Tag Archives: Lancia

1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe

Let's take a quick inventory of the flat-engined sports coupe market. Porsche is still plugging along with the 911 and its flat six, and there is the Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ pair with their flat fours. In both examples, power is routed to the rear wheels, whether through a transaxle in the rear-engined Porsche, or a driveshaft and differential in the Japanese twins.

But, a flat four powering a long, low front wheel drive sports coupe is no longer available. In the case of the Flavia, the reasons for the format are not readily apparent. There is, of course, the benefit of lowering the vehicles center of mass by situating the cylinder heads low to the ground in the flat format, but the byproduct of this is the added mass of an additional cylinder head. Interestingly, the camshaft count does not multiply, as the flat four in the Flavia is of a pushrod design, locating its single camshaft in the engine block.

1963 Lancia Flavia coupe side view
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Year: 1963
Model:  Lancia Flavia Coupe
Engine: 1,488cc flat four
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  60,587
Price: Auction
Location: Millstone Township, NJ

1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe

This spectacular 1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe was purchased in Italy roughly 4 years ago from a gentlemen in north Italy where he participated in the 1995 Vintage Montecarlo. The car is rust free, very solid, had a 1.5 liter engine with a 4 gear box and mechanically sound. There are a lot of new parts in the steering compartment. This car is ready for vintage racing, or a cruise on the road with a little bit of work. All lights are working properly including brake lights. Paint is in fair condition for possibly original. Brakes are brand new. Roll cage is for it's era. Speedometer needs some attention. Car sells with Italian papers and customs form. For more information on this car please contact Franco at (917)-596-4331. Good luck!!

1963 Lancia Flavia Coupe 1488cc engine bay
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This particular car has been outfitted for use in Vintage Montecarlo events, though the last event took place in 1995. Fortunately, given the nature of vintage events, this vehicle should be ready to go - once you're stuck in an era, there isn't a real reason to update. The interior is stripped out, but the floors look to be cleaned up and the dash appears to be in great shape.

We like the way that this Pininfarina coupe sits on its relatively large alloy wheels. The hoodline is low, the dash sits far back from the front axle, and the roofline is interesting. Our admiration for the car extends to its innovative FWD and aluminum flat four engine. If the price on this car stays reasonable, it could make for a great car to take on vintage events.

-Graham

1976 Lancia Scorpion

It is forgivable to forget that Lancia sold the Scorpion in the US, with Lancia only offering the car in 1976 and 1977 - two years in an eight-year production run. Given its edge over the X1/9 from Turin, it would seem that the Scorpion squandered its potential by petering out after two years. How many cars go off the market for an entire year to rework the braking system after complaints of locked front brakes? Sadly, the sharp Pininfarina duds didn't have the mechanical backing to impress drivers.

And yet, the Scorpion came close to success. A twin cam 4-cylinder mated to a 5-speed, four-wheel disc brakes, and a McPherson suspension front and rear were a good place to start in that era. The strangling effects of the catalyst - interestingly, requiring an extra pair of vents on the rear of US cars - and the detuned camshafts of the US Scorpion models really sank the deal. We're sure that some devoted Scorpion fans in the US, or California really, are onboard with the emissions equipment, but we'd be inclined to ditch it to reclaim the nearly 40hp lost in transit across the Atlantic.

1976 Lancia Scorpion silver rear
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Year: 1976
Model:  Lancia Scorpion
Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  26,500
Price: Auction
Location: Seminole, Florida

1976 Lancia Scorpion silver red interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1976 Lancia Scorpion

Clean, complete car in running condition.  New convertible top.

1976 Lancia Scorpion silver engine
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The car appears to be in great driver condition. The Florida locale benefits it somewhat, and we imagine that the car has been stored indoors, based on the condition. Rust could be an issue, so we recommend a thorough discussion with the seller and an inspection for any prospective buyers. The vinyl interior is salvageable, with just a few ripped seams to repair, but sourcing vinyl isn't at all difficult, should it come to that.

We're curious to see where this one ends up. On the one hand, we're fortunate to see such cool and interesting cars like this on the market for relatively small sums. But, there could be a reason that these have remained affordable for so long. We're optimistic - upgraded carbs, some hot cams, and a proper exhaust, we think that one of these would wake up quite nicely.

