Tag Archives: Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo 164S – REVISIT

Back in the 1990s it took a special kind of person to buy an Alfa Romeo 164. With Alfa Romeo on its last legs in the US market, they started offering this new front-wheel drive sedan in 1991, just as Lexus and Infiniti were heating up with their smaller offerings, BMW was about to unleash a new 3 series sedan and Acura came up with a new five-cylinder luxury sedan, the Vigor. All of the above offered better reliability and a wider dealer network, but for those wanting the verve of an Italian car, only the 164 would do. And for those wanting just a bit more than the standard 164, the 164S was on tap for the sport minded individual. We featured this car back at the end of 2012 and it is back up for sale for Alfisti looking to sate their appetite until the new, promised offerings from Alfa Romeo make their way stateside once again.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Alfa Romeo 164S

The below post originally appeared on our site November 12, 2012:

Oftentimes a car manufacturer will come up with different names for the same vehicle based on the demographics of the market in which the car is being sold. Some examples include the Alfa Romeo Milano, which was known as the 75 in its home market and the Fiat Strada, which was called the Fiat Ritmo elsewhere. Alfa Romeo had a conundrum on their hands when they introduced the 164 sedan in 1990. As some may be aware, there are homophones in the Chinese language that denote certain sayings. In Chinese, the 164 meant "all the way to death." Fearing a PR disaster, Alfa Romeo changed the badge on the trunklid to 168, which roughly translated to "all the way to prosperity." A small, relatively painless change in order to avoid scaring off potential customers. There's no way of telling how this 168S got this badge here in the US market, but it appears from the Carfax report that this was a simply badge swap by the owner.

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Year: 1991
Model: 164S
Engine: 3.0 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 137,753 mi
Price: $9,888 Buy It Now

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TThe 164 Quadrifoglio Verde (badged as the 164 QV) was available from 1990-1992 as the top of the range model. It featured an extended front spoiler, deeper side-skirts and a deeper rear apron. Inside, the 164 QV featured sculpted sports seats and mechanically the car featured an up-rated 3.0 12V V6 and adjustable damper settings.

The story of the 168 in Hong Kong is unique in Alfa Romeo history, and has a lot to do with the Chinese belief in the significance of numerology and outright superstition. Even in modern Hong Kong society, these beliefs continue to thrive, and while not every Hong Kong resident may personally believe in unlucky numbers, they are almost universally known by nearly everyone.

As is illustrated by the 164, in some Asian societies, the relationship between certain groups of numbers can be highly complex and go unnoticed by most Westerners. In the simplest terms, for example, the number 4 in Chinese is nearly synonymous with the word for "death." Thus, different combinations of numbers can represent different things: some lucky, some prosperous, and, as Alfa Romeo soon discovered, some which could profoundly affect sales of their cars.

In the Cantonese dialect, which is prevalent in Hong Kong, 164, when pronounced as a phase, literally means "the more you go the more you die." This had immediate and obvious meaning when taken in the context of an automobile. Alfa's Hong Kong-savvy sales representatives made an unprecedented move and quickly cabled Fiat management for permission to substitute the much-maligned 164 emblem with one now marked 168. The number 8 is perhaps the luckiest in all of Hong Kong as it is similar to the word for prosperity and wealth.

Therefore, what was originally one of the worst rear insignias imaginable instantly became one of the best: 168 means "the more you go the wealthier you'll be." The Alfa 164 was always a great sports sedan to drive but the "S" version offers even more enjoyment. In all ranges the car offers excellent performance and pulls very strong and without hesitation.

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 new set of Falken Ziex 195 65R 15 91H tires and original 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.

The trunk and engine bay are very clean and consistent with the condition of the car's exterior and interior quality and the original Alfa insignia mat is in place and in very good condition. Under the mat are the properly secured spare tire, wheel and the cars original jack.

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 yes. This car is a very attractive example of the difficult to locate 164 S Alfa Romeo with most desirable 168 badge. Perhaps most important, this is an opportunity to own a truly unique and original Alfa 168 S that offers great handling, looks and performance at a very attractive price.

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It's nice that such a detailed history was given on the 164 by the seller, but little in the way of this particular vehicle's service and ownership history has been provided. Even though it has somewhat high mileage, it certainly looks to be a fairly honest 164. I was always a fan of these S models in red with the contrasting gray cladding and the tan leather has a rich look about it that few new cars these days can match.

