1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde

Hot on the heels of the 1988 Milano Verde we featured on Friday, here is a stunning example of Alfa's chiseled sport sedan for sale in Georgia. This Milano has had one owner over the last 20 years and comes with a stack of records.

1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde

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Excellent Original 1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde 3.0, 85,000 Orig. Miles

·Same Owner since 1992
·Excellent example in very good original condition
·Good to Very Good Black Exterior
·Immaculate Original Recaro Interior (headliner professionally replaced)
·Upgraded Polk Audio and Alpine Speaker System
·Concord Deck w/power amp
·Very Good AC
·Cruise Control
·Bridgestone Potenza SP-03 Pole Position Tires – Only 4000 Miles
·Ansa Exhaust
·PIAA fog lights (original lamps included)
·Acrylic Headlight Covers
·K&N Air Filter
·All records since 1992

Extras Include:
·Wolf Front Bra – Excellent Condition
·Original Trunk Storage Boxes
·Original Four Piece Fitted Alfa Romeo Luggage
·Original Owner’s Manual Package including: manual, maintenance log, road atlas, note pad, mileage/expense log, dealer listing, tire warrantee, etc.
·All original tools in cases including complete tool kit box with included gloves.
·Black cloth “Seat Saver” covers for Recaros
·Full factory maintenance manual
·Touch Up Paint

This is a great looking example of the last of the rear-drive Alfa sedans. Anything over $10,000 for a Milano these days is is a bit dear, but this particular car has certainly been cared for by one fastidious owner. I'd wager a guess that $7,000 to $9,000 is a bit more of a realistic price range for this example. But if I was going to buy a Milano, this final year example would be right at the top of my shopping list.

-Paul

2000 Ferrari 456GTA

The 1990s saw the return of front engined, V12 touring machines to the US market from the house of the Prancing Horse. The Ferrari 456GT was the first front-engined V12 to be officially sold in the US in over two decades. Introduced in 1992, this was a dramatic looking coupe with a 5.5 liter engine producing 436 horsepower. In 1996, in what was considered blasphemy by purists, an automatic transmission became available. This four speed gearbox was designed with help of FF Developments, a company later bought by Ricardo Engineering. Only 403 were produced with this transmission, but it signaled a changing era at Ferrari where a foot operated clutch would become a thing of the past. This low mileage 456GTA for sale in California is on offer for a fraction of its original cost.

2000 Ferrari 456GTA

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2000 Ferrari 456 Automatic. Low 10k miles, excellent inside and out. Recent major service completed. This low mile Black/Tan Ferrari 456 is among the nicest of this model to be found anywhere today. With low low miles (10,873), both interior and exterior in excellent condition, if you have been looking for a low mile fantastic example of the 456, here is your car. Featuring the automatic transmission, Black exterior paint, Tan leather hides, power seats, Cavalino floor mats, stereo, tools and four piece set of Ferrari 456 luggage all included at the price of $69,000.

If you ever wanted a front engined V12 Ferrari from the 1990s and early 2000s, now is the time to pounce. While maintenance costs are never a cheap proposition with these cars, I tend to think we've reached close to the bottom when it comes to nice, unmolested examples of these stunning coupes. While I'd prefer a manual transmission, I'd almost hate to admit that I wouldn't mind having this automatic 456 in my garage. In basic black, it's simply stunning and would be an interesting alternative in which to arrive in at that special black tie event.

-Paul

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde

Like the 1985 GTV6 we featured this past Wednesday, the Alfa Romeo Milano is a popular car for those seeking cheap Italian thrills. This was the last Alfa Romeo sedan to feature rear-wheel drive and with its rear mounted gearbox, this car is a treat in the bends. This Milano Verde for sale outside of Philadelphia has had a slew of maintenance items addressed and is in fairly good cosmetic condition for its age and mileage.

