Monthly Archives: December 2019

Lamborghini

1970 Lamborghini Islero S

Forget Ford v Ferrari. Ford is in the moneymaking business and has only ever on rare occasions produced anything with value beyond its primary mission of profit creation; this includes: the Fiesta ST, the Focus RS, the GT350 and the original Ford GT. We won't count the new Ford GT because that was designed and built by Multimatic in Canada.

No, this is Lamborghini v Ferrari. Where's the fun in running a solvent business with any sort of continuity in ownership? How does an agricultural firm go about challenging Ferrari? Suppliers such as Girling, Weber, Cromodoro, Pirelli, Ansa, and many others help to spread out the design burden. And, Carrozzeria Marazzi provided the assembly plant, skimming off the top but keeping Lamborghini's upfront cost down. Crash regulations weren't what they are today, and emissions standards were minimal. So, the biggest challenge was really just building a superior alternative to Ferrari's road going machines, producing them, and finding buyers.

1970 Lamborghini Islero S V12 manual green rear quarter view
Click to view listing

Year: 1970
Model:  Lamborghini Islero S
Engine: 3.9L V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  46,079 mi
Price: $285,000
Location: West Hollywood, CA

1970 Lamborghini Islero S V12 manual green interior
Click to view listing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1970 Lamborghini Islero S

1970 Lamborghini Islero S in Very Original Condition. Comes in Verde Pallido with Black Leather and Beige Fabric Inserts, 5 Speed Manual Transmission, Borletti Air-Conditioning, Power Windows, 3-Band Blaupunkt Radio, Wood Trim Steering Wheel and Veneer Fascia. Miura Knockoff Wheels, 46,079 Recorded Miles, Books and Records Including Engine Rebuild by Bob Wallace. 

1970 Lamborghini Islero S V12 manual green engine bay
Click to view listing

Here we see an example with some accident history, a rebuilt engine, and a couple of periods of dormancy. The interior is rough around the edges, which should be simple enough to address on the textile side of things, but should the dash prove to be too deteriorated, could prove to be quite expensive to repair. We like the Bob Wallace - the original Lamborghini test driver - provenance of the engine rebuild, though those valve stem seals sat for a long time and we wouldn't be surprised to see some smoke on deceleration.

The condition and history of this example do it no favors, but at a production run total of 100 units for the Islero S and 225 units for all Isleros, the rarity of this early Lamborghini can't be ignored. Compared to the last Islero S that we featured, which wasn't particularly low on miles, this car is discounted by $145,000. That cash won't erase the rear-end damage history, but it will certainly go a long way in bringing the interior back to life, as well as restoring the mechanical bits.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo, Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, Uncategorized

1988 Alfa Romeo 33 1.5 ti

We hate to muddy the waters of our loyalty - the website is Classic Italian Cars for Sale, after all - but we must admit to a certain appreciation of the Volkswagen Golf. Ok, it's our favorite hatchback. And, to our credit, it's a classic Giugiaro design. Anyway, we are reluctant to stray from our favorite, the proven classic.

In theory, the Alfa 33 appeals to us as a close second to the Golf. Now, we are sure that thousands of past owners of the 33 could convince us otherwise, and we've never had the opportunity to drive one ourselves. But, we love the basic formula. Start with the Alfasud front boxer layout and remove the inboard front brakes (and unfortunately replace the rear discs with drums). Drape it in a smart, if oddly proportioned design from Ermmano Cressoni, designer of our beloved Milano / 75. And, build it down south, near Naples.

1988 Alfa Romeo 33 1.5 ti grey rear view
Click to view listing

Year: 1988
Model:  Alfa Romeo 33 1.5 ti
Engine: 1.5L boxer-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  16,000
Price: Auction
Location: Dallas, TX

1988 Alfa Romeo 33 1.5 ti grey interior check cloth
Click to view listing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Alfa Romeo 33 1.5 ti

This 1988 Alfa 33 1.5 Ti is definitely a one of a kind. This example is really unique! The car has covered a mere 16,000 Miles (26,000 km's) and it goes without saying that the car is still in mint condition. The car has always been stored in dry conditions. Recently imported from Portugal it is now for sale in Dallas Texas USA. As mentioned, the car is in mint condition and so are the mechanicals. The original instruction and maintenance booklets have been preserved. Must see/drive to appreciate!!
Still have original tires!

