Developed to allow Maserati to enter the FIA GT Championship after a long racing hiatus, the MC12 was the first mid-engined Maserati since the demise of the V8 engined Bora in 1978. It could also be seen as one of the most expensive examples of platform sharing, as it was based on the Ferrari Enzo chassis. Longer, wider and taller than the Enzo, it had a lower top speed than the Enzo but was more aerodynamically efficient. Only 50 examples of this exotic were ever produced, and only seven were federalized for the US market. This example for sale in Florida is pretty much as new with 100 miles on the clock.
Only 50 Maserati MC12's were produced worldwide and were based heavily on the Ferrari Enzo. Using the same engine with slight modifications, same gearbox and chasis as the Enzo the MC12 was built to be eligible to compete in the FIA GT Racing Series. In addition to its unique bodywork which generates more downforce at speed the MC12 has a removeable targa roof that also sets it apart within the supercar class. Less than 10 MC12's have been federalized for street use in the United States and both cars come with all records, books, and car covers.
MC12 VIN: ZAMDF44B000012103 MILEAGE: 190 mi
This is certainly a breathtaking machine, but isn't for everyone, being that it is geared a bit more for track use than some other, more usable supercars. It even went around the Top Gear track slightly faster than its platform mate, the Enzo, as we can see from this clip:
Combining the sleek styling of Giorgetto Giugiaro with power from a Chrysler 273 cubic inch V8, the Ghia 450SS is another one of those Italian American mashups that is more than the sum of its parts. Built on a unique, Ghia designed chassis, the 450SS looks a bit like a Maserati Ghibli Spyder with the front clip of a Fiat Dino Convertible. This car made its debut at the Turin International auto show in 1966 and was built to order. Only 52 of these open roof coach built cruisers were ever built. This one for sale in California was owned by a famous Hollywood movie producer.
This 1967 Ghia 450 SS is an extremely rare. One of only 50 built, and of only 29 known to exist, custom Italian coachbuilt exotic car! The Ghia design badge represents the best of the best of Italian coachbuilding and design. Their firm, established in 1915, was responsible for many spectacular creations, including the Dual Ghia, a long string of Chrysler product concept cars in the 1950s, some custom bodies on Ferrari chassis, the Chrysler Ghia Limousines, owned by Rockefeller and Jackie Kennedy. The well known Karmann-Ghia and the Volvo P1800 were also Ghia designs.
The “BS 4045″ number on the chassis plate was driven by the original sponsor of this car, Burt Sugarman, a Hollywood producer who convinced Ghia to build this car. He was taken by a similar, but smaller Ghia design on a Fiat 2300. His passion for that design led to the production of the Ghia 450 SS. The list price on this car was $13,100, which was right up there in Rolls-Royce and Ferrari territory back in '67. You needed to be a Hollywood movie star to afford it then! The high performance Formula “S” 273 Cubic inch Chrysler V-8 was used. Ghia’s long co-operation with Chrysler gave them access to the best mechanical items from Chrysler, including this excellent V-8 and the super tough Torqueflite automatic transmission. This car is in excellent condition, with nice, straight body panels, a gorgeous leather interior, excellent chrome and trim. It runs and drives beautifully. The doors fit and shut properly, and the metal hinged tonneau cover is still present and working, that's a part often missing on the other cars.
The Ghia custom touch can be seen throughout the car, in little details like the herringbone engraved sill plates, the adjustable bucket seats with separate lumbar support, the hood and engine bay insulation, and the big, legible gauges. It was originally equipped with air conditioning. The air conditioning setup was removed at some point, but the complete setup is included with the car, photos are shown on the website of the A/C apparatus. The Hardtop is also included. Air conditioning and the hardtop were the only options, at an original cost of $1,300. The car is in excellent condition, but it's not a showcar. It has later american wire wheels, and I noted a very small tear in the top. The engine bay is reasonably clean but not show detailed. The needle of the speedometer has become detached, although you can see the speedometer hub working. Overall, it's a spectacular and extremely rare car, which puts the owner in very select company, and allows for entry into exclusive events such as the Concorso Italiano and many other events and shows!
