All posts by Graham

1969 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1600

At first glance, the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan doesn’t do much to suggest just how remarkable this small car is. With a lower drag coefficient than a 911 from the period, a robust twin cam, four cylinder engine and a curb weight under 2,300 pounds, this was a lively car. As a result of this performance, these were popular cars with the Carabinieri in Italy. Today, these sporty sedans tend to be a more affordable way into classic Italian car ownership than their more sporting two door counterparts. This Giulia for sale in Nebraska was imported to the US in 2003 after being owned by the same owner in Rome for 30 years.

1969 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 1600

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ALFA ROMEO 1969 GIULIA SUPER 1600
TIPO 105.26
VIN AR*889715
Color: Beige Cava

Although Alfa Romeo's sports cars may be better known in the US, the Giulia sedan was far more popular in its day, combining the practicality of a family car with the same chassis and drive trains used in Alfa's sports models. With the Giulia, Alfa Romeo deserves the credit for developing the sports sedan well before BMW conceived the 2002. This Giulia Super is one of the desirable 1600 “Biscione” variants, manufactured only from 1968 to 1971. The 1600 Biscione cars (named for the serpent badge in the roof pillar) incorporated mechanical updates from the 1750 series and had more powerful engines and a higher level of interior and exterior trim than other Giulia models.

889715 a preservation car, registered continuously to the original owner in Rome for 30 years before I bought it through a Dutch dealer and brought it to the United States in 2003. It has been conserved, rather than restored. It still has the original Italian windshield sticker and insurance papers from 1969. To my knowledge the engine, transmission and differential are original, and the paint, interior and trim are conserved in very nice condition. All mechanical and electrical systems (except the electric clock) are in good working order and the car is reliable and a pleasure to drive.

In the 9 years I have owned this car I have maintained its originality and integrity while making necessary repairs and tasteful updates/upgrades to improve practicality, safety and performance. I have replaced worn parts with new factory, NOS, or good-quality reproduction items, whenever possible. It appears the previous owners did the same. The result is a beautiful, drivable vintage car that retains the unique combination of style, performance and practicality the Giulia was designed to provide.

Significant modifications and repairs are listed below. A collection of spare parts and Alfa Romeo factory manuals is available to the interested buyer for an additional price to be negotiated at the time of sale.

Modifications/updates
Marelli-Plex ignition (original Bosch distributor available)
Magnecor ignition wires
Halogen headlights (reproduction of Carello, originals available)
IAP Sport Springs (originals available)
Koni red shock absorbers
Weber 40 DCOE carb conversion (from Solex)

Repairs/restorations
New clutch and clutch hydraulics
New center and rear mufflers and exhaust pipes
Front suspension rebuilt with Lemfoder parts
Front turn signal lenses replaced with reproduction Carello
Reproduction hubcaps (originals available)
Bottom cushion of driver’s seat re-upholstered with original-style material by previous owner
Partial repaint of lower panels by previous owner
Reproduction carpets from Re-Originals. Note: the carpets I was sent were for the wrong car; correct replacements are being made and will be included with the sale.

Known issues
The electric clock does not work
The steering box drips oil when the car sits for a long time.
Rust is minimal for a 43-year old Alfa. No rust is visible on the outside of the car. I know about the following areas: an old, welded repair in the front passenger-side footwell, which seems to be holding up well; two holes about 1/8” in diameter in the spare tire well; small perforations where the left inner fender meets the slanted panel of the driver’s footwell beside the wash/wipe switch.

The asking price of $25,000 is a bit on the high side for Giulias of this vintage, even considering the condition and ownership history. This is creeping into GTV territory and I’m not sure the market is quite there yet on these four door Alfas. Around the $20,000 mark would probably be more reasonable, considering you can find similar, if not as original, Giulias for about $5,000 less on a regular basis.

