Alfa Romeo

1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

As rare as they are, we’ve featured a few Alfa Romeo 2600 Spiders over the past year. Here comes another one for sale in California. These roadsters featured a fantastic dual overhead cam inline six that bellowed out a mellifluous tone worthy of the most exotic Italian machine. The car’s styling was courtesy of Carrozzeria Touring and looked very much like an enlarged, but refined Giulietta Spider.

1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

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The annual national Alfa Romeo convention is coming up in July; wouldn't you like to attend it in style? Location is Napa/Sonoma Wine Country. This beautiful Italian lived most of her life in Northern California, but now resides in Southern California. It would be a homecoming of sorts for her.

2600's are rare; just 2,255 were built between 1962 and 1966; this one is number 204. It is estimated less than 500 are on the road today. Six cylinder, in-line, hemi-head, DOHC. I am the third owner, however, just two families have owned this car. A friend of my Dad's at work purchased it new in 1963 from an Oregon dealership and registered it in California. He owned it for 10 years, sold it to my Dad. I remember as a kid riding in the back seat going to races at Laguna Seca, Candlestick Point, and Crows Landing. Dad drove it for just 3 years including to Mom's 40th high school reunion in Washington, Iowa before parking it in a garage. Car is 50 years old this year/ the last 39 years in my family.

New paint in 2000, rebuilt engine 2005, new interior 2010, new top 2011, and new exhaust 2012. I kept this car with as many original parts as I could; triple Solex carburetors, generator, points and condenser, 400 MM size tires and wheels. Black with a red interior is striking; a real head turner. I get thumbs up, waves, honks, and smiles whenever I take her out for a spin, top down, on a sunny Southern California day.

Extensive work was done by the famed GTA shop in Santa Ana 2011 removing all rust from the kick panels and inside on the frame where you cannot see it. Automobile is maintained by Stewart at APC in Orange. Garaged and car-covered in San Clemente, California. About 73k miles. Looks gorgeous, runs great, sounds beautiful. Fun to drive. Comes with black and gold plates, some original parts, including rubber mats, tonneau cover, car cover, 1:43 model, DVD of S1M0NE. No shipping on this item; just drive it or you arrange to have it shipped home.

While they command a bit more than their smaller stablemate, these 2600 Spiders offer relatively good value for money when it comes to Italian exotics, mainly due to their obscurity as compared to vintage Maseratis and Lancias of the same period. Values for these big Spiders can range from $20,000 to a little over $60,000. I'd suspect this car is somewhere near the top, and will bring a figure solidly in $50,000 territory.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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It might be Thursday, but now is a good time to head into the weekend featuring some drop top Italians just in time for summer. Even though it has been a cooler than usual spring here on the East Coast, I still have top down motoring on my mind. The Series 4 Alfa Romeo Spider is no stranger to CICFS and a good number were sold stateside, making them a rather accessible, practical classic for those new to the hobby. Of all the colors they painted these final Spiders, my favorite is Rosso Vinaccia, or wine red. These are rather rare to come across, but here is one with the desirable 5-speed manual transmission for sale just outside of Boston.

1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

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This is a rare factory color, low miles, rust free Alfa in excellent condition. It has been driven daily in the summer for the last 6 years.

History:
I am the third owner. It was purchased and spent most of its life in Georgia.

Condition:
All aspects of the car (except exhaust and wood gear shift knob) are original and in excellent, working condition. All gauges, devices, accessories, electrical systems and lights are intact and in proper working order with no exceptions down to the vanity mirror and map lights. The air bag warning light has been deactivated due to a typical manufacturing defect. All trim, upholstery and finishes are intact and in excellent condition. The original carpet is slightly worn to the left and rear of the pedals. The paint is original with front bumper respray and minor dent removal. Leather seats and cockpit vinyl trim are supple and uncracked. All rubber is siliconed yearly and is soft and pliable. The engine runs and idles smoothly and starts immediately. The top is perfect with clear rear window. The car drops a small amount of oil within the normal range for Alfas (never needing to be topped up outside of regular 3k mile oil changes). There is a high performance stainless exhaust with chrome tip and a slightly louder exhaust note than stock.

