Tag Archives: Bertone

1978 Lamborghini Silhouette P300

Derived from the V8 powered Lamborghini Urraco, the Silhouette is one of the most rare Lamborghinis ever produced, with 54 examples having the left the factory between 1976 and 1979. Only 31 examples are known to still exist. Improvements over the Urraco include increased horsepower (260) from the 3.0 liter V8 and a targa roof, making this the first production Lamborghini to have a removable roof. While they were never sold new in the US, this 1978 Silhouette for sale in Wisconsin was sold new to an Arab prince and was subsequently brought to the US in pieces and rebuilt to fly under the DoT radar.

1978 Lamborghini Silhouette P300

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This rare and stunning 1978 Lamborghini Silhouette P300 is one of the estimated 31 remaining of only 52 ever built between 1976 and 1979. The Silhouette is the lowest number of production Lamborghinis made on a year to year basis except for the 400GT and Reventon. This Silhouette is well known among the Lamborghini community and has been featured in the book The Complete Book of Lamborghini by Peter Lyons and has a great history. It sold new to an Arab prince in the Middle East and later sold to a gentleman in Los Angeles who disassembled and imported it into America as a parts car (hence the rebuilt title) as the Silhouette was never produced for the U.S. market and thus was not EPA/DOT approved at the time. Upon arriving in the U.S., the mechanic-owner reassembled the car, got it running in top condition, and owned the car for approximately 7 years before selling it to another gentleman who owned it 20 years until 2012. The current owner has decided to change the focus of is collection, which creates a rare opportunity for a Lamborghini enthusiast. With only 15,738 miles, this is likely not only one of the lower mileage examples in existence, but also likely one of the most pristine cosmetically in existence. Below is a detailed description illustrating how pristine this Silhouette is in all aspects:

Exterior: The previous owner subjected the body to a top-quality complete Glasurit repaint approximately 15 years ago. The paint remains in the concourse condition it was in when it won its class at Concourso Italiano as it has been carefully preserved and driven approximately only 2,000 miles since that time. The exterior trim is also in pristine condition and there is no rust. The original Campagnolo magnesium Bravo wheels are also pristine and feature correct decals. An online portfolio of 88 photos that illustrate how spectacular the condition is available to interested parties who provide me with their email address.

Interior: The carpet, headliner, leather seats, mouse-hair dash, instrumentation, interior trim, seatbelts, switchgear, and period-correct Alpine am/fm cassette stereo are in such a pristine state that entering the car makes one feel as though they are back in 1978. The air conditioning, power windows, and all electrical items are fully functional.

Engine/Transmission: The original transversely mounted 3.0 liter all aluminum-alloy Lamborghini engine idles exceptionally steady and pulls aggressively and smoothly throughout the entire RPM range during acceleration. The engine has been fastidiously detailed and leaks no fluids. The transmission is very tight and shifts smoothly into all gears.

Valuable Extras: The long-term owner’s obsession with preserving this Silhouette is evidenced by the large number of original NOS and spare parts he accumulated and saved with the car to ensure there would have replacements available if ever needed. Included is an original pair of Pirelli P7 285/40/15 rear tires, an a/c compressor, a window regulator, several carburetor parts, gaskets, ignition parts, oil filters, and many other items (see photo). These items are not only handy to have, but also very valuable.

Summary: This 1978 Lamborghini Silhouette P300 is the ideal example for the Lamborghini enthusiast who demands the best and understands the it is financially prudent to purchase a vintage Lamborghini that is in top-condition as one can spend two to three times the purchase price of a “driver” or “project car” to bring it up to the standard this example is in, yet still have a high mileage car. This Lamborghini should easily pass any rational pre-purchase inspection with flying colors.

The Urraco is one of the most affordable Lamborghinis, with prices spanning the $30,000 to $50,000 territory. Since the Silhouette is essentially an updated, more exclusive version of the Urraco, the values are naturally a bit higher. A Silhouette in similar condition with a little over 20,000 more miles sold at RM Auctions in August 2010 for just over $60,000. Given the lower mileage and passage in time, the asking price here doesn't seem that much out of line.

