Tag Archives: Bertone

Fiat

1971 Fiat 850 Spider

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Fiat has had a history of taking rather ordinary cars and turning them into something extraordinary. Take for instance the Fiat 130 Coupe based on their demure 130 executive sedan to the classic Barchetta roadster based on lowly Punto mechanicals. The Bertone styled 850 Spider is another great example of taking a pedestrian car and turning it into something more special. You don’t see too many of these rear engine runabouts on the road these days, as the larger 124 Spider garnered more of the open roofed Fiat market share and was sold for a longer period of time. A lot of these that still exist are rust buckets, but this 850 is in amazing shape, having been in a collection for many years. It is for sale by the same seller as the 1976 Polski Fiat 125p pickup we featured on Monday.

1971 Fiat 850 Spider

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1971 Fiat 850 Sport Spider, 1300 original miles; An unrestored museum piece. We didn’t believe it either, until we saw it, walked around it, touched and examined it top to bottom, inside and out. This is a breathtaking example of what careful upkeep and storage in optimal conditions can yield. Easily the absolute finest 850 Spider we have seen since they were available new in showrooms. If it were possible to build-up a new 850 Spider out of NOS parts, from the X-frame up, the results would look pretty much like this – It’s that good:

Original Paint; Original Chrome and Brightwork; Original Top; Original Upholstery; Original Dash Pad with no cracks; Original Rubber Mats; Original Windshield, Wipers and Blades; Original Pirelli tires, tubes and valve-stem caps, (probably with some original Turinese air still in them!)

Original Headlamps, Bulbs, Fuses, Wiring, Hardware, Clips, Most Hoses, and a hundred other details that are often lost on these fragile little cars.

The engine fires-up up immediately and runs as-new. We have put about 150 miles on the car (still using break-in speeds until the odo cracked 1200 miles). The steering is light and precise, as new. Roadholding is very fine, even on the original tires, shocks and springs. Brakes are as-new, with a light but firm pedal. By any sane definition, this car is rust-free. The X-frame, floors, sills, all crevices and pockets underneath, all suspension mounting points, valance panels, trunk floor, and even the battery box are all clean and rust-free, with the original undercoating intact wherever it was applied. Unbelievably, hardware and fixtures underneath the car are shiny and clean. Bushings and rubber parts are excellent and pliable. The engine splash pans are still in position.

Throughout this car, we found small details left over from the production line that are lost forever when a car is restored: Rivet studs, ends of rubber plugs and trimming, a bit of masking tape never removed from one of the top bows, small smears of paint on the wiring harness and hoses (where they were installed before the paint dried). It’s amazing. Realizing we are acting as temporary custodians to history, we have done our best to not disturb any of this original flotsam and jetsam. We performed only minimal detailing to the car: A gentle wash, Zymol Concours wax on the paint, Simichrome on the brightwork, Windex on the glass – That’s it. This Fiat is a Preservation Class dream, and will be welcomed at any Concours for Macchina Italiano just as it is. If the next owner wants to clean the crevices with Q-Tips and sweat some finer details, it will be ready for Pebble Beach.

What’s the Story Here? This car came from the estate of the original owner, a collector whose taste runs more along the lines of Cadillacs and T-Birds. He enjoys extremely low-mileage originals, and his cars are displayed on jack stands in a temperature and humidity controlled building – Completely away from the sun's damaging UV rays, and free from freeze/thaw/bake cycles that can age rubber and vinyl even on cars that are not driven. He received the Fiat brand new in 1971 as part of business deal, and he gave it to his wife. They drove it only very sparingly, perhaps once around the lake every summer and in annual parades in town. The car never left their small Minnesota city until this summer. It has been kept clean, dry and properly stored after each use.

It remains in stunning original condition. The driver’s side door was repainted back in the seventies, and is an excellent match in color, but a trained eye will notice some minor cracking (invisible in photos). The only non-original parts we could detect are the muffler (replaced with a genuine factory part), the windshield washer bag (which we replaced with a new OEM one, as the original became loose and was roasted on the exhaust), and the filters.

