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Motor 1
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Someone Save This Alfa Romeo Montreal Barn Find
When it comes to 1970s Italian sports cars, the Lamborghini Miura and Ferrari Dino get all the attention. And rightfully so. Ferrari and Lamborghini were responsible for some of the most beautiful cars of the era. But don't forget about the Alfa Romeo Montreal . The Montreal was arguably one of the most underrated Italian sports cars of the 1970s based on looks alone. It was sculpted by iconic designer Marcello Gandini while working at Bertone , who, ironically, also created the Miura just a year earlier. The Montreal debuted in 1970, but it wasn't nearly as well-received as its counterparts. Production lasted just seven years, and collectors haven't thought much of it since. Photo by: Craiglist These days, you can buy a drivable Alfa Romeo Montreal for a reasonable $60,000. Compare that to the Miura and Dino, which regularly go for six or seven figures at auction, and the Alfa is an absolute steal by comparison. This particular one is an interesting example. Hidden away in a garage in Astoria, Oregon, it meets our definition of a "barn find"—or a "garage find" if you want to be more specific. It's a 1972 model with a rebuilt twin-cam V-8 and a five-speed manual. When new, the Montreal's 2.0-liter engine made 200 horsepower. That's not to say it's perfect, though. The wheels are aftermarket, there's some obvious paint and body damage, and the original interior could probably use a deep clean—although, the cabin is still in surprisingly good shape. Photo by: Craiglist The seller is asking $60,000 on Craigslist , and the car is fully drivable. Even at that price, though, it's a screaming deal. Still, you will need to source the original wheels and spend some money on bodywork. So, hopefully the seller is willing to knock a few bucks off the final asking price. Either way, it's a beautiful and oft-forgotten piece of Italian motoring history. More Barn Finds These Abandoned Ford Escort Cosworths Are Rotting Away in a Barn Someone Saved This BMW E30 After 30 Years in a Barn Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Craigslist via BarnFinds Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
The Drive
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
The E39 BMW 5 Series Could've Looked Much Different, Early Sketches Show
If you were to poll a group of BMW enthusiasts about the best-looking 5 Series of all time, the E39 generation would likely snag the most votes. I would cast mine for the original E12-gen car that was co-created by the two legendary designers, Paul Bracq and Marcello Gandini, but what do I know? There's no sense arguing against the claim that the E39 5 Series was a beautiful sedan, one that's aged like wine three decades on. However, it almost had a very different look, one that would have been far more futuristic at the time. BMW Classic just shared some different, but ultimately rejected, design sketches for the E39 5 Series, penned by Joji Nagashima. Nagashima would eventually go on to create the finalized E39 design we've come to know and love. But it's interesting to see what his original vision for BMW's fourth-generation 5er was long before it went on sale. BMW Classic via Instagram Nagashima's original design—the white sedan at the top of the page, dated 1989—was vastly different from the one we eventually got. It was far more streamlined and had a bubbly, wraparound front end reminiscent of Italdesign's gorgeous Nazca M12 and C2 supercar concepts that followed. It wasn't quite as pretty as the Nazcas, and frankly reminds me a bit too much of the first-generation Dodge Intrepid, but there's an '80s-futurism to it that I find interesting. I also dig the big disc wheels. As we move to the sketch of the burgundy car, we can see shades of the eventual production model begin to appear. The kidneys, for example, are similar, as is the squinty nature of both the grilles and headlights being the same height across the front end. And while the hood lines are far curvier in this artwork, you can see how Nagashima eventually got to the finalized design. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BMW Classic (@bmwclassic) At the time of the first sketch, the E39's predecessor, the E34 5 Series, was only two years into production, with its ultra-boxy silhouette. So, what we're seeing from '89 was already radically different than anything BMW had previously made. Back then, BMW's design language was sharp and wedgy, but the company's artists were already looking well into the future. Chris Bangle is largely credited for BMW's drastic aesthetic departure of the mid-to-late '90s and early 2000s, for better or worse, but he didn't become chief of the brand's design department until 1992, three years after Nagashima drew up this swoopy sketch. I wonder if the E39 would still be considered the classic it is today if this look had been chosen instead. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@ Nico DeMattia is a staff writer at The Drive. He started writing about cars on his own blog to express his opinions when no one else would publish them back in 2015, and eventually turned it into a full-time career.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Meet the Lamborghini Espada, One of Italy's Most Influential—and Controversial—Grand Tourers
