Monthly Archives: November 2019

Fiat, Uncategorized

1977 Fiat Moretti 126 Minimaxi

Moretti was ahead of its time in the 70s. Fast-forward to 2019, and Fiat and Jeep, under the FCA umbrella, have created a modern Moretti Minimaxi. Selling at 100 times the rate of the Minimaxi, Jeep's Renegade compact SUV combines a beach-cruiser body style with a Fiat Abarth powertrain, and is even manufactured in Italy.

Like the Renegade, the Minimaxi is based off of a Fiat. The Moretti borrows its mechanicals from the 126 city car, making use of its most powerful engine offering, the 594cc unit. The canvas top and the doors are removable, lending to an airy cockpit, should it be desired.

1977 Fiat 500 126 Moretti Minimaxi rear canvas top
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Year: 1977
Model:  Fiat Moretti 126 Minimaxi
Engine: 594cc twin
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  62,000 km
Price: $15,800
Location: Miami, FL

1977 Fiat 500 126 Moretti Minimaxi interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1977 Fiat Moretti 126 Minimaxi

Up for sale is a real nice 1977 Moretti 126 Minimaxi ragtop! You can take the top off! Perfect beach car. Many hours and money has been invested in this nice Italian car. This is a true collector's car. Very few made! I have 100+ pictures available!

Vin Number: 4551623
Originally Imported from Italy
Clean FL Title

One of the world's finest attractive micro cars! The side doors, and windshield also are also removable!

In 1967 Moretti produced only 2,600 cars, in 1973 only 3,292 were produced, and by 1974 production was down to only 1,071. In the seventies, Moretti switched to building mini off-roading vehicles on Fiat platforms. The Fiat 500-based "Minimaxi" first appeared in 1970, and was later adapted to take 126 mechanical components.

This car drives exceptionally well, you can take it to the car shows & for weekend cruises. Definitely gets a lot of attention & questions at the cars and coffee. The Fiat is powered by it's 600cc engine. It moves pretty quick! It has a 4 speed manual transmission. Engine Bay is well detailed. Has a nice exhaust that sounds really nice. Mechanically the car is sound! See the video.

The car did received a restoration. All doors, trunk, hood are all aligned like they should from factory. It has always been garage kept and well taken care. Underneath the floor pans are in great shape, everything was properly redone.

The Interior is splendid and contrast well to the exterior paint, red sport Italian upholstery has been fitted, and tastefully done, and overall condition looks new. Brown roll-up top!

I'm located in Miami about 30 minutes away from the airport. Feel free to come see the car in person. Sold As-is. Thanks for looking. For those interested you can call me at 305 five four two 5662. If I don't answer just leave me a voicemail.

If you're looking to finance I would recommend JJ Best. They can finance your classic car or hot rod and are very pleasant to work with.

1977 Fiat 500 126 Moretti Minimaxi engine
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Where we see fresh paint, our minds wander to nightmares of body filler and poorly repaired rust. A cursory glance at photos won't quell our concerns in the rust department, nor will verbal affirmation; we would ask for photos of the car in its stripped-down state, before the new paint was applied. As for the mechanicals, Fiat 126 components won't be easy to come across in the US, but they are out there, and the car should be a breeze to maintain in Europe.

We love the potential this car has as a West Coast beach car. Or Intermountain ranch runabout. Or daily driver anywhere. It's unique, robust enough, and practical. Then again, our idea of a winter car is a Fiat 500 Abarth on snow tires.

-Graham

Centro Stile Fiat, Maserati

2014 Maserati Quattroporte GTS

In honor of Black Friday, we present today the original mall lot crawler, the Quattroporte. The Quattroporte V was, in a way, to Maserati as the Cayenne was to Porsche - a usable machine that cashed in on the iconic brand for some volume. Something to keep black ink in the books.