-Paul

1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000

If ever there was an Italian cousin to the legendary BMW 2002, it would be this car: the Alfa Romeo GTV Coupe. These rear-drive coupes with their twin cam engines offer motorists classic Italian driving thrills in a tidy Bertone penned package. As with many desirable classics, prices have been strong for these coupes for quite some time. This GTV for sale in Colorado isn't perfect, but is offered at no reserve and looks great with the Panasport/Minilite style wheels.

1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000

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Up for sale is a 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000. It is blue on tan, with Mini Lite replica wheels. It has a proper European Weber conversion, factory A/C, Centerline performance springs, European spec cams, Magnaflow exhaust, stainless steel brake lines, and polyurethane bushings. One of the most beautiful cars Bertone ever designed was the GTV, and this one looks the part. I have most of the records since new. I also have the original bill of sale, from Colorado and has been here since.

It was repainted at one point in its life and it was done at a commercially acceptable standard. It is not perfect but looks good at 10 ft. There is the typical rust in the wheel wells, the bottom of the windshield frame and in the rockers. It is minor but the paint is bubbling in some spots. The interior is in decent shape. The drivers seat bolster has wear, the door panels are wavy and the dash has a cap on it. The tachometer needs to be rebuilt, it reads high. The factory A/C blows ice cold, the gearbox shifts perfectly, the engine has good compression on all cylinders, it drives like a new car, no strange noises from the suspension, very few leaks (it’s Italian), fully serviced and runs like a proper GTV should.

If you are looking for a GTV that you can drive and enjoy this is the one. It can be driven in middle of the summer with the A/C blasting and cruising in style and comfort. It can then be taken to the track and enjoyed in all of its glory with its suspension and upgraded engine. The car is not perfect so you won’t have to worry about the occasional rock chip or scratch. If you want a GTV to use as it was intended to, this is the perfect car. It is mechanically very sound and I would not hesitate to drive it across the country tomorrow.

With no reserve, this GTV will probably reach into the low $20,000 range, as there are a few issues that need to be addressed. This is still a very drivable car, though, and with no reserve, represents a potential opportunity to get a GTV at a discount. GTVs in outstanding condition can reach into the $30,000 range these days, but this one will most likely fall short of that.

-Paul

1970 Fiat 850 Spider

It might be the middle of winter for us East Coasters out there, but if you're thinking about a convertible for the summer, this is the time to buy. If you want a lot of fun on a budget, the Fiat 850 is a great choice for those seeking al fresco motoring. Based on rear-engined, Fiat 850 mechanicals, the 850 Spider had styling by Bertone that set it apart from its larger 124 Spider sibling. This 850 Spider for sale in New York is an original car except for the new convertible top that was recently installed.

1970 Fiat 850 Spider

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They are Only Origianl Once! 1970 Fiat 850 Spider Bertone Edition Convertible. Imported by Fiat Roosevelt Motors Inc. Sold New by Fiat Free World of Manhattan

Two owners, garage kept
63,269 original miles,
Original paint, original interior
Original window sticker, original owner manual
4 cyl, 4-speed transmission
Everything works, never in an accident
Normal expectations of original paint with nicks scratches
Fun to drive
New top installed
Two new window regulators already installed
Doors sag, door latches need adjustment
Air cleaner repainted
Lower front both fenders metal breaks
New Interstate battery
Paint is believed to be original as I see no over spray anywhere
Small minor dent passenger rear quarter

Look at the pictures carefully, for a northeast Fiat it is solid. There are areas in the floor sheet metal with rust on either side see the pictures. Really NOT TOO BAD for a Fiat of this year and it is in original condition. This sporty two-seater Fiat was designed and built by Bertone, the same Italian company that has built cars for Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz, and many more!

For an 850 Spider out of New York, this has survived remarkably well. I really like the fact that this looks like an honest car, rust showing where you'd suspect, but not being too out of control. The asking price for this car isn't way over the top, but if you could have the seller knock about $1,000 off, it would be a good deal for summer motoring on the cheap.

-Paul

1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Normale

Of all the Alfa Romeo Coupes, I've always preferred the Giulia 105/115 series coupes above the rest. But this car, a Giulietta Sprint Normale, has me looking at the Giulia's predecessor in a different light. For sale in California, this car looks absolutely amazing in green with Panasport wheels. Oftentimes larger wheels on a vintage car doesn't work too well but the stance here is perfect. It's hard to believe this design is almost 60 years old, because trimmed out in this manner, the look transcend decades.