Care and Maintenance:
The car has always been garaged daily and taken off the road and garaged during winter. It has been carefully maintained by Alfa-exclusive mechanics in the Boston area including Accel Automotive and Glynn Motors. Major recent repairs have included new rear springs, transmission rebuild (by Paul Glynn), speedo and tach refurbishment, suspension bushings, new tires, new Stay-Fast convertible top and rear window, new motor mounts. All records are available. The car was meticulously surveyed with a 2 page report from Glynn Motors.

Operation:
Handling is accurate and the steering has no play. The ride is tight and rubbery with no sloppiness, squeaks or rattles. All transmission gears shift smoothly without scratchiness. I am told by the Alfa mechanics that, overall, the car is tighter than most other similar examples they are aware of.

Additional Parts:
Factory Tonneau, Original Manual, Factory Jack and Toolkit, Custom fitted Car Cover, Steering Wheel Security Club

Inspection:
The car will be available to a serious buyer for mechanic's inspection on site

Delivery:
Buyer to arrange pick up and transportation

With a starting bid of $14,000, there’s not a lot of room to move upward here. The best Series 4 Spiders might close in on $20,000, as it seems prices are creeping a little bit upwards. This one, with over $55,000, is still realistically worth somewhere in the $13,000 to $16,000 range.
-Paul

Maserati, Revisit

1972 Maserati Indy – REVISIT

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Our reader Matthias touched base with us and informed us the Maserati Indy we featured this time last year is back up for sale. These Indys are an uncommon sight when it comes to vintage Maseratis. This particular example has an interesting provenance and wears an eye popping color befitting a 1970s motor. The seller is asking $59,000, a figure that is negotiable, but not unrealistic for a car of this caliber.

1972 Maserati Indy - REVISIT

Maserati Indy 1972 EUROPEAN CAR, only 18.000 originally miles, with rare 4.7 Engine, 4 webers (including original airfilter) and 5-speed ZF manual gearbox, electric windows, power steering, air conditiong etc. Fully equipped. Full documentation, clean US-Title AND Mexican Title. Car was sold new in Italy in 1972 and imported into USA/New York to a lawyer in 1977. Sold and imported to another Lawyer to Mexico-City in 1981, sold to Monterrey (Mexico) in 1986, changing owners there two times over the years and finally sold to Saltillo, Mexico to actual owner in 2006 and actual located in Laredo, Texas, USA (close to port of Houston,interesting for Export).

She is in excellent conditions because she was stripped 10 years ago down to scratch, to be repainted from base. The restauration was completed with new weatherstrips and rubbers and hoses etc. while trying to keep her as originally as possible. She is not welded! No Rust. She has never seen salty coast areas, always has lived in dry climate. Of course she never had an accident. Mechanically she is also very good due to the low kilometers and care. Interior is in excellent condition and mostly original, see pics.

She just got a "Big Inspection" with all fluids changed and all adjustments (including valveplay) made. Ready to drive. Please ask any questions in German (my origin), English or Spanish, my French is unfortunately bad 🙂

The car is sold privately and I offer you of course an independent opinion for this car, if you like 🙂 As told, the paperwork is clean and the car has a fully documentation since born. The car is sold now, because she was stored for some years in a dry garage without driving her due to family reasons, and finally this gave the idea of selling her now into good hands. It would be great to have her back on the street with someone who loves her.

Please contact: Matthias, heyermatthias@gmail.com

The below post originally appeared on our site May 29, 2012:

This past weekend marks the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500. One of the most storied events in motor racing, this race has seen dynasties amongst drivers and manufacturers come and go. Few, however, might be aware that Maserati won this race two times on the trot, in 1939 and 1940. The winning car was the 8CTF, with a three liter, 8 cylinder supercharged engine. Driven by Wilbur Shaw, the car was nicknamed the "Boyle Special" in honor of the US sponsor of the team. Maserati almost won again in 1941, but a rear wheel broke loose with 62 laps to go and put the car out of the race.

About 30 years on, Maserati paid homage to these race wins by naming its new sports car after the event. The Indy was a four place, V8 engined coupe positioned under the Ghibli and designed to take over for the Mexico and Quattroporte. This example for sale in Texas is an older restoration with the 4.7 liter engine.