The paint has very few flaws, nicks or marks (even on the nose), and only two tiny touch-ups that we could find. We could find no evidence of crash repair. The windshield is perfect, with no scratches, road-rash, cracks, chips or hazing. The top has a beautifully clear window, excellent stitching, and no tears or holes. It’s mounted on perfect top bows. It goes up and down easily and snaps closed like new. The seats and upholstery look like new: flawless, with perfect stitching and no tears, fading or damage. The Dash board is exellent, with a perfect pad that (amazingly) has no splits. The fake wood paneling on the dash is intact, unmarked and unfaded, but the passenger side above the glove has some cracks (where the headreast hits it when the seat folds forward). Finding original Fiat replacements for this Formica-like paneling is impossible, so we elected to leave it in place rather than to replace it with a non-matching substitute. It's really unusual to find an 850 Spider that still has this original piece installed above this glove box. The rubber floor mats are clean, undamaged and still pliable. Ditto for the trunk mat and securing strap for the folded top (both rare items in any condition).

Gauges and controls all work, with the exception of the oil pressure gauge. We are working on this, and will endeavor to repair it for the next owner. We swapped the sender unit, but this didn’t help. The low pressure warning lamp works, and we will put our attention on the gauge itself. The wipers wipe, the blower motor blows (on two speeds), and the horn is loud ‘n proud.

For a car that was in production for several years looking basically the same, there were several important changes throughout the life of the 850 Sport Spider. 1971 was one of the better vintages for this model. It had the largest engine available, 903cc, which has more torque than the 843cc or (especially) the 817cc models. 71s also had a really sweet looking alloy sump which peeks out from beneath the back of the car (a very cool item that screams "Abarth!").

I honestly don't think I've ever come across a Fiat 850 Spider that has ever looked this good. The mint green color is very similar to the Evergreen color that BMW offered on their Z3 roadster in the late 1990s. While not to everyone's taste, I think it's refreshignly different and not too offensive on such a small vehicle. A 850 Spider that is driveable and sorted cosmetically will typically run you between $6,000 and $10,000. This particular car has started out at $11,000, so I'd assume the sellers are looking for somewhere around $15,000 or so. As nice as this car is, I doubt one could expect to get much more out of it than that. The other issue here is mileage. I could wager a guess that whoever buys this 850 Spider won't be using it as intended, as it is too nice to employ on a regular basis. That's a shame, as this would be a fun runable for the summer months.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal

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The Alfa Romeo Montreal could be considered as the spiritual forerunner to the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Both V8 engined, rear drive sports cars, the Montreal was named after the locale that the concept first appeared. This was a wild looking sports car, with intriguing design features such as the slatted headlamp covers and series of cabin vents on the B pillar. While never sold new in the North America, a few have made their way over here throughout the years. This Montreal for sale in Los Angeles looks sharp in red and has resided stateside for almost 30 years.

1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal

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As one of the premier European GT cars of the early 1970’s, the 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal wowed the crowd with its Bertone styling, and powerful V8 powerplant. Powered by a Spica fuel injected and dry-sump lubricated 2.6L V8 engine borrowed from the Alfa race program, this car quickly made a name for itself in the GT sports car world. This particular vehicle is in excellent condition, with the entire engine, drivetrain, interior, and exterior fully sorted. The car runs and drives beautifully, with all components operating. The suspension and driveline runs smooth and tight. The 200hp engine runs very healthy and full of torque, and sounds excellent coming through the classic center exit twin-pipe exhaust. The 5-speed gearbox shifts great and smooth. The glossy red paint is in superb condition showing only minor age and wear and tear.

The interior is extra clean with all components operating. All upholstery is in great condition. The factory stereo and speakers were recently upgraded to modern CD head unit and speaker components. This is a rare car for the US market, especially in this terrific condition. Service receipts are available, with about $10k in recent work including brand new Alfa replacement exhaust system, (5) new tires, complete service, flush, and tune-up, etc.

This vehicles' history had one owner in Europe, it was then brought to the US in 1985 by the 2nd owner, which is who I purchased this vehicle from. This car comes with the Owners Manual in both Italian and English.

