Alfa Romeo

1977 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

1 Comment

We've featured a few nice examples of the GTV6, Alfa Romeo's last affordable sports coupe to be sold in the US. Enthusiasts are waiting with baited breath for the mid engined 4C to arrive stateside, here is a clean example of the car that begat the GTV6, the Alfetta GT. With a twin cam four cylinder engine in 1.6 and 1.8 liter capacities, this coupe was a bit lighter on its feet and in the power department than its later brethren, but still offered an entertaining, well balanced drive. This GT for sale in California looks handsome in dark blue and had one owner between 1979 and 2010.

1977 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

Click to view listing

I am selling my 1977 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT. I will start with the history of the car that I have been able to obtain. It was purchased new at Cotton Goff Alfa Romeo in Buena Park California. The original owner then traded it in or sold it back to Cotton Goff in 1979. That is when the owner prior to me purchased it. He purchased it from Cotton Goff in 1979. I have the factory maintenance book and prior to his purchase it had been maintained at the dealer. From 1979 until 2010 when I purchased the car he was the owner. He maintained it very well during the life of the car. I have many receipts from this maintenance. Generally he tried to take it to Zimmerman Autosport in Vista CA. He took very good care of the car and kept it in a garage nearly all of the time he had it. I actually purchased it from his daughter after he passed away. I am sure had that not happened he would still be driving it today.

When I obtained the car it was still in very good shape. Needed a bit of cleaning up, but that was about it. It was running a bit rough due to a bad thermostatic actuator. I replaced that and re tuned it for the new actuator and it has been running great ever since. It smogs fine in California and I will smog it for any California purchase. The problems with the car are few, but I will list them below.

The oil pressure gauge is a bit finicky. It works most of the time, but sometimes it does not.
It has two minor rust spots. One is just above the rear bumper on the rear drivers side of the back. The other is at the bottom of the passenger fender right by the door. Pictured below.
The dash has two cracks in it.
It grinds a bit going into second which is common with these. Double clutching eliminates this problem.

Overall this car is in incredible shape for its age. It is pretty much all original. I have reupholstered the drivers seat. I also had the rear hatch and the front core support(in front of the hood) repainted due to scratches and a few dings. The paint is in great shape and the interior is as well. It drives beautifully and runs flawlessly. It leaks a tiny bit of oil, but for a 35 year old car nothing major. I have really enjoyed this car, but now it is time to pass it on to someone else. I hope this description has been helpful. Please feel free to email with any questions.

Later GTV models in good condition are bringing on average between $7,000 to $12,000 these days. The four cylinder versions tend to bring a bit less, but there are those that value the earlier GT versions for their lighter weight and greater design purity. This GT is presented well, and even considering its faults, will probably bring somewhere between $6,000 to $8,000.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

2 Comments

Like clothing from certain Italian design houses, I know that cars like this Alfa Romeo 164 would just fit me better. Even though it shares its platform with the Saab 9000, Lancia Thema and Fiat Croma, the 164 departs from the other three with sharper, Pininfarina styling that provides a nice, tailored look to the executive sedan. This was the last new Alfa Romeo to be sold in the US before the 8C Competizione arrived and this 1995 model represents the final year of the 164 being stateside. Unlike a lot the 164 sedans we've featured previously, this 164LS has the automatic transmission.

1995 Alfa Romeo 164LS

Click to view listing

This one owner Alfa (last year of production) has automatic transmission, leather/power/heated seats, fog lights, power windows, power door locks, headlight washers, power folding mirrors, factory 12-disc CD changer/tape/AM/FM, power sunroof and air conditioning.

Engine is in good shape, does not smoke, does not leak, nice and quiet. Recently the timing belt was replaced. Transmission feels perfect, shifts without any problems, without delay, and without noise. Suspension is in excellent shape, car tracks nice and straight. There is no evidence of any electrical problems. The exterior is in excellent shape for a 1995. The paint looks original, and there is no rust anywhere on the car. Leather seats, carpet and glass are all in great shape.

Interior of this car is nice and clean. This Alfa has four matching tires with more then 75% tread left, that are mounted on good straight rims. Our mechanics have performed all of the necessary maintenance and have replaced front brake pads. It will be sold with a clear title and it will be sold as-is, where-is.

