Monthly Archives: April 2012

Fiat

1971 Fiat 850 Sport Bertone Coupe

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Introduced in 1964, the Fiat 850 came in many flavors. From a roadster to a small van, there was a model for nearly every taste and lifestyle. One of the more interesting models was the Bertone Coupe. Related to the 850 Spider, the factory entered these coupes into competition in the 1969 Rallye Monte Carlo. Its rear mounted four cylinder engine was just under 1.0 liter in capacity and produced 52 horsepower in stock form. This 850 Coupe for sale in California is in original condition and is quite complete; always important when dealing with a rare beast such as this.

1971 Fiat 850 Sport Bertone Coupe

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Short history of the Fiat 850 Sport Bertone Racer and Carrozzeria Bertone:

A very limited edition of this model have ever been built and just a few are known to survive after 40 years. This is your chance to own a piece of automobile history designed by Carrozzeria Bertone. Similar Bertone Racer Coupes were raced in the Monte Carlo Rally. Giuseppe Bertone, called "Nuccio", (July 4, 1914, Turin, Piedmont – February 26, 1997, Turin) was a famed automobile designer and constructor. He took over Carrozzeria Bertone from his father, Giovanni after World War II, growing the small business to a car building and designing powerhouse.

About this Fiat 850 Sport Bertone Racer:

Runs great, shifts great and is a pleasure to drive. California car, solid body with 75,000 original miles. Newer tires. Custom polished intake manifold with 32/30 Weber carburetor for more horsepower and torque. The original carburetor is also available. Custom made exhaust with a sporty note to take advantage of the bigger carburetor. Original exhaust is also available. Straight body (some small scratches and dents but nothing major).

One seat has a tear on the seam on the bottom and the other one on the back. A must see and drive in order to appreciate. Many new used parts are also available (at extra cost) including, new water pump, piston rings, gasket set, engine, transmission, distributors, new OEM exhaust, racing headers (I have been told they are Abarth but not sure), etc.

Last year, a similar 1969 850 Bertone Coupe came up for sale on eBay priced at $15,000. It was in a little bit nicer shape than this example. Prices are ranging from around $10,000 and under for rough runners to about $15,000 to $20,000 for the best examples. This car may hit $12,000 at the high end. It's not the most exotic of Italian cars, but it is rare to find a car with racing pedigree and Bertone design in this price bracket.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1966 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider

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A number of Alfa Romeo Spiders have been featured on CICFS, but this is the first example of the Series I Duetto we have covered. Most famous for its role as Dustin Hoffman's ride in The Graduate, this roadster holds the distinction of being the last design of Batista Farina. Versus the later Spiders, this model is revered for its design purity, notably the boat tail rear end. This particular example for sale near Hartford, Connecticut has had the same owner for the last 32 years and has the larger 1750 engine.

1966 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider

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1966 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider. VIN: 660229. 111,667 Kilometers (69,360 miles)

HISTORY:

-European model. Privately imported by an American service-man.
-Same meticulous owner since 1980.
-Expertly repainted in 1997, with all trim removed, in original red.

MECHANICAL:

-Engine was replaced with a 1750cc unit
-5-speed manual gearbox
-Brakes upgraded from Dunlop to ATE all around
-No oil leaks
-Car runs and drives well
-When the car sits for extended periods of time, there is a slight hesitation when accelerating. This problem clears up when the car is being used regularly.

BODY/EXTERIOR:
-Very straight sides
-Convertible top in excellent condition
-Solid underneath
-One small rust spot on lower right rear quarter, in front of wheel well (see photos)
-All trim and brightwork is ‘driver quality.’ That is, it’s all presentable but not show quality. The door handles, in particular, are pitted and need to be re-chromed.

INTERIOR:
-Original black vinyl in great condition, showing only moderate signs of wear (see photos)
-Dash is gorgeous!

Overall, the car is a very nice, original, driver that has been sympathetically maintained by the same meticulous owner for 32 years. Pre-purchase inspections are both welcomed and encouraged.

This is not a concours ready Spider, but it appears honest and would be a good starting point for a first time Alfa Romeo buyer that might want to do some tinkering or freshening up. It would also prove an attractive buy for the enthusiast seeking a driver that they can enjoy without the guilt of devaluing an expensive restoration job. Average values for Duettos are concentrated in the mid $20,000 to low $30,000 range. I would suspect a final bid of around $15,000 to $20,000 would represent a good buy.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1991 Alfa Romeo 164

If you missed your chance at buying a brand new Alfa Romeo 164 about twenty years back, here is your second chance. We have featured a few low mileage 164 sedans here at CICFS, but none with mileage this low. This particular car for sale in Philadelphia is the base 164, with cloth interior. This is a seldom seen trim level, as the more common 164 models sold in the US market were the upgraded 164L and 164S.