-Paul

1985 Maserati Quattroporte – REVISIT

This 1985 Maserati Quattroporte is one that we featured almost two years ago and is back up for sale in California. Series III Quattroportes are rarely this nice and are a tempting choice for fans of the 1980s who want the utmost in exclusivity.

The below post originally appeared on our site April 20, 2012:

The Maserati Quattroporte was, and is, the individualists choice when it comes to luxury sedans. These cars have always been about sheer style and brashness; about as close as we will ever get to a four door Ferrari. The Quattroporte III's production spanned a decade but little more than 2,000 were ever produced. It's styling set the tone for the next two decades at Maserati while it's V8 engine and abundant use of wood and leather on the inside was classic Maserati. This example for sale in California is very well sorted and has a restrained air in metallic gray.

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Year: 1985
Model: Quattroporte
Engine: 4.9 liter V8
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Mileage: 68,000 miles
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1985 Maserati Quattroporte - REVISIT

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ORIGINAL low mileage California car in excellent condition. Purchased for roughly $12,000 by me. Note: Shipping to Europe/UK easily arranged and contacts in place. It is very reasonable from CA and I am happy to arrange this for the buyer.

It is an automatic (727 Torqueflight original) and all of the key work needed has been done including a full rebuild of the transmission and much detailed work listed below. Totally renewed stainless exhaust and Cats passing smog for CA. It is also in one of the most attractive color combinations for this car. More pictures can be sent if you email me. This car has always been garaged including after the recent work was done.

This is an EXTREMELY rare car and any in decent shape they are getting rarer. There were 2,143 produced and this is one of 1,806 4.9 L automatics (to put this in perspective over 1m mustangs by year 2 of production and 8 million total!). Ridiculously underpriced in US. Sale in UK recently at 29,000 pounds and nice example in Germany at over 42,000 Euro.

There are not that many left and they are getting rarer. For more details on the model please see http://www.maserati-alfieri.co.uk/alfieri65b.htm or ask me any questions - I will put more details on the model below.

Beautiful and extensively gone through collector owned car for sale. I own 3 of these cars and this one has undergone a lot of recent work and is only being sold only as I am moving forward with 2 other cars and just cannot have 3! Huge amount of time, effort and money spent. I know that I will be unlikely to recoup the funding spent but I do hope that it will go to someone who can continue the process. Car was purchased for about $12,000 and then there was a huge expenditure after this. New parts included!

Here is the report from the Maserati Factory:

Maserati Quattroporte AM330/us*5310* (USA Serial number - ZAMBC1100FA305310)
Produced on January 1985, 4.9 litres, automatic gearbox, external colour "Antracite", interior in "Natural" leather. It was delivered on February 1985 to the Importer "Maserati Automobile Inc." in Baltimore (USA). Here are excerpts from the original ad from when I bought the the car:

1985 Maserati Quattroporte

The Maserati Quattroporte was, and is, the individualists choice when it comes to luxury sedans. These cars have always been about sheer style and brashness; about as close as we will ever get to a four door Ferrari. The Quattroporte III's production spanned a decade but little more than 2,000 were ever produced. It's styling set the tone for the next two decades at Maserati while it's V8 engine and abundant use of wood and leather on the inside was classic Maserati. This example for sale in California is very well sorted and has a restrained air in metallic gray.

1985 Maserati Quattroporte

"Life's Been Good" to this 1985 Maserati Quattroporte...When Joe Walsh stated "My Maserati Does 185"...he had a circa 1962 Maserati 5000GT, capable of at least 170+ mph. All Maserati automobiles equipped with this four camshaft/hemi/V-8, starting with the mid-1950's Maserati 450S race car, through the limited production 5000GT (33 produced) , ending with the Quattroporte (2155 produced) were guaranteed to raise the excitement level. The soundtrack and power delivery of this engine was and is a winner from day one.

This rust free, exceptional & all original 67,959 mile Maserati Quattroporte has had the best of care. Maintenance receipts for over $12,000 and owner's / repair manuals come with the car. There is no doubt previous owner, "Style Icon" Tatiana Sorokko, a Bay Area fashion fixture, enjoyed her days with this car. Paint, chrome, body trim, and leather/wood interior are all in remarkable, near new condition. The photographs are representative of the actual condition of the car.