And, today's Quattroporte sports a few signature traits of the model's largest market - the South. The white paint and tint are obvious lines of defense against solar radiation in an Atlanta parking lot, and the lack of AWD that would never pass muster in the Northeast is not a problem in the warm South.

2014 Maserati Quattroporte Ferrari V8 white tan interior rear view
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Year: 2014
Model:  Maserati Quattroporte GTS
Engine: 3.8L V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Mileage:  33,975
Price: $34,995
Location: Charlotte, NC

2014 Maserati Quattroporte Ferrari V8 white tan interior wood trim
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2014 Maserati Quattroporte GTS

Twin Turbo V8 523 HP, beautiful color combo, 2 Owner Clean Carfax, Just serviced

2014 Maserati Quattroporte Ferrari V8 white tan interior Ferrari F 154 A twin turbo engine
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The F 154 V8 is one of our favorite Ferrari mills of all time, and the more traditional cross plane layout of the Maserati A variant does little to dull the appeal. 523hp might not quite stack up to the nearly 600hp that the same family of engine makes in the Ferrari Portofino, but the wider powerband will leave few disappointed.

If it were our money, we'd find ourselves a Quattroporte V, owing to the simpler construction and bulletproof powertrain. But, there are upsides to the risk of biting into a Quattroporte VI. The power, interior, and added features tip the scales in favor of the newer model for you. Just make sure it's a GTS like this example.

-Graham

Bertone, Gandini, Lamborghini

1971 Lamborghini Espada

Bearing the name of the torero, is the Espada to be interpreted as the Lamborghini to end all Lamborghinis? To us, it just seems like a Jarama that likes to party. And drive people to parties. It does have room for two behind the front seats, after all.

We have a suspicion that the more traditional bodystyle of the Espada made for more straightforward assembly than was the case for the Miura. And, given Lamborghini's difficulty in meeting Miura demand at the time, it's conceivable that many parties interested in Miuras made it out of the sales office with an Espada instead.

1971 Lamborghini Espada white rear Ansa
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Year: 1971
Model:  Lamborghini Espada
Engine: 3.9L V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  9,229
Price: Auction
Location: Memphis, TN

1971 Lamborghini Espada white interior wood steering wheel
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1971 Lamborghini Espada

1971 Lamborghini Espada Coupe this is one of the most original Lambo's you will ever find. The car is all original and has 9,229 original miles. The car has been off the road since 1976. The car was purchased and cleaned up no paint or body work was performed. The car does run very well all the Webber carbs have been rebuilt. The car will need brake and clutch work to be an everyday driver.

if you have any questions please give me a call 9016520106 thanks AL

1971 Lamborghini Espada white V12 engine bay
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No need to tiptoe around the fact that this car has sat since 1976; hibernation is essential in some species, but 43 years is pushing it. Everything will require attention on this car, although the seller does mention that the car runs very well with its rebuilt Webers, no small feat on a 6-carb mill. Fortunately, the seller has also taken the liberty to clean up the car, and the result is really impressive - more of a barn find than a case of neglect, for sure.

Sometimes project cars present the opportunity for the dedicated tinkerers among us to get into something we might otherwise be priced out of. In this case, the cost of refreshing this Espada might very well exceed the cost of purchasing one in a more drivable state. Espada experts: please prove us wrong, and enjoy the project!

-Graham

Fiat, Giugiaro, Uncategorized

1989 Fiat Panda 4×4 Sisley

Any Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley edition fans out there? Rhetorical question; our site stats show the Panda 4x4 Sisley as a clear reader favorite. You all don't seem to mind Lancia 037 Stradales either, but those are tough to find. So today, readers, we will check in on the Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley market.

Those of us in the US, and possibly even the European readers, might not be familiar with the origin of the Sisley moniker. As it turns out, Sisley is a brand under the United Colors of Benneton umbrella. Something like the heritage brand Orvis in the US, it would seem. So, in addition to canoe appliqués on the seat backs, the Sisley edition adds an inclinometer, the hood scoop, and a roof rack, among other details. An Italian premonition of the various L.L. Bean and Eddie Bauer edition vehicles that have turned up in the US over the years. A final note on the Sisley edition - the Panda 4x4 was assembled in Termini Imerese, Sicily. One could say Fiat Panda 4x4 by Sisley, by Sicily.