1991 Alfa Romeo 164

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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. The vehicle was barely driven and looks amazing. This is a-never-smoked-in beauty that looks and smells great. The cars exterior is white that has got a deep sparkling shine to it. The exterior is in good condition. The interior is gray cloth that looks new. The console and dash look great as well!

The engine sounds, runs and feels smooth and provides abundant power. The 5 Speed Manual transmission shifts well - smoothly and easily. We make an effort to test for any electrical problems and none were found on this vehicle. 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 and no problems were found with it. 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.

Having passed through three owners, it is almost a stroke of luck that any 164 could be preserved to such a high level. The one thing that detracts from this car is the engine bay, as the cam covers are oxidized, no doubt a result of spending time in the northeast. A bit of chrome polish on the intake manifolds and a freshening to the cam covers would put the finishing touch on this car. The asking price of $20,000 is very steep, even considering the fact that this may be one of the lowest mileage 164s in existence. Realistically, this car might command $12,000 to $15,000 at the high end on a good day. Most well-kept examples with fewer than 100,000 miles can range these days from $6,000 to $10,000, give or take.

-Paul

Fiat

1975 Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS Clone

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Sometimes you don't need a supercar to experience huge motoring thrills. Even the smallest of cars, such as this recreation of a Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS will provide big car thrills in a small package for relatively little cost. While this 695 SS is not an original, it is well executed example with good attention to detail, from the Jaeger gauge cluster to Abarth badges.

1975 Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS Clone

Really nice Fiat Abarth 695 esse esse with the coveted Assetto Corsa kit. Vehicle is complete, including the original Jaeger dashboard. Vehicle has been restored by a Fiat specialist. During restoration, the engine was overhauled and gearbox rebuilt. Vehicle is on the new Avon tires. Ready to use for the historic motor sport (including street legal). This 500 is completely rust free.

At a shade under $13,000 USD, this Abarth clone is priced around the going rate for standard 500s in the US. Considering an original 695 SS may run around $40,000 to $50,000, this is a relative bargain. Given the fact modern clones are more usable than the originals, both with regards to drivability and the fear of devaluation that comes with use, I think I would be more inclined to buy a sorted example like this rather than pay for the premium of an expensive museum piece.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1990 Ferrari F40

We featured a Ferrari F40 about a month ago, so it was pleasantly surprising that yet another US spec version has recently come up for sale again. The F40 was the Bugatti Veyron of its day, pushing the performance envelope beyond boundaries no one had yet exceeded, forever cementing its place in supercar history and in the minds of enthusiasts for generations. With under 5,000 miles, this F40 for sale Missouri is pretty much as new.

1990 Ferrari F40

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1990 Ferrari F40 in Rosso Corsa over a Red interior with just 4,527 miles! Serial number 86954 was delivered new by Shelton Ferrari on January 2nd, 1991 and has received meticulous care thru the years. Fully documented service history performed only by authorized Ferrari Dealerships. All factory campaigns have been performed and over 30 pages of service receipts are present! Complete ownership history is documented as well as a copy of the original window sticker. This F40 scored a 97.5 at a National Ferrari Concours event, the copies of the judging are included. Car #86954 has been certified with the Ferrari Classiche Program and has its recognition plaque as well as the Ferrari Classiche Presentation Book! This F40 is not only in outstanding physical and mechanical condition but is one of the most documented F40's to be available for sale in recent time. Complete with a copy of the original window sticker, books, tool kit and tire inflator.

This F40 has about 2,000 miles less than the F40 that was for sale last month, and is being offered at around a $50,000 premium. I'm not sure if $25,000 per 1,000 miles is really worth it, but I suspect this F40 may sell in the low $600,000 range, which is about the market price for these performance icons.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1986 Bertone X1/9

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Even after Fiat’s exit from the US market in 1982, two of its models soldiered on in the US market, the 124 Spider, which was dubbed the Pininfarina Spider, and mid-engine X1/9, dubbed the Bertone X1/9. Production of the car was transferred to importer Malcolm Bricklin, who had a hand in bringing Subaru to the US market and later brought us the Yugo. The X1/9 had staying power, hanging on until 1989. Even with the large, federally mandated bumpers, this example for sale in Florida looks great in basic red over black and is just in time for some summertime enjoyment.

1986 Bertone X1/9

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Very few Fiats X19 in this condition. This 1986 Fiat X19 Bertone only has 32,786 miles on it and it shows great . When you drive it you will fall in love. There is nothing mechanically wrong with it. It does not have a radio. It does have AC but it is not cold although all the components are there. Undercarriage is fine ....NO RUST. It has a ding the size of a nickel on the drivers door that is hard to show on pictures. Bid with confidence...this car is as good as they come!