Montreals these days typically change hands in the $30,000 to $45,000 range. A 1972 Montreal sold at Bonhams in Paris in early 2011 for just over $40,000. Given the rarity on these shores and the condition of this car, we are probably looking at a reserve somewhere around that point, with bidding that might have the potential of reaching $50,000.

-Paul

Ferrari, Uncategorized

1965 ASA 1000 GT

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Having realized success in the sports car and grand touring market on the coattails of a powerhouse racing team, Enzo Ferrari sought to introduce a car that would compete with sports cars that were a bit less expensive. One caveat, though, was that he did not want to slap a Ferrari badge on this car. Instead, he sold the production rights to the De Nora Electrochemical Group, which in turn marketed the new sports car under the ASA badge, short for Autocostruzioni Societa per Azioni.

The 1000 GT, as it was called, was a remarkable little sports car. Featuring an overhead cam, 1,032 cc four-cylinder engine designed by Ferrari, this powerplant was essentially part of what was originally a Colombo V12, and included the trademark clothes pin valves and was fed via two Weber 40 DCOE9 carburetors. Other forward thinking engineering touches included double wishbone suspension at the front end along with disc brakes at all four corners. The ASA 1000 GT would foreshadow the later Dino Ferraris in bringing exotic engineering to less well heeled customers. Fewer than 100 of these 1000 GT coupes were ever made and finding one in great condition like this one in California is a rare treat.

1965 ASA 1000 GT

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The ASA 1000 GT was evolved from a concept for a small Ferrari in 1959. Eventually the rights for the design were transferred to Auto costruzioni Societa per Azioni, which was organised to produce the small GT. Under the shapely Giugiaro designed Bertone body was a chassis and engine by Giotto Bizzarini. Up front, it was supported by wishbones and coil springs with a live rear axle sporting helical springs and telescopic, hydraulic shock absorbers with reaction sprags. To complete the suspension the ASA received four wheel disc brakes. The jewel of an engine was an OHC four-cylinder unit displacing 1032 cubic centimetres and producing approximately 96 horsepower through a pair of Weber carburetors. This may not sound like much but, but in 1962 when the ASA was announced, the 1798cc MGB only generated 95hp and the base 1290cc Alfa Romeo Giulietta pumped out 91hp.

Compared to cars with similar engine displacement there was little comparison. The lovely crackle-finished ohc four was mated to a slick four speed transmission and like the best Italian engines the little OHC was born to rev. The interior leaves no doubt that the ASA 1000 GT is a true driver's car. The Nardi steering wheel offers a clear view of the large Jaeger tachometer, speedometer and five auxiliary gauges. With comfortable bucket seats and a roomy, well finished cockpit, it was clear that this was not an inexpensive car. Price proved to be the primary obstacle that faced this supremely competent automobile. In 1964, the price was approaching $6000 in the States. Not only was this tremendously expensive for a one-litre car in 1964, it was several hundred dollars more than a new Jaguar E-Type and about the same price as the brutally fast A.C. Cobra.

By 1967, the venture was terminated with fewer than 100 cars having been built. Eleven of these were officially produced in Spider form according to factory records of which a mere four survive today. The example I am proud to offer here is one of fixed head versions and looks great from most angles. The original numbers matching car was subject to a complete restoration on the East Coast back in 1991 to 1993. After completion the car participated in two New England 1000 Road Rallies where the car performed flawlessly. The car was subsequently sold to the previous owner in 1996 here in California where it spent much of its life garaged by its big brother, a beautiful Ferrari Lusso. After 15 years of hibernation I have brought this fantastic car back to life. Although the restoration is 20 years old it still presents well overall. The overall paint quality would be considered drivers status with minor flaws (minor bubbling due to prep flaws and minor chips from 20 years of life) the paint still has great shine and will hold its own at any Cars and Coffee. The trim and chrome looks near new, the interior still looks fresh with the leather soft and undamaged. All the Jaeger gauges function properly other than the clock. Car has just been inspected and serviced by a well respected shop in Los Angeles, Alfa Italia (they have been servicing vintage and classic Italian cars for over 20 years) which included; a complete flushing of the fuel, cooling and brake systems, a complete rebuild of the Weber carbs, new stainless exhaust, new axle seals and front wheel bearings, brand new period tires, a valve adjustment and of course fresh fluids throughout. These are unique cars that rarely make it to the open market, do not hesitate to bid or email me with any questions or requests you may have. (Original airbox is included in sale with misc. articles, notes from previous owners, and recent service history)