Drive report: we enlisted a Maserati expert to evaluate the car. He has repaired Maserati cars for 30+ years and reported as follows:

Front suspension and shock absorbers quiet and smooth, no clunks etc. Tire condition excellent with excellent wear pattern.
Rear suspension excellent / rear axle gear quiet - no appreciable backlash.
Brake pad and rotor condition: very good to excellent. Tires are new.
Transmission shifts properly / excellent fluid condition.
Engine condition: notes include very clean carburetors- no damage / stripped screws (very common)
Oil Pressure very high (indicative of low mileage)
Operating temperature proper / electric fan actuation and wiring good
Engine power delivery proper (280 hp all present)
Belts and hoses all at current maintenance level
Gauges / lights and other electrical items worked properly when tested.
Road test shows a top condition, nice driving car.
Originally a $65,000 car in 1985.

When I purchased this car it was in very good original condition and had benefitted by being owned by someone who used it regularly and kept it in very good condition. The undercarriage was immaculate and the car was really in excellent condition. That said it was over described and needed a few things refreshed - many of these are really deferred maintenance issues for a car of this age. In short, it was a really good car but needed some “refreshing”. Basically, the car had not been messed with and I spoke with the earlier owner who had sold it at a cancer charity auction! The company I bought if from owned it a short time and it was over described.

The story of this car will be featured on an upcoming article on Quattroporte IIIs but I will summarize the work done with some estimates of costs:

EXHAUST: New stainless steel exhaust from front to back and four CATS to make it fully CA compliant. NOS headers for the car also to bring the emissions system into full working order as well as the setting up of the original CA emissions system. This required a great deal of work as this year of QP III was not in the CA database but we got it done. (approx $4,000 (parts, labour, shipping, CATS, admin and shop time)

BODY: The body is in excellent condition - a true California car. There were some minor issues.
-All the side lights and turn signal lenses were replaced with NOS from MIE (US Maserati supplier of choice)
There was a dent in the lower side body moulding and a NOS part from MIE was purchased and installed (easy fix)
The headlight surround is a unique part on US cars. I was specifically told by the seller it was undamaged but it was broken and a NOS unit was bought from MIE and the front headlight assembly was removed and replaced.
Paint is excellent and a good color but a small touch up by the left rear light is required along with repair of the rubber on the bumpers which is an easy fix.
Approx $1,000 in parts and labor

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES ETC: - All in good condition and alignment was done on purchase.
Damage to A Frame front suspension due to sellers improper towing (no recourse of course) - Undamaged A frames sourced and shipped and installed
As a matter of course I have purchased tie rod ends and ball joints which should go on the car at a convenient time
New rear shocks (4) have been purchased and are in the trunk ($800)
Fronts are fine but I have a supplier for adjustable shocks for the front end which really transform the car. Not required but something to consider in the future along with the steering rack (under $500)
$2,000 plus in parts and labor

MOTOR AND MOTOR BAY
The car was in great condition but had the standard fixes required and the key money was spent getting this 100%
Complete motor detailing using 100% original Maserati parts
Valve cover gaskets removed and repainted in proper Maserati factory crackle paint
Motor bay detailing including cadmium plating parts.
New original motor decals
New shocks hood lifts for bonnet (hood) and boot (trunk)
New Old Stock replacement fuse box
New battery
Distributor and tune up parts (spark plugs etc)
Full service up to date - fluids, etc
Rebuilding of all 4 carburettors with original kits from MIE
New wiring cavis in original style
NEW PARTS AS NEEDED - oil sending unit etc
MOTOR SET UP - car was taken to STEWARTS in Sacramento for specialist work. They did a lot of work on getting the car running right, rebuilding the carbs, missing carb parts (who knows where they were lost!), vacuum set up). Essentially, their job was to check over the motor and make sure it was working right, safe and set up right. A list of their work is on the bills.
One running issue was caused by a faulty CAT which was replaced on warranty
(Approx $5,000)

INTERIOR -
broken door handles interior x 2 were sourced and rechromed
grab handles replaced with NOS
Interior wood was described as “in remarkable near new condition”. It was a lie - the wood was damaged around the transmission selector and the laquer had turned milky white on the doors and dash. This is a common issue for this car. HOWEVER TO DO IT RIGHT IS IS A DASH OUT JOB. It was done right with the dash out and wood sent to experts and Madera Concepts in CA who did an amazing job and a perfect match on the transmission selector section. I can’t say enough about how well they did - it looks amazing and is show ready.

