Category Archives: Lancia

Lancia, Modern Classic

1987 Lancia Delta HF 4WD

Like its older, bigger brother the 037, the Delta helped solidify Lancia's long standing reign on the World Rally scene. This very vehicle racked up 46 WRC wins and nabbed the Constructors' Championship six times in a row from 1987 through 1992. The saying of "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" would certainly apply to this car, as these Deltas achieved popularity from the moment Lancia started marketing them. In the beginning, there was little to distinguish the Delta HF 4WD from its lesser brethern, other than the quad headlights, discreet badging and deeper sills. The four wheel drive system had three differentials with a built in torque splitting action, which ensured power would go to the wheels with the most grip. Not surprising then why this car was a success on the circuit.

Later on, the Delta would spawn the Integrale, which brought about the more butch boxed fender look, upgraded interiors and turbocharged engines coupled to evolving four wheel drive systems with varying degrees of torque split. This Delta is an early non-Integrale version which would be legal for import to the US, falling under the 25 year rule. It is located on the eastern coast of Italy near San Marino.

1987 Lancia Delta HF 4wd

1987 Delta 4wd, beautiful red metallic, all original, 94,000 km. Timing belt done at 87,000, clutch, new tires at 60%, engine overhauled completely. Included in the price is 2 front doors, 2 rear doors, Portelone post, Glass front, Skirts, 4 original rims. THe car has always been in the garage and is in fantastic condition for true connoisseurs and collectors! Price €8500.00.

For about $11,000, this is a lot cheaper than what a similar example already in the US would cost. If one could keep the shipping and importation costs to a minimum, this would be a very practical classic, rain or shine. I like this car, as it represents the simpler, earlier version of Lancia's rally legend and in the deeper shade of red, it looks sublime. Personally, I'm waiting for the day when I can import one of the last Integrale's, preferably an Evolution version. I've always felt that Lancia was a marque that never got the due respect it deserved and it seems that the boys over at Top Gear are in agreement with me, as evidenced by this short clip:

-Paul

Dallara, Lancia, Pininfarina

1983 Lancia 037

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The number 037 is infamous in both Lancia and World Rally Circles. Built solely for the FIA Group B World Rally Championship, this was the last rear wheel drive vehicle to win the championship. Group B regulations required 200 road going models to be built for sale. Some might notice a resemblance between this 037 and the Lancia Scorpion featured a few days ago, and that's no coincidence. The 037 shares its center section with the Scorpion/Montecarlo, while the front and rear ends are steel subframes with kevlar body panels. As for the engine, in true Lancia fashion, the road less traveled was taken. Lancia fitted a supercharger to the Fiat 131 rally car engine developed by Abarth, as they were seeking to improve throttle response. Most of us are used to seeing 037s in Martini or other racing livery, so this red example brought to the US in 1990 is quite a unique find.

1983 Lancia 037

1983 Lancia 037. This amazing original example was purchased new by Ana Traub of Germany in 1983. Purchased December 12, 1989 by Manfredo Lippmann of Guatemala, then imported into the USA on January 08, 1990. Mr. Lippmann brought the car to his Denver, Colorado home for his son, Guillermo. Introduced at the Turin Motor Show in 1982, the Lancia Rally 037 is a light and powerful touring-car, studied in collaboration with Lancia races department, Abarth and Pininfarina study center. Planned for a high level employment in the rallies, it has been realized in a series of 200 samples, in order to obtain the homologation in the group B, the maximum rally category where cars purposely elaborated raced and, in any case, derived from production-model cars.

Powered by its original Supercharged 4 cylinder 1995 cc engine with 205 horsepower. Also comes equipped with its original ZF 5-Speed manual transmission. It is still equipped with its Speedline wheels and original Pirelli tires. The body is Kevlar-reinforced with glassfibre. 0-60 MPH in less than 6 seconds! Top speed is over 140MPH. It would be extremely difficult to find a better original example!