Short write up in Sports Car Digest:

http://www.sportscardigest.com/cars-for-sale/greatness-by-another-name-1965-asa-1000-gt/

For additional details visit: WWW.ASAREGISTER.COM

This 1000 GT coupe looks a bit like a Glass 1700GT has mated with a Maserati Mistral. Originally designed to be more affordable than your average Ferrari, these ASAs are now just as valuable as their bigger cousins. Given their rarity, it is hard to place values on such things, but a 1967 example sold for $81,400 at RM Auctions back in 2006. Six years later, it will be interesting to see if a similar example warrants an almost $40,000 premium over that figure. I would suspect a figure closer to $100,000 might be more realistic.

-Paul

Uncategorized

1970 Iso Rivolta

We've all drooled over cars like the Ferrari Daytona, Lamborghini Miura and Maserati Ghibli, but some of the most beautiful designs in Italian automotive history come from manufacturers you may have never heard of. Iso was a company that, before World War II, produced refrigeration units and then moved into motorcycles and scooters after the war. In the 1950s, they were responsible for the Isetta bubble car that was licensed to several manufacturers, including BMW. Then, at the Torino Motor Show in 1962, they dropped the curtain on the Rivolta, an sleek 2+2 coupe with the heart of a Chevrolet, in this case, a 5.4 liter V8. Designed with help by famed engineer Giotto Bizzarini, these cars were impossibly fast for their day, being able to cruise comfortably at speeds over 120 mph on the motorway.

From 1963 through 1970, approximately 800 of these coupes were produced. This example for sale in St. Louis, Missouri is a very late production model that is in original condition, save for an older respray.

1970 Iso Rivolta

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1970 Iso Rivolta. For those of you not familiar with the Iso story, in the early 1960s, Renzo Rivolta, an Italian engineer and successful appliance manufacturer, put together some of the best minds in the Italian auto industry, including Ferrari 250GTO designer Giotto Bizzarrini, and a young Giorgetto Giugiaro, then with Bertone. This car was a part of the Sports Car market magazine and was a personal driver of Publisher Keith Martin two or three years ago. This particular car was delivered new in Belgium, but quickly found its way to Southern California where it lived the majority of its life. As a result, the car escaped the fate of most of the 799 Rivoltas built. Most ISOs suffer from terminal rust and this car has very minimal rust (have many pictures upon request).

Very rare and hard to find car with original floor panels that are in good shape. The exterior of the car has a older re-spray (deep metallic maroon) that has still a great shine and is very presentable. The sides are straight and the panel gaps quite good. There are a few minor dings and some minor scratches. The rear bumper is a bit tweaked. The “horseshoe emblem" that was on the grill is missing. But overall the car is all there. The leather seats (brown), headliner, dash, and wood is in very good, original condition. A few of the seams on the drivers seat that have separated. The floor mats are in the trunk. and the power windows also work very well.

Under the hood, everything appears to be original with numbers matching per the chassis plate, and the original Iso air cleaner with its Iso numbers stamped on it. The motor is the original 327/300 hp Chevrolet V8. It runs extremely well and cool with excellent power, no smoke or funny noises, includes smog pump and hoses connected to the engine. The ISO goes down the road and stops straight. Recently rebuilt steering box and feels very tight. The car comes with four new gas shocks. The De Dion rear axle was rebuilt and bearings replaced Also the Hurst shift linkage comes with the car so is the jack and the spare. Also has chrome hub caps. The car is a great highway cruiser. With its 2.99 rear end, it is incredibly long-legged. These cars were built to go 140mph and this one is capable of 60mph in first gear. Showing 38,420 km turned over once = 138,420 (86,010 miles) on the odometer and believed to be original.

