Introduced in 1966, the Fiat 124 Sport Spider became one of the most beloved cars in Fiat's history. By 1982, however, the design was seen by Fiat as dated and waning in appeal, but Pininfarina, the company that designed and built the car under license for Fiat, disagreed. Instead of letting the car die a potentially premature death, Pininfarina made a host of design changes (reportedly over 100), and remarketed the car under its own brand, taking it upmarket in both price and feature set. From 1982 until production ended in 1985, about 3,000 Pininfarina Azzurra Spiders made it into the United States, but not many remain today.
This 1985 Pininfarina Azzurra Spider, for sale on Hemmings.com, is a well-loved example from the car's final year of production, described as being in pristine condition with less than 60,000 miles on the odometer. More important, it comes with extensive documentation, including complete service records and shop manuals, adding to the peace of mind for its next caretaker. From the seller's description:
Ultra Rare 1985.5 Pininfarina Azzurra SpiderIt is estimated that fewer than 50 of these rare and beautiful models are in existence. Manufactured from 1982 to 1985 by Sergio Pininfarina, the famed Italian auto designer turned manufacturer, this luxurious and stylish convertible represents the very best of its breed. This one was purchased by an American serviceman stationed in Italy and shipped home upon his return. The car stayed in the family until just prior to its purchase by the current owner.
In the signature Azzurra Blue, and a black interior, this gem is in pristine condition. This model features the rack and pinion steering, upgraded brakes and unique 8 spoke wheels designed by Pininfarina. New shocks, suspension and exhaust as well as a new top quality cloth top, new floor mats, a classic wooden steering wheel and shift nob, and a Pioneer sound system round out the list of interior upgrades. Take a look at the photos to see this perfectly preserved classic beauty!
Complete documentation accompanies this car, including the original purchase documents from Italy, the complete service records, and all service / shop manuals.
1985 Fiat Pininfarina
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Photo: Scott Lachenauer
Photo: Scott Lachenauer
Also affecting the senior Spider’s popularity was its notably higher price. A 1961 ad from Alfa Romeo importer Hoffman Motors Corporation highlighted MSRP reductions across the Alfa line, including the 2000 Spider that dropped from $5,365 (roughly equivalent to $55,230 today) to $3,995 ($41,130); the Giulietta Spider was shown falling from $3,515 to $3,150 ($36,190-$32,430). These factors made the 2000 Spider a rare sight, with fewer than 3,460 examples built before this model was succeeded by 1962’s 2600 Spider.
While open Giuliettas were always popular with sports car aficionados, the 2+2 convertible languished, its values depressed in comparison. Jeff Greenfield, owner of our feature 1959 2000 Spider, discussed this in the October 2023 issue of Hemmings Classic Car: “Anywhere from 30 to 15 years ago, nobody wanted these cars because everyone compared them to the Giulias and Giuliettas. This is a much larger car–it’s heavy, it’s not all that fast. People claimed they didn’t handle all that well, which I don’t think is true. And then all of a sudden, in the last 10 years, their values have skyrocketed. I paid a stupid amount of money for this car.”
Photo: Scott Lachenauer
Traditional book values for the 2000 Spider, like the NADA/J.D. Power figures in the accompanying chart, show how substantially this car has appreciated, but those figures don’t tell the whole story. As of press time, the current retail values for this Alfa range between $25,600 and $123,800. Since 2020, 11 examples have exceeded that top figure in auctions held around the globe. Classic.com reports the average selling price is $109,333; the cheapest example ($26,750) was a basket-case 1959 project car needing full restoration, and the priciest ($196,000) was a restored, triple-black 1959 convertible that sold at RM Sotheby’s 2021 Monterey auction.