The asking price is not for the faint of heart but I can't remember the last time I saw an 037 for sale. These are beastly cars with a very notorious reputation in motorsport, as rally driver Attilio Bettega lost his life in an 037 in the Tour de Corse on May 2, 1985. In a very eerie twist of fate, fellow rally driver Henri Toivonen died in the exact same race on May 2, 1986 in an all wheel drive Lancia Delta S4, which replaced the 037 and was an evolution of that car. The S4 had a twin charged engine (supercharged and turbocharged). It produced roughly 480 horsepower and was reported to have acceleration from 0 to 62 in under 2.3 seconds. Toivonen had complained that the car was too powerful and twitchy at the limits for this particular race but nevertheless pressed on, when suddenly he lost control of his car and went off the side of the road where no guardrail was present and plunged down a cliff. The car exploded killing Toivonen and his co-driver, Sergio Cresto, instantly. These events sealed the fate of Group B and the series would be banned by the FIA following the 1986 season.

For a taste of what it's like to ride in an 037, here is a clip of Stig Blomqvist demonstrating one on a dirt track:

-Paul

Lancia

1976 Lancia Scorpion

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In the 1970s, Lancia's product lineup began to be influenced by corporate parent Fiat and the Scorpion was no exception. Developed as a complementary model to the Fiat X1/9, the Montecarlo, as it was known in Europe, bowed at the Geneva Motor Show in 1975. The name Scorpion was chosen for the US market as Chevrolet was already using the name Montecarlo stateside. Too meet federal regulations, a smaller 1.8 liter twin cam engine was employed, larger bumpers were installed and pop up headlights differed from the fixed, flush mount Euro market units. Only 1801 Scorpions were made between 1976 and 1977, and as with many Lancias of the 1970s and 1980s, few survived, succumbing to rust issues or mechanical failures too great or expensive for owners to sort out. This Scorpion for sale in California has seen only 47,000 miles and appears remarkably well preserved.

1976 Lancia Scorpion

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1976 Lancia Scorpion. VIN: 137AS 0101192 CA Plate: 1QHV502

Fuel Injected, Montecarlo transmission with overdrive. I am a Lancia nut. I have owned more than two dozen Lancia Scorpions and this is by far the best, cleanest chassis I have found yet. I then had the entire car disassembled and fortified as listed below by the best known scorpion authority and marque specialist, Mark Rawlings of Sacramento. Extremely nice car with sunfaded original silver paint with a slate alcantara suede and black interior. This car has extreemely low mileage at 47,028 and has always received all necessary attention and maintenance. There is no rust on this vehicle and I invite all inspections. Please read the list of accessories and improvements to this car.

O37 Double-Bubble Hardtop
Series II "through the glass" side mirrors
Cromadora Daytona "melted" 5-star 14" wheels
Koni red struts all around
Alcatara suede interior
Sony CD/Infinity speakers

Blueprinted and balanced high performance engine including:
Bosch fuel injection conversion
9.5 to 1 high compression pistons
High lift, high performance cams
4 into 1 header and exhaust

The transmission is the extra rare Montecarlo unit modified further with a special 5th gear overdrive. (allows 80mph @ 4,000rpm) I call it Ultradrive. Incredible opportunity to own a fresh example of a very rare car. Drive this one anywhere. Very nice. Sounds Awesome.

Ever since the seeing the movie Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo as a kid, I've been interested in the Scorpion/Montecarlo after watching Herbie chase after the Scorpion in the flick. The asking price of $12,000 is steep for this particular model, but this car is in great shape, owned by an enthusiast of the marque and represents a fairly inexpensive way into a mid engined Italian exotic with more reasonable running costs than your average Ferrari or Lamborghini.

-Paul

Lancia

1971 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1600

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The Fulvia was the car that put Lancia front and center in the minds of rally drivers. Made famous by its impressive showing as the car which won the 1972 International Rally Championship, the Fulvia was the last car to be designed wholly by Lancia, with Fiat taking the reigns on product development thereafter. These coupes had a V4 engine mounted at 45 degrees and the Zagato added a bit of pedigree with bespoke styling and aluminium body panels. Here is a 1971 Fulvia Zagato Sport 1600 with the largest capacity V4 engined offered, a 1.6 liter.

