranello in a very rare color. Few delivered! What is even more rare for that Ferrari is the manual 6-speed transmission! There are just a handful in the entire production. Ferrari dealer Kroymans has always serviced it. Beautiful black leather interior. Car is absolutely accident free and of course in perfect mechanical shape. Service book maintained.

While the color is rare, the mileage isn't necessarily that low considering the six figure price tag. You can find similar examples of the F575M for between $70,000 to $90,000, with later models such as the Superamerica bringing upwards of $150,000. Still, it's a pretty good time to buy one of these front engine, V12 coupes because as time goes on and the driving experience becomes more automated, collectors will no doubt yearn for the days of the more involved driving experience. Much like its ancestor, the Daytona, the F575M will surely appreciate in the not too distant future.

-Paul

Fiat

1968 Fiat 500L

4 Comments

With Fiat 500 sales gaining this year, I can't help but reflect on the car that started it all, the or almost 20 years, the Fiat 500 Cinquecento. Launched in 1957, this was the car that put Italy on the move and is still a popular choice with city dwellers and first time drivers to this day. This particular 500 for sale in Rhode Island is quite tidy and the medium blue hue suits its endearing character perfectly.

1968 Fiat 500L

Click to view listing

This is a beautiful Fiat 500L imported a few years ago from Italy. This Fiat is a very nice denim blue with a solid black interior and both are in very nice shape. If you have driven one of these before you will know they are fun to drive but a little under powered. This Fiat we have has been equipped with a 650cc motor which makes it a blast and makes the car actually usable. We rescued this one from a new fiat dealer who was using it as a show piece--it's that nice!! The car is sitting in our showroom here at Oxford Motorcars in Pawtucket, RI.

At $16,500, this asking price isn't way off the mark, but represents the high side of vintage 500 values right now. The high price could either be that cars typically are a bit more expensive in the Northeast or the dealer is trying to cash in on some of the current 500 craze, or a combination of the two. I do a lot of urban driving and to be honest, my MINI Cooper S even feels way too big at times. I can't help but get drawn in every time I see a mint 500 Cinquecento. They aren't the fastest or most glamorous cars in the world, but they are a great combination of economy and fun and in small package.

-Paul

Ferrari

1974 Ferrari 246 GTS

Throughout my life, I've seemed to gravitate towards cars that represent the final year of the production run. Case in point my 1998 Volkswagen GTI 2.0, my 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230 and my current ride, a 2006 MINI Cooper S. Well, it appears they saved the best for last when it came to this Ferrari 246 GTS. The swan song for the Dino was in 1974, where it had a 2.4 liter V6 with a new ignition system pumping out 195 horsepower (175 horsepower in smog-choked US trim) which was good for a top speed of just under 150mph. This yellow Dino for sale in Texas has the optional fender flares and wider Campagnolo wheels.

1974 Ferrari 246 GTS on JamesList

1974 Dino (Ferrari) 246 GTS s/n 08304. A very late production (May 1974) USA model “Chairs and Flares” Dino from new with the Factory fender flares and Daytona seats, finished off with the wider Factory-fitted Campagnolo wheels complete to the correct Campagnolo spare wheel. Restored in 2000 by Lee Stayton and only two owner since being restored. Finished in excellent quality Giallo (Fly yellow) paint with nice older black leather Daytona seats.

Serviced by Rod Drew’s F.A.I. Pulls strong to redline with very good syncros that go into both 1st and 2nd gear cold without a problem! 246 GTS s/n 08304 is fitted with very attractive headlight covers and is equipped with A/C, P/W and has the original top cover used to cover the targa top when stowed behind the seats. Mechanically maintained and detailed, this Dino is in excellent mechanical condition. A “time capsule” Ferrari with excellent syncros, a strong engine and everything working as it should. Complete with the original leather pouch, warranty book, owner’s manual and parts book, authorized dealer booklet, the yellow wiping rag, the original sales brochure, a partial tool set and the tool roll.

It seems that Dino prices have been increasing by leaps and bounds over the last year or two. This particular car is being advertised at a price higher than anything I’ve ever seen for this mid-engine exotic. You can still find Dinos of varying vintages in good condition in and around the $150,000 to $200,000 range, and most mint, concours examples might fetch between $250,000 to $300,000. This car has some desirable options and is in good nick, but at almost $400,000, I think we're pushing the envelope here when it comes to Dino values.