It’s nice that this seller has set a no reserve auction, which will help to give us an idea of where the market is right now for X1/9s. If I had to guess, I’d assume this one would probably wind up at around $8,000 to $10,000. If it sells for less than that, the buyer got a true Italian car bargain. Few come as nice as or unmolested as this one.

-Paul

Fiat

1959 Fiat 750 Abarth Allemano Spider

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Back in January, we featured a rare Fiat Abarth Allemano Spider that was prepped for competition use. Here we have a nice example that car's road going brother up for sale in Santa Barbara, California.

1959 Fiat 750 Abarth Allemano Spider

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Gorgeous 1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Spider. Coachwork by Allemano. Chassis No. 635135. Numbers Matching Example. 1 of 750 Allemano Spiders Built. Fitted with Optional Campagnolo Wheels

Offered for sale is a fantastic example of an exceedingly rare and beautifully presented 1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Spider with coachwork by Allemano. While a vast majority of Carlo Abarth’s offerings were closed cars, some of his clientele preferred open cars for competition and he was aware that a roadster could be successful in the profitable U.S. market. As such, he commissioned a Spider from Zagato based upon the 750GT. With Zagato's initial designs drawing only limited appeal, Abarth turned to Carrozzeria Allemano, the Turin based coachbuilder famous for their work with Maserati throughout the 1950s. The result of their efforts is a Spider that's entirely unique, sleek and sporty while retaining a period Italian charm. It’s believed that Allemano only built 750 Spiders for Abarth and complete correct cars are especially difficult to find, making this a truly uncommon opportunity.

Tastefully finished in a rich dark blue over black, this car is turns heads and garners attention wherever it goes. The distinctive curved bumpers are in excellent condition, as is all of the chrome and polished alloy trim. The car doesn’t appear to have ever been in any accidents, all of the panel fits and gaps are excellent and the finish is free of any dings or scratches. The car is factory correct with three exceptions: the optional and extremely rare period Campagnolo wheels (which happened to have caught the sunset in the pictures and therefore look much more gold than they actually are – send us an inquiry and we can forward you a picture of them when they’re not in direct sunlight), leather seats (they were originally vinyl), and squareweave interior carpeting (originally just rubber mats). The car’s interior is equally as clean. The seats aand carpets are flawless, as is the original dash, which retains its correct Abarth gauges and switchgear. The door trim is complete with proper storage pockets and the car’s navy soft top and boot cover are in perfect condition.

The original 747 CC inline 4-Cylinder engine with correct 2-Barrel Weber carburetor runs beautifully, starting without any smoke or hesitation, idling consistently and pulling strongly through each of its four gears. The car’s four wheel drum brakes function effectively (it hardly weighs anything, after all), and the car’s wheelbase, front transverse leaf-spring suspension and rear independent coil-spring suspension make it handle like a go-cart. It’s undeniably fun to drive and one immediately understands Abarth’s legendary racing history from behind the steering wheel.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an exceptionally rare and unique Abarth Spider that’s ready for club events, shows, or even just weekend drives. Finding another 750 Allemano bodied Spider is nearly impossible, so serious Etceterini or Abarth enthusiasts and collectors ought to give this car significant consideration.

My favorite part about this car has to be those gorgeous, original Campagnolo wheels. Even though they aren't stock, you just don't see period accessories like this on a regular basis. Like most vintage Abarths, this Spider will not come cheap, but whoever lands this car will have a fun runabout and be able to give a little bit of a history lesson to buyers of the new Fiat 500 Abarth and the legend behind the Scorpion badge.

-Paul

Maserati, Modern Classic

1990 Chrysler TC by Maserati

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There have been many collaborations between Italian and American automobile manufacturers over the years, but possibly none as maligned as much as the Chrysler TC by Maserati. Having met Alejandro DeTomaso while at Ford, Lee Iacocca collaborated with DeTomaso to build a sports car incorporating the best of Italian and American design and engineering. What resulted was the TC, a convertible based on the Dodge Daytona chassis available with three different engines throughout the car's three year production run. On offer was a 2.2 liter turbocharged engine with a 3 speed automatic, a 3.0 liter Mitsubishi V6 with a four speed automatic. The rarest engine and drivetrain combination of all was a 2.2 liter, turbocharged 16 valve four cylinder with a Maserati designed twin came head produced by Cosworth, mated to a Japanese IHI turbocharger and hooked up to a 5 speed manual Getrag transaxle. To add further diversity, the pistons in this engine were made by Mahle in Germany. The alloy wheels, while Italian, were sourced by Fondmetal, a Formula One supplier.