The car comes with reams of documents, receipts, club literature, and rare factory brochures and manuals. All irreplaceable stuff. This Iso is a VERY SOLID and is in above average drivers quality condition. I would not hesitate to drive this Iso on a 2,000 mile road trip!

Given the relative obscurity of the Iso name amongst collectors, one can imagine values on this grand touring coupe are cheaper than the comparable Ferraris, Lancias and Lamborghinis of the day. Solid runners can command anywhere between $30,000 to $50,000 these days. Given this car's originality and documentation, I'd suspect the reserve is set at least in the mid $40,000 range, with the seller hoping to gain an extra $10,000 to $20,000 over that.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1975 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000

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The 2000 was the final evolution of the famed GTV coupe. Introduced in 1971, the twin cam four cylinder engine produced 130 horsepower and came equipped with SPICA fuel injection in the US and Canada. This fuel injection system made a name for itself for being rather unreliable. Other markets were fortunate in that carburetors were the fuel delivery system of choice and with them came a higher horsepower figure of 150. This GTV 2000 is one of those carbureted cars, coming from Europe with a rare factory sunroof.

1975 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000

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1975 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000 Euro. This is the very rare 1975 production year Euro Bertone designed GTV 2000, VIN # AR105300004710, with the Alfa factory Dellorto twin carbs, (NOT the troublesome U.S. Spica F.I.), finished in the rare European Champagne color with black vinyl interior; this color was not available to the U.S. market. The paint is mostly original, and near perfect, and is best described as "bronze," and all glass was taken out during a factory color respray. This rare GTV also has the rare manual sliding factory sunroof, not available to the U.S. Market.

These GTVs were not imported to the US market after 1974. European GTV’s are faster, handle and look better then the U.S. GTV 2000’s. They weigh about 145 lb’s lighter then the U.S. GTV versions. You can feel the difference at speed. This rare original unmolested GTV is owned by a career Military Officer and Classic car collector, who recently brought it back from Europe. It is rust free, with exception of two spots on the roof, which could be easily re-painted.

The interior is very good with original glass all around. The body is near perfect, with NO door dings (see photos) and all the gaps are true and straight, with no past accident damage. This GTV is totally original and unmolested! It has the original wheels, with GTV stainless steel caps, which have just been newly powder-coated. It drives beautifully, tight, no squeaks, and stiff suspension. It has a clear title and a matching numbers with the ORIGINAL engine, 143 K original Kilometers-NOT miles!

Attached pictures are included of the shock towers, front and rear floor pans-both sides, arches, all 4 jack points, and door jambs which show no rust. Gaps are straight and true, both doors open/close and lock easily, and the steering wheel is the original factory Alfa Romeo "Personal" wheel. The GTV has just been serviced (this week-8 July 2012) with new fluids, including oil filter, lubed, and a minor tune-up performed: four new platinum plugs and NEW plug wires were installed. It also has a brand new German Bosch 12 volt battery. Tires are all-matching German-made Uni-Royal Rallye 195/70 R 14’s with about 70% tread left. The rare factory sliding manual roof is easy and fast to use, with ease of operation!

The Radio is the Euro Phillips radio, but I have never used it, preferring the music of the 2 liter carbureted engine. An Alfa radio Plate should replace it. The original dash is perfect. The door handles work easily with no internal cracks (a common GTV curse that are expensive to replace). All lights work, horn, turn signals, brake lights, E. flasher, heater, fan, windshield wipers, dash gauges, and rear window heater all work properly. The engine is very good, no oil leaks, excellent compression, no smoke, very high oil pressure (see pictures of gauges at speed of 70 MPH), excellent clutch (no slippage), superior perfect 5 speed transmission with no slippage, grinding, or noise. or popping out of gear and 1st to 2nd is smooth!