1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Normale

Verde Muschio with Cognac interior, 1750 CC with 40 millimeter Webers, equipped with a five-speed gearbox, four wheel ATE disc brakes, Bilstein shocks, 15 inch Panasport wheels, 25 millimeter front sway bar and ATL fuel cell. A very attractive and nicely restored 101 series Sprint with rally style upgrades. $49,500.

At almost $50,000, this Giulietta Sprint is one of the most expensive that I've seen on the market. The last Giulietta Sprint we featured about a month ago was 1959 model for sale at a Ferrari/Maserati dealer. That car was listed just shy of $40,000. A good, restored example will usually bring somewhere between $35,000 and $40,000. While this car certainly presents well and has some desirable updates, I couldn't see paying over $45,000 for it.

-Paul

1975 Maserati Khamsin

The year 1975 marked the point at which Alejandro de Tomaso took over the reigns at Maserati from Citroën. The Khamsin, which means strong wind in Egyptian, was one of the last cars developed under Citroën control. Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, this car featured a unique rear glass panel with floating tail lights, a styling touch that would show up on more mainstream cars in the near future. It also incorporated Citroën's DIRAVI variable assist power steering. This Khamsin for sale in Missouri is a US model that has had the desirable European bumper conversion, bringing back the sleek look the designed originally intended.

1975 Maserati Khamsin

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1975 Maserati Khamsin. Finished in gorgeous black with red and black leather interior! 44,470 original miles. Restored. High cost European bumper conversion. One of 421 produced. One of 155 imported to the US. 4.9 liter V8, 315 horsepower. Automatic transmission. Meticulously maintained. Documented service and maintenance. Unmatched exclusivity. California car.

Maseratis from the 1970s represent a good way into exotic Italian iron for less money than a comparable Ferrari or Lamborghini from the era. Some may view the automatic transmission as a detriment, but for a grand touring machine, it's not completely out of place. The black on red color combination is stunning and an uncommon, timeless shade for a car from the 1970s. With so few built, this Khamsin offers exclusivity that is hard to match at prices ten times over what this car is on offer for.

-Paul

1974 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV

The 105/115 series GTV coupe is one of Alfa Romeo's high points. Timeless Bertone styling along with a lively chassis and engine cemented this car's status with collectors and enthusiasts. By the time the mid seventies rolled around, the GTV was on its last legs with the introduction of the 2000 GTV. This GTV for sale in New York is a two owner original example of this model at its zenith.

1974 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV

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1974 Alfa Romeo GTV. Two Owners, 41,000 Original Miles, Original Colors, Original Interior, Excellent Example. This beautiful '74 GTV is Amaranth Red (an Aubergine color) over a Light Tan interior, the original colors. The car is believed to have had only two owners and just a single repaint. It was a dry southern car that does not exhibit any of the typical rust or ugly patching we so often find on Alfas of this era (or Alfas of any era, really). The car retains what appears to be its original interior, which is in great condition. It is currently showing 41,000 miles, which we also believe to be original. The car also retains its original SPICA injection system and runs and drives very well. It is equipped with four brand new Alloy GTA style wheels on Pirellis. This is an excellent unmolested, honest and original GTV that represents a very high fun to dollar ratio.

Given the condition and provenance of this car, the reserve is probably lying somewhere in the $25,000 to $35,000 range, as is the norm with these late model GTVs as of late. These are fantastic practical classics and I must say hats off to the two previous owners, as this car has been given the love and care it deserves.

-Paul

1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal

With its racing derived, fuel-injected V8 and unorthodox Bertone styling, the Montreal made a splash in the market in the early 1970s. This car was Alfa Romeo's effort at building a high end sports coupe in the mold of the company's offerings before the start of World War II. You don't see many of Montreals on the road in the US and those that are available are highly prized by a dedicated group of enthusiasts. This Montreal for sale in California is a solid runner which was repainted to red from its original golden hue.