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1978 Aston Martin AM V8
Reserve: $80,000
Selling Price: $84,000
Recent Market Range: $45,000-$80,000
Aston Martin produced some version of its V8-powered saloon from 1969 through 1989, though we are more likely to refer to the body style as a coupe on this side of the Atlantic. A beefy 5.3-liter DOHC V8 with multiple carburetors and a stout Chrysler-sourced TorqueFlite automatic very much gave the models a muscle car vibe, albeit one made with fine leather upholstery and thick wool carpets. This silver on red 1978 Aston Martin AM V8 Series III saloon, which traded hands last year via online auction for $46,988, achieved one of the highest prices seen in recent years for a coupe equipped with a standard-specification engine, particularly outside the U.K., where values are typically stronger.
1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Reserve: $63,000
Selling Price: $68,775
Recent Market Range: $54,000-$75,000
Perhaps no other American vehicle has combined class and off-road capability quite like the original Grand Wagoneer, the trailblazing luxury SUV that was produced by Jeep for almost three decades. This 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was submitted with just 27,417 miles showing on the odometer and plenty of notes from the seller indicating the original condition of the vehicle and all of its major components. The undercarriage, interior and engine bay photos all appeared to show an exceptionally clean example, which is notable for a rust-prone vehicle that has been in the Northeast since new. The net sale price, achieved with the 39th bid, was in line with market expectations for this very collectible vehicle.
1997 Land Rover Defender 110
Asking Price: $150,000
Selling Price: $157,500
Recent Market Range: $80,000-$150,000
The Land Rover Defender market shows no signs of slowing down, particularly as more and more examples are allowed into the U.S. via the DOT’s 25-year rule for previously banned imports. Likewise, there is a burgeoning market for what can best be described as restomodded examples, like this 1997 Land Rover Defender 110, which was powered by a modern GM LS3 V8, the same powerplant found in later C6 Corvettes. The list of what was original to this SUV might be shorter than what was changed, given the comprehensive nature of the build. Achieved via a direct Make Offer listing, the net sale price of this Land Rover was at the very top end of recent market activity for such customized Defenders.
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
Reserve: $54,000
Selling Price: $52,500
Recent Market Range: $46,000-$62,000
This 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge ticked all the right boxes: matching numbers with photos verification of the partial VIN stamping on the engine block of the original Ram Air III V8, Muncie four-speed manual transmission, PHS documentation, and that classic Carousel Red finish and Judge decals. It looked to be in excellent overall condition, but it also appeared to have been driven and enjoyed some in recent years, with some signs of wear. And the net sale price, achieved via post-auction Make Offer listing, reflected the condition and authenticity of the car. A concours-level example, or one with a rare Ram Air IV engine for example, would likely command a premium over this one.
1972 Jaguar E-type Series III Roadster
Reserve: $65,000
Selling Price: $69,825
Recent Market Range: $78,000-$115,000
The final iteration of the Jaguar XKE was a bit larger than the original and not as precisely focused on its sporting nature. Rather, with a big V12 under the hood, it was more of a GT car. This 1972 Jaguar E-type Series III Roadster appeared to have some minor wear and tear and signs of road use, but it made up for any shortcomings with what appeared to be an abundance of authenticity. The seller noted that the exterior finish, interior upholstery and engine were all original. Reflecting the low number of owners and the car’s years sitting in a museum, the odometer reading of just over 30,000 miles was also believed accurate. While the net sale price was below market expectations, it was not too far off.
1913 Ford Model T Runabout
Reserve: $25,00
Selling Price: $26,250
Recent Market Range: $22,000-$36,000
There has never been a shortage of early Fords at Hemmings, dating to the earliest days of our magazine. Like any other vehicle, the most desired examples in the best condition will always attract the bidders. This 1913 Ford Model T Runabout appeared to have been restored to high level and showed only minimal signs of use. It was also equipped with an electric starter. The maroon body, black fenders and white spoke wheels nicely complemented the button-tufted black vinyl seat. The undercarriage appeared to be exceptionally clean, indicating little use for the car that was said to come from a Model T collection. The next sale price was well within the going market rate for an open-top, two-seat, early Model T.
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