-Paul

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

As Americans wait with baited breath for the return of Alfa Romeo to this market, let's take a look back at one of the very last new Alfa Romeos, besides the ultra limited 8C Competizione, to grace these shores: the 164. With very few sales in its final year in the US market, these cars were not cross shopped by your typical Lexus or Mercedes-Benz customer. Only hardcore enthusiasts needed to apply. Two versions of the 164 were available in its final year; the Quadrofoglio and the LS version, as we see here. The LS was the luxury model of the pair, but equipped with a 5-speed manual such as our feature car, it still made for an involved driving experience. This 164LS for sale in Miami has a low 85,000 miles on the clock and looks the business in black.

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

Black on Black 95 LS with 85,000 miles. Asking $4,000. I have had this car since 2004 and all work has been done at Auto Veloce in Miami. The car runs great, its fast and I wouldn't hesitate driving it cross country.

The good:
- The engine is strong with and the car runs fantastic
- New clutch installed last week
- New radiator 9 months ago.
- No overheating issues
- Interior is in great shape
- AC work great.
- New Pioneer head unit can use new speakers.
- All maintenance is up do date.
- Oil change last week.
- New brake pads last week.
- Timing belt around 10K ago.
- No leaks
- No rust

The Bad:
- Needs a paint job along with minor repair to front bumper due to a minor parking lot bump. I have the metal trim piece (its used but its straight).
- Rear windows are stuck. motor or button, I don't know. They used to work until one day they didn't and I never bothered fixing.
- Needs new muffler.

The seller seems very motivated to sell and has been rather transparent about the issues with this car. At $4,000, I tend to think this is good value for a late model 164 with the desirable 5-speed gearbox. This is a car that certainly deserves the TLC that it needs. With a fresh paint job and some minor fixes, this 164 could serve as a classy executive express for many years to come.

-Paul

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

With summer in full swing, what better time to snag a classic Alfa Romeo Spider? This 1959 Giulietta for sale in Missouri looks tidy and shows little rust. In classic red, this car is sure to turn some heads.

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

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1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, 750 Series. Delivered new in Kansas –long time ownership- well preserved. Original Bill of Sale and paperwork with car. Only one repaint in over 50 years. Excellent Original interior. Solid body and floor pans. Rare 750 Series, 1,290cc motor, all original, numbers matching. Strong motor with strong oil pressure, 4-speed transmission. Odometer shows 40,000 miles. I cannot verify that as being correct.

Other than a cracked rear tail lamp, it doesn't seem like much needs doing with this particular Spider. Anywhere from the high $20,000 to mid $30,000 range should buy you a nice Giulietta Spider these days, so this one is priced a tad high. If the mileage could be verified somehow and a decent amount of service records were kept, it would make all the difference in helping this Spider stand out from the crowd.

-Paul

1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal

The Alfa Romeo Montreal could be considered as the spiritual forerunner to the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Both V8 engined, rear drive sports cars, the Montreal was named after the locale that the concept first appeared. This was a wild looking sports car, with intriguing design features such as the slatted headlamp covers and series of cabin vents on the B pillar. While never sold new in the North America, a few have made their way over here throughout the years. This Montreal for sale in Los Angeles looks sharp in red and has resided stateside for almost 30 years.

1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal

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As one of the premier European GT cars of the early 1970’s, the 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal wowed the crowd with its Bertone styling, and powerful V8 powerplant. Powered by a Spica fuel injected and dry-sump lubricated 2.6L V8 engine borrowed from the Alfa race program, this car quickly made a name for itself in the GT sports car world. This particular vehicle is in excellent condition, with the entire engine, drivetrain, interior, and exterior fully sorted. The car runs and drives beautifully, with all components operating. The suspension and driveline runs smooth and tight. The 200hp engine runs very healthy and full of torque, and sounds excellent coming through the classic center exit twin-pipe exhaust. The 5-speed gearbox shifts great and smooth. The glossy red paint is in superb condition showing only minor age and wear and tear.