1972 Maserati Indy

Here for sale is a 1972 Maserati Indy, 18,358 original miles with the big "rare" engine for this model/year: 4.7L, V8. Comes with a complete History. I'm helping a friend to sell his car, so I will try to describe the best possible. Options: 4.7L; with 4 webbers; A/A; 5 Speed Manual Transmision; original and fresh weather stripping; leather interior in perfect condition.

History: 1972 to 1977 in Italy; imported to USA in 1977 owned by one person until 1981. Sold and imported to Central Mexico for the owner until 1986; sold and owned from 1986 to 1990; sold and owned from 1990 to 1992; sold and owned from 1992 to 1996; sold and owned from 1997 to 2006; and owned from my friend from 2007 to present. The Maserati in in Texas now for sale. Having all documents and names of all owners. Restoration was done in the late 1990's keeping its originaty.

The seller claims that this car has the "big" engine, but in fact, Maserati offered the even larger 4.9 liter V8 in the Indy starting in 1971. It was detuned to 320 horsepower, 15 less horsepower than what was offered in the Ghibli at the time. This older restoration is showing signs of age. An Indy in perfect condition may command anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 depending on the robustness of the market, so I would suspect this example may net around $40,000 to $45,000. This car could benefit from some attention towards trim items and a little freshening up of the engine bay. Then you would have a driver in good condition that would be worthy of the odd show and display event.

-Paul

Maserati

1972 Maserati Ghibli

The Ghibli has long lived in the shadows of other, more well known Italian exotica, but for those in the know, these GTs offer a little bit of understated luxury to go along with the raw power of the quad cam V8 engine. Released in 1970, the Ghibli SS offered a slightly more powerful, 4.9 liter 350 bhp V8. This Ghibli SS is on offer in Ohio and was repainted from its original yellow color to the red it wears currently.

1972 Maserati Ghibli SS

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1972 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS - rare 5spd Manual, USA car. Maserati Red over Black leather interior, Borrani wire wheels. Good documentation and service history is included with the car. Records show that the car was sold in 1978 by Miller Motorcars and the car was Yellow at the time. The 2nd owner had the car changed to the current red color. Otherwise the car is to our knowledge completely original - it is a matching numbers, actual mileage car. All service is up-to-date - it is fully sorted and needs nothing to go enjoy. This car includes a stack of maintenance records, the original owner's manual and wiring diagram, two sets of keys, the Maserati Classic kit including the original sales brochures, and original tool rool with a partially complete tool kit, jack, and spare tire on a Borrani wire wheel.

It's not surprising that the Ghibli SS is valued a little higher than the lesser engined Ghibli, typically $90,000 to $120,000 is about what you can expect to pay for a good example. This one seems to be a little bit overpriced, given it doesn't wear its original color and the leather seating looks a bit tired. I'd suspect somewhere closer to $100,000 might be a more realistic value.

-Paul

Fiat, Uncategorized

1968 Autobianchi Bianchina Berlina Quattroposti

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Developed off the Fiat 500 platform, the Autobianchi Bianchina was designed to offer small car customers a little bit more style and luxury. It's quite rare to come across one of these cars in the US, but this late model Berlina Quattroposti for sale in North Carolina would certainly make for an interesting around town runabout, especially in this era of ever increasing fuel costs.

1968 Autobianchi Bianchina Quattroposti

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Sold to me by the President of the Fiat 500 club in the Netherlands. this is a very original Fiat 500 derivative (all Fiat 500 mechanicals), Autobianchi Bianchina. This body style was not sold in the US and was meant for the Italian market only. The previous owner bought it directly from the original owner in italy.

This car is largely original and un-restored but runs and drives, has low miles and is a great collectors car for shows and parades. At only 10 ft long its about 2/3 the size of a normal car. The body is in great shape for a 1960's Italian Car but does have a couple of issues. Most notably the rear lid has rust through and will need to eventually be replaced, there is also a rust hole in the drivers door, some pitting on the chrome and the bumpers have been painted silver. The interior is original to 1968 and is overall good. the top is usable but definitely old as are the seat covers, one of them has a seam split. All the electrics work and I have personally driven this car on some short ventures.