This was certainly an interesting vehicle, but sadly, few took notice. It also didn't help that the motoring press derided this car as little more than a warmed over Chrysler LeBaron. Only 500 TCs were made with the 2.2 liter engine with the Cosworth/Maserati designed head. There are clean examples of TCs to be had in the market, but it's quite uncommon to stumble across a low mileage example of one with the Getrag gearbox and Maserati/Cosworth engine. Here is one for sale with just under 50,000 miles in Michigan.

1990 Chrysler TC by Maserati

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1990 Chrysler TC Convertible by Maserati. Only 49,000 original miles. Very rare TC with only 500 ever being built with a 5 speed Getrag manual transmission and a 16 valve Cosworth "Maserati" head on a 2.2L turbocharged inline 4 cylinder engine. The TC was a vehicle built in partnership with Chrysler's Lee Iacocca and Alejandro DeTomaso of Maserati. Produced to give the availability of a luxury sport coupe with both Italian and American heritage.

This low mileage TC is presented in brilliant red with plush hand stitched Italian leather seats. Equipped with a body colored hard top and tan soft top. Power windows, locks and mirrors. Infinity sound system, power driver and passenger seats. Leather dash, armrest and door trim and speciality designed aluminum wheels. This TC is in excellent condition throughout. Leather has less than average wear and exterior is free of rust or problem areas. Issues noted: passenger side hard top window is delaminating and the engine has a bad valve cover gasket, a very common problem but is able to be fixed. Runs and drives excellent. Starts right up and transmission shifts smooth through each gear. Vehicle is being sold as-is.

To be honest, I never liked the TC. And I still don't. But the TC has its loyal following and an active owners club, which will no doubt help in sourcing bespoke parts for this car's engine. For an enthusiast looking for something out of the mainstream, it is hard to beat the uniqueness of this vehicle for the price.

-Paul

Uncategorized

1972 Fiat 500

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Most of the cars we feature here at CICFS are mint condition examples of Italian motoring icons. However, a recent inquiry from a reader looking for a Topolino to restore had me come across this 1972 Fiat 500, the successor to the "little mouse." While this car looks a little tired, it would make a solid candidate for a cosmetic and mechanical overhaul.

1972 Fiat 500L

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This is a 1972 Sky Blue, team Gigi Maroni Fiat 500 with a retractable roof. This car was imported from Italy it has around 71,369 miles. I say around because this car runs and drives and is occasionally driven around. This car is registered and has recently past inspection. This car is an excellent restoration candidate. I posted as many pictures as I can so you can see what I mean. This car has a sold body, interior with no rips, beautiful dash and as I said the car runs and drives! I say restorable because it has some surface rust but needs little to be perfect.

With the return of Fiat to the US market, prices continue to rise for well preserved examples of the original Cinquecentos. A fairly easy vehicle to restore and maintain, this car represents a good basis for the novice restorer or someone looking to save a bit of money from the outset and have a project which they can enjoy completing themselves.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is one of those sedans that defined a segment in the 1960s. When it was introduced in 1962, it was one of the most aerodynamic vehicles on the market, even if it’s upright, boxy shape suggested otherwise. With a curb weight of around 2,200 lbs. and twin carburetors featured on the Giulia Super, this was a 100 mph plus car in an era where some sports cars weren’t even capable of that figure. This car, then, forever transformed people’s ideas of what a four-door vehicle could be capable of. This Giulia Super for sale in Washington looks very well kept and from underneath looks very solid and free of rust.

1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super

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1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super. It's the 50th anniversary of Giulia. Here is a chance to own part of this historic celebration. A fine example of this celebrated model. The Giulia Super is always included in the lists of all-time great automobiles. Stock and unmodified except for the desirable upgrades of the 1750 motor with veloce cams, Koni shocks and adjustable upper control arms.

It has rebuilt suspension, rebuilt transmission and fresh motor. New imported Italian factory upholstery and carpeting, new, original headliner (there's a name for the pattern, but I forgot it) new windshield. Original dash board with a rare, original, radio block-out plate. Good examples of these cars do not come on the market very often, and this is a very decent old car.

This is a great driver grade restoration, starting with a mostly straight virtually rust free California car. The car belongs to one of my friends who is also a client. He has asked me to help him sell the car. Below is his description, I am happy to answer any and all questions regarding the car, so feel free to ask. While a car that anyone would enjoy owning the new owner may want to enhance this great starting point further to make it more showable. Most of the work on this car has been carried out over the last couple of years. Car is Ivory with dark gray interior. Shows 78227 miles on the speedometer, which I believe could be correct.

Guilias of this vintage in this kind of condition are hovering in the $12,000 to low $20,000 range. If I had to guess, this car may being a little upwards of $15,000. Overall, this is a very nice example of someone looking for a vintage Alfa but seeks something outside of the Spider norm.

-Paul