The interior is extra clean with all components operating. All upholstery is in great condition. The factory stereo and speakers were recently upgraded to modern CD head unit and speaker components. This is a rare car for the US market, especially in this terrific condition. Service receipts are available, with about $10k in recent work including brand new Alfa replacement exhaust system, (5) new tires, complete service, flush, and tune-up, etc.

This vehicles' history had one owner in Europe, it was then brought to the US in 1985 by the 2nd owner, which is who I purchased this vehicle from. This car comes with the Owners Manual in both Italian and English.

Montreals these days typically change hands in the $30,000 to $45,000 range. A 1972 Montreal sold at Bonhams in Paris in early 2011 for just over $40,000. Given the rarity on these shores and the condition of this car, we are probably looking at a reserve somewhere around that point, with bidding that might have the potential of reaching $50,000.

-Paul

1972 Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1.3S

We featured a Fulvia Zagato at the very beginning of the month, but the more I keep eyeing these stylish little sports cars, the closer they are to securing a place on my automotive bucket list. With narrow angle V4 engine mounted at a 45 degree angle, they certainly lived up to the unique engineering solutions Lancia was famous for. This one for sale in Florida is a bit toned down in silver, but the color looks sharp with the black seats and red carpeting.

1972 Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1.3S

1972 Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1.3S Series II 5-speed. Good condition, everything works including rear window motor. Body excellent shape, no dents or dings. Runs well, no mechanical problems. Good original interior. Good electrical system, three owners from new. We have complete documentation. The miles are marked in the velocimeter 31,580 (19,800 miles) but maybe 131,580 (82,000 miles). Had no major accidents. $25,500 firm

Excellent examples of the Fulvia Zagato are closing in on $40,000 these days, so this example in the mid $20k range is just about right. The fact that the owner does not know whether the car has 31,000 or 131,000 km on the clock is a bit disconcerting and raises a few questions regarding the car's history and documentation. If I was in the market, I'd obviously want to examine the complete documentation the vehicle is said to come with to get to the bottom of that question. Otherwise, it looks to be a solid example of a rorty little Italian classic.

-Paul

1963 Ferrari 250GT Lusso

Like the Daytona and F40, the 250GT Lusso is one of those Ferraris with a strong aura built up around it. Contrary to the business model at the time, this Ferrari was not meant for racing. It was, however, one of the most elegant Ferraris ever to hit the road and drew the admiration of actor Steve McQueen, who's well known Marrone Metallizzato 250GT Lusso went up for sale at auction in 2007 and sold for over $2.3 million. Power came from a 3.0 liter "Colombo" 60 degree V12 engine producing 240 horsepower, backed up by a double wishbone suspension at the front and disc brakes all around. Inside, the car was not for everyone, as the fixed back seats required a certain driving position suited to more flexible owners. The pedals, as in many Ferraris of the time, were slightly adjustable. This Lusso for sale in New York is a fine example of this rolling sculpture from the 1960s.

1963 Ferrari 250GT Lusso

1963 Ferrari 250GTL Lusso Gray with Red interior. Motor is completely rebuilt. Older restoration. Mechanically superb. One of only 350 250GTL's ever to be made. Here is your chance to own one for only $725,000.

At first glance I thought this might have been the 250GT Lusso featured on Chasing Classic Cars with Wayne Carini, but the car featured on the show had a tan interior. At $725,000, this is priced just about right for an older restoration Lusso. It's certainly not museum quality like the McQueen Ferrari, but for someone who wants to enjoy their high end classic car investment, you can't split the middle much better than with an example like this.

-Paul

1969 Bizzarini 1900 Europa

Bizzarini is one of those names bandied about that many enthusiasts may have heard of before but few are deeply familiar with. For a few short years in the 1960s, this company produced some of the most wild sports cars to hail from Italy. Founded by Giotto Bizzarini, an Italian engineer famous for his work with Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and involvement with Iso and the Rivolta, which we featured a few days ago. Bizzarini’s designs were low slung and featured both Corvette V8 engines and a V-12 of his own design. The 1900 Europe featured here was designed for Opel and based on the Opel 1900 chassis with their 1.9 liter four cylinder engine. Twenty were said to have been built, with five featuring a 1.5 liter Fiat four cylinder engine.