TRANSMISSION - This was also described as perfect and it was not. It needed a full rebuild but it is the lovely 727 Torqueflight so easy to do. This work has been fully done along with a full rebuild of the starter (why not as it is a Mopar unit and the transmission is out)
(approx. $2,500)

MISCELLANEOUS - too much to mention as all things that were noted by me were fixed as they we noted with new parts. This included wiper blades and covers and a host of small parts etc. NOS jack purchased and in the trunk.
TO DO - A car like this can always be improved and it is in excellent condition. There are probably a couple of areas I would think about looking at in future as noted above. I have assisted with the design of a new set of Ohlins that are made for this car and would be a useful upgrade. The mirrors were done nicely but always a weak spot in this car. I am told that MIE does a new set and it might be worth looking at in due course but these are good. The tires are new but not the Michelin XWXs. I have a set you can buy if you want. I cannot think of anything else needed.

Current status. The car had just finished having the transmission done and is with a relative at his automotive shop in Roseville (Sacramento) CA. Any inspection is welcome and will arrange shipment. I have lots of bills and details that I can send to you also.

Description of QP III
The new Quattroporte III came to the market during the De Tomaso era for Maserati. It was designated 'AM 330 Berlina Quattroporte’ but was quickly known as the Quattroporte III. Although production continued into the Biturbo era the selling mates of the QP III as shown in a brochure package were the Kyalami, Khamsin, Merak 2000/SS

Here is how it was described by Ermanno Cozza:

In spite of its considerable size, Giugiaro's classic styling gave the Quattroporte III the visual concept of strength and speed; a long imposing bonnet, once more housing a V8 engine, sloped down to a large trapezoidal chrome radiator grille adorned with the traditional trident, flanked by pair of twin rectangular headlamps.

Its low wide body, featuring a character line along its flanks, allowed the low roof line to flow gracefully, via the acute angled rear quarter-lights and a full-width slanting rear window, to an ample boot compartment. With the Northern American car regulations in mind, the Quattroporte III was fitted with heavy rubber inset impact-absorbing bumpers, giving the car a solid imposing look. Thanks to its width and roof height, the interior had the atmosphere of 'a living room', without any loss of light or visibility. Make no mistake, this was car was much bigger than it looked!

The interior was comfortable, elegant and functional. The dashboard, trimmed in rich leather with briar-wood veneered panels, housed a large rectangular easy to read instrument panel. The anatomically designed seating was upholstered in 'glove-soft' Italian leather, as were the finishing panels of the velour roof lining. The leather trimmed and wood-veneered centre console, housed the air conditioning controls, radio, gear lever and an armrest which doubled as a lid for the convenient storage compartment. Naturally the car was fitted with air conditioning as standard.

For a detail of this article please see http://www.maserati-alfieri.co.uk/alfieri65b.htm on Enrico’s excellent Maserati web site which is a very useful resource for things QP III.

Of course the car can easily be shipped anywhere at buyers expense and risk.

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Originally a $65,000 car in 1985, a Quattroporte such as this would generally sell in the $8,000 to $14,000 range today. Given the car's prominent previous owner, condition and run down by a marque expert, it will more than likely command a value in the upper reaches of that range, provided the right buyer comes along.

-Paul

1991 Alfa Romeo 164S – REVISIT

The 1991 Alfa Romeo 164S we featured last May is still for sale. With a little over 52,000 miles and considering the length of time it has been for sale, it seems like a great time to pick up a tidy, sharp edged Italian sports saloon like this one.

1991 Alfa Romeo 164S - REVISIT

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The below post originally appeared on our site May 12, 2012:

We've featured a few Alfa Romeo sedans this week, and here is one more to round out the week: an impossibly mint 1991 164S. The S is my favorite of all the 164 sedans, as it is the more sporting of the trim levels. A bit more horsepower was squeezed out of the 12 valve single cam V6 via modified camshafts and intake system. On the outside was modified lower body cladding and 15" alloy wheels. The interior was treated to more aggressively bolstered seats, with Recaro seating as an option. This 164S is for sale in Philadelphia at an attractive price.

