Category Archives: Pininfarina

1989 Ferrari Mondial T – Revisit

The odometer on this black Ferrari Mondial T, featured here in February of last year, hasn't moved a single click in the span of 15 months since its first listing. Conversely, the price has softened by 8%. Our attraction to this example? Steadfast, if not even stronger.

The Mondial can seem like a compromised 308 or 328, when in reality it is more fairly compared to something like the 964 generation of Porsche 911, which came to market in the 1989 model year. Both are high-end sports coupes with both engine and a pair of passengers (theoretically) located aft of the driver. From a 3.6L boxer 6, the 911 manages 247hp, while the Ferrari produces 300hp from only 3.4L of displacement. That fact that the Ferrari tops out at around 158mph while the Porsche carries on until 163mph is an indication that the Mondial T is geared to rip, with a shorter final drive. Once into the power band, the Ferrari is likely to trounce the Porsche on acceleration.

Continue reading 1989 Ferrari Mondial T – Revisit

1979 Lancia Beta Zagato

Lancia dabbled in Greek letter naming of its vehicles at the turn of the century, making its way through a succession of Greek letters before moving on to the Roman roads naming convention. Among our favorite of the old Greek models was the Lambda, a 70mph 1920s unitary body feat of design and engineering. The Roman road names began (we believe) with the Astura, and continued through the end of Fulvia production.

The reintroduction of Greek letters was accompanied by a Fiat takeover and a new lust, by those responsible for the corporate coffers at least, to introduce scaled production and profitability. Lancia vehicles had, to this point, been the dreams of engineers, and sold with high prices to compensate for low production. With Fiat at the helm, the Beta series was introduced with lofty production targets and reduced development spending; understandably, many Lancia engineers walked out during this transition.

Continue reading 1979 Lancia Beta Zagato

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

Alfa Romeo broke into the mainstream with its 1900 offering, which couple a unibody construction and a modern twin cam engine with modern production methods. The resulting sales propped up the brand sales enough to allow for the development of even more affordable options. The resulting car was the Giulietta series, which proved to be the most attainable Alfa Romeo to that point.

Early Giulietta fell into the 750 series, while later examples belonged to the 101 series. The transition came sometime between 1958-1959, and since we are not experts, we'll leave it at that. We can say that this 1959 model can safely be classified as a 101 car due to its small fixed window on the door, which accompanied the longer wheelbase 101 series. The 1300cc engine is also a 101 series unit, with a block-mounted fuel pump and the enlarged camshaft and crankshaft diameters that would allow for larger displacement engine variants down the road.

Continue reading 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

1967 Lancia Flavia 1.8

The Flavia coupe benefits from a healthy does of Pininfarina cross-pollination, especially in the roofline and its kink at the base of the c-pillar. In photographs, the Flavia coupe could easily be mistaken for a much larger touring car, when in reality, it has much more in common with an Alfa Romeo GTV.

The long, tall hood belies the fact that it houses an aluminum boxer 4-cylinder engine and a front wheel drive transmission, both of which barely protrude above the plane of the front bumper. With some rowing of the 4-speed manual gearbox, the 91hp mill should prove to be more than enough to move the 2550lb coupe down the road.

Continue reading 1967 Lancia Flavia 1.8

2001 Ferrari 456M GT

The Ferrari 456 is one of the cars that doesn't appear too often on this site out of what is admittedly a conflict of interest. Despite the fact that we aren't in a position to make a move on any of these late 90s 2+2s, we still try to avoid drumming up any interest in them, with the hopes of keeping the values sane for the day when we do finally make a move on one. And if we were to move in on one? It would be identical to this example.

Finished in a reserved Blu Pozzi deep blue paint, this Ferrari 456M GT is loud on the inside with its light blue Poltrona Frau leather interior. No shields adorn the fenders, and the wheel center cap shields are painted to match the wheels rather than stand out. It's a 456 first, and a Ferrari second, as far as we are concerned.

2001 Ferrari 456M GT Blu Pozzi blue manual transmission gated shifter rear view
Click to view listing
Continue reading 2001 Ferrari 456M GT

1993 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

The Alfa Romeo Spider launched in 1966 to modest sales success and never really recovered throughout its nearly 30-year run. Purists might appreciate the fact that Alfa never strayed far from the original concept, but those outside of the Alfista circle weren't won over by the numerous updates to the 1960s platform.