-Graham

1961 Lancia Flaminia

The car that marked our first exposure to a melodic V6 was actually German in origin - the VW GTI MKIV VR6. It wasn't until we heard the sound of an Alfa Romeo Milano Verde that we knew the draw of a stout Italian V6. The 60 degree Busso V6 would not have been possible, were it not for the work of Francesco De Vergilio at Lancia, where he led the first V6 engine to production.

Lancias powered by the De Vergilio V6, as opposed to the Dino V6 and the later Busso V6 borrowed from Alfa Romeo, require substantial cash to obtain. The sedans tend to run slightly less expensive, although in the case of the Flaminia, they are actually less common. Here, we've found a salvageable Flaminia project at close to $15k, which might be exactly what it's worth in this state, but is certainly much less than we are used to seeing these at.

1961 Lancia Flaminia pininfarina coupe V6 green rear quarter
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Year: 1961
Model:  Lancia Flaminia
Engine: 2.5L V6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  130,000
Price: $16,000 obo
Location: Carolina, Puerto Rico

1961 Lancia Flaminia pininfarina coupe V6 green exterior red interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1961 Lancia Flaminia

Motor original, tapizado y carrocería en malas condiciones, listo para restaurar. Una estrella. $16,000 omo

Vehículo en Puerto Rico con disponibilidad para enviar a EU y otros destinos.

1961 Lancia Flaminia pininfarina coupe V6 green engine bay
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Being located in Puerto Rico, sun damage to the interior will be more of a concern than rust. And with that said, the dash doesn't look to be destroyed, nor do the seats. Rust could be limited to the areas where the minor damage occurred. We won't speculate on the cost to get this car back to perfection - that could be extremely costly - but getting this car to decent running status could be a realistic prospect without much of an investment. Clean up the headlight area of the front headlight, pull the dent from the rear quarter, and straighten up the front bumper and its mounts.

Will the engine run, and if not, is it salvageable? We imagine that this will have a large bearing on the viability of the project. These engine might be simple in construction, but some replacement parts will come at a significant price. Knowing what you're getting into on this car likely means that you already own an Aurelia or a Flaminia, and that's the sort of buyer we expect for something like this. Our Milano Verde's engine grenaded a week after we bought, but we were able to rebuild it with relative ease; this Flaminia, we imagine, wouldn't be so painless to repair.

-Graham

1989 Lancia Delta HF Integrale

We're going to take a quick moment to present a view that we believe to be our own: The Alfa Romeo Milano/75 sort of reminds us of a sedan version of the Lancia Delta. It's not too clean a comparison, but imagine the Milano without a truck and you start to see it. Now, where the two cars do bear resemblance is in their power outputs; the Milano Verde's Busso V6 produces the same 183hp as the 1987 to 1989 Delta HF Integrale 8V's 2.0L turbocharged engine.

This car, fortunately or unfortunately, depending on where you stand on modifying rare cars, contains the improved 16V engine from a later 1987-1991 Delta HF Integrale 16V. Maybe someone can explain to us the logic of swapping out a turbo engine for another turbo engine in order to increase power by 15hp. Sure, the powerband is probably better, response might be sharper, but there are simpler and more easily-reversed tactics for increasing the power level of a turbocharged engine.

1989 Lancia Delta Integrale 16V swap rear hatch red
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Year: 1989
Model:  Lancia Delta HF Integrale
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  51,400
Price: $38,000
Location: Barranquitas, PR

1989 Lancia Delta Integrale 16V seat grey fabric
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Lancia Delta HF Integrale

Used car in amazing condition for its year. Imported from Spain comin from a private collection in Madrid according to the broker who I bought it from. A TOTAL headturner. This is an EUROPEAN market car and VERY FEW are in the US. Excellent interior with recaro seats (Almost as new). Paint has very few details. Rebuilt engine with new tires and battery. Refinished wheels. Only thing missing is the radio. AC does not work but haven't had the time to check it since I bought it. AC controls and compressor are there. Power windows work. Gauges work. New fuel line with custom fittings just installed.