The 164 looks good in almost any color, but in LS trim, black is a very classy choice for this stylish sedan. At $9,350, this much luxury may seem a bargain, but realistically, this car is worth somewhere between $6,000 and $8,000, even considering the low mileage. If I had the space and extra cash lying around, I'd be willing to go as far as about $8,500 to have a clean, unmolested example of one of these, even if it was automatic. The exhaust note alone is worth the price of admission.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo, Modern Classic

1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint 1.5 QV

The Alfa Romeo Alfasud is an interesting car. It acquired a bit of a bad rap due to mechanical malfeasance, but with over one million vehicles sold, is one of Alfa Romeo's most successful models in its history. This car was the product of a joint venture between Alfa Romeo and Finmeccanica and a new plant was set up in the south of Italy as part of a labor agreement, hence the "Sud" part of the car's name. This 1983 model is the last year the Alfasud moniker appeared. After that, this car was called simply the "Sprint" as its lifecycle wound down in the late 1980s. Alfasuds weren't the heartiest of vehicles; as a result, many have disappeared from the roads, primarily due to rust issues. This survivor in Rome has an astoundingly low 22,000 miles on the clock, but I'm not sure I'd call the green carpet "bella."

1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint 1.5 QV

Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint 1.5 Quadrifoglio Verde, 105 hp, four-wheel disc brakes (front inboard). 1983 model year, white, upholstery in good condition, beautiful green carpet, very nice body paint, well functioning mechanically. One owner until 2010. New tires added in 2012.

At $5,800, there's other ways of getting into a classic Alfa Romeo but perhaps not with such little mileage or in such great condition. So what'll it be then? A slightly tatty Spider or a mint condition example of what some consider a forgettable Alfa. For me, it would probably be the Spider but for all the Alfasud's faults, the later Sprint iteration is charming in its own right.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1968 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super Ti

2 Comments

Before BMW and their onslaught of four-door M cars, Alfa Romeo did much to advance the game of the sports saloon, staring all the way back in the early 1960s with this car, the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Introduced in 1962, there were many variants in the lineup until the car went out of production sixteen years later. This Giulia Super Ti has the 1600 twin cam four cylinder engine and has been featured in a prominent Alfa Romeo book. On offer about 50 miles southeast of London, this Giulia impresses with its spec and attention to detail.

1968 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super Ti

Click to view listing

VVS are delighted to be able to offer this completely unique left hand drive 1968 Giulia Super Ti specification. This is another car in my personal collection that has been recreated regardless of cost, using best of breed in every area. The car was subject to a full MGS coachworks restoration and was infact recreated by the Alfa resto master himself Michael Spencely for his personal use. Please call me for full specification and full documentation of this recreation, there simply is too much to list, this is perhaps the most famous Giulia Super in the world, as featured in the "Berlinas" book and various publications, restoration costs were in excess of £50K.

At the equivalent of $48,000 USD, this is the most expensive Giulia I have ever come across. The stripes are a neat touch, but personally, I'd prefer my Giulia without them. This car has a bit of a restrained aura about it, and any added fanfare seems to ruin the theme for me. This car is another case of the restorer losing money on the rebuild costs, which is why it's better to buy such a car completed. But you have to respect those who toil long hours to rescue these cars from the scrap heap. Does that constitute around a $25,000 premium in this case? Probably not, but it's always nice to window shop.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1973 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000

2 Comments

The Alfa Romeo type 105 is a perennial favorite of Alfisti. This coupe's handsome Bertone lines and rorty twin cam engine made for a very attractive, rear-drive motoring experience. The 2000 was the final iteration of these beloved coupes. This 1973 GTV 2000 was imported from Italy ten years ago and has racked up a couple of first place awards at car shows.

1973 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000

Click to view listing

This is an original 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000, purchased in Florence Italy in 2002. Car was in storage for 21 years in original owners garage. I purchased it from the second owner which had just recently purchased it but had to sell it due to his upcoming wedding and needed the money. As you can see in the pictures the European model has a few different option than the north American version. It comes with dellorto twin carbs, higher performance exhaust manifold, no side lights on the side body in the rear of the car and small round side lights in the front rather than the rectangular front and back on the N. A. version. Lighter weight doors, pivoting front lights (small lever located under the main lights that allow them to pivot up and down to compensate for when you have extra weigh in the back seats. All the instruments are in Italian writing.