-Paul

Fiat

1975 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe

We’re all familiar with the Fiat 124 Spider which had a long production run from 1966 through 1985. Lesser known was its hardtop sibling, the 124 Coupe. Styled by Mario Boano, who was also responsible the Lancia Aurelia, Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and the Ferrari 250GT “Boano.” A traditional three box design, this coupe started off with a front clip similar to the Spider, which eventually gave way to more squared off haunches at the outset of the 1970s. This final year 1975 Coupe for sale in Florida is a rare sight on the roads these days.

1975 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe

Click to view listing

Here is a great opportunity to own the last year this body style was made. I installled an electrinic ignition works great, new tires, new battery and just installed a new water pump and only has original 48,000 miles, and for the last 27 years the car never seen snow or rain.

While it may have avoided snow, I’d be curious to know if this car really ever did avoid rain. This car is getting on close to 40 years and one would think it would have encountered the errant storm here or there. Besides that, the description from the seller is very sparse, leaving many questions for potential bidders. The car looks clean, but is there any rust lurking underneath? How many owners has the car had. Are there service records and does it have the original engine? If I was buying a 124 Coupe, I would hold off for one of the earlier AC or BC models, as I wasn’t a fan of the crash bumpers and front  grille that frankly looks like an afterthought.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1999 Ferrari F355 GTB

1 Comment

Like many manufacturers of sports cars these days, Ferrari is going down the road of the automated manual gearbox. While these gearboxes are more efficient and quicker off the line than a traditional manual gearbox, I do tend to lament the lack of involvement they offer as compared to cars with three pedals. Some may call me old school or close minded for saying so, but I know what I prefer. It's Ferraris like this final year F355 GTB with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

1999 Ferrari F355 GTB

Click to view listing

1999 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, 13,981 original documented miles. Please note: There are a couple of dark spots in the camera lens, it is not in the paint. Very hard to find 1999 F355 6-speed coupe, one of the very last F355's ever produced. There were only three F355 after this Berlinetta produced, production ended with serial # 115890. If you are looking for one of these, that's the one to have. Enjoy a Ferrari for the next four years without a major service and without spending big bucks.

California car, absolute gorgeous condition. Really nice color combination, Argento Nurburgring Silver (101/C), black Connolly leather interior, recent engine out service with new belts, fluids, new brakes etc. in October 2012. Ferrari Owner's Manual with all The Books And With the Original Leather Pouch, Ferrari Toolkit, Red Calipers, New Michelin Pilot Tires, Absolute No Curb Rash On The Wheels, Rear Challenge Grill, Original Ferrari Stereo With 6 CD Changer And Owner's Manual, Everything Works And Is Functional. Ice Cold Air Conditioning,

No Sticky, Beautiful Connolly Leather Dashboard. The Front And Rear Bumper Has Been Painted. Longitudinally Mounted 3496cc V-8, Five valves per cylinder , 380 HP At A Spine Tingling 8500 RPM, Top Speed 183 MPH. 0 - 60MPH In 4.6 Seconds. Electronically Adjustable Shocks Varied Stiffness Within Milliseconds To Suit The Road Surface. California Smog And Ready For A New Home. VIN# ZFFXR41A9X0115887.

If You Are New To Ferrari's, Here's An Interisting One: Around Ferrari's 1.86-Mile Fiorano Test Track, The Ferrari F355 Was Two Seconds Faster Than The Testarossa 12-Cylinder 512 TR. That Level Of Performance - And That Sensational Shape - Landed The Ferrari F355 On Countless Magazine Covers. Testers Were Smitten.

If I was wealthy, I've always said I'm not so sure I'd buy a Ferrari, as I feel they are a bit too in your face, so to speak. But if I was going to own one, the last of the F355s are high on my list, because these were some of the last Ferraris to be made before the electronic nannies started to take over the driving experience. Silver is a bit tame, but there are worse colors for these cars. At $69,900, this isn't priced out of reason for a late production F355 with all the recent servicing. And no doubt, for many Tifosi, this coupe will be all the more attractive due to the manual gearbox.

-Paul

Photos and description courtesy of Star European Inc. Thank you!

Alfa Romeo

1974 Alfa Romeo Montreal

As costly and as risky a business proposition as they may seem at the time of development, halo cars have a way of building up a brand and creating a mystique that often trickles down to other products in the range. Alfa Romeo hasn't been one of those cars in need of such a thing, as most of their cars over the years have been impressive in their own right. Still, this hasn't stopped them from trying. We all are familiar with the recent 8C Competizione, that shares a lot of Ferrari DNA but relies on carbon fiber intensive construction. Back in the 1970s, their flagship was the Montreal, which had a 2.5 liter, dry sump, fuel injected V8 derived from the 33 Stradale. With a body by Bertone, this car was instantly recognizable with features like the cabin vents on the C pillar and partially covered head lamps. This Montreal for sale in The Netherlands is in an uncommon shade of Metallic Gold that is rather correct for the period.