1969 Bizzarini 1900 Europa

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Bizzarrini 1900 Europa, this particular Bizzarrini is the best exemple of the Bizzarrini Europa. Powered by a Opel 1900 cc, the car have been fully restore and his the best of the best. The car have powered windows, air co, leather. Documented, please call me if interested and you are welcome to test it.

I’ll admit that before viewing this auction, I had no idea of this car’s existence. However, I’m intrigued by it, as I always thought the larger 5300GT was a bit outlandish. This Europa scales down that idea nicely and has a delicate nature about it. A Europa came up for sale at a Coys auction in Padova, Italy and did not sell with a high bid of €90,000 (~ $110,000 USD). Bidding here has already surpassed that mark. Cars this rare are always harder to put a value on but one would guess the smaller engine Bizzarini would bring in less than the bigger engine machines. Or will it?

-Paul

1965 ASA 1000 GT

Having realized success in the sports car and grand touring market on the coattails of a powerhouse racing team, Enzo Ferrari sought to introduce a car that would compete with sports cars that were a bit less expensive. One caveat, though, was that he did not want to slap a Ferrari badge on this car. Instead, he sold the production rights to the De Nora Electrochemical Group, which in turn marketed the new sports car under the ASA badge, short for Autocostruzioni Societa per Azioni.

The 1000 GT, as it was called, was a remarkable little sports car. Featuring an overhead cam, 1,032 cc four-cylinder engine designed by Ferrari, this powerplant was essentially part of what was originally a Colombo V12, and included the trademark clothes pin valves and was fed via two Weber 40 DCOE9 carburetors. Other forward thinking engineering touches included double wishbone suspension at the front end along with disc brakes at all four corners. The ASA 1000 GT would foreshadow the later Dino Ferraris in bringing exotic engineering to less well heeled customers. Fewer than 100 of these 1000 GT coupes were ever made and finding one in great condition like this one in California is a rare treat.

1965 ASA 1000 GT

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The ASA 1000 GT was evolved from a concept for a small Ferrari in 1959. Eventually the rights for the design were transferred to Auto costruzioni Societa per Azioni, which was organised to produce the small GT. Under the shapely Giugiaro designed Bertone body was a chassis and engine by Giotto Bizzarini. Up front, it was supported by wishbones and coil springs with a live rear axle sporting helical springs and telescopic, hydraulic shock absorbers with reaction sprags. To complete the suspension the ASA received four wheel disc brakes. The jewel of an engine was an OHC four-cylinder unit displacing 1032 cubic centimetres and producing approximately 96 horsepower through a pair of Weber carburetors. This may not sound like much but, but in 1962 when the ASA was announced, the 1798cc MGB only generated 95hp and the base 1290cc Alfa Romeo Giulietta pumped out 91hp.

Compared to cars with similar engine displacement there was little comparison. The lovely crackle-finished ohc four was mated to a slick four speed transmission and like the best Italian engines the little OHC was born to rev. The interior leaves no doubt that the ASA 1000 GT is a true driver's car. The Nardi steering wheel offers a clear view of the large Jaeger tachometer, speedometer and five auxiliary gauges. With comfortable bucket seats and a roomy, well finished cockpit, it was clear that this was not an inexpensive car. Price proved to be the primary obstacle that faced this supremely competent automobile. In 1964, the price was approaching $6000 in the States. Not only was this tremendously expensive for a one-litre car in 1964, it was several hundred dollars more than a new Jaguar E-Type and about the same price as the brutally fast A.C. Cobra.