Our alphabetical excursion through the world of collector cars in this column has revealed some true gems from the latter half of the 20th century. Some are as reliable as Old Faithful; others pose challenges for owners not wholly committed to their care and feeding. Anyone with an eye for beauty and an appreciation for V-12 engines, though, has been seduced by two Italian marques ending in 'i,' and it's no secret that Lamborghini's V-12 engine is an engineering masterpiece and a brilliant runner. That original 1963 power-plant design grew from 3.5 liters to over 6.5 liters in the Murciélago, powering everything from now-multimillion-dollar Miuras to a couple of far more accessible models. Both of the latter are classic front-engined GTs that were styled by Marcello Gandini, author of the fabulous Miura. And both also have bodies built at Bertone. Lamborghini's Espada and Jarama are twins under the skin, sharing identical drivetrains and unibody platforms, the Jarama with a wheelbase shorter by 10 inches and featuring two cramped rear seats. The Espada, by contrast, was the first true two-door, four-seat 'supercar.' More from Robb Report This 1965 Ford GT Prototype Roadster Raced at Le Mans. Now It Could Fetch $10 Million at Auction. How the Jaguar XK120 Put the Marque on the World Stage These 6 Barely Driven Porsche 911s Are Hitting the Auction Block Powered by Lamborghini's 325 hp, 3.9-liter V-12, the Espada has a top speed of 155 mph—highly impressive when introduced—and is as happy loafing along in high gear at 1,500 rpm as it is snorting off from a standstill at a respectable clip. But while there' s no arguing the merits of the mechanical underpinnings, the Espada's looks—like the gustatory attributes of oysters or escargot—are an acquired taste. Those enamored of the flat-as-a-cockroach styling love it, while others are not so taken. A total of 1,217 examples—spanning three series—were produced over a 10-year period, from 1968 through 1978, making the Espada the longest-running and highest-production Lamborghini model up until the Countach. From a distance, all Espadas appear nearly identical, though the rare Series I, with 186 made through 1970, is for purists who want thin bumpers, a hexagonal-inspired dash, and other 'teething' eccentricities of the earliest cars. The Series II (575 made through 1972) and the Series III had more powerful 350 hp engines, and feature small improvements. Cars made from 1975 and brought stateside have unsightly impact bumpers (which some subsequent owners remove or replace). A three-speed automatic Chrysler Torqueflite transmission was available from 1974, with 55 examples so equipped. Slower off the line than Lamborghini's five-speed manual version, the three-speed Espada presents a performance difference that is far less meaningful today. The Espada is a complicated car, and any aspiring owner not versed in wrenching or fettling is advised to stalk less challenging game. A 50-year-old automobile with six Weber carburetors and an Italian electrical system demands attention. As with many collectibles, Espada values have softened a bit, and it's possible to acquire one for well under six figures. For decades, these were 'poor-man's Lamborghinis,' suffering deferred maintenance and any number of indignities caused by man or nature, including rust. If so afflicted, one recalls the cartoon vulture saying to the thirsty prospector in the desert about to drink from a poison lake, 'You'll be sorry.' Espada aspirants are advised to buy the best example affordable, as body panels and trim pieces can be as rare as unicorns, and a full restoration is a fool's errand, unless one is skilled and wants a multiyear garage project. Finding a complete, well-running car in good condition is the only way to fly, and that should be handily accomplished for under $150,000. Patience will be rewarded, and Europe is a happy hunting ground, as most examples never left the Continent. The sight of an Espada on the highway going full steam is as inspiring as it is rare. More inspiring still is to be tucked low in the wraparound-leather cockpit and savoring the sounds, smells, and sensations of driving a Lamborghini of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World's Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Immaculate 1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV On Bring A Trailer
