Tag Archives: Bertone

Lamborghini

1975 Lamborghini Espada 400GT

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.

1975 Lamborghini Espada 400GT

Click to view listing

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.

-Paul

Lancia

1975 Lancia Stratos HF

3 Comments

The Lancia Stratos has a mythical status among car enthusiasts, particularly those whole follow the World Rally Championship. Homologated for Group 4, this Bertone styled sports car was a wild looking beast with the heart of a Ferrari; the Dino V6 to be exact. These Dino engines which found their way into the Stratos were the last built by Ferrari, as they phased the engine out in 1974. The car went on to solidify Lancia's legacy as a World Rally Champion, capturing the constructors title in 1974, 1975 and 1976 and winning the famed Monte Carlo Rally in 1975, 1976 and 1977. Both road going and rally-prepped examples are highly prized by collectors today. This example for sale in Milan has undergone a recent restoration.

1975 Lancia Stratos HF

Private seller proposes Lancia Stratos stradale, 1975 yellow with brown inside and blue seats, totally restored since 3 years. Absolutly and totally new, concourse conditions. Available in Italy only for serious buyer.

The Stratos is not for your average collector. With under 500 built, values for street and competition examples parallel Ferraris and Lamborghinis of the era. At around a quarter of a million dollars, this Stratos is about right in line with current values. The only thing that has left me wanting with this one is the lack of Alitalia livery, possibly one of the best schemes since the myriad of Martini racers, most notably, the Porsche 911.

A few seasons ago, Top Gear aired a feature highlighting some of the greatest Lancias. True to form, they did a good job highlighting this legendary car in a short amount of time.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

1 Comment

The Alfa Romeo GTVs of the late 1960s and early 1970s are some of the most beloved classic Alfa Romeos. These coupes were direct competition to the BMW 2002, as they offered lively four cylinder, rear-wheel drive performance in a tidy package. In an era of muscle cars, it took a different kind of customer to buy one of these cars. One who favored handling and engineering over outright straight line performance. We’ve featured a few exceptional examples of these GTVs here at CICFS, but this example for sale in New Jersey could be best described as a driver. With a bit of rust here and wear there, it’s the perfect car for someone looking for a driver to enjoy or a solid basis for a light restoration.

1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

Click to view listing

1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750. Rare yellow exterior with black interior. 1750 CC 4 cylinder engine. 5-speed manual transmission. 36,000 miles. Runs and drives great for a 41 year old car. This is your chance to own a very original and nice condition Alfa Romeo GTV. This is the sports coupe that everyone wants. It is even more desirable and harder to find than the 2000CC version. This car is very solid with one repaint to original color. It does have some sections of rust down low that isn't that noticable, but please note in my pictures. It also does have some touchups on vehicle. The chrome is in nice shape. The interior is all orginial. The floors are solid. The carpet is in good condition. The seats have a few cracks and could be recovered to make them perfect. There is some small sections of tape right now covering small cracks. The speedometer and odometer work, but the tachometer does not.

The engine runs as it should. It sounds great with ANSA exhaust with polished tips out the back. A recent tune up including fuel filter and oil change was just performed. The brakes have a good pedal and stops great. The caliper on one brake does drag ever so slightly and may free up with more use. The tires are matching Perelli P600 all around with plenty of rubber. It is also missing one center hub cap. All exterior lights(headlamps, turn signals, and brake lights) work as they should. This is a fun car that can be enjoyed as it is, or taken to the next level with very little effort.

A decent GTV 1750 runner can range in price anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000, depending on how rust free the example is, along with mileage and maintenance performed. I would say around $13,000 to $14,000 will probably take this one, if indeed the reserve is met. If you are looking for a usable classic and the 2002 seems just a bit too mainstream, a GTV in this period shade of yellow might just be the answer.