The 450SS was more of a boulevard cruiser than an all out sports car, but those that owned them loved them. The Chrysler mechanicals also provide decent reliability. While not a perfect show car, this 450SS for sale is in good shape, with a few things that need doing. At the high end, a Ghia 450SS could pull anywhere from $90,000 to $130,000, so the asking price here is strong. In this kind of market, however, an obscure marque such as this could take a bit of a hit in terms of value. I could be wrong, but given the non-original wheels and removed AC unit, I'm seeing this car bring somewhere between $60,000 to $80,000.
Most collectors with modest budgets would believe Ferraris are out of reach, but there is more than one way to attain your classic car dreams. In the late 1960s, Ferrari attempted to reach out to a broader market with the Dino, a mid-engined sports car with a V6 engine designed to honor Enzo Ferrari's late son Alfredo. The Fiat Dino, along with the Ferrari Dinos, helped Ferrari homologate the V6 engine for Formula 2 racing and gave Fiat a sort of halo car to take them forward into the 1970s. A little less than three fourths of Fiat Dino production were coupes. Styled by Bertone, the car almost has a hint of Ford Capri about the rear window line. But the unsuspecting would never believe something as exotic as a Ferrari engine lurks underneath. This Dino Coupe for sale in Pittsburgh is one of the tidier examples I've come across in the past year or two.
Designed by legendary Italian styling house Bertone, and equipped with Ferrari’s brilliant V6 engine, the Fiat Dino is a thoroughbred Italian sports car without the entry fee of a Ferrari. This 1967 Fiat Dino is finished in red with black leather upholstery. It rides on a set of Cromodora alloy wheels with blackwall Pirelli P3000 tires. The interior has a Blaupunkt cassette stereo, Nardi woodrim steering wheel and power windows. Its condition evidences continuing care and attention as needed, a solid, honest car. The paint is good, the leather interior is beautiful. The chrome has been redone as needed and the body weatherstripping appears to have been replaced for tight, quiet seals. The engine bay is clean and orderly with just a little bit of oil mist to prove it is an Italian car and preserve the original finishes. It comes with copies of the service and parts manuals, evidence of its prior owners' concern for proper maintenance and operation. An attractive and unusual automobile with Ferrari heritage, it is ideal for all sorts of events and will be a valued participant in any gathering of Italian marques.
When it comes to Fiat Dinos, the Pininfarina penned Spider is valued more than the coupe. Prices for these Dino Coupes can hover around $10,000 to $15,000 for rough examples all the way up to $40,000 to $45,000 for the very best show quality cars. This early red coupe is a very nice driver and in red with Cromodora alloy wheels embodies the very best of late 1960s Italian motoring. I would estimate this car could bring in the $30,000 to $35,000 range in this market. That's a lot of exotic metal for the money, even if it wears a Fiat badge.
We've featured a few lower mileage Alfa Romeo 164 sedans here on CICFS, but this is one of the lowest and, quite frankly, most well preserved. With only two owners, the second being a retired CEO and collector, this 164 has had a level of care lavished on it that few have seen. It's most recent service was carried out by a Ferrari dealer. While it's not the S version or a 5-speed manual, you have to appreciate the fact that this car, for sale in the Florida Keys, looks like it just rolled out of the showroom.
1992 Alfa Romeo 164L. This is an agent assisted private sale. It is not dealer inventory. I'm here to answer questions and present reasonable offers to the seller without bias. The car is at the seller's estate in Lido Key, Florida. Undeniably a museum quality piece. Magnificent in every respect. Red exterior, factory color code AR130. Black interior, factory color code Nero. 10,606 documented miles.
The current owner is the second owner. He purchased it directly from the original owner five years ago with 5,428 miles on it. Needlessly to say he paid an inordinate amount of money for it. He purchased it to be a part of his collection and for sentimental reasons. He is an elder retired CEO and is now in the relinquishment phase of his collection. 100% factory original paint with absolutely no sun fade, cracking or blemish of any kind except for a rub mark on the right driver's side bumper (please see photo close up). This mishap is recent as the seller backed the car out of the garage and turned too sharp grazing a plastic rubbish container. Per my advise, the bumper was not touched up, spot painted or repainted to preserve the originality for the purists.
I preparation for the sale the seller had the local Ferrari Service Center perform a "major service" that includes timing belt change along with all the fluids changed and tuned to perfection. This service was performed on May 18th, 2012 and a copy of the service ticket is included below. Brand new tires with less than 30 miles on them. Proper Michelin MXV4's were installed. The install was done back in the end of May, 2012.