This car is a true rally legend.  VERY few have been imported to the US. This is your chance to own a piece of History. This particular car is an 8V model fitted with the 16V engine and all the running gear associated with it, including the bulging and slotted hood.  EXCELLENT condition throughout for a car with original paint and interior. BEAUTIFUL design and a very tight package. Drives like new.  2 Liter Turbo 4 cylinder DOHC with All Wheel Drive.  VIN is ZLA831AB00046604

1989 Lancia Delta Integrale 16V swap engine red
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One byproduct of the inflated pricing on these cars is that replacement parts should be somewhat easier to come by. It's a tough balance, as an enthusiast of older cars - better to have cheap and plentiful examples, and spend multiples of their values in repair parts? Or is it perhaps more palatable to have cheap and plentiful repair parts, spending more on the original vehicle itself? Who knows, maybe both are expensive on these Integrale 16Vs.

We are total fans of the general styling of these Delta HF Integrales. From the boxed fender flares, to the dual round headlights, to the slanted rear hatch with upturned spoiler, to the phonedial wheels, to the unique door handles, the cars just get detail after detail right. $38k will buy you 200hp of red Ferrari, but you're stuck with a Mondial or a washed-up 308 at that point. With the Delta Integrale, you get the rarity factor, the Italian persona, the racing history, and the bright paint, and you get room for companions and some luggage.

-Graham

1976 Lancia Scorpion

We'll follow yesterday's quintessential Lancia, the Flaminia, with a Lancia begging discussion of its bonafides, the Scorpion.  Introduced to the Lancia lineup following the Fiat takeover, the Scorpion belongs to the Beta line of Lancias, which were Fiat's attempt at extracting profits from Lancia.

No innovative Lancia V6 to be found under the hood of the Scorpion.  Fiat supplied a 1,756cc variant of their Lampredi Twin Cam 4-cylinder, strangled by smog equipment in the US to a meager output of 81hp in comparison to the Monte Carlo's 120hp.  A small consolation - the valve lash is more convenient to adjust than on the Alfa twin cam!  Shims lie on top of the buckets, right under the cam lobes, eliminating the necessity of removing the camshafts to swap shims.

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Year: 1976
Model: Lancia Scorpion
Engine: 1.8L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  93,035 mi
Price: $8,900

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CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 1976 Lancia Scorpion

This is a very clean car that is coming out of the estate of one of our Lancia collectors.   He has owned this car for a very long time and took great care of it.   The interior has been redone at one time and is in excellent condition.   It has had a recent high quality repaint done to it and looks incredible.     We just put a battery in it, flushed the clutch system, cleaned the plugs, prepping the car to get ready for sale.  Car does have some fluid leaks, axle seals leaking a bit and some oil leaks on the car.   The a/c compressor has been removed from this car also.  The speedometer and odometer also do not work on this car, and this title is marked as odometer discrepancy  But this is a great looking, very nice, very clean car.   This is one of the nicest Lancias we have had in the shop.

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Condition on this example is particularly nice.  Paint and bodywork are spectacular, which reflects the fact that this car was repainted at some point.  The reupholstered interior shows very well too.  Underside photos show that rust has been tended to or hidden very well, although we'll bet on the former.  The engine bay appear neat, and the engine shows a healthy amount of typical oil leakage - nothing to worry about.  We aren't 100% sure, but the engine might be missing a cam belt cover - exposed belt doesn't seem right to us.

The Scorpion isn't the best Lancia ever offered, but this is certainly one of the nicest Scorpions on offer.  Are we out of line to suggest that this one sort of begs for some hot-rodding?  The Fiat Twin Cams can be made to breath fire with proper upgrades.  We'd say that the car even deserves the hot rod treatment, if only to restore it to its rightful 120hp.

-Graham

1964 Lancia Flaminia Convertibile

As V6 Alfa Romeo owners, you can bet that we harbor a substantial appreciation for the development work completed by Lancia as they persevered to introduce the world's first V6 engine in 1950.  It was Francesco De Virgilio of Lancia who, from 1943 until the release of the Aurelia in 1950, worked to solve the fundamental issue of balance in a V6 engine by pioneering the correct crankshaft design for the application.  He was able to balance the V6 engine to such a degree that two of the main crankshaft balancing terms canceled each other out, leaving the rest of the unbalanced forces to be attenuated by the engine mounts.  For those interested in reading further on the Lancia V6, we recommend checking out this website by Geoff Goldberg, V6 Lancia expert.