The car is all original, never any accident, no rust with original air conditioning (very rare in Italy), everything works on the car. The second owner installed a pull out radio with electric antenna and made a new back tray to install the rear speakers, I have the original tray untouched without any holes for speakers. When I got the car I decided to rebuild the engine due to it being in stored for so many years. Engine was running fine when I purchased it in Florence. I changed all the gaskets, install high compression pistons 10.41, light weight flywheel & electronic distributor and coil.

I also installed performance springs and shocks, Koni in the front belstein in the rear, also polyurethane suspension bushing, cross- drilled brake rotors, stebro stainless steel exhaust great sound. I have all the original parts that come with car. Paint is in great shape very minor chips and scratches. Original owner's manual in Italian, plus also a second one in English writing showing all the specs for the euro model. Car comes with the original period after market Peronal 5 star mags (this is the same company that supplied the steering wheels for Alfa Romeo) and almost new 205/60R14 tires , also yellow fog lights (white ones also included).

Car ran great and runs even better with the upgrades, great acceleration and very smooth with a great sound, rarely listen to the radio when driving. The car won First place in the Alfa Romeo Owners Club 2004 National Convention in Manchester New Hampshire in the 105/115 coupes category and 1st place at the 2004 Tutto Italiano in Brookline Mass. in the Alfa Romeo category. Unfortunately I rarely use the car, last long trip was in 2004 and I need the storage, very sad to see it go. Needs a great home to some one that will appreciate it and enjoy it.

Also comes with the car is the original owner's manual in Italian writing along with a second manual (english version) for the same euro spec car. Car has NO rust as first mentioned and has never been patched up due to rust issues, I have never driven it in the rain.

Pervinca Blue is a color not often seen on the GTV and I think it looks fantastic, with a bit more depth to it than your typical metallic blue. With the important mechanical bits addressed, I would suspect this GTV will fetch somewhere in the low to high $20,000 range, which is where many of these coupes are trading hands these days. Given this is a European market car, it might even bring a bit more to the right buyer.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

2005 Ferrari F575M Superamerica

1 Comment

Following on to the uniquely colored Ferrari F575M featured on Saturday, here is a rare variant of that much celebrated V12 Ferrari, the Superamerica. This was an opened roof variant of sorts, with a glass roof that rotated at 180 degrees. The roof also employed electrochromic technology, allowing passengers to adjust the transparency of the roof panel. Ferrari made 599 of these cars and as a result, they typically bring a more princely sum on the used market than their hardtop siblings. This Superamerica for sale in California is lightly used with a little over 6,000 miles on the clock

2005 Ferrari F575M Superamerica

Click to view listing

Rosso Scuderia Brake Calipers, Interior Carbon Trim, 'Cuoio' Daytona Style Seats, 'Cuoio' Colored Dashboard, GTC Package (Modular Rims 19"), Instrument Panel in "Rosso', 'Scuderia Ferrari' Shields, 'Beige' Piping, Rear Wall Leather Upholstery in 'Cuoio', High Power Hifi + 6 CD Changer, 'Beige Chiaro (Light Beige)' Stitching, Colored Steering Wheel in 'Cuoio'

The Ferrari Superamerica, designed by Pininfarina, combines the 12-cylinder berlinetta performance we expect from Ferrari with a very original and innovative take on the convertible concept. It is the first production car to have an innovative rotating roof movement combined with electrochronmic technology which was developed exclisively for glass surfaces with these dimensions by Saint Gobain. This roof concept, patented by Fioravanti allows the Superamerica driver to drop the top electrically in 10 seconds flat, which mades it the world's fastest convertible berlinetta (320Km/h top speed). The Fioravanti-patented rotating roof concept allows the Superamerica driver to electrically drop the top in 10 seconds flat, making it the world’s fastest convertible berlinetta (320 Km/h top speed).

The Superamerica was originally derived from the 575 Maranello and is available with either an F1-style or manual gearbox. The 12-cyl engine has been boosted to deliver 540 hp. Maurizio Parlato, president of Ferrari North America in 2005, announced at the New York Auto Show that 559 Superamericas would be built - 175 of them will be designated for the United States, and as expected they all sold out.