All gauges work properly, and please note this model has the rare under dash factory installed Clock and factory installed Ammeter (see pics). Also note, since it is a "Euro GTV" it does NOT have the ugly side markers. Also please note that all gauges are Euro, and the speedometer is in Kilometers. This GTV is a wonderful original driver’s car. Superb, very Fast and sunny with the manual sliding sunroof, dependable, performance oriented, and "1 of a kind!" You will never find another.

As the seller, VERY regretfully, I am selling this very rare GTV due to my wife’s illness. I will request from buyer a "buy back option," at a later date, should buyer decide to resell this rare GTV in the future (if agreeable). There is probably no other original European GTV 2000 like this one available in the U.S.! I would like to own it again.

After reading the story of this car, I can't help but have a heavy heart. We all go through difficult times in our lives and I hope the seller's wife makes a speedy recovery. This sale also goes to show that certain cars have a lot of meaning, which is evidenced by the fact the owner seeks to buy it back someday if the new owner ever decides to sell it. These days, GTV 2000s average around $22,000 to $27,000. The best examples can reach into the $30,000 range, and you can find tired runners between $10,000 and $15,000. If I had to peg a value on this one, it would probably be right around $25,000, as the sunroof and European trim make this an especially desirable GTV.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale must have been an exquisite sight to behold in the 1960s. Designed by Bertone, the SS as it was called resembled Alfa's renowned B.A.T. aerodynamic studies. Powered by a 1.3 liter twin cam four cylinder engine and five speed manual from the 2000 Spider, this coach built coupe was originally targeted towards those seeking a competition coupe, but it proved to be a tad bit heavy for the job, even if the slippery dynamics allowed a top speed of 120 miles per hour. This SS for sale in Connecticut is a recent arrival to these shores and comes with an extensive history.

1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale

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Chassis number AR177276, Engine 10120 - 01477. This car was recently imported to the US with all correct import papers and duties paid. It had been in storage in Italy for about 7 years after being restored as a "nice driver" about 10 years ago. It has a super straight body, no known rust or corrosion, no heavy filler, floors are solid, paint and chrome are decent to good, all the chrome is original. The whole car is very honest, correct and original, including the dash knobs, door panels, carpets, and engine compartment, which even has the original air cleaner that is often missing and very hard to find. It starts and runs beautifully, the gearbox is fine, and the entire brake system is new, including the master cylinder and wheel cylinders, all redone with NOS parts. There are no known mechanical or electrical problems. The odometer reads 2,417 KM, which I assume is 102,417 KM or 63,500 miles. The car comes with it's "Libretto" registration book showing complete ownership history from 1967 to date, and even has it's ASI credentials (the book and badge) which are awarded by the Italian Historic Automobile Club to cars in Italy that they have certified to be correct and original.

Gooding sold a similar 1961 Giulietta Sprint Speciale in Monterey last August for $209,000 - Lot # 28. I've found 3 others that were offered since then between $160,000 and $200,000. Even if they were in a little nicer condition, I feel my car is a bargain in comparison since my reserve is roughly half those amounts.

With radical styling and just under 1,400 produced, the SS was never meant to be a volume seller for Alfa Romeo, but their relative obscurity hasn't kept values from creeping up. Well preserved originals and restored examples can bring anywhere between $150,000 to $200,000. With an older restoration and patina, the seller is probably looking for somewhere in the neighborhood of $125,000.

-Paul

Lamborghini

1985 Lamborghini Countach 5000S

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The Lamborghini Countach is a supercar icon. It stood the automotive world on its ear with it's styling when it was introduced in the early 1970s. It led a long life, carrying Lamborghini through to the 1990s when the Diablo was unveiled. This 5000S is a rare piece in that it is a fuel injected model, one of the few produced before the QV version, or Quattrovalvole, appeared on the scene. In sublime Merlot Red sans spoilers, this Countach has a sense of purity about it, even if the angular styling is rather dramatic.