1989 Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley Edition for sale in USA green back rear
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Year: 1989
Model:  Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley
Engine: 999cc SOHC 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  194,000 km
Price: 5,490€
Location: Asti, Italy

1989 Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley Edition for sale in USA green interior canoe seats
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley

rif. 12464539]
panda 4x4 sisley 1989 ristrutturata
auto di interesse storico.
auto d'epoca, totalmente riverniciata e  con imporatanti lavori eseguiti sulla meccanica.
pronta all' uso, nessun lavoro da fare
auto per intenditori e appassionati
? .490 + voltura
astenersi curiosi, perditempo  e offerte al ribasso
da vedere presso nostro deposito di asti in corso alessandria 458
per info 3202434693

...


panda 4x4 sisley 1989 restored
car of historical interest.
vintage car, totally repainted and with important works performed on the mechanics.
ready to use, no work to do
cars for connoisseurs and enthusiasts
?5.490 + voltura
abstain from being curious, time wasters and low-price offers
to be seen in our deposit of auctions in progress alessandria 458
for info 3202434693

1989 Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley Edition for sale in USA green engine bay tire
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A facelift model, this Panda 4x4 eschews the pushrod 965cc engine of early models for a 49hp 999cc SOHC unit from the FIRE engine family. This example should be galvanized, though we are not exactly sure of when galvanized bodies went into serial production, though it was after the facelift. As long as the 4x4 PTO is in good working condition, we wouldn't have too many reservations with going through one of these mechanically. The engine is standard, simple Fiat fare, and the suspension is conventional up front and a rudimentary leaf spring and live axle out back. Part sourcing, though not the simplest of tasks, shouldn't prove too difficult.

Likely forgotten over the years, these Panda 4x4s, Sisley editions especially, have picked up momentum in the past five years or so. As such, the market is in no shortage of opportunists trying to make a quick buck off of the newfound interest. Low-effort photos seem to be the norm, as far as we can tell. So, buying from afar will require a communicative seller who is willing to provide detailed service information and ample photographs. This example has potential, and how appealing it ends up being is now dependent on how far the seller is willing to go in creating buyer confidence.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Pininfarina

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

Even a hasty collection of vertical cell phone shots of a clean 164 LS parked in a gravel drive do justice to the design of the FWD Alfa Romeo sedan. We've seen the details that make this design so pleasing show up in other automakers' work lately. VW offers the same green over tan interior on their recently canceled Golf Alltrack. Rivian's R1T and R1S both employ a similar light bar across the tailgate of their trucks. And of course, Alfa Romeo still offers the circle motif, albeit five of them and in a larger diameter, on the wheels of the Giulia.

Those who love the design of the 164 easily forgive the 164's mechanical makeup, but what isn't to like about it? Interior room and comfort is up over the Milano, but the weight penalty isn't noticeable in normal driving. On this LS model, the power (210hp in stock form), is a major improvement over the 183hp in a Milano Verde, and the way the power builds as you wind out the tach is as close to a thrill as you'll experience in a 1990's executive sedan.

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS green manual rear manual 24V
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Year: 1995
Model:  Alfa Romeo 164 LS
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  145,000
Price: $6,500 BIN
Location: Lakewood, OH

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS green manual 24V peanut butter tan leather interior shifter
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

I've owned my Alfa 164LS for almost 20 years. I have owned several Alfas and am i lifelong Alfisti. This Alfa has been loved and cared for the Alfas should be. Many new parts over the years; too many to list. Recently upgraded suspension with new components including Koni shocks. You can fly in from anywhere in the country and drive this car home. Here are the only issues:

Small rust spot above windshield and on fender. Not obvious at all; very small.