-Paul

Fiat

1972 Fiat 850 Spider

My father was one of the first people in the US to place an order for a 2002 MINI Cooper. When we went to order the car, there were no new vehicles on the lot or in the showroom, but a few vintage Minis hanging about. A similar trend has taken shape at Fiat dealers across the country. While the Nuova 500 is readily available in the showroom, every now and then you'll see a vintage Fiat for sale on the lot to draw some customers into the showroom and highlight a bit of the manufacturer's history. Following on to the Fiat 850 Bertone Coupe we featured last week, here is an 850 Spider for sale in Oklahoma City.

1972 Fiat 850 Spider

Beautiful Italian styling combined with timeless functionality, efficient design and the thrill of a classic automobile – these are the attributes that made the 1972 FIAT 850 a timeless icon. If you are in search of an iconic Italian classic, this FIAT 850 showcases just that. Come see this classic piece of Italian historic luxury.

For about $4,000, you would be hard pressed to find a cheaper way into an Italian vehicle without it instantly bankrupting you. The convertible top on this 850 Spider looks a bit ill-fitting and a few trim items could use some freshening up, but overall, this car looks to be a nice survivor that falls short of show quality but could be instantly enjoyed.

-Paul

Lamborghini

1976 Lamborghini Uracco

One aspect that separates Ferraris from Lamborghinis is that under the $50,000 mark, there isn't much choice amongst the cars with the Raging Bull on the bonnet. About the most affordable Lamborghinis to be had are the V12 powered Espadas and this car, the mid-engined V8 Urraco. Oftentimes, these aren't the most mint condition examples, either. But here we have a Uracco on offer in Ohio for just under $60,000. It looks rather fresh thanks to recent paintwork and an engine service.

1976 Lamborghini Urraco 300

Click to view listing

1976 Lamborghini Urraco. Arnacio (Orange) with very original Black and Beige Interior, Original Weber Carbureted V-8 and 5 Speed Transmission. Original Wheels with Proper Michelin XWX Radials. Recent Restoration included paint, detail, and full engine-out service. Just in from long ownership by fussy older gentleman and long time collector.

These Lamborghinis of the 1970s aren't for everyone, as the federalized bumpers and the slatted rear window date the car. But I always believed Italian supercars look great in loud, primary colors. This Urraco is no different. With under 1,000 built, it matches the rarity of certain cars twice its price, so you certainly won't see yourself coming and going in this.

-Paul

Fiat

1971 Fiat 850 Sport Bertone Coupe

3 Comments

Introduced in 1964, the Fiat 850 came in many flavors. From a roadster to a small van, there was a model for nearly every taste and lifestyle. One of the more interesting models was the Bertone Coupe. Related to the 850 Spider, the factory entered these coupes into competition in the 1969 Rallye Monte Carlo. Its rear mounted four cylinder engine was just under 1.0 liter in capacity and produced 52 horsepower in stock form. This 850 Coupe for sale in California is in original condition and is quite complete; always important when dealing with a rare beast such as this.

1971 Fiat 850 Sport Bertone Coupe

Click to view listing

Short history of the Fiat 850 Sport Bertone Racer and Carrozzeria Bertone:

A very limited edition of this model have ever been built and just a few are known to survive after 40 years. This is your chance to own a piece of automobile history designed by Carrozzeria Bertone. Similar Bertone Racer Coupes were raced in the Monte Carlo Rally. Giuseppe Bertone, called "Nuccio", (July 4, 1914, Turin, Piedmont – February 26, 1997, Turin) was a famed automobile designer and constructor. He took over Carrozzeria Bertone from his father, Giovanni after World War II, growing the small business to a car building and designing powerhouse.

About this Fiat 850 Sport Bertone Racer:

Runs great, shifts great and is a pleasure to drive. California car, solid body with 75,000 original miles. Newer tires. Custom polished intake manifold with 32/30 Weber carburetor for more horsepower and torque. The original carburetor is also available. Custom made exhaust with a sporty note to take advantage of the bigger carburetor. Original exhaust is also available. Straight body (some small scratches and dents but nothing major).