When the Miata launched just before the 1990s, it experienced sales roughly ten times those of the Spider, and still manages to sell in numbers that the Spider could never manage. It, too, has seen four generations, but with appreciable improvements with each new model and a sense of progress that the Spider never managed. And still, we see the appeal of the Spider range. It cedes victory to the Miata in nearly every objective category, but look at those headlights and that low belt line. Even in its awkward update for the 1990s, we can't help but prefer how comfortable the Spider is in its own skin.

1993 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce rear quarter phone dial wheels yellow
Click to view listing

Year: 1993
Model:  Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
Engine: 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  81,770
Price: $14,900
Location: Osseo, MN

1993 Alfa Romeo Spider interior Lusso steering wheel black leather
Click to view listing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1993 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

For sale is a 1993 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce.  With 81,770 miles 
 
This vehicle is shown in yellow with a black leather interior.   
 
Top Veloce trim which includes the aluminum wheels, leather interior, air conditioning and cloth top
 
US spec 2 liter 4 cylinder engine. 
 
The 1993 is the last year of the Alfa Spider which has been produced in different generations since the 60s.  The final body style has smoothed painted bumpers giving a much sleeker look then the previous series from the 80s.
 
The steering wheel has been changed to a wood Nardi steering wheel invoking the earlier models.  
 
The top was professionally replaced last year with a top of the line Full cloth top and plastic window by premier upholstery in Rogers MN (better then new)
 
Complete Veloce spec spare wheel and tire.
 
Black Leather removable tonneau cover 
 
This vehicle has always been stored in a heated garage on a battery tender.
https://ebay.to/3bkhtMu
Vin # ZARBB32N4P7006288

NO warranty expressed or implied

1993 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce yellow 2.0L Nord engine Bosch fuel injected
Click to view listing

The series 4 Spider makes use of a Bosch engine management system, so gone is the romance and inconvenience of the Weber carbs of yore. To some, this is demerit, but many can appreciate the OBD 1 diagnostics and ease of operation. We enjoy working on our cars, though we realize that a majority of folks just want something that works day-after-day. Either way, availability of repair parts and replacements is outstanding for the Spiders, and aftermarket and performance parts are easily obtained.

Yesterday's Maserati Spyder will likely sell for twice the cash that this Alfa Spider will fetch. Is the Maserati twice as fun? We'd wager no. Both have A/C, power steering, and fuel-injection, so they aren't very disparate in ease of ownership either. Miatas drive like the absolute business, but Miatas aren't very Italian, are they? This Spider appeals to those looking for a long-gone driving experience without most of the inconveniences associated with those times - we can get behind that.

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe

These sleek Lancia Gamma Coupes never sold in astounding figures, amounting to no more than 7,000 sales over their eight-year production run. On the one hand, it begs the question of why a manufacturer would bother with the engineering of a bespoke model when the market projections are so low (assuming that they predicted the market size accurately). On the other hand, we know that there exist benefits to the automakers outside of profits in a low-volume testbed like a flagship model.

Compared to past - and our favorite - Lancia flagships, the Gamma makes use of entirely new technologies. In place of a V6, we see a flat four, and in place of a rear-mounted transaxle, we see a front-mounted transaxle driving the front wheels. The result of this updated configuration is seen in the styling, which maintains a really low hood line coupled with a steep windshield rake. Ahead of its time in the 70s, it ushered in the best of 80s grand touring design.

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe white rear view
Click to view listing

Year: 1979
Model:  Lancia Gamma Coupe
Engine: 2.5L H4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  51,810
Price: $29,500
Location: Cleveland, OH

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe white blue tan interiror velour
Click to view listing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe

This Lancia Gamma is one of 6790 coupes built. It was sold new in Spain. Finished in white with a contrasting blue/beige interior, the car was repainted a year ago and looks very nice. The undercarriage is  rust free. The interior is in perfect original condition. Engine is believed to be original to the car. It is in great running condition with a recent tune-up and major service being done. The car is a strong driver on the road with over $15,000 in recent work performed over the last 2 years. The car is running on new tires. New exhaust pipe.  This Lancia Gamma Pininfarina is ready to have some fun, rare and highly collectible and very hard to find in the US. 