Driver's seat will not go up or down. works fine going back and forth.

Heated seats inop

Cruise Control inop

CD changer works sometimes.

LCD Climate control display works great and all pixels work except one.

That's it. The car is ready to enjoy and be driven. I simply don't have the time for it anymore.Please ask me any questions! I want it to go to a good home 🙂

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS green manual 24V engine chrome runners most beautiful engine
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These 24V V6's require a careful wrench when it comes to cam belt replacement and cam timing adjustment. The cams gears are not keyed, so cam locks are required when setting the timing, unless you've really got a knack for it. Timing belt tension should be set with a weighted arm, but again, those who know their way around these engines can set it by feel. Having done only two 24V timing belt jobs, we'll exclude ourselves from that list. The point of all of this is to say that we advise interested parties to inquire as to the age of the timing belt and idler bearings. Recent suspension work, including Koni shocks, should have the ride in fairly good order. Looking at the engine bay photos, we have a good feeling about the mechanical health of this example.

The seller encourages potential buyers to fly in and drive this car home. We've done three separate 164 acquisitions from long distance, and will add that if you do indeed fly in and drive home, you'll probably fall for the car on that first long trip. No Alfa loves 80mph cruising quite so much as a 24V 164.

-Graham

Ferrari, Pininfarina

2004 Ferrari 360 Spider manual

It's a gated shifter manual Ferrari weekend here at CICFS, thanks to the weather. We were about to write up a miserable Alfetta sedan project when a look outside at the bleak fall winter landscape led us to some more optimistic searches. Ferrari 360 Spider it is.

As far as 360 Spiders go, this example is the cream of the crop. We'll forgive the fender shields (too loud) for compensations such as the common Challenge Stradale rear grille, modular wheel option, and the Verde Zeltwig (green) paint with a tan top to boot. Someone with our sense of style must have ordered this machine.

2004 Ferrari 360 Spider gater manual green verde tan interior rear quarter tan top
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Year: 2004
Model:  Ferrari
Engine: 3.6L V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage:  10,132 mi
Price: $114,777
Location: Boerne, TX

2004 Ferrari 360 Spider gater manual green verde tan interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2004 Ferrari 360 Spider manual

Ferrari 360 Verde Zeltwig with 10132 Miles, for sale!

2004 Ferrari 360 Spider gater manual green verde tan interior V8 engine cross plane
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As with all 360s, maintenance is not the nightmare that once characterized longitudinal Ferrari V8 service. Through an access panel in the engine firewall, technicians can access the engine timing belts and serpentine belt, allowing for a reasonable 'major' service with the simple removal of the front seat(s). In light of the upsides - a Ferrari V8 powertrain mounted midship - we're inclined to accept the compromise.

With the disclaimer that we interest ourselves more with the mechanical and historical side of Italian cars, and less with following market prices, we will say that this example is priced a bit more fairly than we would expect. Expensive for 360, though it is, the rare color, 6-speed manual, and low mileage certainly command a premium, and in this case, it seems to be a fair one.

-Graham

Ferrari, Pininfarina, Uncategorized

2005 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti manual

You almost have to pity Ferrari when it comes to development and manufacturing costs. A niche automaker such as Ferrari cannot spread the development and tooling costs for each new model over a large production run like GM can with the Corvette, for example. When GM decided to move the Corvette to a completely new mid-engine chassis, it did so with the prospect of 25-30,000 sales annually, a luxury not available to Ferrari.

Ferrari manages development costs by sharing powertrains and vehicle platforms. The 612 lead the way in aluminum front-ship V12 chassis development for the 599 GTB Fiorano (sadly, it didn't pass on its styling grace). And, the 575 Superamerica, a limited-production model, shared its similar tipo F 133 V12 with the Scaglietti, spreading out the development costs over the two models.

