Highlights
- Well presented car repainted in pretty Marrone Metallic
- Retrimmed beige interior with new roof and windscreen
- Sourced from long-term dry storage in California
- Features Panasport alloys 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 to enable re-registration in Europe by buyer
The Appeal
It’s no surprise to discover that this pretty 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 order.
As an early 1978 car this one benefits from the improved electrics applied to that model year. It is fitted with the 86bhp USA-specification Weber carburettor-fed twin cam engine and benefits from 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 roof. The windscreen has also been replaced. We like the neat details like 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 or registration: USA-market car sourced from California
- Technical inspection status: not provided
- Technical specification: 86bhp 1,756cc ‘Lampredi twin can, Weber carburettor, 5spd 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 brown metallic paintwork with few signs of age
- Bodywork presents well with good panel fit and well kept arches
- Underside available to check in photos
- Exterior fittings including Federal-specification lights and bumpers present well
- Fitted with aftermarket Panasport Minilite-style alloys 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 to 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 seller:
- Replacement head gasket
- New timing belt and water pump
- Clutch kit fitted
- Spark plugs replaced
- Rotor 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
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. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning 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 solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
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