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe white engine 2.5L flat four
Click to view listing

Plenty of photos are provided to help assess the condition of this example. The underside appears to be especially clean, with the assurance from the seller that the undercarriage is rust free. Does rust exist elsewhere though? The engine was removed for a major service - what that entails, the seller does not specify, but it's a good sign at least. This could end up being a headache to find parts for, so the better the documentation and current condition, the more positive the ownership experience should turn out to be.

Wow, the price on this thing. The price of rarity, maybe? We can definitely see tucking one of these away with a Ferrari 400i and a Fiat 130 Coupe, and both of those run north of $30k, so at least it isn't price out of the range of its peers. And, where else are you going to find one this clean for sale? Unless you're really seeking the fastback variant, this could be the one to buy.

1972 FERRARI 365 GTC/4

Beverly Hills to Las Vegas is a 280 mile stretch; Google Maps predicts a 4 hour travel time. The route crosses the Mojave Desert, lean on rainfall and law enforcement. You could fly out of Burbank, but then you'd have to rent a car once you arrive in Vegas. We'd recommend a 2+2 with some potency instead - something like today's Ferrari 365 GTC/4.

A true 1970s shape, the 365 GTC/4 body is a crisp collection of curves. Nothing is superfluous, and yet the design exudes excess, from the long tailpipes, to the wide wheels, to the exaggerated proportions, to the 3 taillights per side. The 365GT4 and 400i that would follow went a long way in refining the design for this form factor, cutting out the excess. But for a small model run of 505 examples from 1971 to 1972, the 2+2 offering from Ferrari was loud and brash - the sort of car you could expect to drive from LA to Vegas.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC:4 V12 rear red on tan
Click to view listing

Year: 1972
Model:  Ferrari 365 GTC/4
Engine: 4.4L V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  25,767
Price: $229,000
Location: Southampton, NY

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC:4 interior tan leather
Click to view listing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

The mandate for this 365 GTC4 was to deliver a well sorted fast reliable Ferrari the owner could enjoy at the drop of a hat. We were instructed to completely disassemble all components, recommission and make ready for everyday driving, absolutely everything must work. The car came to us having sat for many years, first we inspected her and established very quickly that we had a real survivor and mostly original car. The engine was thoroughly checked over by Miller Ferrari of Connecticut (full report and docs available) and was found to be in very good condition with only a minor overhaul needed. The carburetors were all removed stripped down cleaned and rebuilt. All new seals, plugs and ignition kit. The radiator was sent out to be completely refurbished, all new hoses and belts fitted. A/C overhauled, replaced, cv joints, boots and clamps, water pump overhauled, timing chain tensioner seals, window systems and tracks repaired and replaced. All switches, gauges, fans and lights overhauled. Brakes and rotors overhauled. New period correct tires. Becker radio and speakers work as they should. Every nut and bolt was inspected clean repaired or replaced, no expense was spared in making this beauty sing. This stunning Ferrari is ready for a new home and spirited long distance touring. We've listed a few of the items we attended to however, there is so much more we'd be happy to discuss should you decide to call or come see her by appointment only. 

Car has the following :
-Rebuilt Front And Rear Brake Calipers, New Front And Rear Brake Pads and Brake Hoses, Resurfaced Brake Rotors
-New Exhaust Gaskets And Hangers
-Rebuilt Steering Idler Arm .
-Re-Conditioned Front And Rear Shocks and Upgraded Load Levelers
-New Front And Rear Suspension Bushings.
-New Front And Rear Sway Bar Bushings .
-New Rear Axle Bearings .
-New Coolant Hoses .
-New Tires .
-New Hood Supports .
-Powder Coated Suspension Coil Springs .
-Rebuilt Water Pump .
-New Trunk Seal .
-engine overhauled 
-Complete Tune Up, Includes: New Spark Plugs, Ignition Points, Ignition Wires, Valve Adjustment, And Rebuilt Carburetors
-New Air Distribution Hoses In Dash And Engine Compartment
-New Air Injection Check Valves
-New Fuel Filters & Canister filter
-New Fuel Hoses
-New Air Filters
-New Coolant/Anti-Freeze
-New Heater Control Valve
For more information please call Grand Prix cafe at 646 250 5519.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC:4 V12 engine Colombo
Click to view listing

After a long dormancy, the seller had this example gone through, from suspension to cooling system to fuel delivery. Simple from a mechanical perspective, the cost of components probably resulted in a substantial bill once all was said and done. We'd be sure to discuss the current condition of the car with the seller to see if anything was left for the next owner to address.

