by Mike –
Recently I criticized both Gooding and RM Sotheby’s for some of the cars that they have at auction in Amelia Island coming up in March.
Today I am sharing a few of the Gooding classic cars at their auction that I like and that seem to be affordable. There are others but these are the few that caught my eye.
1976 Maserati Merak SS
Estimate: $80,000 – $100,000 | Without Reserve
It looks a lot like the much more expensive Bora because Giugiaro designed both and obviously used the same design files. The big difference is the Merak has a V6 engine instead of the V8 in the Bora. But at less than half the price the Merak is a great alternative to the Bora. And it is a real Maserati!
Gooding writes,
Specially Ordered Directly from the Maserati Factory
Accompanied by Maserati Classiche Documentation
Originally Specified with Bora-Type Grille
Rare as One of an Estimated 970 Merak SS Models Built
Fresh Engine-Out Service; Only Two Registered Owners from New
1973 Fiat 130 Coupe
Estimate: $40,000 – $60,000 | Without Reserve
This is a car we do not see often in the US and it is a great alternative to other grocery getters in this price range and it will be the only one in town. I like it.
Gooding writes,
Exceedingly Rare Pininfarina-Designed Executive Coupe
Fiat’s Early 1970s Challenge to BMW and Mercedes-Benz
Limited Production Model, Exclusive to European Markets
Desirable 5-Speed Gearbox and Leather Upholstery
Imported from Modena, Italy in 2012; Recently Serviced and Tuned
1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal
Estimate: $140,000 – $180,000 | Without Reserve
The Montreal is becoming more appreciated as it becomes more known in the US. Since they were not imported into the US when new they are relatively rare. I think this is an up and coming collector car still at a reasonable price – although the estimate here is about the highest I have seen but maybe this example is worth it.
Gooding writes,
An Important Bertone Design by Marcello Gandini
Race-Bred, Tipo 33-Derived DOHC V-8 Engine
One of Fewer than 4,000 Built; Imported to the US in 1985
Multiple Show Winner and Rally Veteran
One of the Finest Montreals in Existence2,593 CC DOHC V-8 Engine
SPICA Mechanical Fuel Injection
200 BHP at 6,500 RPM
5-Speed ZF Manual
1972 Iso Grifo Series II
Estimate: $300,000 – $400,000 | Without Reserve
This Grifo has a beautiful color combination in my opinion. I think most of us would prefer that it did not have the pagoda hood scoop unless it came with a Corvette big block under that hood instead of the Ford 351. Still, it is not common to see an Iso Grifo at auction in the US.
Gooding writes,
One of Only 78 Series II Iso Grifos Built
The 1972 Torino Motor Show Car
Offered in Spectacular Metallic Silver Gray with Red Leather
Recent Work by Premier Marque Specialist Il Bottegone Restorations
Spectacular Blend of European Styling and American MuscleFord 351 CID OHV V-8 Engine
Single Holley 4-Barrel Carburetor
5-Speed ZF Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Servo-Assisted Girling Disc Brakes
I will look over the RM Southeby’s offering for Amelia Island and publish something soon.
If you are interested in acquiring a collector car take a look at what we have for sale here on My Car Quest:
1966 Iso Grifo Series I – My Iso Grifo.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
A friend of mine’s dad had a Merak and we thought it was the ultimate exotic. Think of the many cars in that price range that are a poor investment. I would think it would sell quickly.
Some of Goodings estimates are always on the high side
I have always liked the pagoda hood on the Series II. As far as the big block under the hood of some of the cars, I have heard reports that they don’t handle nearly as well as the big block acts like a boat anchor and they don’t have the stability car in the front.
Needless to say if this car goes near the lower range it would appear to be a deal. I have driven the Series II with the Ford engine and power was not a problem.
John,
I am happy to hear from someone who likes that unique Grifo hood scoop. I think the Gooding estimate range is low for this Grifo, especially for a Grifo with Roberto Negri provenance.
Mike, this car was not restored by Roberto Negri.
They made only some corrections on it.
Adam
Adam,
Thanks for the information.
I assumed that when Gooding wrote “Recent Work by Premier Marque Specialist Il Bottegone Restorations”.
Above I said it had “Roberto Negri provenance” which just means it had something done at Il Bottegone Restorations.
Nice catch Mike, I thought the same thing about the Merak when I saw the listing.
This guys Series 2 Grifo is pure beauty!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ05Jr3EDsw
Reggie you are right that is one hell of a Grifo! I wonder what Mr. Levy paid for it in 2005? I would love to own this car, or one like it with the 351. Just gorgeous…
Scotty, I had a chance to buy this Grifo Can Am back in ’05 or so. I can’t forget that red on red color. I wish I would have pulled the trigger. I have photos from the seller at that time.
Mike,
That would have been a great buy, especially the price back in 05. It makes you wonder what these will be worth in another 10 years. A friend of mine owned a Grifo about 15 years ago with only 30k miles on it, I wish I would have bought that one as well, as there is not many running around today with low miles like that.
FYI : #391 was delivered to Il Bottegone as a Painted Body and Frame, and then painstakingly, correctly, reassembled, Missing or marred parts were replaced, starting with a new hand made wiring harness, through bright work and a new leather interior with carpeting. A ZF variable power assist and air conditioning was added, The parts supplied by Il Bottegone were extensive,with the overall work more expensive than a restoration by this shop; whom I believe were one of only a handful in the world could that could complete this quality of work that was necessary.
Good luck with the sale Ray, as I said above I love the color combination of dark silver and red interior.
Interestingly Hagerty does not display values currently for Grifo’s in the years 1970-1974 other than the Can Am version. Must be a flaw?
Scotty,
Yes, they are missing some models and years.