1971 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1600

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This is a 1971 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1600 - Imported from Italy in 1996 to Brookfield Wisconsin. It has a 1.6 Ltr, V4 Engine that starts and runs very well. This vehicle is mechanically in great shape. The odometer reads 95,000 KM, roughly 59,000 Miles, but runs and drives like a new vehicle. The gearbox also has been taken care of and shifts well with no syncro issues. No major repairs on the engine, gearbox, or other major parts have been needed.

Clearly, this vehicle has been stored well as there is no rust to be found anywhere on the vehicle. Please refer to photos of the underside too. There is no frame or body rust whatsoever. The paint is original and still in great shape for its age - there are no dings or major scratches in the paint. The interior surfaces are all also in great shape the leather looks as if it has only been rarely used. Included with this sale is the original manual, as well as assorted service and registration records from Italy. This Lancia is in great shape and ready for a new home - whether you plan to drive this car daily, or show it, this car is up to the task! Don't miss your chance to get a Lancia in great shape!

Personally, I prefer the delicate looks of the standard Fulvia over the Zagato version, but with 115 horsepower on tap, this is one cracker of a lightweight. The matte trim and absence of the usual chrome bumpers lends an air of weekend track day car to this particular Fulvia, but with it's five speed gearbox and accomodating hatchback design, it would be practical enough to use during the week. With about five days left in the auction, bidding is glancing $30,000 and the reserve has not been met. This is very dear money for a Fulvia of any kind, as honest examples are seeing prices top out in the low $20,000 range. One can't be certain if we've reached the tipping point in terms of Fulvia popularity, but there is no denying that car represents a high point in Lancia engineering and innovation.

-Paul

Lancia, Modern Classic

1987 Lancia Thema 8.32

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With the new year upon us, no doubt everyone is busy making their resolutions. I, on the other hand, am busy figuring out what new cars are legal to import, now that 1987 vehicles fall outside of the 25 year importation ban imposed on enthusiasts living in the United States.

One car that has always fascinated me is the Lancia Thema 8.32. If you aren't familiar with the Thema, this large Lancia shared it’s platform architecture with the Fiat Croma, Saab 9000 and Alfa Romeo 164. The Thema was rather sedate styling wise, but in true Lancia form, their engineers went ahead and did something completely off the wall. They stuffed a 3.0 liter V8 taken from a Ferrari 308 under the hood. This V8 was pretty much unchanged, save for a cross plane crankshaft which replaced the Ferrari’s flat plane crank, a different firing order and smaller valves. This was a rather exotic engine, as some of the engine components came from not only the Ferrari factory in Maranello, but from famed motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, as well.

The resulting car put up numbers which were impressive for a sedan at the time; 212 horsepower, 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed glancing 150 mph. The interior included added luxuries such as wood trim and leather by Poltrona Frau. And electronically deployable rear spoiler rounded off the package. In total, 3,971 examples of the Thema 8.32 were built. For the intrepid US Italian automotive enthusiast, here is an example for sale in Germany.

1987 Lancia Thema 8.32

ABS, alloy wheels, central locking, ESP, leather seats, warranty. Car is in excellent condition, service receipts available at the official Ferrari shop.

For someone brave enough to tackle importation to the US and the servicing costs that come along with Ferrari V8 ownership, this is a Q ship right up there in rarity, if not desirability, with the Mercedes-Benz 500E and Lotus Carlton. You would certainly be the center of attention at any Fiat Lancia Unlimited meet up. With 65,000 km under its belt (~ 40,000 miles) it has been lightly used. The asking price of €13,800 (~ $18,000 USD) is at the high end of the range for these sedans and similar money can buy equally fast (and more reliable) new and used vehicles. For the Lancia or Ferrari enthusiast, however, this is a nicely preserved example of a rarely seen and forgotten Autostrade beast.

-Paul

Lancia, Modern Classic

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe

The Lancia Gamma Coupe has more than a few things in common with the Fiat 130 Coupe we featured yesterday. First, it's no coincidence that its styling is similar to the 130 Coupe, as both cars were styled by Pininfarina. Second, these two big coupes were never sold new in the United States. Third, they are quite a rare sight on the road today, no matter what country you are in.