The Bianchina Quattroposti has 4 somewhat usable seats and a backward slanted rear glass that adds a very classic look. This was the upscale version of the Fiat 500 and makes an appearance in the movie "Roman Holiday." Mechanically it starts, stops, turns tightly and sounds like a Fiat 500, same engine and transmission.

For a similar vintage 500L in good condition, you can expect to pay in the range of $15,000 to the low $20,000 range. The Autobianchi variant is a little bit obscure in this market, and the condition here is a little bit rough, but originality has its merits at times. Somewhere around $10,000 to $13,000 is probably a good estimate as to where this Bianchina will sell for.

-Paul

Fiat

1968 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe

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The 124 Spider was rather popular in the US, seeing the brand through their exit from the market in 1982 and living on as the Pininfarina Spider until 1985. Less well known is the coupe related to the Spider, the 124 Sport Coupe. Sold in three series from 1967 through 1975, this coupe had traces of exotica in its DNA, from the four cylinder engine designed by Aurelio Lampredi to the styling penned by Mario Boano, who also designed the Ferrari 250GT. A little under 300,000 of these coupes were produced through all three series (AC, BC and CC). This early AC is for sale in Washington state.

1968 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe

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This is a Fiat 124 Sport Coupe from California, the car appears to have extensive mechanical rebuilding including suspension, and engine. The car has been fitted with twin Weber 40 DCOE carbs and clearly has cams to go with the carbs. Timing belt is nice and tight and looks to be recently replaced, probably when the engine was done (guessing 8,000-10,000 miles ago) sorry no receipts. The engine does not smoke at all and is a delight, clearly who ever rebuilt it did an excellent job. The car also has the sump protector on it along with what appears to be an Ansa rear muffler and twin tip, sounds great dignified growl.
The car shows 44,577 on the odometer, I am guessing that is more like 144,577.

I am selling the car for a client, who found something else he wishes to purchase even though the 124 was a recent purchase. In order for him to purchase the other car he needs to sell this one. The car drives incredibly well, and is very docile when driven gently, but when you open the throttle this thing seriously comes to life. Handling is superb, and the car has a set of period BWA wheels with excellent tires. The car drives great and the suspension is all very nice and tight, looks to have a larger front anti sway bar also. The exhaust is in great condition as well and the car is fitted with a set of tubular headers.

Brakes are excellent. Transmission shifts perfectly and all syncros are pefect. All glass is in fine condition. Most of the chrome shows wear but is quite serviceable. Missing the upright trim on the rear edge of the drivers door. There is very little rust present on the car and its very solid and decent underneath, see the pictures. Rust bubbles are present on the right rear window, and right rocker just in front of the rear wheel. There was some rust repair under the rear edge of the hood. The dark green paint looks good from ten feet, but the new owner will eventually want to repaint the car.

What is nice is that this extremely rare coupe is solid straight completely driveable and can definitely be enjoyed while being improved on. The front seats are aftermarket and comfortable, no idea what happened to the original front seats. Most of the interior is nice but the dash pad is seriously in need of being recovered. All gauges and lights work. Not a cheap car but it has been a long time since I have seen one as over all solid and nice driving as this one. If I did not have so many cars of my own, I would have already bought this one its an absolute blast to drive and will give a stock 2.0 liter Alfa a serious run for its money.

Feel free to ask any and all questions, the car is advertised locally and the owner is open to offers. My name is Jim and I can be reached on my cell phone at 425 238 5317 please be aware that I am on the West coast and will appreciate your taking the time zone into consideration. The car must be paid for in full in verifiable funds before it can be shipped or driven away. I am happy to help arrange shipping for the new owner. The reserve reflects what the owner has invested in the car and in my opinion is a bargain. Thanks for looking and for bidding.

This isn't a perfect 124 Sport Coupe, but it seems to be all there and the seller is rather honest in its description. I'd suspect somewhere around $7,000 to $8,000 would probably be a fair value for this one, given that the seller has a reserve set. While I tend to like the BC version a tad better, with its dual headlamps, this AC is clearly a product of the Spider of which it shares its platform and is a classic Fiat that you certainly don't see every day (or every year, for that matter).