As far as V12 manual Ferraris go, this car is expensive, but seems to be priced pretty reasonably. The design was clearly influenced by the more-valuable Daytona, but the price tag doesn't really reflect that. We would imagine that the extra mass doesn't really detract from the driving experience, compared to the Daytona. The 324bhp on tap for North American cars should make quick work of moving the 3,200lb of mass down the road. Now, who is ready to buy this and rocket across the desert?

-Graham

1993 Alfa Romeo 164L

This one-owner 164 exemplifies the erstwhile strength of the Alfa Romeo brand. How else do you explain 224,000 miles worth of caring ownership? The owner of this example passed before selling, but how does one replace a 164 these days? Starting in 2016, the Giulia would have been an option, but as much as we do respect the Tipo 952 Giulia, it just doesn't stack up to the 164 in terms of sound and design. Dynamically? That's another story.

We have dabbled in 164 ownership. First, with a 164LS with 164Q 45mm runners and a Squadra tuning chip worth a claimed 240hp. We'd still be driving that had a high-g off ramp cloverleaf not starved a rod bearing of vital oil pressure. Later, we ventured to New Jersey for a $1,300 164L that cost us many a night toiling in our cold Michigan garage. After exhaustive reconditioning efforts netted a car below our personal standards, we reluctantly passed the car on to another enthusiast, who would start at a much better point than we did.

1993 Alfa Romeo 164L anthracite 3.0L Busso V6 rear view
Click to view listing

Year: 1993
Model:  Alfa Romeo 164L
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  224,523
Price: Auction
Location: Philadelphia, PA

1993 Alfa Romeo 164L anthracite 3.0L Busso V6 manual interior black leather
Click to view listing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1993 Alfa Romeo 164L

This is a great looking 1993 Alfa Romeo 164-L. There has been one owner since new and this car has 224,523 miles. This 164 was owned by an auto sports aficionado who also owned a two European auto dealerships. He had a certain affinity for this car, and apparently spared little expense to keep it in great condition mechanically and cosmetically. He passed away last year which is how we came to own this Alfa. This 164 is equipped with the 3.0L engine and 5-speed manual transmission. I'm told that the owner had the engine completely rebuilt and upgraded to 164-S performance specs in 2015. We sold a very nice 1991 164-S with 96k miles in November 2019, and this 164-L runs stronger than that car in every respect. 
 
This Alfa runs and drives very well. The engine runs very strong and the transmission shifts smoothly. There aren’t any service or warning lights on. The tires are showing lots of tread and the brakes are in great shape as well. The oil & filters were replaced last week, and this car is ready to be picked up and put to use today.
 
The exterior of this Alfa is very clean and looks great. The Anthracite Metallic paint is very glossy over the entire body. There are lots of stone chips on the front, many of which have been touched up already. The alloy wheels are bright and clean, and all exterior trim is intact and in great condition. There aren’t any dents or body rust on this car, and the undercarriage is in excellent condition as well. 
 
The interior has been well maintained and is in terrific condition. The interior of this car is not beat up in the slightest and could easily pass for a vehicle with 75k miles. All leather seats are in excellent condition and not worn or damaged. The carpeting is also fluffy and clean without any holes. All of the trim panels and trim pieces are intact and in great condition. The owner was a non-smoker owned vehicle, and there aren't any burn marks or odors inside this car.
 