1991 Alfa Romeo 164S

The top-line engine 3.0 L "Arese" V6. Leather Interior! LOW MILEAGE Vehicle! Power Windows! Moonroof! Manual Transmission! Original Radio!

You are looking at a very rare super low mileage Alfa Romeo hat has been well kept and maintained; it's an all around great looking vehicle. This is a-never-smoked-in beauty that looks and smells great. The exterior is black in good condition. The interior is black leather that looks new. The console and dash look great as well!

The engine sounds, runs and feels smooth and provides abundant power. The 3-liter, fuel-injected V-6 develops 200 horsepower. This is one sedan that steps rather lively from the light and doesn`t need a turbo or supercharged boost to swing quickly into and out of the passing lane. The 5 Speed Manual transmission shifts well - smoothly and easily.

All the electrical options appear to be in working order. The engine compartment looks clean, and void of any leaks. Great running condition vehicle. The A/C works well and blows cold air! We had our mechanic check the car. All in all, the car really runs great! As you can judge for yourself from the pictures - the interior is clean and looks great!

The trunk has many functions, one of which is obviously the superior cargo capacity. The back seats come down in case you need to increase the payload capacity.The trunk is very clean and roomy as you can see from the pictures. The previous owner used it sparely and it looks as if it were new. This is a unique one of a kind vehicle, that is painted with a color that really makes it stand out in the crowd of other cars. It's been garage kept, and is in good condition.

According to the vehicle report, this 164 lived in New York City for most of its life. You wouldn't know this from the appearance, though, as this car looks extremely well kept. Save for some rusty lug nuts and a marred badge on the grille, there's not much that needs tidying up. I've seen some 164 sedans priced well above $10,000 in the last few years, but these are usually museum quality pieces with under 50,000 miles. I'd say this car is priced in the ballpark. Its condition and mileage along with the S trim level and 5-speed gearbox make it one of the most desirable 164 trim combos out there.

-Paul

1989 Lancia Thema 8.32 – REVISIT

The 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32 that we featured for sale last year in Canada is back up for sale with a Buy it Now of $15,900. Is this tempting enough for a US enthusiast to travel across the border, bring it back here for one year under a potential "show and display" exemption and then be in the clear in 2014?

1989 Lancia Thema 8.32 - REVISIT

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The below post originally appeared on our site June 27, 2012:

Cars like the original Mercedes-Benz 500E, the BMW M5 and the Cadillac CTS-V are all sedans that enthusiasts are familiar with. Take an executive saloon, drop a bomb of an engine under the hood, tweak the suspension, brakes and transmission and you have a recipe for stealth. But one of the most interesting and seductive sports sedans to ever hit the streets is probably one you never heard of. The Lancia Thema 8.32. This car shared architecture with the Fiat Croma, Saab 9000 and Alfa Romeo 164. While the Giugiaro inspired styling may have been a bit tame, in true Lancia form, the engineers went off the reservation. In went a 3.0 liter V8 from a Ferrari 308. Mounted transversely with a cross plane crankshaft and a few bits from Ducati, this was a serious motor. With 212 horsepower on tap and a sub seven second 0-60 time, the Thema 8.32 could hang with the best of them. This one for sale is unique in that it has been imported to Canada, putting it within arms reach of US enthusiasts.

1989 Lancia Thema 8.32

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I am offering one of the rarest, world's best, unmolested factory original 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32 with the Ferrari 3.0 four cam V8. Yes, a true sleeper. Incredible performance from the 3.0 four cam Ferrari V8. This rare all numbers matching Thema 8.32 is one of only 3,971 ever made and in spectacular original condition with only two meticulous owners since new. It was professionally appraised in January of 2006 for $36,000. That was six years ago. VIN #: ZLA83400000164763.

SOME BRIEF HISTORY: First shown at the Turin Auto Show in 1986, the Thema 8.32 ("8" standing for the number of cylinders and "32" for the number of valves) was assembled at Lancia's S. Paolo plant in Turin. Shaped by the hands of Giorgetto Giugiaro, the boxy sedan model featured a 0.32 drag coefficient, which was an impressive figure at the time. Being a luxury model, it featured a comprehensive list of standard and optional features, including automatic air conditioning and heated seats wrapped in leather or Alcantara.