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde

The time has come to sell my '88 Milano Verde. I've had it for nearly two years now and have put a lot of time and money in it and it's time to move on. I've attached some pictures below. The car has around 169,000 miles on it and I purchased it with 163,XXX on it. During my ownership I have done the following:

New timing belt, tensioner, power steering belt, AC belt, cam seals, cam cover gaskets, spark plug gaskets, oil pressure sender, and refreshed the fuel rail (new hoses) at 164,879 miles. New turn signal stalk (the place I got it inspected at thought you turned on the high beams by slamming the switch forward like newer cars and broke it...)

New ball joints (upper and lower) on both sides
New battery
Redid headliner
New clutch slave and hose (replaced with braided hose)
Replaced dashboard with one that doesn't have any cracks or issues (also cleaned out heater box and freshened that up with some pieces from a parts car)
New clutch, rear brake calipers, rear brake pads, watts link bushing, and trailing arm bushings at 167,xxx miles
Put on a Euro grill (can include original one if interested)

The AC does work fine
Sunroof doesn't leak or have any issues opening or closing
All window regulators work swimmingly (replaced passenger front a couple months ago)
Doors all lock properly
Has euro downpipes
Euro headlights
164 LS wheels
No flashing lights on the ARC
ABS light is currently on, but it should just be the passenger sensor that needs replacing (hub fell and stressed wire when replacing the ball joints - will diagnose and fix if I can find time to get to it) The pump runs fine and the ABS system worked flawlessly before replacing the ball joint, so something must have gotten out of whack during that
The windows are tinted to keep the interior cooler
Recaro seats are in pretty good shape (see photos)

Feel free to ask any questions below or PM me. I'm asking $4750, but am open to offers. The car is located in West Chester, PA (about 45 minutes south east of Philadelphia - near the Delaware/PA border).

An Alfa like this with over 150,000 miles could be cause for concern, but looking at the photos and reading over what has been done leads me to believe this car is more solid than most. The asking price is at the bottom end of what Milanos are fetching these days and it's always encouraging to see a seller willing to negotiate. If you could get this car for somewhere around $4,000 to $4,500, it would be well bought.

-Paul

2001 Ferrari F550 Barchetta

The Ferrari F550 Barchetta has always been a bit of an oddball, forgotten Ferrari of recent years. The proportions kind of turned me off a bit, with the roll hoops looking a bit out of place and the long rear deck looking, well, a bit too long. Nevertheless, this was based off one of my favorite Ferraris of all time, the F550 Maranello, so I still have a bit of soft spot for these cars. They are compromised, however, as the roof included with the car could only be used up to 70 mph. This Barchetta for sale in California has been modified by the current seller, having the roll hoops taken off and the original racing seats removed for stock F550 Maranello seats. It gives this car a bit more of a tamer, street look.

2001 Ferrari F550 Barchetta

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Up for auction is an absolutely stunning 2001 Ferrari Barchetta in Rosso Fiorano with Black Interior and only 8,130 miles. Serial Number 124043. Production Number 065/448. This 550 Barchetta was sold new at Ferrari of Dallas in August 30, 2001. The second owner was from California and in the entertainment industry. He sold it because he did not have time to drive it. Major service was completed in June 2012 at The Auto Gallery, an authorized Ferrari dealership (replacement of timing belts, etc.).

I have always loved the 550 Barchetta. I consider it the ideal modern Ferrari – impeccably made, equipped with modern electronic conveniences, very easy to drive and great for long distances. I would take this over a Daytona Spyder any day. Evidently, I made several modifications to this Barchetta due to personal preferences. I have always hated the big racing seats and the roll bars which visually detract from the smooth and flowing lines of the car. I would look at the roll bars and think the car was waiting to be picked up by a crane. So I took the roll bars out by simply removing 4 bolts and capped off the holes using the same materials which were dyed to match. The seats were replaced with 2 black Ferrari 550 coupe seats which bolted right into the factory holes from the racing seats. Now when you look at the Barchetta your eyes follow the lines of the car from any angle. Nothing was cut in this car so it can go back to stock in 1 hour (the stock seats and roll bars are included in this sale). I also added a Tubi Exhaust to give it that great Ferrari sound.