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A meticulously preserved 1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole is now offered for sale, presenting collectors with a unique chance to own one of the Italian automaker's most iconic supercars. This Countach, one of roughly 610 produced between 1985 and 1988, was initially delivered to the U.S. market before arriving in Canada approximately 15 years ago. In June 2020, the car underwent an extensive repaint by Lamborghini Montreal, receiving its current vibrant Rosso Siviglia finish. The refurbishment included adopting European-style bumpers, accentuating its classic angular design by famed Bertone designer Marcello Gandini. The Countach is further distinguished by its dramatic V-shaped rear wing, pop-up headlights, and signature scissor doors. Powering this Countach is Lamborghini's legendary 5.2-liter quad-cam V12 engine, originally engineered by Giotto Bizzarrini, delivering 420 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque through Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. In 2024, the car received an engine-out service, featuring a comprehensive overhaul of its ignition system, replacement of spark plugs, rebuilt distributor, new fuel injectors, water pump rebuild, and new rear engine mounts. Additionally, the clutch assembly and slave cylinder were replaced. Complementing its mechanical excellence are gold-painted 15-inch Ruote OZ wheels shod in wide Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico tires. The fully independent suspension and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes ensure the car's performance matches its aggressive appearance. Inside, the Countach's cockpit showcases Champagne leather upholstery on fixed-back bucket seats, door panels, and console. Interior features include a Raid steering wheel, gated five-speed manual shifter, an Alpine cassette stereo, Veglia clock, and manual windows. With approximately 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles) showing, this Lamborghini is being offered with partial service records, original manuals, tool kit, and Connecticut antique registration. The vehicle is presented without a title, as Connecticut does not issue titles for classic cars of this age. is the leading seller on Bring A Trailer with over 1,000 vehicles listed. Their premier status will put your vehicle in the front of the line, expediting its sale. Along with that, expertly presents your collector vehicle to Bring A Trailer's broad audience. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 With Rare Manual Gearbox Hits Market
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A striking 2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0, finished in Grigio Antares, has surfaced on the market, offering collectors and enthusiasts a rare chance to own one of the final iterations of the legendary Diablo. With just 22,000 miles on the odometer, this Diablo is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12, producing 543 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain is mated to a gated five-speed manual transmission and Lamborghini's Viscous Traction all-wheel-drive system, ensuring a dynamic driving experience with front and rear limited-slip differentials. Originally designed by Marcello Gandini, the Diablo VT 6.0 received styling refinements in its final years, including larger air intakes, a revised rear wing, and smoother body lines. This particular example features scissor doors, fixed composite headlights sourced from the Nissan 300ZX, and 18-inch Speedline alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires. The car's adjustable suspension, anti-lock braking system, and Brembo multi-piston calipers provide exceptional handling and stopping power. Inside, the cabin boasts adjustable bucket seats upholstered in black leather, accented by carbon-fiber trim. The driver's cockpit includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a gated shifter, and a 220-mph speedometer, alongside auxiliary gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. Modern conveniences include automatic climate control, dual airbags, and a rear-view camera. The Diablo has undergone recent maintenance, including the replacement of the clutch slave cylinder, MAP sensors, oxygen sensor, and spark plugs. Additionally, it features a Quicksilver exhaust system and catalytic converter bypass pipes for an enhanced exhaust note. Accompanied by service records, manufacturer's literature, a tool kit, and removed catalytic converters, this Diablo VT 6.0 presents an excellent opportunity for collectors seeking one of Lamborghini's last truly analog supercars. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