Two years after the launch of the model, Lancia executives decided to step it up a notch with the presentation of the Thema 8.32, perhaps better known as the "Thema Ferrari." The Italian Q-car was fitted with a 3.0-liter 32valve V8 engine (hence the 8.32 in the name) sourced from Ferrari. Power was sent to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. The Ferrari-powered Thema completed the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 6.8 seconds and achieved a top speed of 240 km/h or 149 mph!

The styling of the Thema 8.32 was rather discreet with exterior upgrades being limited to the different grille, tailpipes, gold/yellow pinstripes on the sides, a retractable rear boot lid spoiler and the alloy wheel designs. Inside, the flagship Thema offered buyers a full leather treatment (or Alcantara) along with a wood trimmed dashboard featuring unique gauges and a three spoke leather steering wheel.

Here are some highlights: The actual mileage on this 8.32 is 123,413 original km or 73,000 original miles. No rips, tears, cuts, or any other imperfections in the Alcantara seats, door panels and dashboard Non-smoker and was never smoked in by anyone else. Full service history from Grand Turismo in Alliston, Ontario. One of 2 in North America that I know of. Does anyone else have one in North America? I would sure like to know.

Purchased from the first and only original 73 year old owner in Italy and imported by Autoforum into Canada several years ago. Must be seen and driven to be appreciated.

MOTOR: 3.0 quad came FERRARI V8. The previous owner (Paul) has spent over 20K in making sure this 8.32 is perfect. Speak to Brett at Gran Turismo. I would be more than glad to give you Brett's telephone number.

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed transmission. The transmission shifts perfectly in every gear!

BODY: 100% rust free with factory original paint. Never in any accident or collision whatsoever. All original factory shell panels, no aftermarket parts whatsoever. Perfect floors, rocker panels, trunk, etc.

EXHAUST SYSTEM: Upgraded Magnaflow exhaust system. Comes with factory exhaust system as well.

WHEELS/TIRES: Factory original 15" WHEELS with Yokohama tires! I will install a brand new set of 205/50 15" tires for the new owner.

INTERIOR: All original, as new. What can I say, again, let the photos speak for themselves.

COMES WITH THE FOLLOWING: Color brochure, untouched original tool kit, original untouched spare wheel/tire, original factory jack, appraisal - was appraised in 2006 at over $36,000. Today it would be appraised at $45,000. Full service history from Gran Turismo. Original factory exhaust, Lancia Thema floor mats, everything you see in the video/photos. This Lancia cost the equivalent of $80,000 when it was brand new.

TITLE/SHIPPING: This 1989 LANCIA THEMA 8.32 comes with a clean Canadian title. For US residents, I can title this Lancia in your name here in Toronto and get Ontario license plates/sticker in your name so you can drive this Lancia anywhere in North America.

The attractive thing about this Lancia is that it is already residing in North America and will be legal for US road use in 2014. I'm not sure how the seller would work out Canadian license plates for a US buyer, but it wouldn't be out of the question for a US collector to buy this car, store it away for a short while and then title it. It sound kind of crazy, but sadly the US government is so draconian that we are left with few other inexpensive options. The last Thema 8.32 we featured had a little more than 30,000 less miles on the clock and was being offered at $18,000. This car was also located in Germany. I would wager to say averting the hassle that comes along with importation logistics, the asking price of $22,000 is almost a bargain for a decently preserved example of unobtanium.

-Paul

2003 Maserati Spyder GT

It's no secret that Maserati's F1 Cambiocorsa transmission requires a bit more maintenance than your usual gearbox. Every 20,000 miles or so you'll need to replace the clutch, so bank on setting aside $2,500 to $3,000 for that. Now one can begin to understand why a car that had an MSRP of over $80,000 is fetching $30,000 and below today. For those who want to avert some of the nettlesome upkeep, the Coupe GT and Spyder GT were available with a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox. Those I know who have driven one of the three pedal Maseratis have raved about them and I even met a guy who had a 6-speed Spyder that said he uses it regularly with little hassle. Have the Italians finally mastered the art of reliability in exotics, then?

2003 Maserati Spyder GT

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Up for sale is my Maserati Spyder GT. This car is in outstanding condition inside and out. It gets looks everywhere its driven. It has no previous traces of paintwork or accidents. It comes with many factory options, some include; power windows, power locks, premium audio system, full power convertible top, heat, ac, traction control and many more! This Maserati was just taken to Maserati of Dallas for a once over for the next owner. All the fluids were topped off and its ready to go. It has a fresh oil change, Fully Synthetic Valvoline 5w40 as recommended by Ferrari. It runs and drives perfect, and the top works flawlessly.