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1979 Alfa Romeo Sport Sedan

While the Alfetta spawned the GTV Coupe, which was well loved in the US market, the sedan variant is rather obscure. First sold as the Alfetta sedan, it was renamed the Sport Sedan in 1978 and 1979. With a rorty, 2.0 liter injected twin cam four cylinder, this offered a lot of rear-drive entertainment in a small package. This slightly modified Sport Sedan for sale in California is a bit rough around the edges but looks complete and ready to offer some cheap thrills.

1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta

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Up for sale is a 1979 Alfa Romeo Sport 4-door sedan. This custom vehicle was owned by an Italian automobile enthusiast who had a penchant for spirited Italian automobiles. It is powered by Alfa's famous twin cam 2000 cc inline 4 and mated to a 5 speed. The body is very straight and the paint presents beautifully. Interior is in excellent condition as well and the car has not been smoked in. For those of you in the know, Alfa Romeo is a true driver's car. If you are looking for a clean Alfa sedan, this is your car! The car has a clean title and is currently registered.

Please e-mail or call Sam (626/590-4177) with questions or a time to view/drive the vehicle. I am very motivated and need to get this car on it's way due to space constraints. No reasonable cash offers will be refused. Thanks for looking.

It's rather rare that you see a classic Italian motor restomodded, as is the case with the rear end on this vehicle. I'd question whether this car was in a minor fender bender at some point, given the modified rear end. This Alfetta isn't perfect, but it's rare that you see a showroom perfect example of this late 1970s Alfa. With a $3,500 starting bid and not much interest so far, I'd suspect we're not going to get much further than the opening figure.

-Paul

Ferrari

1986 Ferrari Testarossa

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Like the Alfa Romeo Spider, Lamborghini Countach and Fiat Cinquecento, the Ferrari Testarossa is one of those Italian icons that is instantly recognizable even to those who aren't automotive enthusiasts. This early Testarossa for sale in Colorado was originally a California car and benefits from a recent engine out service.

1986 Ferrari Testarossa

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This is an incredible opportunity to own an investment grade original example of a classic 1986 Ferrari Testarossa with only 24,538 miles! This car had a full engine out belt service one year ago and is completely up to date with all services. Compare this Ferrari to any other Testarossa on the market today and you will not be disappointed with what you see.

VIN ZFFSA17A5G0060281

This Testarossa has the most desirable red/tan color combination and is a California car since new! All service is current and most recently had a full engine out service in southern California (documentation included - see picture below). Clean Carfax and Autocheck reports included with sale or run your own. This Ferrari has an impeccably clean history with no dings, dents or scratches whatsoever. Truly as clean as they get. Hemmings Magazine has voted these Ferraris as a desirable investment car and one to watch (see article below)!

Buy it now before prices go up. This is the most inexpensive Ferrari on the market today with under 25,000 miles! Don't miss your chance. The tires have only 200 miles on them and are Michelin TRX Radials ($2,000).

280/45/15 IN THE REAR ON 240TR 415 RIMS

240/45/15 IN THE FRONT ON 210TR 415 RIMS

The Ferrari Testarossa is a 12-cylinder mid-engine sports car manufactured by Ferrari, which went into production in 1984 as the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. The Testarossa is a two-door coupe with a fixed roof that premiered at the 1984 Paris Auto Show. All versions of the Testarossa had the power fed through the wheels from a rear-mounted, five-speed manual transmission. The Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout (engine between the axles but behind the cabin) keeps the centre of gravity in the middle of the car, which increases stability and improves the car's cornering ability, and thus results in a standing weight distribution of 40% front: 60% rear.

The Testarossa name, which means "red head" in Italian, comes from the red-painted cam covers on the flat-12 engine. The double entendre with a red-headed woman was intentional – Ferrari and Pininfarina regularly use descriptive terms related to a female's body when describing the style of their automobiles.

Testarossa prices are at an all-time low. A little over a decade ago, these cars were closing in on six figures, but now you can regularly snag one for about half of that price. Expect to pay between $45,000 and $55,000 for a good, driver quality vehicle with anywhere between 15,000 and 40,000 miles on the clock. While they aren't cheap to run or service, these are some of the most iconic cars to wear the Prancing Horse badge of all time. If you have been itching to own one, now is a good time to pull the trigger.