1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal

This Montreal was imported in the '80's and has been in California since then. It was owned by a prominent doctor here in Santa Barbara, then it was sold to a well-known Alfa collector/hoarder. I bought it from his estate, along with several other Alfas. Most of the other cars were offered here on the AlfaBB and have already been sold. The Montreal was by far the best car of the collection, and I decided to hold off on selling it until the others were gone. Since there was such a good response on the others, I wanted to offer the Montreal here first before posting it on ebay.

The car has just been serviced. It runs strong and sounds incredible! The car shows approximately 66k kilometers, and this is backed up by the receipts on file. Nice wood wheel, gauges, switches, headliner, 2-tone door panels, etc. The rear seat is excellent, and the fronts have had the original black vinyl replaced by cloth inserts. Clean & original engine compartment. I would consider this a nice looking "driver quality" car. The paint is old and is a color change from the original gold. Minor bubbles and blemishes in the paint, but it still shines and impresses most casual viewers. I see price ranges on these of: $15k-20k for total projects that are not running, and $50k-plus for restored cars. This one falls in between these ranges in condition and value, and I have priced it at $29,500.

Are Montreals poised to jump in price like the SS's and other Giuliettas have done recently? They certainly have a lot going for them (quad cam V8, sexy coachbuilt body by Bertone, limited production, and very few cars available in the US). It doesn't really make sense that these can be had for the same price as a nice GTV. I love GTV's, but Montreals are a heck of a lot more rare & exotic! If I had more space, I would probably be tempted to hang on to it and see what happens with the market. But I have more cars than space, and need to free up some cash for ongoing restorations on my other toys. The car is located in Santa Barbara, and I would be happy to show it to anyone with serious interest.

The sellers price is about on par with what one can expect to pay for a decent runner, if not concours quality Montreal these days. The SPICA fuel injection system is tricky to get in tune, so a thorough examination of that should be carried out to make sure disaster doesn't lie ahead. Otherwise, for the person that wants a usable Montreal and not a garage queen, this car would be a good choice.

-Paul

1970 Fiat 850 Spider

Since we're talking about cheap motoring thrills this weekend at CICFS, how about this Fiat 850 Spider? Overshadowed by its larger sibling, the 124 Spider and eclipsed in popularity by the Alfa Romeo 105/115 Spider, the 850 does have its merits. Based on the Fiat 850 which was itself an evolution of the Fiat 600, the 850 Spider offers a unique driving experience with its rear engine layout and diminutive size. This car for sale in Oregon is good quality driver that you wouldn't be afraid to use and enjoy on a regular basis.

1970 Fiat 850 Spider

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Very nice car. Purchased in San Diego in 2005, trailered to Portland OR. Driven daily for the first couple of years, but lately its been driven only in the summer and garaged all winter. Newly-plated Abarth header and muffler give it a nice throaty sound. Factory hardtop was taken down to metal and painted. A new hew headliner was installed at a local upholstery shop. New dashboard installed and dash rewired, but within a month it developed two cracks (pictured). Very reliable daily driver. New tires and battery, rebuilt carburetor, new master cylinder. Handles nicely. Maintained in Portland by a local shop whose owner used to race vintage Fiats.

Miscellaneous maintenance and improvements made over the last few years. Two spots of rust on the body, each about two inches in diameter. I had the trunk lid taken down to metal, a rust spot removed, then repainted. But it came back within a year. There is also a small bubble of paint at the bottom of the passenger door (pictured). Also, each seat has a two-inch separation of a seam (pictured). Entire bottom edge of car has undercoating treatment. Selling because I have too many vehicles and am self-funding a new business.

Fiat 850 Spiders in good nick will average between $5,000 and $10,000, so at $5,000, this is not a bad deal for what you are getting. While it has some flaws, they are mainly cosmetic and nothing that would be too difficult or expensive to fix. I've never paid much attention to these rear engined runabouts, but I think it's about time that enthusiasts wake up to just how much Italian fun a little bit of money can buy them.

-Paul

1973 Lamborghini Jarama 400GTS

Lamborghinis have a reputation for being brash; over the top some may say. But the company that builds these exotic, high-end sport cars started out in the 1960s with a goal to create a more refined car than Ferrari. The Jarama came along in 1970 and was built on a shortened Espada chassis. Not many of these coupes were manufactured. Only 328 emerged from the factory over a six year span. Not your typical car you'd find in Wisconsin, this bright orange GTS version we see here has the higher horsepower 4.0 liter V12 engine with 350 horsepower.