It has a 390HP V8 engine mated to a smooth shifting 6-speed transmission. I have driven both the F1 Cambiocorsas and it doesn't even compare. The 6-speed is a completely different experience and much more fun. Also, it cost next to nothing to maintain where as the F1 costs a fortune. This vehicle is being sold AS-IS where is with no warranty expressed or implied. This Spyder GT has two known blemishes, both are on the rear bumper. We can have that fixed for the customer at an extra charge if they desire. If you may have any questions about this GT, feel free to message me through eBay, or contact me by phone at 405-620-5264. Thanks for looking!

The seller's asking price is just about spot on for a Spyder GT with this kind of mileage. There are not many ways of getting a red drop top with a Ferrari V8 under the hood. These are tempting cars at this price, and after a friend of mine bought a used Quattroporte a few months back, it makes me think that Maserati ownership, if well considered, is more realistic than I first thought.

-Paul

2005 Ferrari F575M Superamerica

Following on to the uniquely colored Ferrari F575M featured on Saturday, here is a rare variant of that much celebrated V12 Ferrari, the Superamerica. This was an opened roof variant of sorts, with a glass roof that rotated at 180 degrees. The roof also employed electrochromic technology, allowing passengers to adjust the transparency of the roof panel. Ferrari made 599 of these cars and as a result, they typically bring a more princely sum on the used market than their hardtop siblings. This Superamerica for sale in California is lightly used with a little over 6,000 miles on the clock

2005 Ferrari F575M Superamerica

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Rosso Scuderia Brake Calipers, Interior Carbon Trim, 'Cuoio' Daytona Style Seats, 'Cuoio' Colored Dashboard, GTC Package (Modular Rims 19"), Instrument Panel in "Rosso', 'Scuderia Ferrari' Shields, 'Beige' Piping, Rear Wall Leather Upholstery in 'Cuoio', High Power Hifi + 6 CD Changer, 'Beige Chiaro (Light Beige)' Stitching, Colored Steering Wheel in 'Cuoio'

The Ferrari Superamerica, designed by Pininfarina, combines the 12-cylinder berlinetta performance we expect from Ferrari with a very original and innovative take on the convertible concept. It is the first production car to have an innovative rotating roof movement combined with electrochronmic technology which was developed exclisively for glass surfaces with these dimensions by Saint Gobain. This roof concept, patented by Fioravanti allows the Superamerica driver to drop the top electrically in 10 seconds flat, which mades it the world's fastest convertible berlinetta (320Km/h top speed). The Fioravanti-patented rotating roof concept allows the Superamerica driver to electrically drop the top in 10 seconds flat, making it the world’s fastest convertible berlinetta (320 Km/h top speed).

The Superamerica was originally derived from the 575 Maranello and is available with either an F1-style or manual gearbox. The 12-cyl engine has been boosted to deliver 540 hp. Maurizio Parlato, president of Ferrari North America in 2005, announced at the New York Auto Show that 559 Superamericas would be built - 175 of them will be designated for the United States, and as expected they all sold out.

This beautiful collector is a one owner Ferrari and is ready to join your collection. Grigio Silverstone exterior with Cuoio leather interior is a true classic combination. This special Ferrari is also equipped with the GTC package which invludes Ferrari's fourth carbon fiber-reinforced solicon carbide (C/SiC) composite ceramic brake system, made by Brembo as well as a more performance-tuned suspension system, low-restriction exhaust system, and unique 19 inch wheels. The new brakes are based on the company's Formula One technology. They use 15.7 inch discs with six-piston calipers in front and 14.2 inch discs with four-piston calipers in the rear. Ferrari Certified Pre-Owned Eligible.

-Paul

2002 Ferrari F575M

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

2002 Ferrari F575M

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

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

-Paul

1992 Ferrari 512TR

Following on the heels of the Testarossa we featured yesterday, here's a low mileage example of its successor, the 512TR. Essentially a facelift of the original Testarossa, Pininfarina's styling tweaks brought the looks in line with the newly released 348. Along with a revised interior layout, improvements were made with regards to weight distribution and the gearbox, which featured a new single plate clutch. This 512TR for sale in Connecticut in Fly Yellow certainly isn't for your shrinking violets out there.