-Paul

Ferrari

1979 Ferrari 400A

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Four seat Ferraris are often the stepchild of the breed, unloved and not given the due respect they deserve. Such is the case with the Ferrari 400. These grand touring coupes were manufactured for 14 years, which represents quite a long time by Ferrari standards. It almost appeared as if Pininfarina used a ruler to design this front-engined V12 coupe; the styling was a marked departure from previous vehicles to wear the prancing horse badge. This was also the first Ferrari to be made available with an automatic transmission, which was manufactured by General Motors. This 400A for sale in Georgia offers a chance to have V12 Ferrari thrills for the cost of entry more akin to a new mid-sized sedan.

1979 Ferrari 400A

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Rare 1979 Ferrari 400A in amazing condition for sale. It starts, runs and drives great. The body and undercarriage are rust free. This car has had one repaint that looks great with minimal flaws. The 4.8L V12 engine produces 311 hp. It is equipped with six Weber carburetors. This engine and carburetor set up is the same as the Ferrari Daytona. This luxury 2+2 touring car was equipped with the GM Turbo Hydramatic (TH400) automatic transmission for the USA market. Only 502 Ferrari 400s were ever built. There were 355 units with an automatic transmission and 147 units with the manual transmission. We have the owner's manual, tools, an aftermarket but functional jack and several keys for the car.

We purchased this Ferrari as part of a 3 car package from a serious car collector in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is a two owner car. The previous owner purchased it on 5-23-1992 in Tennessee where he kept it in a climate controlled garage with minimal use. In fact, he just registered the car in his name just before the sale (see photo of the title). We were told that his private mechanic kept it up regularly. We don't have any service records for the car so please don't ask about them. If you are looking for an original 400A that looks, runs and drives great, this car is for you. It may need some minor repairs and services. If you are one of those Ferrari fanatics that wants to see the engine out service records and other documents, this car is not for you. These carbureted V-12 Ferraris may be sleepers for now but eventually their prices will climb up.

EXTERIOR:

The body panels, under carriage, inner fender, sills and the trunk are rust free. The body panel lines are perfect. This car has had one repaint about 10 years ago. It is very glossy with some minimal flaws such as tiny chips (IE: one about the size of half of dime above the driver's door handle), and a few small stress cracks at the corners adjacent to the headlight openings, hood opening and one adjacent to the hood louver. Overall, the paint really stands out. All glass, trim and light lenses are in great condition. The windows are tinted. The original wheels are in great condition with some minimal curb rashes. The Michelin 215/70 VR15 XWX are very old and dry but still ride smooth. They need to be replaced. The exhaust system is solid and sounds great.

INTERIOR:

The leather seats are in very good and soft condition. The driver seat has some wear (see photo). The rear seats, door panels, dash, console, steering wheel, headliner and the instrument panels are in great condition. The original black carpets are in great condition and are protected with a set of new floor mats with Ferrari logos.

MECHANICAL:

The engine starts right up. It idles smooth, runs cool and has great oil pressure. It is amazing that a 34 year old Ferrari with 6 carburetors runs so smooth. The oil pressure gauge shows 5kg/cm2 while idling at 1,100 RPM (see photo). There are a few drops of oil below the engine while parked overnight. It's not much and we are not worried about it. The TH400 automatic transmission shifts smooth. The brakes and suspension function properly. We have only driven this car for about two miles around the block. The tires are very old and we did not want to drive it at a high speed on main roads. Our technician just replaced all the drive belts including the 2 A/C belts. This Ferrari may need a fresh service or some minor repairs but runs and drives great.

ELECTRICAL:

All lights, turn signals, brake lights, hidden fog lamps, gauges, horn, switches, etc. function properly. Even the power antenna switch works. The fuel gauge works but it fluctuates and does not show the actual fuel in the tank. This Ferrari is equipped with an A/C system with separate controls for the front and the rear. Both controls work and the air blows cold from the front and the rear vents. The power window on the passenger side is not working. Our technician replaced the motor. However, the plastic transmission gear teeth are worn. It needs to be replaced. The aftermarket radio works OK. Some of you old timers may recognize the escort radar detector control unit that is installed in the ashtray. We do not know if it works but it sure looks cool.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT:

The engine compartment looks clean and original but not detailed.