This beautiful collector is a one owner Ferrari and is ready to join your collection. Grigio Silverstone exterior with Cuoio leather interior is a true classic combination. This special Ferrari is also equipped with the GTC package which invludes Ferrari's fourth carbon fiber-reinforced solicon carbide (C/SiC) composite ceramic brake system, made by Brembo as well as a more performance-tuned suspension system, low-restriction exhaust system, and unique 19 inch wheels. The new brakes are based on the company's Formula One technology. They use 15.7 inch discs with six-piston calipers in front and 14.2 inch discs with four-piston calipers in the rear. Ferrari Certified Pre-Owned Eligible.

-Paul

Fiat

1967 Fiat Abarth 1000 OTR

1 Comment

For 63 years, Abarth has been the tuning arm of Fiat, turning out wins on the track and hot versions of ordinary Fiat passenger cars on the street. From the wicked 131 Rally to the modern day 500 Abarth, the Abarth range has been rather diverse over the years. Vintage Abarths are highly prized and often bring large sums at auction. One of my favorite vintage Abarths is the 1000 OTR, a car we featured in August. Based on the Fiat 850, these were handsome, well proportioned coupes that hid their diminutive stature well. Another OTR for sale has come to our attention via our reader Graeme, who is located in New South Wales, Australia and is selling his 1000 OTR.

1967 Fiat Abarth 1000 OTR

A genuine Fiat Abarth OTR 1000 coupe, fully restored, with only 9,800 miles and absolutely NO rust ever. With FIVA papers and easy re-import into the US, this highly desirable Group 4 factory racing car can lay claim to being the best of the nine known survivors.

Abarth & C. was formed in 1949. The company was very successful under Carlo Abarth’s leadership, receiving extensive support from FIAT. Abarth & C. was purchased by FIAT in 1971. On 9 September 1965, Abarth launched the OTR 1000, derived from FIAT’s new 850 coupé, with a special “radiale” engine where the combustion chamber was formed by two intersecting spherical domes, one containing the inlet valve and the other the exhaust. The intention was to achieve the efficiency of the Abarth twin camshaft cylinder head without the complexity. The OTR engine was based on an Abarth modified FIAT 850 block.

Unfortunately the SCCA thought the Radiale head too clever, and the OTR too modified and powerful for its class, and exercised its right to exclude from SCCA competition cars “not considered suitable”. This probably explains why Abarth made only a few OTRs and homologated the car in Group 4, not Group 3. This car was imported into the United States in 1967 by Abarth Sales Corp. It was raced from 1967 to 1970 by the first owner before he had an accident. The car was stored, eventually coming to Australia in 1993. It sat in a shed on the Central Coast of New South Wales until purchased by the current owner in April 2005 who spent 18 months restoring it.

The car was stripped to bare metal and all panels straightened with minimal use of filler and repainted. All the missing bits and pieces were sourced from around the world. The engine had new valve springs, the head was fitted with hardened exhaust valve seats and all seals were replaced. The car has since been featured in Australian Classic Cars magazine and has won awards at a number of car shows including the FIAT Club of NSW Concorso d’Eleganza Best of Show in 2007 and 2010, and Best of Show and 1st Street Modified at the FIAT Clubs of Australia National Meeting at Bathurst in 2008. The car has travelled only 4,800 miles since restoration and the total mileage is 9,800. It comes with a detailed history and the original owners manuals.

For more photos please click on the following link:
http://www4.snapfish.com.au/snapfishau/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5248217018/
a=80400830_80400830/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/

Enquiries to gtowers@ozemail.com.au or call +61 2 9960 7876

Graeme is asking $63,000 USD for his OTR and can be reached via the contact information above. The OTR that was for sale in California was advertised at $85,000, so even though there are little comparables to go buy, I think our reader is being realistic in his asking price. It is estimated that around 35 of these OTRs were ever produced, so that figure represents a small price to pay for exclusivity that most Ferraris and Lamborghinis can not match.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

2002 Ferrari F575M

4 Comments

It's no secret that I'm a fan of cars painted in interesting colors. I have to admit, I've never seen an F575M painted in what appears to be British racing green. At first glance, I didn't like it, but this car is beginning to grow on me. For sale in The Netherlands, this 6-speed manual, V12 coupe is one of my favorite Ferraris of all time. It represents a period of Ferrari motoring that, with the introduction of automatic clutches and various electronic aides, is fast becoming a part of history.