There is no accident history in the lifetime of this car, and we have the clear title in hand. This Alfa Romeo should provide excellent service for many years to come, and is ready to be driven away or shipped anywhere

1993 Alfa Romeo 164L anthracite 3.0L Busso V6 chrome runners
Click to view listing

The seller claims that the original owner had the engine rebuilt and upgraded with 164S pistons and cams in 2015. If that were to be true, this would be the most ideal of 164s in our opinion. Quieter styling than the S and Q models, but with the more simple 12V in its top spec.

The leather is clean and in great condition, the carpets neat, and the exterior mostly surviving, other than a few stone chips. Sometimes there comes a time when one questions whether the investments into a cheap old car will pay off. We think that keeping this car in the condition that it's currently in, and spending a bit to tidy up the paint would pay off without a doubt.

-Graham

1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America

Poor Lancia. From their position as technology leader of the Italian automotive market, they have sunken to peddlers of a rebadged Fiat 500 in Italy only. Lancia, the inventor of the V6, relegated to a mere badge on a Fiat.

We have it on good authority that the Aurelia B24S Spider drives more like a modern car than it has any right to, considering its date of manufacture. Then again, when you dig into the unorthodox engineering and attention to detail that went into every single component on Lancias of this era, it stands to reason that these cars would drive like modern vehicles. Forget V12 Ferraris, Alfas, and Lamborghinis; if you want the pinnacle of Italian engineering, only a Lancia will do.

1955 Lancia B24S Aurelia Spider LHD for sale engine V6 De Virgilio tan interior blue rear
Click to view listing

Year: 1955
Model:  Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America
Engine: 2.5L V6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  52,126 mi
Price: $1,295,000
Location: San Diego, CA

1955 Lancia B24S Aurelia Spider LHD for sale engine V6 De Virgilio tan interior blue
Click to view listing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider

1955 Lancia B24-S Spider America
 
Year 1955
Make Lancia
Model B24S
Type Spider America
Chassis No ★B24S-1170★
Pinin Farina Job No 15289
Pinin Farina Scocca No S 00172
Exterior Color Dark Blue
Interior Color Tobacco
Engine No MOT. B24 No 1229
Engine Casting Date May 14th, 1955
Intake Manifold No B24 1229
Transaxle No 398
Transaxle Type Tipo B20S
Transaxle Casting Date May 5th, 1955
Final Drive Ratio 11 x 47 (4.27:1)
Front Suspension No 164
Front Suspension Type Tipo B24S
Front Axle No 172
Steering Box No 399
Carburetor Weber 40DCZ 5 (s/n 3622)
Tail Light Bezel Date Code February 7th, 1953
Tail Light Lenz Date Code March 20th, 1954
Windscreen Date Code March 11th, 1955
Assembly Started October 3rd, 1955
Assembly Finished October 23rd, 1955
First Tested October 24th, 1955
Accepted for delivery October 24th, 1955
UK Registration (1982) "WYA 8"
UK Registration "212 UYL"
Florida Registration "ADG 39A"
Mileage 52,122 Miles

Chassis No ★B24S-1170★
This particular B24S Spider America was a regular production example, one of 240 total examples completed and one of 181 that were left-hand-drive configured. It had two very unique configuration features that set it far apart from the other examples built. This vehicle was assembled as a normal Italian, domestic-market vehicle which featured both Italian lighting and the distinct open glove box without locking door. All gauges and indicators were however in English with the speedometer calibrated in miles at the request of the original ordering owner, an American Air Force officer stationed in Rome.

1955 Lancia B24S Aurelia Spider LHD for sale engine V6 De Virgilio
Click to view listing

Sharing the DeDion tube rear suspension with the 4th series B20, the Spiders located their transaxle in the rear of the car, mounting the rear brake drums in an inboard configuration. Front suspension is of the sliding pillar design, a concept pioneered by Lancia in 1922 with their Lambda offering. And, the V6 is the 2451cc B20 series 4 variant of the famed Lancia V6 line, sporting an under-square bore and stroke and special, sadly detuned cam for American consumption.

This example was delivered to an American Air Force officer stationed in Rome in its original Grigio over black, but later changed over to midnight blue over a biscuit interior. Maybe interested parties could point that out for a discount? The rest of us, the interested but financially unequipped parties, can take solace knowing that, while these rare variants are priced in the stratosphere, there do exist Lancia models with the famed V6 and a more realistic price tag.

-Graham