1988 Alfa Romeo 33 1.5 ti grey engine motor boxer
Click to view listing

A facelift model, this example sports the updated clear turn signal lenses both up front and in the rear. At first, we were curious whether the clear rear turn signal lenses were original or not, just because they really look like something from the 1990s aftermarket. Turns out that they are original. Moving on to the drivetrain, power is adequate for this lightweight, coming in at 1053bhp. Nothing to scorch the earth, but respectable when compared to a contemporary 8V GTI.

With minimal footprint on US soil, this car may very well see an outsized hammer price. The Europeans reading this might find that odd, but the 16,000 original miles and general condition of the car make it sort of worth a bit of irrational bidding. Great or merely adequate in its day, it's now an anomaly without many competitors, and would make for an entertaining addition to the right collection (or driveway)!

-Graham

Giugiaro, Italdesign, Maserati

1974 Maserati Merak

Following yesterday's Lamborghini Urraco P250, we present Maserati's offering in the entry-level high-end mid-engine sports car space. Entry-level high-end. Hmm. Regardless, we're talking Porsche 911 fighters here. Powerful engines, smart chassis design, and not much potential for anything more than a weekend trip.

The Merak comes from the Citroen ownership era of Maserati history. Inside, you'll find a Citroen SM steering wheel and dashboard, while under the hood, the SM's 90 degree 187hp V6 makes an appearance. The bodywork forward of the doors is borrowed from the V8-powered Maserati Bora.

1966 Maserati Merak red Citroen SM engine rear view
Click to view listing

Year: 1974
Model:  Maserati Merak
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 24,273mi
Price: $49,000
Location: Dallas, TX

Click to view listing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1974 Maserati Merak

1974 Maserati Merak This Merak is a totally rust free, California car. It’s been off the road and in storage since 1996. This car is really too nice for a restoration, I would encourage the next buyer to do a light detailing and go through the car to get it back onto the road. A local viewing is welcome and encouraged with appointment. We are happy to help buyers worldwide with shipping and freight logistics.

1966 Maserati Merak red Citroen SM engine bay spare tire
Click to view listing

Oddly enough, it's the Citroen engineering that gives us hope for keeping one of these on the road with relative ease. The brake hydraulics are SM-derived, and while unorthodox, they are not as complex as they are made out to be. Keep in mind that it was this engine that made the basis for the later Biturbo cars, and while those can be a handful to maintain, the relative simplicity of the same basic engine in the SM and Merak will lend to a more satisfying ownership experience.

We're sort of surprised at the somewhat-reasonable price on what is, with only 600 units sold, a relatively rare Maserati. The Merak seems to track the pricing of its Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 more than it does the Urraco, or even the 911, for that matter. To us, it's a great opportunity to buy a great wedge design - from Giugiaro instead of Gandini, in this case. If this car cleans up and turns out to be in good mechanical order, we'd consider it to be a great purchase.

-Graham

Gandini, Lamborghini, Uncategorized

1975 Lamborghini Urraco P250 Tipo P111

1 Comment

The practical Lamborghini shopper has no use for something as mild as the US-spec Tipo P111 P250 Urraco. In his eyes, $119,000 buys a 3-4 nice Lotus Elises, and the math tracks. Both are mid-engined, make around 180hp, and proclaim their sporting intentions unabashedly. Only one is really worth driving around a racetrack in anger. In fact, that same money would buy a reliable Gallardo, which would show up the whole lot at the track, and would make for a more comfortable weekend getaway machine to boot.

And yet, here we are, suggesting that you take a real look at one of 21 Urracos built for the US market. The seriously (86x53mm) over-square 2.5L V8 - a Paolo Stanzani creation - is derated from 220hp to a relatively wheezy 180hp. If our Milano Verde is any indication of how enjoyable 180 Italian horsepower can be, we'd be prepared for a pleasant surprise in the acceleration department. US-spec bumpers hardly detract from the Gandini wedge, and originality considerations aside, we'd leave them be regardless.

1975 Lamborghini Urraco P111 rosso red bertone Gandini Paolo Stanzani rear view
Click to view listing

Year: 1975
Model:  Lamborghini Urraco P250 Tipo P111
Engine: 2.5L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  38,804mi
Price: $119,000
Location: Lynnwood, WA

1975 Lamborghini Urraco P111 rosso red bertone Gandini Paolo Stanzani interior tan leather
Click to view listing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1975 Lamborghini Urraco P250 Tipo P111

1975 Lamborghini Urraco P111 rosso red bertone Gandini Paolo Stanzani V8 engine
Click to view listing

We have it on good authority that the Stanzani V8s are difficult to rebuild. As in, a mechanic who regularly builds Colombo V12s and Lancia Aurelia V6s informed us that it takes a true nut to keep one on the road. So, count us in. Can't be the bad?