I'm a big fan of the Gamma, as it has a bit of a budget Ferrari 412 air about it. The Gamma draws off of some of the Lancia Beta suspension technology and employs a horizontally opposed four cylinder engine, a departure from the Lancia norm. This particular Gamma coupe has the later Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, which is a welcome upgrade on the reliability front versus the carburettor setup. While these engines offered good torque, they were nortorious for overheating and had issues wearing out camshafts. The power steering system was driven off the cam belts and at full lock, these belts could fail - leading to a dangerous situation, to put it mildly. Along with the horrible press the smaller Lancia Beta was garnering in the press due to rust issues, these were indeed dark days for Lancia.

Barring all the issues, these are pretty coupes that have aged well. I haven't seen a decent example of a Gamma for quite a few months, but this one in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, looks to be a well cared for example.

1979 Lancia Gamma Coupe

Lancia Gamma 2500 ie Coupe with lots of history.

The seller's description is lacking, to say the least. €7,700 (~ $10,043) is strong money for any Gamma coupe. From the pictures, it does look like a clean, well cared for example. The Nardi wood rimmed steering wheel and shifter knob complement the tan interior and the metallic brown fits the car's '70s flair quite well. It would be awesome to ship this over stateside, as there are few, if any Gammas roaming US roads. If you had a good mechanic and a back channel to parts in the Old World, this would be a practical classic; one which exudes class, good taste and which would make you the hit at car shows and club events.

-Paul

Lancia

1971 Lancia Fulvia 1.3s

The Lancia Fulvia was where Lancia began it's amazing run in the International Rally Championship, winning the title in 1972. Not only that, this is possibly one of the most gorgeous two door coupes to emerge from the 1970s. It's an interesting car that has an interesting engine; a narrow angle V4 mounted at a 45 degree angle, using one single cylinder head. Mint condition Fulvias are rather rare in the US, and I was surprised to see one for sale nearby in Washington, D.C.

1971 Lancia Fulvia 1.3s on eBay

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Here we have a very rare Lancia 1.3S Fulvia. Nice, straight, rust free car that has been owned for the last 30+ years by a local collector. Paint has a few chips, nicks, and cracks but is still very presentable. Body fit is very good and no accidents ever. Interior seats, door panels, are all new correct leather. Dash is origianl and has a crack along the passenger side but the face is quite nice. Headliner and carpets are also very good. Gauges are in excellent shape and all function well. Engine has been professionally maintained its whole life and is very strong. New clutch, slave and brake master cylinder were recently rebuilt.

Overall mechanics of the car are very, very good. Gearbox is tight and all synchros are nice. Car is a blast to drive. Front wheel drive makes for a thrilling ride on a twisty road. Just a rare italian sports coupe that is becoming hard to find in this country.

These Fulvias are one of my favorite Italian vehicles of all time. It's a very small car, but its delicate details make it appear sleeker and larger than it actually is. This car has appeared before on eBay, and the asking price of $21,000 is not cheap, but if you want one of the best Fulvias currently on sale in the United States, this is it.

-Paul

Lancia

1971 Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1.3S

Just up the road from me, this Fulvia Zagato 1.3S is for sale in Portland, Oregon. The 1.3L engine puts out a bit over 100hp originally and weighs about 2000lbs, which should be a pretty entertaining drive. But I really don't care how fast it is because it's spectacular just to look at. What an awesome looking front end, for 1971 especially.

1971 Lancia Fulvia Zagato 1.3S for sale on eBay

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The author's description of the car:

Too many cars and moving to a smaller place. I don't want to but must sell this wonderful car. The car was purchased in Florence Italy in 2003 and imported to Portland, Oregon. In 2003 and 2004 most everything was redone. The engine and transmission were overhauled by Veloce Motors in Gervais, Oregon and the car had a total repaint to original color. The seats and dash were repaired. This car is beautiful and ready to enjoy now. I have all reciepts since 2003. The engine has only 6000 miles since the overhaul (new .020 oversize pistons, new eng bearings, timing chain, valves, guides, seals, water pump ect) . This car has: 1300cc V-4 , 5 speed transmission (new bearings and synchros & new clutch), new shocks, new brake pads, new windshield seals, new headliner, freash service.

