Highlights

Well-presented car, repainted in a lovely Marrone Metallic
Retrimmed beige interior with new roof and windscreen
Sourced from long-term dry storage in California
Features Panasport alloy wheels and rear luggage rack
Recent recommissioning, including timing belt and water pump
Head gasket, clutch and shock absorbers also replaced
Full service recently completed
COC exempt, allowing re-registration in Europe by the buyer

The Appeal

It’s no surprise to discover that this lovely Marrone Metallic 1978 Spider spent its life in California before recently returning to Europe. These capable Lampredi-engined cars seem tailor-made for sunny climes, which in this instance have helped preserve it in good nick.

As an early 1978 car, this one benefits from the improved electrics introduced for that model year. It is fitted with the 86bhp USA-specification Weber carburettor-fed twin cam engine and has had a long list of recent maintenance. That has included a new head gasket, full service, new timing belt and water pump, replacement clutch and new shock absorbers.

The car presents well in photos. The even paintwork is the result of a recent respray, and the beige interior has been retrimmed to match the new soft top. The windscreen has also been replaced. We like the neat details such as the Panasport alloys, classic radio and rear luggage rack. A great example of these hugely rewarding sports cars.

The vendor says:

“Due to the car's age, a Certificate of Conformity (COC) is not required for registration within Europe.

“A unique 'time capsule' that—thanks to the combination of a rust-free Californian base and extensive recent mechanical and cosmetic refurbishments—is ready for the enthusiast.”

Key Information

Mileage: 23,500 miles indicated (vendor states true mileage is likely 123,500 miles)
Country of registration: USA-market car sourced from California
Technical inspection status: not provided
Technical specification: 86bhp 1,756cc ‘Lampredi twin cam’, Weber carburettor, 5-speed manual gearbox
Paperwork: owner’s manual and tool kit included
Registration: buyer is responsible for European registration; vendor states car is COC exempt (buyer should check and verify)

The Detail

Retrieved from long-term dry storage in California
Paintwork renewed due to sun exposure in California
Smartly presented Marrone metallic paintwork with few signs of age
Bodywork presents well, with good panel fit and well-kept wheel arches
Underside available to check in photos
Exterior fittings, including Federal-specification lights and bumpers, present well
Fitted with aftermarket Panasport Minilite-style alloy wheels in good condition
Steel spare wheel included
Fitted with rear luggage rack
Beige soft top recently replaced
New windscreen has been fitted
Interior retrimmed in beige with 2+2 layout
Darker beige carpets appear to be in good order
Veneer to dashboard showing light age
Some age to note on the dash top in photos, and said to be fitted with a cover
Fitted with classic stereo and wood-rimmed steering wheel
Vendor states the car runs, shifts and brakes well

Recent maintenance advised by the seller:

Replacement head gasket
New timing belt and water pump
Clutch kit fitted
Spark plugs replaced
Rotor arm and contact points
Filters, oil and coolant replaced
New wiper motor
Replacement shock absorbers
New engine and transmission mounts
Braking system overhauled
New brake pads fitted all round
New master cylinder
New brake hoses fitted
Brake calipers rebuilt
New wheels and tyres fitted
New upholstery fitted
Replacement soft top fitted
New windscreen fitted

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. You are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the successful bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is” basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for guidance only, and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ GST is included in the buyer's fee. GST may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do, which is why we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed, and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. The presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes, so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidder's responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.