Tag Archives: Carrozzeria Touring

Lancia

1963 Lancia Flaminia Convertible

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It has been a warm winter here on the east coast of the United States and with even warmer weather arriving shortly, the thoughts of owning a convertible have been running through my mind once again. An Italian convertible would certainly be a treat, especially one as nice as this restored Lancia Flaminia convertible. Designed and built by Carrozeria Touring, the GT and Convertible had aluminum bodies and a rear mounted transaxle, mated to a 2.5 or 2.8 liter V6 engine. Fewer than 850 were built with production of the convertible halting in 1964.

1963 Lancia Flaminia GT Touring Convertible

Car completely restored to factory condition.

At a little over $100,000 USD, this type of sports car is for serious collectors. True, this is Ferrari money, but this car is the thinking man's exotic. I've seen a few Flaminia convertibles in rather ragged condition on the market, and even these still command princely sums. This one, for sale in the north of Italy, is in remarkable condition and certainly would be a good investment, as to restore one would take considerable time and efforts in sourcing parts.

-Paul

Maserati

1962 Maserati 3500GT

The Maserati 3500GT is a demarcation line in the history of Maserati. Combining the 3.5 liter twin cam straight six engine from the 350S racing car and Superleggera bodywork by Carrozzeria Touring, this was the manufacturer’s first car made in significant numbers, selling over 2,200 between 1957 and 1964. With 230 horsepower on tap routed through a ZF four speed manual (which gave way to a five speed in 1960), top speed exceeded 130 mph. Front disc brakes were an option beginning in 1959 and direct injection made an appearance in 1961 in the 3500 GTi model.

This Maserati became a hit with enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Owners included Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Tony Curtis and Anthony Quinn. An interesting fact is that two prototypes were shown to the public in March 1957, one design by Carrozzeria Touring and the other by Carrozzeria Allemano. This particular 3500GT for sale in The Netherlands is fully restored and presents beautifully in metallic gray over parchment leather.

1962 Maserati 3500GT

Chrome bumpers and trim in super condition. This Maserati 3500GT is in top restored condition and it has the 5 speed manual transmission. Very gentle brown leather interiors and spoke/wire wheels. Restoration is documented. A most exquisite 3500 GT in beautiful condition! We can request vehicles to pass TÜV and create an appraisal for vehicles older than 30 years.

At €135,000 (~$175,000), this Maserati is priced in Ferrari territory and is for the serious collector looking for the best 3500GT that money can buy. My father recounts the time he was stationed in the US Army in Southern Germany and was lucky enough to drive a 3500GT owned by a higher ranking officer. Upon taking it for a spin on the Autobahn, he was stunned at how quick it was, as few cars of the day could quite match its speed. Fifty years on, the 3500GT’s presence and performance are still impressive.

-Paul

Lamborghini

1966 Lamborghini 350GT

This is where it all began for Lamborghini. Designed under the guidance of chief designer Gianpaolo Dallara (of Dallara Motorsports fame), the 350GT was Ferrucio Lamborghini's rebuttal to Ferrari over his dissatisfaction of their vehicles at the time, most notably due to their lack of creature comforts. He sought to create a more comfortable touring car with a sporting edge. The original 350GTV prototype used a variation of the Bizzarini designed 3.5 liter V12, which developed 400 horsepower at 11,000 rpm; astronmical figures for the day.

Practicality won in the end, and the 350GT had a detuned 270 horsepower V12. The bodywork was handled by Carrozzeria Touring, who fabricated the body structure using their Superleggera, or "Super Light" method of attaching aluminium panels to a tubular structure. Here's a 350GT for sale in Kentucky looking rather sharp with it's black on tan color combination.

1966 Lamborghini 350GT on Hemmings Motor News

This 1966 Lamborghini 350 GT Superleggera Coupe features a 270hp 3.5L V12 engine. It is equipped with a 5 Speed Manual transmission. The vehicle is black with a tan leather interior.

To get a short idea of just how sonorous this Lamborghini is, here's a short clip of an example auctioned by RM in late 2008.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1966 Alfa Romeo Spider 2600

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The 2600 range represented an end of an era for Alfa Romeo. These were the last Alfas to employ a twin cam six cylinder engine, variations of which had been in use since the 1920s. The 2600 Spider, with its bodywork by Carrozzeria Touring, looks similar to its smaller Giulietta Spider sibling. However, it is a completely different vehicle, with a longer wheelbase and a small rear seat. Only 2,255 Spiders were made and they are a rare sight on US roads.

Here is a mint example in classic Rosso Alfa for sale in Santa Barbara, California.

1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider on eBay

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Offered for sale is a gorgeous, numbers matching 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider Touring finished in its factory correct red (Rosso Alfa) over a black leather interior. With only 2,257 Spiders produced between 61’ to 68’, the 2600 spiders are becoming exceedingly rare to come by. The exterior is gorgeous. The paint is deep and glossy, showing only a few minor imperfections. The body is extraordinarily straight with all doors and panels fitting as they should.

The undercarriage is extremely solid showing no rust or evidence of accidents. This car has been carefully shielded from the elements throughout its proud ownership. The interior is beautiful, the plush leather seats are in great shape and free of any significant wear. We are in the process of restoring the extremely rare companion hard top for the car, which will be included in sale.

As with all classic Alfas, it would be important to source a specialist mechanic, especially in this case, since parts are getting more and more scarce for a limited production model such as this. Still, for the determined collector, this is a nice example of an important model in the history of Alfa Romeo.

-Paul