By 1967, the venture was terminated with fewer than 100 cars having been built. Eleven of these were officially produced in Spider form according to factory records of which a mere four survive today. The example I am proud to offer here is one of fixed head versions and looks great from most angles. The original numbers matching car was subject to a complete restoration on the East Coast back in 1991 to 1993. After completion the car participated in two New England 1000 Road Rallies where the car performed flawlessly. The car was subsequently sold to the previous owner in 1996 here in California where it spent much of its life garaged by its big brother, a beautiful Ferrari Lusso. After 15 years of hibernation I have brought this fantastic car back to life. Although the restoration is 20 years old it still presents well overall. The overall paint quality would be considered drivers status with minor flaws (minor bubbling due to prep flaws and minor chips from 20 years of life) the paint still has great shine and will hold its own at any Cars and Coffee. The trim and chrome looks near new, the interior still looks fresh with the leather soft and undamaged. All the Jaeger gauges function properly other than the clock. Car has just been inspected and serviced by a well respected shop in Los Angeles, Alfa Italia (they have been servicing vintage and classic Italian cars for over 20 years) which included; a complete flushing of the fuel, cooling and brake systems, a complete rebuild of the Weber carbs, new stainless exhaust, new axle seals and front wheel bearings, brand new period tires, a valve adjustment and of course fresh fluids throughout. These are unique cars that rarely make it to the open market, do not hesitate to bid or email me with any questions or requests you may have. (Original airbox is included in sale with misc. articles, notes from previous owners, and recent service history)

Short write up in Sports Car Digest:

http://www.sportscardigest.com/cars-for-sale/greatness-by-another-name-1965-asa-1000-gt/

For additional details visit: WWW.ASAREGISTER.COM

This 1000 GT coupe looks a bit like a Glass 1700GT has mated with a Maserati Mistral. Originally designed to be more affordable than your average Ferrari, these ASAs are now just as valuable as their bigger cousins. Given their rarity, it is hard to place values on such things, but a 1967 example sold for $81,400 at RM Auctions back in 2006. Six years later, it will be interesting to see if a similar example warrants an almost $40,000 premium over that figure. I would suspect a figure closer to $100,000 might be more realistic.

-Paul

1970 Maserati Indy

Designed to take over where the Mexico and Quattroporte left off, the Maserati Indy had the appearance of a stretched version of its stablemate, the Ghibli. Offered with either a 4.2 liter or 4.7 liter V8 for the 1970 model year, these coupes were named in honor of Maserati's two Indy 500 victories. Over a six year production run, a little over 1,100 of these coupes were produced. This 1970 example for sale in California is equipped with the 4.2 liter engine, 5-speed manual gearbox and a classy color combination of black over tan hides.

1970 Maserati Indy

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I am pleased to offer my 1970 4.2 Liter Indy coupe with 5 speed manual and powersteering. It was imported from Italy (Milano) in the 1980s and the car is in very good condition. The engine was completely overhauled and recently finished after the restoration project stalled for a few years. It literally has only 15 miles on the new engine and is presently being run in. Smooth and powerful the new engine will be even better after a brief break-in period. The front suspension is new along with a long list of mechanical upgrades and rebuilds. All systems are working and it is a wonderful driving car. I have many receipts for the restoration work done in the past.

The interior has been completely redone in beautiful italian leather and wool carpets and is stunning in every way. The 4.2 engine was the only engine offered in the 1969 and early 1970 Indy and it is a very strong and reliable unit reving to 5600rpms and getting over 22 mpg. A total of 1136 Indys were produced from 1969 thru 1973 and the later cars featured the larger 4.7 and 4.9 engines to offset the impending emission controls. Black is the original color for this car and the tan leather interior is virtually new in every respect. As Maserati GT car's values rise to well over $100,000.00, the Indys are catching the attention of collectors due to their build quality, fluid lines and comfortable and usable rear seat area. There are many cheap unrestored Indys out there and they will cost as much as a Ghibli to restore so best advise is to find a solid and well sorted example while they are still affordable. This is a numbers matching car and is refinished in the original solid black paint. New exhaust and detailed front suspension and very clean chassis.