I know you’ll have questions so please feel free to call me: Rick – 805 218 0606. Please call rather than text. It takes me too long to reply by text or by email.

This is an interesting car because few people have the nerve to modify a Ferrari for fear of devaluing it. I like the fact that the seller removed the roll hoops, but personally, I would have kept the original seats. These open roofed F550s command a bit more money than their hardtop siblings. With low mileage and the desirable 6-speed manual gearbox, this car should bring somewhere around the $150,000 mark, as the range for these cars can range from around $125,000 and edge up close to $200,000. Personally, I'd rather have the beautiful hardtop, but these Barchettas might follow in the legendary Daytona Spyder and see prices reach into the stratosphere in the near future.

-Paul

1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6

Much like the Alfa Romeo Spider, the GTV6 is a great way to get into an Italian classic car for not much outlay. These coupes are a hidden gem for everything from track days to autocross. With a sweet V6 coupled to a rear-drive chassis with rear mounted transaxle, these Alfas offer up quite a bit of motoring fun. This GTV6 for sale in California is a solid driver in need of a little TLC.

1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6

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A runner! '86 GTV6 (October ’85 production date) STOCK, 79000+ miles. VIN# ZARAA 6695G100 7837 with ownership provenance for last 8+ years; service records since purchase from PO. Awesome car now in California (POs in Texas/Maine/GA) in very good overall condition; hasn’t been CA smogged due to storage.)

Appears to have Milano engine (strong with no head leaks, AND mechanical detensioner) and Milano TA with a very smooth up & down, “no-crunch” gearbox (double clutching is even smoother) Good brakes including parking brake with 80%+ pad life. Fully functional TropicAire A/C (R134) – tested no leaks during discharge before storage and needs recharge. Pioneer radio/CD. All working dash gauges (and senders) - 160MPH speedo & 8000rpm tach. Good sand leather Recaro seating with minor pleather upholstery issues (see pics). Almost-new front floor mats (not hiding holes below). Strong oil pump and working gauge. Very good paint with bottle of touch up included; choice of stock wheels with the 185 tires (205 tires possible) – see pics. Drives great (fly in/drive home),

Documented renovation begun by PO in TX (Docs exist for all renovation work listed below) but due to business issues, has been in storage since purchase and transport to NoCA. Well maintained; up to date service. All electrics work inside including power windows and mirrors (except courtesy lights) and out; no damage and NO RUST except where noted (see pics also).

Cosmetics (see pics) & Disclosures –

-Small dent on passenger side hatch corner
-Minor rust bubble on driver side hatch rear corner
-Usual single dash crack – dash mat cover included
-Seats have expected scaling and fading; drivers seam re-stitch needed
-Sunroof drain on drivers side seems blocked – have not investigated the front fender compartment drain outlet area on either side; others do drain OK but silicone sealed.
-Lower Oil Sump gasket needs replacing
-Driver’s window mechanism squeals going down.
-Shift lever rattles at +/- 3500rpm

Renovation work in last 5000miles (by PO before CA storage)

-Valve adjustment – 0.019in intake and 0.007in exhaust.
-Replaced speedo – cheaper than fix & recalibrate.
-New & transferable lifetime warranty Solar Guard Ultra Performance 75 sun block film on side & back windows + front eyebrow (see http://www.solargard.com/CA/Auto/Ultra)
-New rear hatch molding
-New horns
-New plenum couplers (Greg Gordon)
-New injector hoses (Greg Gordon)
-Remanufactured injectors (OKInjectors)
-New Bosch alternator and battery
-New Coil
-New high capacity A/C compressor
-New R134 A/C plumbing and pressure-tested system
-Cooling System - Individual fan relays & no head leaks
-Cooling system flushed
-New brake system flush
-New front suspension parts (professional alignment after completion)
-New poly castor bushes
-New tie rod ends
-New top and bottom ball joints
-New top control arm bushes
-New poly sway bushes
-New drop link bushes
-New rear suspension parts
-Full ½-shaft axles (both sides had incorrect GTV6 TA axles – quite a discovery during cornering…)
-Sway bushes
-Complete drop link assemblies

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a very clean and straight late model GTV6. They are extremely hard to find in this condition... not modified or personalized in anyway. But, it is not a perfect car, as I have described.