1974 Alfa Romeo Montreal

I would never dare giving a car I own a "pristine" qualification, but accoording to the experts "exeptional" is appropriate! So inquire, visit and see for yourself! In 2004 the Spica fuel injection pump has been restored to an "as new" condition by Wes Ingram (USA). Since the car is in my possession (2003) all maintenance has been performed by Alfa specialist Berfelo Italian Car Service Dutch "APK" (road safety / MOT) until 17 September 2014.

Sale includes a brand new set (of four) 7Jx15 (for -not included- 205/60 tyres) forged aluminium wheels specially made by Compomotive UK for Group4Wheels.

At about $50,000 USD, this Montreal is near the top of the range of what these exotics are bringing these days. It is still common to find good examples in the high $30,000 to mid $40,000 range. These coupes are revered by Alfisti today, even with their foibles like the SPICA fuel injection system, which has been sorted in this car. Like the Maserati Mexico featured on Saturday, this car is an ideal choice for those seeking to take the road less traveled when it comes to Italian exotica.

-Paul

Fiat

1967 Fiat Dino Spider

1 Comment

This Fiat Dino Spider is almost identical to the car we featured last month, but this one is for sale stateside, in California. The car appears cosmetically straight and the engine and gearbox have benefitted from a recent sorting.

1967 Fiat Dino Spider

Click to view listing

1967 Fiat Dino Spider

The Fiat Dino is an exotic front-engined, rear-drive sports car manufactured between 1966 and 1973. It was an intermediate step towards creating Ferrari's "Dino" and the two are often confused. The Fiat Dino allowed Ferrari to achieve the necessary production numbers to homologate Alfredo Ferrari's (better known by his nickname of "Dino") V6 engine for Formula 2 racing. The Fiat Dino Spider was introduced at Turin Motor Show 1966 and Coupe version one year later at the Geneva Motorshow.

This example is a well cared for example, best described as a nice driver. Cosmetically the car presents well overall. The paint and body is nice driver quality with minor touch up work. The interior is in nice condition with age appropriate patina. Mechanically the car is excellent, I just had an engine out service completed (an expensive proposition / photo documented) which included a complete inspection of all internals which showed very little wear, a complete re-seal which included all new seals and gaskets throughout (including the head gasket) a proper valve adjustment, carb tuning and of course fresh fluids. The transmission was also completely inspected and resealed. Car is bone dry and ready to enjoy. No hidden gremlins or surprises here. As you know, anything with the Dino mark has gained major momentum and values are steadily rising. With the Dino 246GTS hitting over $450k in recent auctions I think its safe to say that these Spiders have some major upside. Bid with confidence.

The last Dino we featured was for sale at $90,000, which was a bit above the norm for these cars. This example is priced just about right, at a shade under $60,000. The Fiat Dino Coupes and Spiders don't have the star power that their bigger siblings with the prancing horse might have, but if I had to put my money on a classic car to appreciate quickly in the near future, this lesser known exotic would be it.

-Paul

Maserati

1968 Maserati Mexico

1 Comment

For those thinking a Ferrari or Lamborghini may be a bit too brash, Maserati has always been a more subtle choice for people seeking style and speed. The Mexico appeared in 1966 and was a handsome four place coupe with lines penned by Vignale. This car has the larger 4.7 liter, quad cam V8 with 290 horsepower and was the first Maserati to feature four wheel disc brakes. This Mexico is for sale in Connecticut was originally delivered to a Spanish customer. It isn't a concours example, but is a car worthy of being driven and enjoyed.

1968 Maserati Mexico

Click to view listing

1968 Maserati Mexico 4.7 Coupe Red with a black interior.Numbers matching 4.7 engine with power steering. Odometer shows 17,000 kilometers, the motor was rebuilt by Maserati in the late 1970's and the odometer was set back to zero at that time, I do not know the exact kilometers on the car. The car was originally sold into Spain in April 1968 and then purchased from Spain and brought to the USA by the customer I got the car from, he owned it since the early to mid 1980's. I believe the car may have had only 3 owners from new. It has always been on the road and driven regularly. It runs out very nicely and feels great on the road, everything works execpt for the air conditioning which I didn't try to charge. The car has good paint with cracking in some areas and chips in various places but there isn't any rust showing on the body and the underside is solid and dry. The chrome is coming off the rear bumper. The windshield has some scratches from the wiper. The interior is in nice shape with what looks like new seat bottoms to the seats but it does not look out of place with the rest of the interior.