Original interior that's never had any corrective dye process done to it. It is absolutely 100% original with no hardening of the leather anywhere. Very much like new. No aftermarket anything except for the window tinting which was done to prevent the sun from harming the interior. The window tinting can be professionally removed easily and without damaging the car. Full set of factory booklets with Alfa Romeo factory pouch.
Full set of factory booklets with Alfa Romeo factory pouch. Factory Alfa Romeo tire pressure gauge that came with the car when it was delivered new. Service records. Most recent records are photographed below. Full set of factory keys including the factory valet key. Everything works, no missing knobs, no loose door handles, no loose switches, no dim light bulbs, fully functional power seats, full functional non-leaking sunroof, both mirrors function perfectly.
The car has never been valet parked, never lent to anyone, never driven by a teenager, and never been on or hooked to a tow truck. Exterior Alfa Romeo emblems are original and in perfect condition with no fade or "separation." The underneath is as clean as the rest of the car. I saw the car on the lift recently when the major service was performed. It was too dark to photograph and the photos with flas weren't usable. The car drives perfectly straight without any pull to the left or right. The steering wheel is perfectly level when the car is going dead straight. Nothing is worse than a steering wheel that's off level even one degree.
The very best 164s out there may reach into the $12,000 to $15,000 range, with the sportier S models prized a little bit more. Even though I would prefer a 5-speed manual, this 164L looks great in classic red, accenting the crisp Pininfarina penned lines. As nice as this car is, I would almost rather buy one with a few more miles. A car maintained to this caliber certainly deserves to be preserved and driven sparingly for future generations to enjoy. If I were in the market for a 164, I'd want something I could use regularly.
Even though the current Maserati Quattroporte was styled by Pininfarina, there is a clear relation, especially from the front end, of its relation to its Frua designed forebear, the Series 1 Quattroporte. Designed around a 4.1 liter V8 with 256 horsepower, the Quattroporte was one of the first vehicles that could do 200 km/h, or approximately 124 mph on the highway. With only 776 produced, you don't see one of these cars every day. This example for sale in Washington state is a survivor with magnificent provenance, featuring the second body shell produced.
1964 Maserati Quattroporte series 1 AM107.034. A time capsule, California car with great history going back 35 years. It is in totally original condition with original navy blue paint, original pumpkin leather and carpets. Arguably the best original unrestored series 1 QP in North America. Fitted with a matching number 4.2 liter 4 cam V8, 4 Webbers, A/C, De Dion rear suspension with inboard brakes, ZF S.5.325 5 speed transmission and single headlights. Dyno tuned, starts instantly, superb running and ready to be driven anywhere.
To add to the rarity, 034 carries body number 2 (two). In 2003 this car was chosen by Maserati North America to be at Pebble Beach during the launch of the new Pininfarina Quattroporte. It has new Pirelli tires, original jack, and spare tire. If you are inclined toward original, unmolested top quality cars, this is a very inexpensive entry level exotic car that has aged well and will always be in style.
I've only stumbled upon a few Series 1 Quattroportes in the last year and the ones I have seen have been in tattered condition. This car is in great original condition and the blue over saddle tan interior exudes a rich aura. Like some Maseratis, the Series 1 Quattroporte is not particularly valuable. This could be for a number of reasons, obscurity and the additional two doors probably playing a part in this equation. If you can find one in good condition, the price will usually be in the $30,000 range. In my opinion, this car at $45,000 is a steal, given the condition, history and uniqueness. Nothing is a sure bet in the collector car hobby, but I'd be willing to put money that these cars will take off in value once enthusiasts begin to get hip to them.
I'm starting to get surprised at the number of mint condition Fiat X1/9s out there. With their propensity towards rusting and sundry electrical maladies, it is not an easy job keeping one of these in tip top shape for 32 years. It's curious that Fiat kept the 124 Spider on while selling this mid-engine targa right alongside, but these two cars ended up appealing to two very different kinds of open air enthusiasts. This X1/9 for sale in Florida is a very period metallic green and has but 40,000 miles covered between two owners.