As described, this isn't a perfect GTV6, but a good example to start with if you want a fully sorted driver. With most of the mechanicals seeming straight, the intrepid enthusiast wouldn't have too much of an issue righting the other minor issues. The BIN of $6,500 is about what a solid driver with a few issues would get you these days, but I'd maybe like to see maybe $500 to $1,000 knocked off the asking price to leave room for some of the imminent costs ahead.

-Paul

1979 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

For the beginning Italian car collector, the 105/115 series Alfa Romeo Spider is a great choice. They are rather simple cars when you boil it down and there's a plethora of different models to choose from, from the classic Duetto to the modern Series 4. The Spiders from the late 1970s and early 1980s tend to get forgotten at times, but these cars have their merits in their own right. This immaculate 1979 Spider Veloce for sale in California has had but one owner from 1980 through 2012.

1979 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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This is the cleanest 33 year old Alfa Spider we've seen. With only 33,000 miles accumulated since new and well loved, this Alfa is exceptional. The original paintis a rich chocolate brown and is truly amazing. It is in excellent condition with very few blemishes. The original tan interior is gorgeous and nearly as new. This was first bought at Ed DiBenedetto Imports in Great Neck, New York. It was registered on March 6, 1980 and was carefully maintained by the same owner until 2012. It has a perfect tan Hartz cloth convertible top. We aren't sure if the top is a replacement or original- but it looks as-new. The carpet, seats, dash and instruments all look as-new. There are no cracks in the dash, etc. It looks like a two year old car with 33,000 miles.

Even the undercarriage looks great. There is no rust as you often find with neglected Alfa's. And mechanically it is top-notch. The fuel injection system has been totally rebuilt and everything works exactly as it should with no leaks, noises or issues. It is so rare to see the Alfa Spiders in excellent original condition. They so often are weathered and battered. This is the exception. The only areas where you could improve this would be the wheels. They show the age as the clear coating as worn off some. Also, it has the original functioning AM/FM cassette that could be easily upgraded. This Alfa has the five speed manual transmission and performs flawlessly.

While not as desirable as the earlier Boattail Duettos, these '70s Spiders are beginning to come into their own. They are also more affordable than their earlier counterparts. The best Spider of this vintage might bring somewhere between $13,000 and $15,000. With a fair bit of bidding interest that has seen the offer surpass $7,000, we have still not met the reserve. I'd suspect a car like this might be worth somewhere between $10,000 and $12,000 to the right buyer, but not much more.

-Paul

2005 Maserati Quattroporte Neiman Marcus Edition

With the holidays upon us and gift giving on everyones' minds, it's a perfect time to take a look at a trinket from one of the most storied holiday catalogs: the Christmas Book from Neiman Marcus. Every year, this boutique's holiday catalog offers "Fantasy Gifts" geared for multi-millionaires looking for posh, out of the ordinary gifts. For the 2004 Christmas Book, Neiman Marcus offered a special edition Maserati Quattroporte. A total of 60 cars were built and included in the package were the Bordeaux Pontevecchio paintwork complemented by Ivory Poltrona Frau leather with Bordeaux piping. Chrome meshing on the front grille and side vents along with 19" ball finished alloy wheels finished off the package, along with a specially numbered plaque on the dashboard. This special edition Quattroporte for sale in Florida was the 18th example built.