Continuing with the Alfa Romeo connection, the Flaminia featured a DeDion rear suspension with a rear-mounted transaxle, just like the setup found in the Alfa Romeo transaxle cars, such as our Milano.  The front suspension is a more traditional double wishbone design, whereas the Flaminia's predecessor, the Aurelia, featured a sliding pillar front suspension.  We happen to love Alfas, but it's worth noting that Alfa was employing Lancia technology 25-40 years after Lancia came out with it - not bad, Lancia.

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Year: 1964
Model: Lancia Flaminia Convertibile
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  84,500 mi
Price: $118,500

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CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 1964 Lancia Flaminia Convertibile 

Lancia was the luxury car of Italy. Arguably the best car Italy produced. The marque was favored by race car drivers, actors and sports heroes. Anyone who was anybody.

Lancia introduced the Flaminia to the public in 1956 and the model was in production from 1958 to 1968. Lancia built an entire range of Flaminia’s, competition cars, sportscars, passenger sedans and limousines. Bodied by the best, Zagato, Touring and Pininfarina. Plus a few one offs by Motto, Ghia and Boneschi. The Flaminia was the last model made by an independent Lancia before being taken over by Fiat.

One can’t help but wonder if they would have survived longer if they had specialized in one sector rather than competing across the entire range of cars.  Perhaps the outcome would have been the same, or perhaps they could have found a niche to dominate and survive in.

Period road testers praised the cars performance and road handling.

“Beyond criticism” Quattroroute 1963

“When I die I would like to drive to heaven in this car.” Battista (Pinin) Farina

In 1963 the optional 2.8 litre engine became available sporting triple weber carburetors. Making 146hp at 5400rpm with a 9:1 compression ratio. This gave the GT and GT convertible a top speed of 120 mph. Referred to as the 2.8 3C this model was available only in 1963 and 1964. A mere 180 cars were built.

The Lancia Flaminia Convertible on offer is one of these 180 2.9 litre triple weber cars.

Red with its original tan leather and factory removable hardtop (a rare option), as well as the standard convertible soft top. The car retains its correct 2.8 litre 3C engine.

Chassis number 826.134.1098

Engine number  826.100.1385

Runs well. She has not been used much in the last few years so could use some freshening up.

The early history of the car is unknown, but being a LHD car with the speedometer in MPH gives the impression that it may have been sold new in America.  By 1979 the car was listed in Lanciana magazine Classifieds. The advert referenced 78,000 miles on the speedometer with an engine rebuild at 58,000 miles. No price was listed but the seller was located in Southport, Connecticut. The car is believed to have had two owners since.

The car is in about the same condition with the exception that it now has 84,500 miles on it.

Comes with books, manuals, tools and an array of spare parts.

She is the rarest and most powerful of the Flaminia’s. A desirable car for the discerning collector.

Please call or email for more details, photos or to discuss the car further.

Daniel: Cell 203-470-5298

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We'll go easy on the condition of the car, other than to note that the interior seems pretty tidy, whereas the respray was clearly done without proper masking.  Interested parties will have their work cut out for them as far as understanding the condition goes.

The Touring body would certainly turn heads on the road.  Would a late-60s  Fiat Dino Spider accomplish the same tasks?  Absolutely, and with a similarly-interesting history.  We even like the look of the Fiat better.  But, were it our money, we'd go with the Lancia, if only for the devotion to engineering innovation.

-Graham

1998 Lancia Delta HPE

Hold on.  This is not what comes to mind to North American (scum) when the Lancia Delta comes up.  No, that would would be the 6-time Group A WRC winner, the Lancia Delta HF Integrale.  What we have here is an Alfa-engined Fiat masquerading as a Lancia.  Is that such a bad thing?  We would venture to say no.

The aforementioned Alfa Romeo engine, clearly designated by its Powered by Alfa Romeo script, is the 1800 V.V.T model.  Despite its insistence, the engine displaces 1747cc, and would round down to 1.7L.   We consider an Alfa Romeo mill to be an upgrade to any marque, short of, say, Ferrari.

Design comes courtesy of Ercola Spada, whose abbreviated name, E. Spada, has extra meaning to Lamborghini fans.  E. Spada also penned the 155, although the 145 and the 146 would have been the Alfa Romeo platform contemporaries to the Delta.  The design is nuanced, to be sure, but is reasonably rewarding to take in, especially in the outspoken yellow of this example.