This is a museum quality Fiat X1/9. EVERYTHING WORKS PERFECTLY. NOT covered in rust like every other X 1/9. This car has been kept in an Air Conditioned garage since purchase, and always maintained properly.
Good X1/9s of this vintage tend to hover around the $5,000 mark, so this one coming from a private seller at almost $7,000 represents a bit of a premium, but is about $1,000 cheaper than the X1/9 we featured for sale by the dealer in Ohio back in March. Realistically, this car may reach around $6,000, but the right buyer may come along and pony up.
The Fiat 130 Coupe was never sold new in the United States, and very few that reside stateside. It is a shame this car lives in relative obscurity, as it was an award winning design with a 3.2 liter V6 developed by Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi. Most 130 coupes featured a Borg-Warner 3 speed automatic, although a 5-speed manual was available. Four wheel disc brakes and four wheel independant suspension rounded out the package. This example for sale in Miami is finished in brown with beige velour, quite a popular look for the 1970s.
Magnificent Fiat 130 Coupe Pininfarina. 1973 model, automatic. Only 2 owners. The original owner was a Fiat dealer of Modena (Italy) and the second owner owned the vehicle for 38 years until today. Vehicle still has original plastic wraps on doors. Original paint, no rust, dings or scratches. Runs and drives great. Showroom condition. 53,000 km (33,000 miles). Engine: 3.2 liters, 165 HP. Everything functions well including the A/C. Very, very rare example. Only a few in the USA.
Beggars can't be choosers when it comes to a car like this on US soil. This is certainly one of the better examples you would come across, which has me thinking it may track the price of what good examples are selling for in Europe these days, which is anywhere between $13,000 to $20,000 USD. Or will it? Given this is a no reserve auction, I'll be quite curious to see if US enthusiasts value this crisply styled coupe as much as they are across the pond.
In the 1970s, even the most exotic of machinery was not exempt by the overarching ideas of federal lawmakers, as is witnessed by this Series III Lamborghini Espada. Debuting in 1972, the final iteration of Lamborghini’s grand touring coupe brought a redesigned interior and, in the case of this model year, the dreaded, larger impact bumpers. This particular Espada 400 GT is a California car and has the automatic transmission, which is a two speed Chrysler Torque Flite unit mated to the familiar 4.0 liter V12 with 350 horsepower.
This 1975 Lamborghini Espada Series III is in White with Burgungdy. The Espada Series III was introduced in the 1972 Turin Auto Show. With a total production of 1217 cars made, this is the most successful model of the time. Some updates for the series III included a redisigned front grill, rear tail lights, power steering made standard along with air conditioning. This Lamborghini has a V12, independent susupension, four wheel disc brakes and an automatic transmission. The car has excellent paint, finished in it’s original color of White. The interior is original with correct steering wheel and appointments. This car has factory Campagnolo mag wheels and matching tires. This Lamborghini is a California car documented back to 1984. It was sold in ’84 to Glendale, California with 42,033 miles. The car last changed hands in 2006. The original manual and pouch, original spare, jack and tool bag will be presented to the new owner.
I’ve always been a big fan of the low slung look of the Espada and its curious details, such as the passenger footrest, top hinging rear windows and the massive shifter for the automatic transmission. This is a curious beast; one which deserves more respect than it currently garners. Subsequently, prices have stayed rather bargain basement as compared to other Lamborghinis. With this car’s provenance and mileage, $48,000 is a little bit high, but not by much. Good drivers start in the low $40,000 range these days, with excellent show Espadas commanding another $10,000 to $20,000 over that.
As a follow on to the Ferrari F550 Barchetta we featured last week, here is that car's direct successor, the 575M Superamerica. At the time this car was released, folding hard tops were coming into their own. However, Ferrari decided to be different and opted for a glass targa roof that articulated 180 degrees to lie flat on the trunk lid. The curiousness didn't stop there. The glass employed electrochromic technology, developed by Saint Gobain, which was a first for automotive applications. This enabled the passengers to control the exact level of light they wanted to enter the cabin through the mere turn of a dial. Only 599 of these flip top Ferraris were made. This one for sale in Florida is being offered by the dealer which sold it on when it was new.