2005 Maserati Quattroporte Neiman Marcus Edition

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Florida's Premier Maserati Dealer Has Just Traded In This Stunning 2005 Maserati Quattroporte! #18 of 60 Worldwide - Neiman Marcus Edition. Finished In Bordeaux Pontevecchio with Campionario Leather Interior. This Naples, FL Automobile Features:

Duo-Select Paddle Shift Transmission
Navigation System/Infotainment Screen
Premium Audio System with CD Changer
Silver Color Brake Calipers
Alcantara Headlining
Drilled Leather Power Heated Seats with Memory Feature
Rear Park Assistance Sensor
Power Sunroof
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
19" Ball Polished Wheels

Prices of early fifth generation Quattroportes have come down to levels where less well heeled enthusiasts can afford them, but as usual, maintenance costs are still a concern. Clutch replacements for the DuoSelect gearbox can be pricey, but depending on the way you drive, you can get upwards of 30,000 miles on a clutch. For those seeking a bit more reliability, Maserati began offering a ZF automatic in the 2007 model year. However, the fully automatic cars can be a bit more expensive. For a 2005 Quattroporte with over 30,000 miles, the asking price is a bit on the high side. A value somewhere between $35,000 and $40,000 is more realistic. True, this is a special edition model, but when you boil it down, it's merely a trim package. For me, the color is very attractive and would be on my short list if I was to buy a Quattroporte.

-Paul

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

With each passing day, the possibility of Alfa Romeo returning to the US marketplace seems less and less plausible. With a global financial downturn and the demand for new cars waning, it remains to be seen whether Fiat will take the plunge and give American enthusiasts the marque they have so desired for years. In the meantime, I'd be very tempted to enjoy a sedan like this, the 1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS. This was the final year any Alfa Romeo was offered in the US until 2008 when the limited production 8C Competizione came along. This low mileage 164LS for sale in California has the desirable 5-speed manual and looks classy in dark green with tan interior.

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

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1995 Alfa Romeo 164 LS. Very Well Maintained Alfa Sports Sedan - 5 Speed! 78,710 Original Documented Miles & All Original Delivery Documents! Serviced by "APC" (Alfa Performance Connection) Southern California. Classic Color Combination & Fully Loaded.

The Alfa Romeo 164 was styled by Enrico Fumia at Pininfarina in 1982. The 164 can be seen as the logical extension and successor of the Alfetta, particularly the late-model "long nose, square light." The 164 was the first Alfa to feature extensive use of computer aided design for calculating structural stresses, resulting in a very rigid but still relatively lightweight body. The 164 was the basis of the Type Four platform, which it shares with Lancia Thema, Fiat Croma and Saab 9000. Being the last to reach the market, the 164's body shell was the most aerodynamic of the four, and had a markedly sleeker profile and lower coefficient of drag. In order to permit this design variation, an exclusive front suspension was developed. The 164 was the first of the "new technology" Alfa Romeos, and is the technological and styling basis of all Alfas to the present day.

The 164 also introduced dramatically improved build quality over previous Alfas, featuring galvanized steel frame and various body panels for the first time, ending the most common complaint by Alfa customers about rust problems encountered in older models such as the Alfasud and the GTV. As a top-line saloon, the car proved it to be as a comfortable and sure-footed car, with a distinctively sporting character, consistent with the marque's tradition. In fact, the motoring press of the day found its only fault to be minimal torque steer, particularly in earlier versions.

The 164 was designed to compete in the executive car segment dominated by the German cars. It offered better value for money in terms of technology (having three onboard computers, one for air conditioning, one for instrumentation, and one for engine management; air conditioning and instrument functions shared a multiple-mode coded Z-80-class microcontroller for dashboard functioning). Air-direction within the ventilation system was controlled by a pair of servomechanisms.

The car had some very advanced features for its day, such as automatic climate control and electronically controlled damping suspension (in the top-line Cloverleaf models and 164LS). This suspension actively reduced damping in response to conditions to provide a dynamic compromise between road holding and comfort. The 164 also boasted engines rated among the best in the industry at the time, and the same basic engine designs were used until very recently by Alfa Romeo across its model range.