Altough this seems like a restoration it is not. However almost everthing that needed to be done has been done. The reserve price is much lower than the buy it now price, which is also a bargin. Don't wait to bid, just hit buy it now and you won't lose out on an outstanding value in a wonderful classic (that you won't have to spend $40,000 on a restoration).

A very sharp little sports car and small, and weird little cars are hot right now. This would be a fun addition to someone's collection.

dc

Lancia

1987 Maserati 425i Turbo: 4 Door BiTurbo

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It's not much of a secret that the BiTurbo doesn't get much love from enthusiasts. Most were not well cared for and are difficult to bring back to respectable condition once they've gone too far. But every time I see a nice one in photographs I can't help but really like the lines. And on paper, a twin turbo V6 should make this a BMW e30 killer.

What I hadn't seen before was this 4 door variant. For sale in San Diego on eBay, this 425i looks pretty respectable. The seller is honest about the condition and the pictures are representative with worn but not destroyed seats and shiny but not perfect black paint.

1987 Maserati 425i on eBay

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from the seller:

For auction is my 1987 Maserati Biturbo 425i. The leather in the interior is extremely luxurious and supple. This is all original - no dyes or paint. The exterior paint is still the original glossy black, but shows it's age in some areas. It's hard to see in the photos. The car was often stored inside. This particular model was purchased with power steering and a sunroof. It was only driving on an average of 4,800 miles per year. The timing belt and oil have been changed and the valves have been adjusted. The clutch disk and pressure plate are new. The engine only has 49,500 miles on it!

The engine is beautiful and always starts on the first attempt, no matter how cold.. Please see the close up engine photos. It's the cleanest that I have seen in years and I own several. This Biturbo 425i has great boost from it's twin turbos. There are some fissures on the front windshield, but would not bother to replace it (see photos). The installation is never as good as the original. The driver and passenger side windows sometimes need assistance. I believe a fuse needs to be replaced for the rear windows and sunroof for them to operate. The paint is beautiful and very straight (no orange peel texture here). The paint is original, so of course there is normal wear, and some scratches here and there. There are several door dings which are hard to see in the photos. Lastly, there is NO RUST except some bubbling around corner passenger rear side window and the drivers side Maserati emblem (see photos). This Maserati Biturbo 425i is extremely rare in this condition and reasonably priced. Its very fast. In fact, you will not find a faster sedan or coupe for the price!

So is this a future classic? Probably not unless the other 2371 examples produced have disappeared off the face of the earth and it's 40 or 50 years from now! But it's unusual and I thought other might be interested in a look.

dc

Lancia

1977 Lancia Scorpion with Just 37k Miles in Florida

While admittedly not as desirable as the Montecarlo the Scorpion is based upon, this is still a sharp little car and with just 37k miles. It's a beautiful little car regardless of being down on displacement, choked on emissions equipment, and overloaded with U.S. spec bumpers.

1977 Lancia Scorpion For Sale on eBay

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quote from seller's listing:

My personal car since 1986! I am the second owner! Notice the new front calipers on the pictures. Also, a bit of history, in 1987 I had the car totally stripped and re-painted. We found rust in the driver door and it was fixed and does not appear to have returned in 24 years! A few spots of rust returned a couple of years after I had it painted in 1987 and they never grew. Recently I had those fixed, so the car is virtually rust free. I have the original carbs, some older parts that were removed, a complete gasket set and belts, an extra original rim (when I bought the car it did not have original rims and I bought about 12 rims to get the 4 that are on it!

The seller is obviously a fanatic, and I think that is a good sign for the next buyer. You'll probably always be able to drop the original seller an email to field questions! Here's a video of the car for sale:

We actually have two of these running around town and they look fantastic. Sure it's going to have it's share of headaches, but for the price there's not a lot of other cars that will get the looks this car will.

dc