In comparison to the Ghibli, values on Indys are typically not as stratospheric. The best example of an Indy may bring between $50,000 to $60,000, and I would suspect this car's reserve price is hovering around that range. The color combination, condition and newly rebuilt motor are sure to appeal to collectors looking to procure an example of a lesser known Italian exotic.

-Paul

1970 Iso Rivolta

We've all drooled over cars like the Ferrari Daytona, Lamborghini Miura and Maserati Ghibli, but some of the most beautiful designs in Italian automotive history come from manufacturers you may have never heard of. Iso was a company that, before World War II, produced refrigeration units and then moved into motorcycles and scooters after the war. In the 1950s, they were responsible for the Isetta bubble car that was licensed to several manufacturers, including BMW. Then, at the Torino Motor Show in 1962, they dropped the curtain on the Rivolta, an sleek 2+2 coupe with the heart of a Chevrolet, in this case, a 5.4 liter V8. Designed with help by famed engineer Giotto Bizzarini, these cars were impossibly fast for their day, being able to cruise comfortably at speeds over 120 mph on the motorway.

From 1963 through 1970, approximately 800 of these coupes were produced. This example for sale in St. Louis, Missouri is a very late production model that is in original condition, save for an older respray.

1970 Iso Rivolta

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1970 Iso Rivolta. For those of you not familiar with the Iso story, in the early 1960s, Renzo Rivolta, an Italian engineer and successful appliance manufacturer, put together some of the best minds in the Italian auto industry, including Ferrari 250GTO designer Giotto Bizzarrini, and a young Giorgetto Giugiaro, then with Bertone. This car was a part of the Sports Car market magazine and was a personal driver of Publisher Keith Martin two or three years ago. This particular car was delivered new in Belgium, but quickly found its way to Southern California where it lived the majority of its life. As a result, the car escaped the fate of most of the 799 Rivoltas built. Most ISOs suffer from terminal rust and this car has very minimal rust (have many pictures upon request).

Very rare and hard to find car with original floor panels that are in good shape. The exterior of the car has a older re-spray (deep metallic maroon) that has still a great shine and is very presentable. The sides are straight and the panel gaps quite good. There are a few minor dings and some minor scratches. The rear bumper is a bit tweaked. The “horseshoe emblem" that was on the grill is missing. But overall the car is all there. The leather seats (brown), headliner, dash, and wood is in very good, original condition. A few of the seams on the drivers seat that have separated. The floor mats are in the trunk. and the power windows also work very well.

Under the hood, everything appears to be original with numbers matching per the chassis plate, and the original Iso air cleaner with its Iso numbers stamped on it. The motor is the original 327/300 hp Chevrolet V8. It runs extremely well and cool with excellent power, no smoke or funny noises, includes smog pump and hoses connected to the engine. The ISO goes down the road and stops straight. Recently rebuilt steering box and feels very tight. The car comes with four new gas shocks. The De Dion rear axle was rebuilt and bearings replaced Also the Hurst shift linkage comes with the car so is the jack and the spare. Also has chrome hub caps. The car is a great highway cruiser. With its 2.99 rear end, it is incredibly long-legged. These cars were built to go 140mph and this one is capable of 60mph in first gear. Showing 38,420 km turned over once = 138,420 (86,010 miles) on the odometer and believed to be original.

The car comes with reams of documents, receipts, club literature, and rare factory brochures and manuals. All irreplaceable stuff. This Iso is a VERY SOLID and is in above average drivers quality condition. I would not hesitate to drive this Iso on a 2,000 mile road trip!

Given the relative obscurity of the Iso name amongst collectors, one can imagine values on this grand touring coupe are cheaper than the comparable Ferraris, Lancias and Lamborghinis of the day. Solid runners can command anywhere between $30,000 to $50,000 these days. Given this car's originality and documentation, I'd suspect the reserve is set at least in the mid $40,000 range, with the seller hoping to gain an extra $10,000 to $20,000 over that.

-Paul