2005 575 Superamerica! 1 of only 559 worldwide. This is a local car sold new by us. Options include GTC Package, Electric Daytona Seats, Scuderia Shields, Yellow Tachometer, Rear Wall in Beige Leather, High Power HiFi Sound System, 6 Disc Changer, Black Stitching and Daytona Inserts.
While the Superamerica offers greater all weather practicality with none of the compromises of the F550 Barchetta, I still can't help that a premium is being charged for an aesthetically less pleasing Ferrari. As neat as the electrochromic roof is, it does appear a bit awkward when the roof is lowered over trunk lid. So either you get good top down looks with the F550 Barchetta or more usability with the 575M. Personally, I'd choose the Superamerica over the Barchetta, as the flying buttresses do a better job of masking the long trunk lid. When new, these cars were around $280,000. Today, you can expect prices for low mileage examples to hover around $200,000.
Since it is almost summer, I can't help but think another Alfa Romeo Spider feature this week isn't really one too many. This 1991 Spider for sale in Pennsylvania is a base model 5-speed with a low 23,000 miles under its belt spread between three owners.
This auction is for my extra-clean 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider with approx. 24,000 original miles! Check out the details below of this fine car and be ready for a fun ride! First, the story behind this low mile car. This car was purchased originally by a guy in Maryland, he traded in his '87 Spider on this '91. I have the paperwork to show the original transaction that will be included in this sale, along with service records on the car. That first owner apparently sold the car to a local shop here in PA that specializes in imports/Italian cars. This car was then purchased by a friend of a friend from that shop in 1996 with a little over 22,000 miles on it.
The 2nd owner drove the car a whopping 1,201 miles in 15 years, he only drove the car to shows and around the block for fun. I know he appreciated this type of car, it is just a shame he didn't take it out and really enjoy it. I bought the car and finally registered and titled it last month. I have driven it 350-400 miles in the last 2 weeks, this is a fun car to drive! I would love to keep it, but I have a small Jeep collection that required me to rent a 2,000 sq ft garage and I'm already out of space! I really just don't have the room to park this or the time to play with it. This car needs a new owner that appreciates these cars and will take it out and enjoy it!!
This is what I have recently done to the car:
New Battery (7 year DieHard Gold)
Installed 4 brand new Michelin tires
New PA state inspection and emissions stickers
New brake pads (installed by prev owner)
The car runs and drives very nice! It starts up every time and has great passing power for a 4cyl 16 valve. The stick shift in this car is extremely nice and the car does NOT have any 2nd gear synchro issues. The shifts are nice and firm every time, downshifting into 2nd does not produce any grinding. Alfa owners will tell you that the 2nd gear synchro can be the week link in the tranny. The car will grind going into reverse unless you shift into a forward gear first. I usually shift to 4th, then R and I have no issues. I had thought this was a problem until I read about this on the AlfaBB.... apparently that's "just how they are".
The car has a few (common) needs right now:
A/C functions but does not blow cold. I have only driven the car on nice days with the top down, so I haven't checked this out yet.
There is a small dent on the leading edge of the bumper above the Alfa emblem. (see pics)
The airbag light is flashing grounding codes. This is common on these cars, the codes can be reset.
Sometimes there is an intermittent clutch throw out bearing squeak when taking off from a stop (it wont do it when you take it to the mechanic... trust me)
Please check out the pics and ask any questions! Check out how nice the interior is, the seats are just about perfect. Carpet and mats are nice too! The top boot is included in the trunk. Speaking of the top, it is in excellent condition. The window is clear, there is no holes, and it functions as it should. There is also a full size spare under the trunk carpet. Jack points on the car are all in nice shape. Tires and brakes are brand new! Any stone chips/dings on the paint were touched up by previous owner, a nice paint job could make it really perfect! I personally don't paint cars, because then I would be afraid to drive them. This car has averaged 28 mpg for me, not too shabby. This car always runs cool, on the highway and in traffic. All of the original books and papers are included in this sale. The window sticker, owner's manual, tire books, etc., see the pics. I have the full Autocheck report for this car. Title is clear, no lien, and is in my name.
Even with this car's minor faults, I can't help but think it won't last long at $9,500. This leaves room for repair costs and then some when compared to completely sorted examples that are selling in the $14,000 to $20,000 range. For a Series 4 Spider, even if it is a base model, anything under $10,000 in this kind of shape could be considered well bought.