1985 Lamborghini Countach 5000S

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VIN# ZA9C00500FLA12766. Who is Jasjit Rarewala? A man that was determined to make it happen. Once in a lifetime chance to own this extremely rare "Factory" Fuel injected "One Owner" Countach. Just over 37 produced/imported with the factory injection system (extremely rare) that was refined by Jasjit Rarewala of Lamborghini North America (Lamborghini logo in air plenum). Jasjit's project was started to help convince the DOT and the EPA that the Countach was wholesome enough for U.S. consumption. Just over 3 dozen cars were build for import before the factor completed its successor the "5000QV."

Fitted with very rare factory polished wheels and finished in a beautiful Merlot rosso over duel blk/red interior with just 36,954 one owner kilometers(22,962miles). Round body car, clean lines & no rear spoiler. Clean Carfax, never in an accident or damaged. Always garaged & serviced with a full documented history of the service throughout its lifetime. Every car I sell has a Clean Carfax and a Perfect Autocheck.

1 of just 37 produced
Round body
One owner
Front Euro spoiler available via us.
Always serviced
Garage kept
No rear wing
Polished wheels (extremely rare)
Perfect stance
Rare factory fuel injection system
Most acceptable rear bumper (taillight cover only)
Factory Alpine radio
Full service history Documented throughout its lifetime
Original spare tire
Purchased out of sunny California
Mechanically sound car
Perfect running and driving
Sumitomo Small 205 tires in the front
PZero 345/35/zr15 rears
Very reliable fuel injection (once their set correctly, they stay that way)

Model- #'sProduced

LP400-----(157)
LP400 s1--(50)
S2------- (105)
S3--------(82)
LP500s---(321)
LP500s (factory FI car) just (37)
LP500qv-(676)
LP25th anniversary (650)

Exterior: Beautiful finish with a deep reflection in a one of a kind stunning color Merlot Rosso. Very few paint flaws in this fine example.

Interior: A dual tone black & red leather interior with red carpet. It is in great shape with light scuffs in the leather and the dashboard should be redone cause the leather had stretched. Overall a really nice interior.

Glass: Some scratches in side roll down section, front windshield is fine.

Tires: Replaced in the front but still has the P zeros in the rear, plenty of rubber on front and back tires.

Wheels: Great shape with light curb marks, easy fix.

Drivetrain: No leaks from engine or trans and no smoke when running. Clutch has been replaced and is fine, no problems shifting.

Almost $140,000 is serious money for a 1985 Countach; the seller seems rather certain that the rare fuel injection option should command such a premium. Typical values for a Countach of this era can range from around $75,000 to $115,000. While a rarity such as this car certainly should command a bit more than your typical Countach, a $25,000 to $30,000 premium at the least might be a bit of a stretch.

-Paul

Lamborghini, Modern Classic

1984 Lamborghini Jalpa 3.5

Similar to the Espada, the Lamborghini Jalpa is one of the least expensive ways into owning a car with a the Raging Bull on the hood. A derivation of the earlier Urraco, the Jalpa had a production run for eight years with 410 cars produced. Equipped with a 3.5 liter V8 with 255 horsepower, the Jalpa was good for a 0-60 run in about 6 seconds. Nothing spectacular by today's standards, but then, most cars couldn't match the symphony which emerges from the exhaust pipes. This Jalpa for sale in California has but 22,000 miles on the clock and is being offered due to a move on the seller's part.

1984 Lamborghini Jalpa

1984 Lamborghini Jalpa with only 36,780 Kilometers = 22,854 miles. Complete service has been done (documents on hand) $15,000 spent. 5-speed manual transmission with Targa top, interior and exterior in great condition. AM/FM original Blaupunkt Radio. This car is extremely rare. Always garaged. Moving out of the area and need to sell. I am the second owner.

Depending on how recently the service was completed, that will of course affect value. The asking price of $48,000 is rather high, as most good examples will reach into the high $30,000 range and possibly break $40,000. This car, looking cosmetically sound with two owners and relatively low mileage would realistically be worth somewhere between $35,000 and $42,000.

-Paul

Fiat

1967 Fiat Dino Coupe

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.

1967 Fiat Dino Coupe

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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.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1980 Fiat X1/9

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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.

1980 Fiat X1/9

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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.

-Paul