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

- 2,959 cc 3 liter 6 V front transverse engine with 93 mm bore, 72.6 mm stroke, 10 compression ratio, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel
- Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 9.8
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 65 liter fuel tank
- Power: 210 HP @ 6,300 rpm; 198 ft. lb. @ 5,000 rpm

Handling

- ABS
- Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
- Space saver spare wheel
- Strut front suspension with stabilizer bar , rear suspension with stabilizer bar independent with coil springs

INTERIOR

- CFC free liquid air conditioning with climate control
- Power antenna
- Anti-theft protection
- Front illuminated ashtray , additional row seats ashtray
- Stereo audio system with AM/FM
- Cargo area light
- Cargo capacity: rear seat up; to lower window (liters)
- Front seats illuminated cigar lighter , rear seats illuminated cigar lighter , additional row seats Cigar lighter
- Digital clock
- Floor full console with covered storage box
- Delayed/fade courtesy lights with four switches
- Cruise control
- Door ajar warning
- Door pockets/bins for driver seat, passenger seat and rear seats
- External temperature display
- Floor covering: carpet in load area
- Driver and passenger front airbag
- Bucket seats
- Reel height adjustable front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat
- Front seat center armrest
- Lockable illuminated glove compartment with lid
- Height adjustable head restraints on front seats and rear seats
- Internal dimensions: front headroom (mm): 970, rear headroom (mm): 930, front hip room (mm): 1,461, rear hip room (mm): 1,461, front leg room (mm): 998, rear leg room (mm): 861, front shoulder room (mm): 1,433, rear shoulder room (mm): 1,438 and interior volume (liters): 2,413
- Low fuel level warning
- Remote power locks
- Vehicle speed proportional power steering
- Front, rear and front power windows
- Front and rear reading lights
- Reel rear seat belts on driver side , reel rear seat belts on passenger side , static rear seat belts on center side
- Rear seat center armrest
- Seating for three in rear
- Automatic operation rear view mirror
- Electric remote fuel filler door release
- Electric remote trunk/hatch release
- Front seat back storage
- Total Seating: Five
- Leather seat upholstery
- Six speaker stereo
- Leather covered steering wheel
- Tachometer
- Passenger illuminated vanity mirror
- Ventilation system with variable fan speeds and recirculation setting

EXTERIOR

- Body side molding
- Front and rear body color impact absorbing bumpers
- Chrome/bright trim on side of body and on bumpers
- Coefficient of drag: 0.3
- Driver and passenger power heated body color door mirrors
- External dimensions: overall length (mm): 4,666, overall width (mm): 1,760, overall height (mm): 1,389, wheelbase (mm): 2,659, front track (mm): 1,514, rear track (mm): 1,488 and curb to curb turning circle (mm): 10,790
- Front fog lights
- High pressure headlight cleaners
- Halogen bulb headlights
- Front steel electric tilting sliding sunroof
- Tinted glass
- Weights: gross vehicle weight rating (kg) 1,969 and curb weight (kg) 1,548
- Two-speed windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe

THIS PARTIUCLAR 1995 ALFA ROMEO 164LS

HIGHLIGHTS

- 78,710 documented miles!
- Difficult to find 164LS version
- 5 Speed
- Well maintained by Alfa Performance Connection (APC) - Southern California
- Well sorted, reliable example
- Runs & drives very well
- Very original (Minor modifications installed and tuned professionally)
- Very straight with excellent paint
- Exterior, interior, trunk & engine bay reflect "enthusiast care"
- No signs of rust
- Professionally installed upgrades including: "Q" model intake runners & Squadra performance chip
- Recent mechanical work including timing belt
- New A/C compressor
- Extremely difficult to find in this condition

OVERALL CONDITION

COSMETIC

Having travelled just over 78,000 miles the car is in absolutely beautiful condition. The exterior has the appearance of a considerably new vehicle and the paint, body, trim, glass and other exterior components are in excellent condition. The car reportedly received a VERY high quality repaint in its factory original color and, frankly, if anything the paint quality is equal to, perhaps better than the original paint. There is NO overspray on the trim and the paint is totally flat, free from orange peel or other defects and the car was painted as a "complete" (no partial painting of panels, etc.). The 164LS is striking and the photos accurately reflect its condition.