TRUNK:

The trunk looks very nice and clean. The carpets are very nice. The trunk houses the spare tire, an aftermarket jack and the tool kit. Most of the tools appear to be original but not all. We have tried to describe a 34 year old classic Ferrari to the best of our ability. We have provided 100 high quality images. This Ferrari will be sold with a bill of sale and a clear Tennessee title. The odometer reading of 28,783 miles appears to be the actual mileage on the car. However, in the state of Georgia all vehicles that are 10 years or older will be sold with miles "exempt."

This vehicle is sold "as is" and without and warrantees. We have the right to end this auction at any time for any reasons.

The seller is incorrect in stating that this car with the automatic transmission was for the US market. No Ferrari 400 or later 412 was sold new in the US. Some of these did make their way through the gray market at the time and later, a few more would trickle in once past the 25 year moratorium on non-federalized vehicle imports. Also, buying a car like this without service records is a HUGE gamble. As it sits, this car is probably worth no more than $25,000 to $30,000. The best, well-documented 400 could reach into $30,000 territory, with good 412s bringing closer to $40,000.

-Paul

Fiat

1980 Fiat Brava

4 Comments

Towards the end of Fiat’s original run in the US market in the early 1980s, the manufacturer had several offerings in showrooms. The newly introduced Strada (known as the Ritmo elsewhere), the mid-engined X1/9 and Fiat 124 Spider. While the Strada would be discontinued after Fiat’s exit in 1982, the X1/9 would continue on as the Bertone X1/9, which the 124 Spider would be sold under the Pininfarina badge. There was one other holdout in the US market until the pullout, the 131, later known as the Brava.

Offered as a two or four door sedan and four door wagon in the US, these weren’t particular flashy vehicles, but their tidy styling and Italian DNA gave buyers seeking something a little less boring in the family car segment. Not only that, the 131 went on to win the World Rally Championship three times; an accomplishment few of its competitors could boast about. This Brava for sale in New York is a rare chance to get one of these cars in good condition.

1980 Fiat Brava

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For sale is my 1980 Fiat Brava sedan. The car is completely stock and has only 51,670 miles. The only item added to the car is an AM/FM cassette radio I installed in the car back in 1993 (I still have the original radio plastic blank). This FIAT drives very well and is in wonderful condition. I have the original manual, brochure, keys, pictures from the original owner and maintenance records. It has Pirelli tires which are in great condition, original wheels, jack and tool kit.

History......I purchased the car in 1993 from a person in Michigan. I believe I am the second owner. It had 33,000 miles on it and was completely original. The car had been rust-proofed when it was bought from the dealer in Michigan. Domenick's Foreign Cars of White Plains inspected the car before my purchase. That inspection in 1993 revealed some previous body work to the right rear quarter panel and appeared to be an excellent repair (I have the body shop invoice!). Although I put 18,000 miles on it, the car has been driven about 500 miles in the last 10 years. It has been garaged since 1993. In the last 200 miles, I did extensive work to the mechanicals....complete engine tuneup, transmission serviced, replaced suspension, brakes and replaced various lines, hoses and wires. In November 2011, the car was repainted for the first time in its original color using a 2-stage urethane process. I have kept this car in very good order.

Items of attention.....The timing belt could be replaced as it is over 5 years old. The headliner is sagging a little and I considered replacing it myself but discovered a local shop that replaces headliners. If I keep the car I will get this done. The A/C needs to be recharged or converted. The driver seat left side seam has come apart. The interior rear deck lid needs repair. This is a rare 1980 Fiat Brava in fantastic condition.

Even though they are rare, the 131 and Brava doesn’t have that much of a following in the US, which has kept prices low. For a car like this, I’d expect somewhere around the $4,500 to $5,500 mark would snag it. Unfortunately, this Brava has the GM sourced 3-speed automatic transmission, but, with a car like this, beggars can’t be choosers. I haven’t seen a clean 131 or Brava like this in a while and it’s nice to see a few of these out there in the wild that are still well preserved.

-Paul