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Year: 1998
Model: Lancia
Engine: 1.7L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  32,045 mi
Price: Auction

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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1998 Lancia Delta HPE

Because of a fraudulent buyer , i relist for sell my Lancia Delta HPE , Made by Alfa Romeo , LOW MILAGE ( 32045 Miles )

Please i accept  only **** CERTIFIED BANK CHECK ****

One owner

All original without modification
AMAZING CONDITION FOR A 20 YEAR OLD CAR ,
YOU CAN COMPARED TO A 2018 CAR .
Original paint ** YES , ALL ORIGINAT PAINT ** NO RUST ** SHOW CAR

Leather seat with Alcantara

Accident free
Rust free
4 New tires ( 0 Miles )
New batterie ( 0 Miles )
VIN  (   ZLA83600003047520  )
Drove like a  new car , without rattel .
Always parked inside ,
Sell with ** Clear New York ** Title
Very well maintained
Interior and exterior 10 / 10
4 Original Lancia Mag wheel as new
Engine and Transmission 10 / 10 , ( DRY ) ( NO OIL LEAK ) ** ANY **
Legaly imported by Fiat Auto SPA with all epa form , SELL WITH** CLEAN NEW YORK TITLE  ***
**** Y E S        W I T H          C L E A N     N EW      Y O R K     T I T L E  ******
The one and only piece not original is the **RADIO **, as i see it's not sheep quality , but not signed or badged by Lancia .
Inside the car is almost new , ,,, brake , suspension , etc ,,, almost new
Car is stored inside , will release it after full payment by (B A N K    C H E C K   O N L Y), i have to wait bank confirmation before i release the car .
I can keep it inside the time you want ( for free )
I can help with shiping ,
If you have any question about the car , please let me know , i will answer with pleasure
FOR THE RESPECT OF ALL BIDDERS ,,, PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME ABOUT THE BUY I T NOW PRICE ,,,
(((((  FRONT TOWING DOOR BEHIND RIGHT FOGLIGHT IS NOT MISSING , IT'S BLACK , NOT YELLOW  )))))
I APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Thank you so much

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We have no idea where this auction will end up.  In the $8k-12k range, this is an attractive option for the North American Italian car collector looking for something unique.  It's not the higher-performance HF model, so it's not exactly collectible.  And, any racing involvement was less successful than that of its predecessor, no matter how loudly the Martini livery states otherwise.

Where else in North America can you find a nice 16V Alfa twin cam in 90s 3-door hatch replete with Alcantara-trimmed Recaros seats, a manual transmission, subtle box flares, and rally-inspired wheels?  We suspect that our European readers will be less enthused, but we in North America can't help but to be intrigued by this offering.

-Graham

1977 Lancia Beta Scorpion

Yesterday's Bertone X-1/9 represented Bertone's successful bid for a Fiat 124 Coupe successor, but what if Pininfarina had won the business?  Well, we'd have seen a Fiat Montecarlo or Fiat Scorpion in place of the X-1/9.

Following Lancia's takeover by Fiat, the automaker sought profitability in its Beta lineup, the last of which was the mid-engined Monte Carlo.  A tough sell to fans of early Lancias, it featured a DOHC Fiat 4-cylinder, known as the Lampredi after its designer, rather than a bespoke Lancia unit.  After establishing itself as a true innovator in engine design, producing the worlds' first V6 engine, Lancia had stooped to purchasing its engines from the outside?  One could do much worse than a DOHC Fiat engine!  But, Lancia fans love Lancia engines.

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Year: 1977
Model: Lancia Beta Scorpion
Engine: 1.5L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  61,900 mi
Price: $14,500

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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1977 Lancia Beta Scorpion