2005 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti manual transmission gated shifter black rear view
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Year: 2005
Model:  Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Engine: 5.8L V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage:  41,126
Price: $224,997
Location: Hatfield, PA

2005 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti manual transmission gated shifter black interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2005 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti manual

2005 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti 
6 SPEED GATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Finished In Glossy Black Exterior With Black Leather Interior 
A Total of 3,025 Were Produced, From 2005-2010, 199 Were Manual Transmission World Wide, 44 for USA.
Horsepower: 540 hp
MPG: Up to 11 city / 17 highway
Dimensions: 193″ L x 77″ W x 53″ H
Engine: 5.8 L V12
Tire size: Front: P245/45R18, rear: P285/40R19
The 612 is Ferrari's second all-aluminium vehicle, the first being the 360 Modena. Its space frame, manufactured in collaboration with Alcoa, is made from extrusions and castings of the material, and the aluminium body is then welded on. The chassis of the 612 formed the basis of the 599 GTB flagship grand tourer.
The 612 Scaglietti was one of the last cars Ferrari offered with a manual.
Recent Service Has Been Performed At Ferrari Dealer In FL.
New Clutch Was Installed At Ferrari Dealer At 37K
Professionally Tinted Windows For Privacy
Always Serviced
Professionally Cared For By Previous Owner 
Books & Key 
Professionally Detailed Inside & Out 
All Service Is Up To Date
Clean CarFax - Clean AutoCheck - ! 
The Ferrari 612 Is A 2-Door, 4-Seater, High-Performance Sports Car
6 SPEED GATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Please Feel Free To Call / Text / E-Mail With Any & All Questions Or Offers 


2005 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti manual transmission gated shifter black engine V12
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This example shows a healthy crop of miles on the odometer. Often, this means that the vehicle is in better health, having required frequent tending to in order to hit the road so often. Given the mileage, the interior is holding up better than expected. Leather for seats in this category of vehicle isn't selected for lasting quality. No, it just needs to look, feel, and smell decadent when the car is purchased new. Though the car wears the 19" HGTC handling package wheels, it doesn't appear to have the chrome exhaust grilles, so it's likely just a wheel upgrade and doesn't contain the other components of the handling package.

Manual shift 612 Scagliettis have never really dropped in price, and looking back at one we posted in 2015, prices have increased by 30%, give or take. Not an explosion by any means, but disheartening for manual 2+2 fans of modest means. As the story goes, the 612 was succeeded by the FF hatchback, available in automated-manual only. An impressive vehicle, the FF, but it's no manual V12 GT. For those looking for a modern Ferrari grand tourer with a manual transmission, the 612 is really the only option.

-Graham


Uncategorized

2002 MaseratI Spyder GT

Caveat emptor. Buyer beware. Rebuilt Title. Now, with that out of the way, let's dig into what could be a bargain on an attractive Italian roadster. In this case, it happens to be a $12,900 Maserati Spyder GT, which pairs a Graziano Transmissioni 6-speed manual transaxle with the vaunted Ferrari F 136 R V8.

Weighing in at around 3,800lb, the Spyder never feigns a desire to be a sports car. But, with two seats as opposed to the Coupe's four, as well as with nine fewer inches of wheelbase, the Spyder compromises on its grand touring mission. A weekend car in every sense, the Spyder is the perfect form for high-RPM tunnel runs with the top down.

2002 Maserati Spyder Ferrari V8 red interior exterior rear
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Year: 2002
Model: Maserati
Engine: 4.2L V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage:  13,740
Price: Auction - $12,900 BIN
Location: Denton, TX

2002 Maserati Spyder Ferrari V8 red interior leather manual shifter
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2002 Maserati Spyder GT

2002 Maserati Spyder in excellent condition. This is an actual six speed manual car, not the Cambiocorsa that constantly requires clutch replacement. The six speed manual is VERY rare, one of 572 ever built, and probably one of fifty built in 2002. The motor runs excellent, the transmission shifts excellent. The car is very powerful and yes it's a Ferrari designed and built engine sitting under those Maserati valve covers. It's basically a mix between the 360 and 430 motors, with different camshafts that boost the torque.