1992 Ferrari 512TR

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1992 512 Testarossa. Looks and smells like brand new car. Yellow with black interior, brand new tires, runs and drives very well. Very nice car drives beautifully. Just serviced. Sold as is where is, no warranties. Inspections are welcomed, please contact us to schedule one. Drive it home today.

VIN: ZFFLG40A8N0092654
Year: 1992
Make: Ferrari
Model: 512 TR
Style / Body: Coupe 2D
Engine: 4.9L 12 Cyl Unleaded Gas
Country of Assembly: Italy
Drive-line: Rear-wheel drive

Values for 512TRs don't vary much from the original Testarossa. The 512TR had an MSRP of just over $200,000 when it was new and the prices we see today on these twelve cylinder brutes is about as low as they have ever been. For a mint, low mileage example such as this, we could be looking at between $65,000 to $90,000. The 512's smoother details has always made this my favorite of the Testarossa bunch, however, the yellow, well, it probably wouldn't be my first choice. Still, this is an arresting looking machine twenty years on.

-Paul

1988 Ferrari Testarossa

The Ferrari Testarossa is one of our favorites here at CICFS and currently, they have become more affordable than ever, no doubt as a result of a lagging economy and the fact that they fall into that modern classic category where bargains can be had. I was watching What’s My Car Worth on the Velocity Channel the other night and a 1991 Testarossa in average condition sold for $45,000. This example for sale in Las Vegas is three years older than the car featured on that show and wears the unusual shade of Oro Chiaro Metallizato (light metallic beige).

1988 Ferrari Testarossa

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This very preserved original one owner Testarossa features a vary rare gold/pewter color. The car is all original, however we discovered the original audio unit in the car was not working so we replaced it with a modern unit. The original one comes with the car. The car has a 5-speed with very low Only 3539 miles it has been very well maintained and all open recalls have been preformed. The car appears to be mechanically sound with clutch & brakes in good working order with no major probelms found. We have noted that the power passenger window goes up and down slower than the driver's window. Also the drivers seat does show some wear and the exterior shows very well. The car also includes Ferrari tools, books, and a car cover.

This Testarossa is an interesting specimen. Sure, it has been used sparingly, but a lot of people will be put off by a color more suited for a Toyota Camry, no matter how rare the hue may be. That being said, $75,000 is probably optimistic, as there are a lot of low mileage Testarossas on the market. We are probably looking at a $60,000 car at best. It's always nice to see the rare colors come about for sale, but honestly, traditional Rosso Corsa is where it's at with these sports cars.

-Paul

1984 Alfa Romeo GTV6

On Friday we featured a fine, restored specimen of an Alfa Romeo GTV6. It was possibly one of the best GTV6s we've seen here at CICFS. These coupes offer one of the best performance values for money when it comes to classic Italian cars, so I thought we should highlight another, if not as mint, example for sale in Florida.

1984 Alfa Romeo GTV6

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Best described as an "excellent driver." Mechanically sound and visually stunning. More than $8,000 spent on repairs in the last two years, including, timing belt, rebuilt transmission, alignment, A/C repair, clutch, outer and inner shaft bearings, and lug nuts, new battery. I have all the documentation available. I've been using it as my daily driver for 18 months. The work was perfomed at Stephens Alfa in Pompano Beach and Auto Veloce Inc North Miami Beach. Both strictly Alfa shops. The underside carriage is in very good condition. There is no sign of damage or rust repair.

The car sits on aftermarket alloy wheels. New tires. The interior is in great condition. There are a couple of cracks on dashboard, and it has an AutoSport GTV6 cover on it. All gauges and switches are fully operational. A/C blows cold. The engine compartment is in good original condition.The trunk is in very good condition. Pictures speak for themselves. Inspections welcomed. Growing family forces sale. Milleage:179 000 NADA Values for 84' GTV6, Low retail: $7,612 Average retail: $9,450 High retail: $12,967.

While this car has very high mileage for an Alfa Romeo, the host of maintenance and repairs it's benefitted from is impressive, as the owner has spent the cost of the car in getting it sorted. I'd say the $7,000 asking price is just about right, if this car turns out to be as nice as described.

-Paul