One seat has a tear on the seam on the bottom and the other one on the back. A must see and drive in order to appreciate. Many new used parts are also available (at extra cost) including, new water pump, piston rings, gasket set, engine, transmission, distributors, new OEM exhaust, racing headers (I have been told they are Abarth but not sure), etc.

Last year, a similar 1969 850 Bertone Coupe came up for sale on eBay priced at $15,000. It was in a little bit nicer shape than this example. Prices are ranging from around $10,000 and under for rough runners to about $15,000 to $20,000 for the best examples. This car may hit $12,000 at the high end. It's not the most exotic of Italian cars, but it is rare to find a car with racing pedigree and Bertone design in this price bracket.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1986 Bertone X1/9

2 Comments

Even after Fiat’s exit from the US market in 1982, two of its models soldiered on in the US market, the 124 Spider, which was dubbed the Pininfarina Spider, and mid-engine X1/9, dubbed the Bertone X1/9. Production of the car was transferred to importer Malcolm Bricklin, who had a hand in bringing Subaru to the US market and later brought us the Yugo. The X1/9 had staying power, hanging on until 1989. Even with the large, federally mandated bumpers, this example for sale in Florida looks great in basic red over black and is just in time for some summertime enjoyment.

1986 Bertone X1/9

Click to view listing

Very few Fiats X19 in this condition. This 1986 Fiat X19 Bertone only has 32,786 miles on it and it shows great . When you drive it you will fall in love. There is nothing mechanically wrong with it. It does not have a radio. It does have AC but it is not cold although all the components are there. Undercarriage is fine ....NO RUST. It has a ding the size of a nickel on the drivers door that is hard to show on pictures. Bid with confidence...this car is as good as they come!

It’s nice that this seller has set a no reserve auction, which will help to give us an idea of where the market is right now for X1/9s. If I had to guess, I’d assume this one would probably wind up at around $8,000 to $10,000. If it sells for less than that, the buyer got a true Italian car bargain. Few come as nice as or unmolested as this one.

-Paul

Lamborghini

1976 Lamborghini Urraco 300

While the Urraco wasn't the first mid-engined Lamborghini, it was certainly more accessible to ordinary enthusiasts than what many consider the original supercar, the Miura. True to Lamborghini form, few Uraccos were ever built, even though this model was in production for a decade. Even if you count the Silhouette and Jalpa models, which drew heavily on Urraco hardware, a mere 1,255 examples left the factory. With a V8 engine ranging in size from 2.0 liters to 3.0 liters and 2+2 seating, this car was a direct competitor to the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4. This particular Urraco for sale in Florida is a looker. From its pristine interior to attractive Capagnolo wheels, it's a great example of an oft overlooked Lambo.

1976 Lamborghini Urraco 300

Click to view listing

1976 Lamborghini Uracco 300
Type: Lamborghini P300 Urraco
Years built: 1974 - 1979
Production: 190
Chassisnr.: 20.000 - 20.570
Presentation: November 1974 Turin Auto Show
Designed by: Marcello Gandini for Bertone
Built by: Bertone
Structure: Sheet steel, floor incorporated into the body
Suspension: All-independent, McPhersons with coil springs, telescopic dampers
Brakes: All-wheel ventilated Girling disc brakes, vacuum assisted by double hydraulic circuit and two servo's
Type: V-8 90 degree, light-alloy and aluminium block with gearbox and differential built in the same block and pressed-in liners, mid mounted, rear wheel drive
Distribution: Dual overhead camshaft with chain drive, two valves/cylinder
Main bearings: 5
Cyl. Capacity: 2995.8 cc
Bore & stroke: 86 x 64.5 mm
Compr. ratio: 10.5:1
Max. power: 250 bhp at 7500 rpm
From 1976 on: 260 bhp at 7500 rmp
Max. torque: 195 lbs.ft. at 3500 rpm
From 1976 on: 201 lbs.ft. at 3500 rpm
Cooling system: Water cooled, pump, thermostat and two electric fans
Ignition: Two Magnetti Marelli coils and one Marelli distributor
Plugs: Bosch 235 P21
Electr. system: 12 V
Alternator: 770 W Bosch
Fuel system: Electric Bendix fuel pump, 4 twin-barrel down-draught Weber 40 DCNF carburetors
Type: Lamborghini five-speed + reverse manual all-synchromesh Lamborghini differential
Clutch: Dry-single plate, hydraulically operated