We've made it fairly clear that we prefer these to the contemporary Ferrari Dino 308 in spite of the dearer pricing. The design has more room to spread out, and while the Ferrari V8 and chassis would, in all likelihood, make for a better driving experience, we can't help but imagine how much cooler it would be to open the garage to reveal one of these low-slung wedges. This might be a good one to buy.

-Graham

Fiat, Pininfarina

1973 Fiat 130 Coupe

3 Comments

Yesterday's Moretti Minimaxi sat opposite today's Fiat 130 Coupe on the Fiat model spectrum. The big coupe is the result of Torino challenging Jaguar and Mercedes for their share of the high-end coupe market. According to contemporary reviews, the 130 achieved its dynamic goals, cornering beyond expectation for a vehicle so large. But, glancing at the sales numbers, it's apparent that the 130 Coupe never experienced much commercial success.

The mechanical layout, aside from a few eccentricities, wouldn't be out of place on a modern coupe. McPherson struts up front are sprung by torsion bars, while the rear suspension is independent, making use of angled trailing arms and toe links, with the axle shafts covering lateral location duty. The V6 engine is unique for the era, making use of two camshafts per bank, and utilizing a belt drive for engine timing. The 163bhp, combined with assisted brakes and power steering, ensured an effortless driving experience.

1973 Fiat 130 Coupe blue rear
Click to view listing

Year: 1973
Model:  Fiat 130 Coupe
Engine: 3.2L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  16,757
Price: $39,999
Location: Madison, WI

1973 Fiat 130 Coupe blue interior red leather
Click to view listing

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1973 Fiat 130 Coupe

1973 Fiat 130 Coupe by Pininfarina, around 4400 ever made, none sold in the USA, Blue, Red leather, V-6, 5-speed, AC-blows cold, 16k original miles, driven by many celebrities in Europe(Enzo Ferrari, Sophia Loren, 2-ex. Italian Presidents-etc.), these cost $10,000.00 more than the 911 & BMW competitors that year(around 28K), runs & drives great, new tires, new battery, a blast to drive, aftermarket stereo, aftermarket Nardi wheel, driver door speaker cover is cracked-see picture, 1 plastic tip off the choke is broken-see picture, has a little bubbling by the front window, a super cool extremely rare car, there is maybe 2-3 in the country, a real head turner, if you are a collector - you need this one - don't miss this rare chance !!!

Specs:
The Fiat 130 Coupe was one of Pininfarina's classic designs and one of the most influential designs of the 1970's. They were sold in Europe exclusively and only a few have made it to American soil. Only 4400 were produced from 1970 to 1977 and only 800 were ZF 5-speed manuals like this one. The 130's 3.2L V6 engine with alloy heads and iron block were designed by Aurelio Lampredi, the man behind Ferrari's early V12's and the Dino V6. The 130 has a single overhead camshaft and toothed belt drive good for 165HP. This coupe's oblong headlights were never fitted on any other production car. The body was built by Pininfarina then shipped to the Fiat Rivalta factory for final assembly. This car is 190'' long and weighs in at 3528 lbs. When it was introduced in 1970, the 130 Coupes were considered one of the most luxurious interiors in the world with soft leather seat and side panel upholstery and a stunning rolled leather headliner. This 130 has power steering, power disc brakes, power windows, and twin horns (one city, one highway). All gauges and lights work. The back seat has loads of leg and headroom.

1973 Fiat 130 Coupe blue V6 engine
Click to view listing

A car with such low production numbers but without Ferrari desirability occupies a difficult space when it comes to procuring spare parts. Whereas a Fiat Dino owner can justify some expense when it comes to rare engine or suspension service parts, the 130 Coupe just doesn't command the prices that make it worth a $10,000 engine rebuild - to most people at least. With that in mind, this car will require a clean mechanical bill of health before diving in. It is very likely in great mechanical shape, but that must be confirmed through inspection. We do not like what the windshield rust implies, and would be careful to check for more rust areas or bodywork repairs when inspecting this example.

To us, the Fiat 130 Coupe represents the pinnacle of cool GT motoring without relying on heavy-hitting brand cachet. Ostentatious in size and power alone, these big coupes have a powerful presence. The seller provides a wholly unnecessary history of the vehicle; do people in the market for a 130 Coupe really need the history lesson? And, the pricing seems more opportunistic than realistic, especially given the unknowns of the car. But, these are rare vehicles, and the completeness of this example can't be ignored. With some investigation into the mechanical state of this example, and some negotiation on price, this could be a good purchase.

-Graham