Alfa Romeo's (and many other vehicles) carried permanent stickers on various panels (fenders, doors, front and rear bumper cover, and rear quarter panels) in order to determine originality and be able to ascertain if any accident damage has resulted in replacement of a panel (s). We look for these "Numbers" not only for the sake of originality but also to ensure that the car has not been involved in an accident. We are pleased to report that this Alfa has the original numbers on the rear quarter panels, all 4 doors, and both front fenders. The front and rear bumpers are free from any damage, significant imperfections or damage. Please take a look at the photographs that show the car was a suburban car and not subjected to the parking realities of big city life.

The exterior trim is all original and in what we often refer to as "California condition." The trim is free from all but the most minor imperfections that can be expected on a vehicle of this vintage, none of which detract from the overall appearance and attractiveness of the Alfa. The glass is excellent, all of the power windows are functional and there are no stars or cracks in the windshield. The mirrors do not show the typical rock chips and the front spoiler is free from the usual major scrapes and damage and in very nice condition.

INTERIOR

The interior on the Alfa Romeo is in lovely condition and shows virtually no signs of wear due to the cars low mileage. There are some signs of patina of fine leather on the driver's side seat but the seat remains totally free from any rips, tears or damage to the seat bolster. This is a rarity with the relatively high bolstered sport style seating found in the Alfa 164LS. The passenger seat, rear seats, door panels, dash, headliner, carpet (covered with carpeted mats) and other interior components are excellent.

The Alfa remains 100% stock including the original, factory installed, fully functional (including automatic retracting power antenna) AM/FM Cassette radio. While the trunk mounted CD player is in place, (refer to photos) it does not appear to be working as a result of disconnected wiring. It may be a simple fix but we have not looked into the issue. The instrumentation is totally stock and, unlike many Alfa's of this vintage, all of the instruments work fine as does the air conditioning, cruise control and warning light system. Note: One of the photos shows the car with all doors open and the 4 door warning lights illuminating along with a round light for the emergency brake.

The automatic air condition system appears to be fully functional due, in part, to a relatively recent replacement of the air conditioning compressor. The LCD digital display readings show only partial numbers at some settings, a common reality with the older 164's. The power sunroof works fine as do the windows, door locks, remote mirrors and fully adjustable electric seats (both sides).

MECHANICAL CONDITION

In a word, excellent. This Alfa Romeo runs very strong and has been serviced by a highly respected Alfa specialist in Southern California, APC, for the previous five years. Specifically, Alfa Performance Connection indicates that they serviced the Alfa from November 7, 2007 when it had 68,118 miles until October 26, 2012 when it had 78,630 miles. The Car Fax records also support this mileage history. Documentation in our file supports their knowledge of the car and the recent repairs and upgrades as follows:

- New Timing Belt
- New Air Conditioning Compressor
- Regular Service
- Q Model Intake Runners
- Passed Smog (2007, 2009, 2011)
- Squadra Performance Chip (With a combination of Q Runner Intake & Chip 30+ horsepower reported by users on Websites)

DRIVING THE ALFA ROMEO 164LS

The additional of the professionally installed Squadra and improved Alfa Romeo "Q" intake runners the car is noticeably quicker than a stock 164LS but does not exhibit any negative tendencies. The Alfa 164LS was always a great sports sedan to drive but increase in horsepower adds to the experience. In all ranges the car pulls very strong and without hesitation. The car revs freely and upon hard acceleration there is controllable torque steer due to the front wheel drive configuration of the Alfa. The idle is smooth and even and the car has just had the benefit of a fresh catalytic converter to ensure compliance with California smog requirements.

Driving the Alfa is really a pleasure. There are no signs of mechanical issues and there is no noise in the drive-line. The clutch is excellent, the transmission shifts very well, the synchromesh gears are excellent (even at higher speeds) and the car is fitted with relatively new, matching tires and original "telephone dial" Alfa Romeo wheels. The car steers straight, stops straight and has excellent brakes. An inspection of the underside of the car is clean and free from rust and any signs of previous repair or accidents. We encourage a review of the photos as the old adage "A photo is worth a thousand words" clearly applies in this instance! All of the electrical components are fully functional and the car passed California's strict safety inspection for lights, turn signals, wipers, within the previous week. The car is licensed and registered in California and, of course, has a free and clear California title.