1973 Lamborghini Jarama 400GTS

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This stunning 1973 Lamborghini Jarama GTS (also known as Jarama S and 400 GTS) is 1 of only 152 GTS models produced between 1973 and 1976 which features many desirable improvements over the previous Jarama GT model, including an exterior makeover, a completely restyled interior, cooling improvements, and a more powerful version of the legendary 4-cam V12 engine delivering 365 horsepower. With only 8,797 miles, this is likely not only the lowest mileage example in existence, but also likely the most pristine cosmetically in existence. This Jarama GTS is well known among the Lamborghini community and has been featured in the book The Complete Book of Lamborghini by Pete Lyons. Below is a detailed description illustrating how pristine this Jarama GTS is in all aspects:

Exterior: The body has been subjected to a comprehensive and top-quality color change from silver to stunning Arancio (a period-correct orange) where the engine, glass, and interior were removed during the process. As of this time, the paint and exterior trim remain in pristine condition as it they have been carefully preserved and there is no rust. The original Campagnolo magnesium wheels are also pristine and feature correct decals.

Interior: The carpet and seats have been changed from tan to black utilizing the finest quality of leather and carpet, all of which is in pristine condition. The interior features the original factory Phillips am/fm cassette stereo mounted overhead between the sun visors as well as air conditioning and power windows. All of the instrumentation, seatbelts, switchgear, interior trim, dash and headliner are in the pristine cosmetic condition and visual appeal you would expect of a carefully loved 8,797 mile Lamborghini.

Engine: The engine received a full service this spring due having been used so little, which included the timing chains being re-tensioned, camshafts timed, valves adjusted, distributors rebuilt, ignition timed, belts/filters/fluids/plugs changed, and carburetors completely rebuilt by GT Motorsports. The engine idles exceptionally steady and pulls aggressively and smoothly throughout the entire RPM range during acceleration. The transmission is very tight and shifts smoothly into all gears. Noted Lamborghini specialist George Evans of Evans Automotive overhauled the braking and system over the past winter months. The next owner of this car should have peace of mind not having to incur the expense and time that is usually associated with revitalizing an ultra-low mileage Lamborghini as so much has been completed recently.

Summary: This 1973 Lamborghini Jarama GTS is the ideal example for the Lamborghini enthusiast who demands the best and understands the it is financially prudent to purchase a vintage Lamborghini that is in top-condition as one can spend two to threee times the purchase price of a “driver” or “project car” to bring it up to the standard this example is in, yet still have a high mileage car. This Lamborghini should easily pass any rational pre-purchase inspection with flying colors. Please note that the following items are included:

3-ring binder containing service paperwork
Clear Wisconsin title that is free of liens
Full-size Campagnolo spare wheel and tire
Original jack and tool kits
Owner’s manual
Two sets of keys

This car appears to be the same Jarama that came up for sale in Arizona last December for $79,000. One year later, we're at $84,950. Not a terrible increase in one year, but I'm not sure that this would be the kind of market where you could flip an obscure sports car like this in one year and make $5,000. I still love this car, though. The color just draws me in and the black leather interior peppered with the little bit of wood on the steering wheel and shift knob has the aura of a gentleman's lounge.

-Paul

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

When a manufacturer introduces a new car range, a sedan is usually the first to be unveiled. Not so with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Giulietta Sprint coupe was the first model in the range to appear, unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1954. With an all alloy twin cam four cylinder and tidy Bertone styling, this was an advanced car for its time. While the Giulia GTV that succeeed it might have eclipsed it in popularity, these cars have merit in their own right. This mint example for sale in Illinois is a great opportunity for someone looking for a car they can use or show right out of the box.

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

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Beautiful Giulietta Spring with a 1600 engine with twin Webers and 5-speed transmission. No rust California car. Painted many years ago and still shows really well. Interior redone with seats from a '67 GTV. The car is also equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes, Centerline sport springs, headers and sport exhaust.

Prices for Sprints these days are hovering around $40,000, so for a clean example such as this, the asking price isn't way out of line. These cars are known for their tedious electronics and, like all Italian cars, propensity to rust, so a thorough inspection would be a must.

-Paul