I'm always disappointed by dealers that do not give detailed descriptions of vehicle history, especially when it's a Lamborghini dealer handling a classic exotic like this. That being said, the asking price of $85,888 seems way off, as most Urraco's I've seen for sale reside in the $30,000 to $50,000 territory. This car looks every bit of it's claimed 37,658 miles, but that's just not enough to put its value in the stratosphere.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione may have seemed a bit far fetched when it appeared for sale in the US in 2008. The last new Alfa Romeo to be sold stateside was the 164 sedan, which was a competitor to the mid-sized luxury sport sedans of the world. However, this wasn't Alfa Romeo's first foray into eight cylinder sports car territory. The Montreal was originally introduced as a concept vehicle at Expo '67 in Montreal, hence its name. The ironic thing is, it was never sold in the city which bore its name. A version to comply with North American emissions requirements was never developed. With its two litre V8 engine derived from the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, this was no ordinary sports coupe. From it's retracting slatted headlamp covers to the vents behind the doors, this was a wild looking machine for the era. This example is for sale in Sweden, not far from the border with Denmark.

1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal

The Alfa Romeo Montreal is a very nice GT car. This one is in very very good condition and ready to drive anywhere. There is absolutely no rust on the car and the paint is fabulous. Great power and sound from the engine. A lot of money has been spent here recently. Very original and unmolested car. Could be the best on the market today.

At almost $47,000, this represents the high end of the Montreal market. This one, however, is original and well sorted, which is important with these cars, as they can be a tad finicky, especially when you consider the complex SPICA fuel injection system. Overall though, a nice example of one of Alfa Romeo's most exotic efforts to date.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1980 Fiat X1/9

2 Comments

With the popularity of mid-engine sports cars gaining traction in the late 1960s, Fiat sought to get in on the action and devise a replacement to their rear engine 850 Spider. With styling conceived by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the X1/9 used the all new single cam engine from the front drive Fiat 128, which was handy, as this powerplant was set up having a transaxle, which made conversion to mid-engine use a rather easy affair. At the start, the car’s body was manufactured by Bertone with final assembly carried out by Fiat, and towards the end of the car’s life, the production shifted entirely to Bertone, with the car being transitioned to the “Bertone” badged in 1983 with the exit of Fiat from the US market. The car was marketed in the US until 1987 by Malcolm Bricklin and his company, International Automobile Importers, Inc. The X1/9 soldiered on until 1989 and has garnered a legacy of a lightweight, good handling compact, if a bit susceptible to the usual rust and teething issues that plague Italian cars of the period. This example for sale in Ohio is a Fiat badged X1/9 and beat the odds as a 69,000 mile survivor.

1980 Fiat X1/9

Click to view listing

1980 FIAT X1/9. VIN# : 128AS000133787. MILEAGE: 69,498. These X1/9 are hard to find and are listed on Yahoo's ten most desirable used vehicles that are impossible to find. You want to talk about a rare beauty...this 1980 Fiat X1/9 is it. This one has been well maintained as you can see from the pictures. It runs great and there are no issues.

Since the Fiat 500 came to the US last year, I’ve noticed a few Fiat dealers peddling vintage models of the marque, no doubt as a tactic to get people interested in the history of the brand and appreciate the qualities of current offerings. Since it is for sale at a dealer, the almost $8,000 price doesn’t surprise me. If this was from a private seller, you might be able to snag this car for about $2,000 to $3,000 less. If this example is rust free, it, along with the Lancia Scorpion/Montecarlo would be about the cheapest way into a mid-engine Italian vehicle. The color and US spec bumpers are not to my taste, but it is nice to see clean examples of this sporty runabout are still out there if you search hard enough.

-Paul