The above information about the engine rebuild was confirmed in an email from Maserati which also told me the original color was Grigio Milano and the interior was black leather. This is a very nice driving example of a very rare to find vintage Maserati. You could leave this car as it is and enjoy it for many years,they only made 250 of these and they are not going to go down in value. The reserve is very reasonable. This car comes with a factory owners manual as well as a factory shop manual. I have the rubber strip for the rear bumper guard and I have a wiper blade on order for the passenger side.

Car is located in northwestern Connecticut about 75 miles north of New York City. If you have questions you can email me thru ebay or call 860-350-1140. The car comes on a transferable registration which acts the same as a title and will allow you to register the car in any state or export the car. There are many more detailed photos located at forzamotorsports with the usual com ending I recomend that you take the time to study these photos if you are seriously interested in this car. International buyers welcome I can help set up shipping to any part of the world. Thank you for looking at my listing.

A Mexico in good condition will usually bring somewhere between $50,000 to $70,000. I'd guess with this car's patina, we might be looking at a $50,000 to $55,000 car. With just shy of 300 built, these are very rare cars. For someone looking to get their feet wet into exotic Italian machinery, these coupes represent a pretty good value in comparison to other sports cars from the period.

-Paul

Lamborghini

1972 Lamborghini Espada 400GT

2 Comments

Some cars are timeless in their appearance. Others, such as the Lamborghini Espada, shout what specific era they hail from. With brown metallic paint highlighting its hunkered down Bertone lines, this car screams the seventies. Not counting the off-road LM002, this V12 powered grand touring machine was the last four seater that Lamborghini produced on a mass scale. This Espada for sale in Ohio is an all original example that has seen but two owners over its 40 years on the road.

1972 Lamborghini Espada 400GT

Chassis # 8486, Engine# 40655. 1972 Lamborghini Espada 400 GT Series II, sable brown with a tan leather interior. 32,000 miles. Matching numbers, all original, always garaged. Wooden steering and Miura wheels. Two owner car from new. A beautiful body without any rust. The paint is very presentable. The interior is in immaculate condition. The leather is soft and supple. The mechanics are in excellent condition. The car has just received $5000 of mechanical work which includes new brakes and clutch. A very elegant driver that comes with all of its books and manuals as well as some records and the original toolkit, all tools are barely used (aside from the hammer.)

Spare tire and jack also included. An excellent opportunity to own an original, untouched Lambo! Many more pictures available upon request, please feel free to come and inspect the car. We can arrange worldwide shipping. $59,500 obo

The Espada, along with the Urraco and later Jalpa, are some of the most affordable Lamborghinis you can buy today. At almost $60,000, I would say the seller is being a bit optimistic. Only the very best Espadas will bring that kind of cash. With a fog lamp that is being held together with electrical tape and an undercarriage that appears a bit scruffy, well, I'm not so sure this is one of them. Originality aside, as it sits, this might be a $40,000 to $45,000 car.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1993 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

1 Comment

I'm continually amazed just how many clean, low mileage Series 4 Alfa Romeo Spiders are out there for sale. If I owned one, I certainly couldn't resist using it as intended, especially if I lived in a sunny state like Florida, where this Spider resides.

1993 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

Click to view listing

I'm proud to offer this recently serviced Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce for sale. The paint is 100% original and in amazing shape! From new belts, hoses, shocks, bushings and a battery, to the ice cold air conditioning and the rare padded tonneau cover, this is the affordable Italian sports car for someone who wants the best Alfa Romeo Spider out there. I've sold quite a few sports cars on ebay over the last 10 years, and have a 100% positive feedback score. This was my personal car, so not a penny has been spared on making the drive the best a person could have on four wheels. It's fast and nimble, yet comfortable and smooth. Everything about this car will exceed your expectations! There is no mistaking this Italian beauty for any other sports car, just serviced and ready for immediate delivery!

It seems the spread for Series 4 spiders is holding steady at between $10,000 and $15,000. This one is priced right at the top of that range. I'm curious that the seats look to be a darker shade of tan than what is on the dashboard and door panels. I'd suspect these seats might have been reupholstered at one point or another, which is something the seller should address. While clean, it's not the lowest mileage example out there, so I'd suspect somewhere around $13,000 might be just about right for this Alfa.

-Paul