This car has a optional Sport Suspension package that is two electronic valve settings (selected by a button on the center console) plus adjustable threaded coilover shocks that allow you to manually raise or lower the ride height.

There are some sticky buttons and the ashtray is sticky. The NAV cover has been replaced with a cut sheet of ABS. I think StickyNoMore in FL has some replacement covers in stock. This is typical with ALL Maserati's and Ferrari's of this era. There is a crack in the inside of the windshield at the top of the glass. It's hidden by the tint. I paid extra for ebay to let you zoom into the photos and get as much detail as possible. 

Lot # 10371851 Details

VIN: ZAMBB18A920005931
GET HISTORY REPORT
Est. Retail Value: $26,455 USD 
Ownership Doc Type: MO SALVAGE CERTIFICATE OF TITLEMAY CHANGE UPON TRANSFER OR REGISTRATION 
Odometer: 33,404 Actual 
Primary Damage: BURN - ENGINE 
Auction Verification: Vehicle can be Driven 
Special Note: MOSTLY SMOKE DAMAGE

This car does have a reconditioned title from before my ownership. Autocheck shows there were NO ACCIDENTS, and NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED or damage found on record. The car was retitled by an insurance company in 2011 after a fir in the engine bay.
 The report lists that car was still driveable even after the fire, and that the damage was mostly just smoke. So it apparently wasn't too bad (this happened before my ownership) and I would have never guessed it was fire damage had I not found the information using google. Pictures of the engine bay are included, it's immaculate. I
f you look VERY closely there is evidence of some repaint on the passenger side front fender. There is also a dent, like a big hail dent on the bottom of the passenger side a-pillar. But the car is a SHOW WINNER (wife says we're keeping the trophy).

The power tops of these can be very finicky, this one has been converted to a manual top. The pump has been drained of fluid and the main hydraulic rams disconnected. No parts are actually missing (maybe a small clip or two). It takes about 45 seconds to manually raise/lower. The process is documented in the service manual. I'll go over the steps with the buyer and/or send a video of the process.

The tires are NEW. The top is in great shape, the back window is a little cloudy though. The driver's seat has some fading, but is not ripped or torn. 

This car gets tons of looks, thumbs up and compliments. It recently won first place in the Maserati class of the Italian Car Festival in Grapevine, TX. Very fun to drive, the only reason we are selling is that we are out of space in our garages and space on our collector car insurance policy. The car can be viewed in person, contact me through Ebay and we can arrange a time/place.

Buyer is responsible for shipping (or local pickup). I highly recommend Angels Moving Autos as they have shipped several cars for me in the past. I would estimate the typical cost to be $800-$1250 depending on location/enclosed/open carrier.

This is up for auction again because the first buyer changed his mind without even seeing the car. I will remind any buyers that the deposit is non-refundable. Ebay charges me listing and final value fees so it costs me when you change you mind. While the car was bought for my wife, I also have a Texas auto dealer license. If the buyer is in Texas the state requires I charge the required fees/taxes (6% sales tax)

2002 Maserati Spyder Ferrari V8 engine bay F 136 V8
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The seller explains that the rebuilt title owes to an engine bay fire, noting that the passenger side fender display evidence of a repaint. The engine bay photos show what appears to be an immaculate engine bay, and with further inspection, potential buyers could determine whether the damage was repaired properly or not. The seller notes that the power top has been converted to manual operation - a disappointment, but not a deal-breaker.

These cars are both very reliable and very expensive to repair. So, we recommend a PPI, but if the results are positive, we wouldn't anticipate many issues. Issues that do arise? Those may end up on the expensive side. Still, we are happy to share such a rare combination of low miles, a manual transmission, and a nicely-optioned (Skyhook suspension plus the red interior) Spyder.

-Graham