Selling my beautiful 1977 Lancia Scorpion with 61,900 original miles and clear box A title.
This is a rare rust free scorpion with the rear glass buttress windows(one of 430 imported).
She starts right up with no smoke and runs and drives very well. Straight body with shiny deep black paint. Re done interior with supple leather seats and console. excellent carpet and all interior plastic refinished in factory color. Good glass , working clock and added heat/sound insulation. Fabric top in very good original condition.refinished wheels with new tires. Newer battery, new oem carb, s.s flowmaster muffler and vitaloni side view mirror. Detailed engine bay with custom insulated heat shield. De smogged and a/c removed by previous owner. included with sale are original charcoal canister, original mirror and 4 new drilled brake rotors as well as 2 factory reprint service manuals, period promotional materials, fuse location manual,original jack and lug wrench, ignition key blank and numerous receipts including engine refurb etc. Quality custom California car cover included.
This Scorpion is a wonderful true sports car with a well sorted DOHC 4 cylinder mid engine(original) and 5 speed transmission. This is a 41 year old low mileage car and as I am not a dealer or car flipper there is no warranty. In the interest of full disclosure, here are the known issues: Brakes are ok but not great-system was flushed about 21/2 years ago.Tach is sometimes erratic, mechanic suspects a ground issue but I don't have the time now to pull the instrument cluster to clean the contacts. Note all visible grounds have been cleaned or replaced within the last year. Does not effect drivability. Passenger side power window slow going up but working just slow. Aftermarket stereo/cd doesn't appear to be hooked up. Car has a great exhaust note so never a priority. Drivers side lumbar control wand is seized-common issue- new updated part can sometimes be sourced from England as well as working original part. Not really a problem.
I am a collector/enthusiast and don't need to sell her but I don't have much free time lately to drive her or my other classics. I want My car to go to another enthusiast who appreciates this seldom seen Italian Beauty. Tons of positive attention at car shows!
Serious buyers only. No low ballers or tire kickers. Please don't waste my time or yours. Happy to answer any questions. A non refundable $500 deposit with balance due by bank wire transfer within 7 days. After money clears I will express you the title and bill of sale. Shipping is buyers responsibility and I can assist you. . VIN # 137AS0101547. Please note, not all scorpions have power window option, mine does. Thanks for looking!

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Today's example exhibits remarkable condition at a reasonable mileage.  Clearly the car was enjoyed, and even more evident is the fact that it was cared for properly.  The location lends itself to the reportedly rust-free condition as much as it does to the re-trimmed interior - that Arizona sun will bake interiors mercilessly, given the opportunity.  The traditional list of faults provides enough work to get to know the car, but not nearly enough to detract from its value.

The ad doesn't state as much, but we'd go so far as to state that one could not rehab a typical Scorpion to this condition for this price.  Low mileage, presentable paint on a straight, rust-free body, an intact top, and clean, cared-for mechanical bits - were there ever a Scorpion to buy, this is the one.

1991 Lancia Thema 8.32

Periodically, one will spot a Lancia Thema 8.32 for sale, usually in an opportunistic import & flip scenario.  As recently as March 2015, a nice specimen of this rare, Ferrari-powered FWD Italian executive saloon appeared on this site with an enthusiastic (Ferrari sounds) yet cautionary (better be friends with a Ferrari mechanic) CICFS analysis.

Was the 8.32 European royalty in its day, albeit perhaps an elusive monarch who was admired but few ever saw (e.g., Queen Beatrix)?  Let’s say that I witnessed exactly one example during my three years in Germany.  As a breathless attendee of the 1987 Bremen Auto Show, I recall there being but two cars on display that were locked from peasant-entry:  the Porsche 959 and the Lancia 8.32 (feel free to insert obligatory Italian central-locking reliability joke).

Many of you know how this almost-mythical four-door 308 come to be.  In an automotive act akin to NATO’s settling on a 120 MM smooth-bore cannon for its various members’ main battle tanks (my earlier M1 had a relatively skinny-necked, rifled 105 MM main gun), the Swedes and Italians developed the Type Four platform to underpin the Saab 9000, Fiat Croma, Alfa Romeo 164, and Lancia Thema, respectively.  That cooperation begat attractive, space-efficient, and relatively-mainstream 1980’s – 1990’s sedans that, naturally, spawned special editions such as the Alfa 164Q; Saab 9000 Aero; not sure if I recall the Chroma’s flagship; and of course, the 8.32.

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Year: 1991
Model: Lancia
Engine: 3.0L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  170,000km
Price: €13,999

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Lancia Thema 8.32 

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Bei dem angebotenen Fahrzeug handelt es sich um das exclusive Lancia Thema 8.32 Modell mit einem überlegenen Sportwagen-Triebwerk von Ferrari.
Der V8-Motor stammte aus dem Ferrari 308 GTB Quattrovalvole mit 32 Ventilen und wurde speziell für den Einsatz im Lancia Thema überarbeitet.
Sie haben hier die einmalige Gelegenheit, mit geringem Kapitaleinsatz, ein luxoriös ausgestattetes Fahrzeug mit einem heute, in dieser Qualität von keinem Hersteller mehr verbautem Interieur zu erwerben.