The trunk and engine bay are very clean and consistent with the condition of the car's exterior and interior quality. We often times receive questions that go something like: "Does the car really look as good as it does in the photographs"? The answer in this case is no. In this case, the looks better. Perhaps most important, this is an opportunity to own a truly unique and original Alfa 164LS that offers great handling, looks and performance at a very attractive price.

This 164LS is certainly in good nick. Cosmetically, the only issue I could spot was the clearcoat lifting a bit on the alloy wheels. With the recent timing belt replacement and a long record of service by an Alfa specialist, the new owner should rest rather easy. Even good examples of a late model 164 can be had for well under $10,000 these days. I'd suspect a very clean, well kept 164LS like this would probably fetch somewhere between $6,500 and $8,000 to the right buyer.

-Paul

1959 Lancia Flaminia Berlina

The Flaminia is a bit of a dark horse when it comes to Italian classic cars, but it's important in its own right. The flagship of the range for ten years, this was a car that, like all Lancias of the period, was magnificently engineered yet had an understated style about. The Flaminia broke ranks with the racy sports cars and flashy grand touring machines to hail from Italy at the time and opted for a more muted elegance. With its V6 engine, double wishbone front suspension and rear mounted transaxle, this was an advanced vehicle in its day. This particular Flaminia for sale in Texas is a bit rough but it's all there for someone with enough time and money to invest in this classic machine.

1959 Lancia Flaminia Berlina

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Back in 1959 Italians regarded the Lancia Flaminia as the finest car in Italy. Maseratis and Ferraris were of course in a whole separate category, but in placing the Flaminia above all else the Italians of the time, who did not take their automobiles lightly, accorded it a huge collective endorsement. The Lancia Flaminia abounds in intriguing technical details like the aluminum 2,458cc 60 degree V-6 engine that produces 110 brake horsepower even with the stock Solex 2-barrel carburetor, a full synchromesh 4-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with wishbones (finally supplanting Lancia's fabled sliding pillar suspension), deDion rear axle with inboard drum brakes and rear-mounted clutch and transmission for ideal weight distribution and low unsprung weight that combines a smooth ride with excellent handling.

The cabin of the Pininfarina designed Flaminia four door sedan comfortably seats six on two bench seats. This 1959 Lancia Flaminia Sedan is a remarkable survivor, having been put away years ago and carefully stored since so it survives in exceptional condition. The paint has suffered, and needs to be redone, but the body is sound with only a few parking lot dings and minor rust in the rocker panels and right rear quarter. The glass and leather interior are original and usable as is. Along with the strong standard specifications this Flaminia has a feature that sets it apart from just about any other car on the road: a pair of wipers on both sides, inside and out, of the rear window ensuring reasonable visibility in the most tropical conditions.

Give it new paint and a thorough mechanical review and it will be ready to drive and show with pleasure and the pride of having one of the best cars Italy produced in the late Fifties, a sedan with ample interior room, decent performance and superb road holding and ride comfort as well as attracting deserved attention for its rarity.comes with an original owners and shop manual.Body by Pininfarina. This car has had but one old repaint. I put a new battery in the car and it spun over. I have not got it to fire, needs minor tuneup, points, etc. About 3,334 of these were produced. Few came to the USA. They cost $6,000 new. That's more than a 1959 Cadillac. This is a two owner car.

Unlike their two door siblings, the Flaminia Berlina, like most sedans, is a bit more of a bargain. In good shape, these classics can bring around $30,000 to $40,000. In this kind of condition, I'd wager to say this car will bring about half of that value. These aren't cheap cars to restore, as they are rare and if parts are missing, it could prove a hassle to source. Not to mention this car, unlike many Italian classics, has a decent amount of sheet metal to work on. All in all, for someone willing to tackle a project like this, they'd have a stately and uncommon classic that is sure to turn heads of the more hardcore enthusiasts on the street and at shows.

-Paul