2002 Ferrari F575M

Special 575 M Maranello in a very rare color. Few delivered! What is even more rare for that Ferrari is the manual 6-speed transmission! There are just a handful in the entire production. Ferrari dealer Kroymans has always serviced it. Beautiful black leather interior. Car is absolutely accident free and of course in perfect mechanical shape. Service book maintained.

While the color is rare, the mileage isn't necessarily that low considering the six figure price tag. You can find similar examples of the F575M for between $70,000 to $90,000, with later models such as the Superamerica bringing upwards of $150,000. Still, it's a pretty good time to buy one of these front engine, V12 coupes because as time goes on and the driving experience becomes more automated, collectors will no doubt yearn for the days of the more involved driving experience. Much like its ancestor, the Daytona, the F575M will surely appreciate in the not too distant future.

-Paul

Fiat

1968 Fiat 500L

4 Comments

With Fiat 500 sales gaining this year, I can't help but reflect on the car that started it all, the or almost 20 years, the Fiat 500 Cinquecento. Launched in 1957, this was the car that put Italy on the move and is still a popular choice with city dwellers and first time drivers to this day. This particular 500 for sale in Rhode Island is quite tidy and the medium blue hue suits its endearing character perfectly.

1968 Fiat 500L

Click to view listing

This is a beautiful Fiat 500L imported a few years ago from Italy. This Fiat is a very nice denim blue with a solid black interior and both are in very nice shape. If you have driven one of these before you will know they are fun to drive but a little under powered. This Fiat we have has been equipped with a 650cc motor which makes it a blast and makes the car actually usable. We rescued this one from a new fiat dealer who was using it as a show piece--it's that nice!! The car is sitting in our showroom here at Oxford Motorcars in Pawtucket, RI.

At $16,500, this asking price isn't way off the mark, but represents the high side of vintage 500 values right now. The high price could either be that cars typically are a bit more expensive in the Northeast or the dealer is trying to cash in on some of the current 500 craze, or a combination of the two. I do a lot of urban driving and to be honest, my MINI Cooper S even feels way too big at times. I can't help but get drawn in every time I see a mint 500 Cinquecento. They aren't the fastest or most glamorous cars in the world, but they are a great combination of economy and fun and in small package.

-Paul

Ferrari

1974 Ferrari 246 GTS

Throughout my life, I've seemed to gravitate towards cars that represent the final year of the production run. Case in point my 1998 Volkswagen GTI 2.0, my 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230 and my current ride, a 2006 MINI Cooper S. Well, it appears they saved the best for last when it came to this Ferrari 246 GTS. The swan song for the Dino was in 1974, where it had a 2.4 liter V6 with a new ignition system pumping out 195 horsepower (175 horsepower in smog-choked US trim) which was good for a top speed of just under 150mph. This yellow Dino for sale in Texas has the optional fender flares and wider Campagnolo wheels.

1974 Ferrari 246 GTS on JamesList

1974 Dino (Ferrari) 246 GTS s/n 08304. A very late production (May 1974) USA model “Chairs and Flares” Dino from new with the Factory fender flares and Daytona seats, finished off with the wider Factory-fitted Campagnolo wheels complete to the correct Campagnolo spare wheel. Restored in 2000 by Lee Stayton and only two owner since being restored. Finished in excellent quality Giallo (Fly yellow) paint with nice older black leather Daytona seats.

Serviced by Rod Drew’s F.A.I. Pulls strong to redline with very good syncros that go into both 1st and 2nd gear cold without a problem! 246 GTS s/n 08304 is fitted with very attractive headlight covers and is equipped with A/C, P/W and has the original top cover used to cover the targa top when stowed behind the seats. Mechanically maintained and detailed, this Dino is in excellent mechanical condition. A “time capsule” Ferrari with excellent syncros, a strong engine and everything working as it should. Complete with the original leather pouch, warranty book, owner’s manual and parts book, authorized dealer booklet, the yellow wiping rag, the original sales brochure, a partial tool set and the tool roll.

It seems that Dino prices have been increasing by leaps and bounds over the last year or two. This particular car is being advertised at a price higher than anything I’ve ever seen for this mid-engine exotic. You can still find Dinos of varying vintages in good condition in and around the $150,000 to $200,000 range, and most mint, concours examples might fetch between $250,000 to $300,000. This car has some desirable options and is in good nick, but at almost $400,000, I think we're pushing the envelope here when it comes to Dino values.

-Paul