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We all know what’s happened with competing sedans of that era.  Cosworth 190E’s have become scarce, both in the U.S. and in Europe, with pricing well along the hockey stick trajectory.  Surviving Alfa 164Q’s and Milano Verde’s are more common, but values have also risen somewhat.  To the CIAFS staff, prices of 8.32 listed have seemed optimistic, as if the admittedly-cool Ferrari component makes the car worth five times more than, say, a 9000 Aero in similar condition.  Armed with our recent successful self-import of a 1991 MB 300CE-24 with dogleg stick and Hugo Boss-style cloth interior, our senior (oldest) staffer concluded one recent winter’s night that he’s savvy enough to try his luck with an 8.32.  Abetting that transaction were a very forthright seller, a Bosch shop owner acting in a quasi-consignment capacity, plus an exploratory visit from Blythbros before money changed hands.  Such factors aren’t likely to converge for future searches.  Moreover, given our German-language skills and many warnings about buying a used car in Italy (with our considerable Sicilian bloodlines, we’re allowed that act of discrimination), we’ve narrowed the search for Germany.  We’ll count on a combination of the attributes described in the ad, photo quality, and gut feel.  And of course, U.S. importation laws (some combination of EPA, DOT, and Customs) do not allow cars of less than 25 years’ age.

The first candidate was a beautiful private-party car near Nürnberg with relatively low kilometers, extensive records including a recent timing belt, and a fair price.  The market agreed, and the car lasted mere days.  We’re therefore describing a dealer-listed car with great attributes and a killer front plate.   The August 1991 manufacture date makes it legal, and the claimed 170,000 KM equates to around 4,000 miles annually.  Maintenance records would reveal whether this is a just-out-of-storage example that would need attention to gaskets, fuel system, suspension components, tires, etc.  The photos point to very mild interior patina and near-perfect exterior condition.  I didn’t say a perfect actual exterior, because the black color doesn’t hide that this car makes a Volvo 740 seem curvy.  And even the wood trim and dash scarcely take the interior out of the dour zone.  The present EURUSD rate puts the €13,999 asking price at around $15,000.  Tack on $1,000+ for ocean shipment, a TBD amount for inland trucking, plus another $1,000 for customs duty and miscellaneous port charges, and the grand tally is in the $17,000 - $18,000 range.  Fly to Germany to make this a vacation like we did with the CE, and you top out near $20,000.  We don’t recall ever seeing an 8.32 listed in the U.S. for less than $25,000.  What we don’t know is ultimate transaction prices.  Either way, for (insert plain sedan name – Corolla, etc.) money, one can have a coveted, mellifluous, square sedan that’ll definitely be royalty at cars & coffee events.  If that excites any readers, CICFS will be happy to be part of the sourcing, logistical, and retrieval process.

-Matt

1989 Lancia Thema 8.32

There are sport sedans, and then there are sport sedans. While some manufacturers might be content to tinker a bit with cylinder bores and valves or add a bit of forced induction to come up with a hot version of a sedan, Lancia, in their usual fashion, went about things differently. They dropped a 2.9 liter Ferrari V8 under the hood of their executive sedan. And thus, the Thema 8.32 was born. With the addition of a cross plane crank and modified firing order, this car was a screamer in its day, capable of 60 mph in under seven seconds. The Thema 8.32 is a unique car indeed, and this particular example for sale in Switzerland is made even more so with rare blue paintwork and custom alloys.

Year: 1989
Model: Thema 8.32
Engine: 2.9 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 82,021 mi
Price: $27,166

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1989 Lancia Thema 8.32

Very nice 8.32 in a very rare color combination, 18" three piece aluminum wheels (customized especially for this vehicle). Modified chassis includes new shock absorbers, new front and rear brakes, revised brake calipers, timing belt and water pump replaced, great service history and great condition

It's great that many of these Thema 8.32s are now eligible for importation to the US, as a few, like this one, are over 25 years of age. It would take some nerve to own one here, though. Make friends with your local Ferrari mechanic and say a prayer, because servicing on such a rare beast will not be easy on these shores. But, for the dedicated few, you could be proud in saying you own what could be considered the closest thing to a four-door Ferrari this side of a fifth generation Maserati Quattroporte.

-Paul