You can’t beat these Italian Classic Cars for style or character. But, what might surprise you is how affordable they can be, all with just a little searching.
Before getting too excited at the prospect of Italian exotics, we should point out that classic supercars are off the table. Even the cheapest Lamborghini Jalpa stretches to over six figures at auction. Budget Ferraris is a different story depending on how low you’re prepared to go. With supercar royalty covered, it’s time to move on.
And for good reason, too. Fiat, Lancia, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo produced way more interesting cars. Sure, you’ll struggle to find an Italian luxury sedan on par with Mercedes, Coupes and GT’s are plentiful. Even old man Enzo Ferrari preferred something more practical for his daily commute.
Plumping for Italian styled over brake-neck speed is guaranteed to attract admiration from fellow gearheads and passersby alike. Old versus new, chic styling never goes out of fashion. If you’re after a timeless classic, buy one of these Italian thoroughbreds.
10 Maserati Merak SS
Overlooked and underrated, the Maserati Merak SS is a mid-engined Italian bargain. Designed by Giugiaro to compete with Ferraris 308, the Maserati looks the part even if it isn’t so fast.
A stunning addition to any gearheads collection, the Merak came in two trim levels. You’d be hard pushed to tell any differences save for the trunk black grille arrangement. Under the hood, Merak SS cars shipped with a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 pushing out 217 hp. Cheap by Ferrari standards, a tidy Merak SS will set you back $36,000.
9 Ferrari 308 GT4
The mention of an affordable Ferrari usually means settling for a Mondial. But, there are better options if you don’t mind the misguided virtues of a Dino badge. Misjudged as a poor man’s Ferrari, the 308 GT4 delivers all the thrills you’d expect with an extra pair of seats.
We’d skip over making passenger runs, instead enjoying the Ferrari for what it is, a precision handling sports car. Under the rear deck, you’ll find a 2.9-liter Dino V6 cranking out 255 hp, but it’s a vocal experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Besides, who could moan about a 158 mph Ferrari for a little over $40,000?
8 Lancia Flaminia Coupe By Pininfarina
Gorgeous to look at, the Flaminia Coupe is why Lancia needs to make a comeback. Once the pride of Italy long before Enzo started Ferrari, Lancia ruled the roost. Unveiled in 1961, the Flaminia Coupe boasts a world first V6 production engine.
By 1962, the Lancia had grown to adopt a 2.8-liter mill boasting triple solex carburetors dishing out 148 hp. The Flaminia Coupe was the first European car to outsell its four-door sedan sibling. For over 13 years, Lancia made 12,600 Flaminias, but few will recognize or be able to put a name on the Lancia today.
7 Fiat/Abarth 850 Lombardi Grand Prix
We’re sure the Lombardi Grand Prix will elicit responses like “Lombardi who?” Produced from 1968, this Italian sports car wore several names over the years. Small, lightweight, and simple the Lombardi borrowed it running gear from the Fiat 850.
Reaching a peak in the Abarth Scorpione SS, Fiat 843 cc engines made way for a 1.28-liter engine cranking out 100 hp. While not especially fast at 115 mph, the Lombardi for sure will confuse passersby. Despite the rarity factor, prices are lower than you’d think, starting around $16,000.
6 Lancia Fulvia Coupe
Lancia, more than any other carmaker, dominated rallying. Every gearhead knows of the fearsome Stratos and Integrale. However, the Italian marque’s competitive pedigree goes back further. Debuting first as a large sedan in 1963, the Fulvia later shrank in size, evolving into the prettier coupe.
Smaller and lighter, the Fulvia proved its worth dominating the Italian and WRC in 1973. But, despite its success, the Fulvia wasn’t about big power figures. Tucked away in the nose, you’ll find a V4 engine rated at 87 hp. Weight and handling made the Fulvia a giant killer.
5 Fiat Dino Coupe
Powered by Ferrari, the Fiat Dino should be wearing the prancing horse badge. Launched in 1966 to bolster Fiats image, the Dino coupe owed its existence to Enzo Ferrari. For homologation purposes the Dino Coupe featured a 2.4-liter Ferrari engine. Still not convinced? Elevating the Fiat’s status further, the Dino emerged from Ferrari’s Maranello facility.
The Ferrari connection, although limited, has affected used prices. Gearheads settling for a Dino Coupe will, with some patience, drive away $52,000 worse off in style. The more desirable Spider is another much more expensive temptation.
4 Fiat X1/9
Fiat and Bertone can both lay claim to the X1/9’s longevity. Launched in 1972 under Fiat branding, the X1/9 was a popular two-seater shifting 140,000 cars by the end of 1982. But, rather than vanishing completely, the X1/9 re-emerged under Bertone branding.
Wedge-shaped styling and a mid-mounted engine earned the X1/9 a “baby Ferrari” tag. Ferrari-esque on the cheap comes with mixed blessings. Don’t expect premium build, rust has long been a Fiat weakness. Yet, collectors still covet the small Fiat for its simple but fun driving thrills.
3 De Tomaso Longchamp
All muscle cars are U.S. Made? Think again! De Tomaso’s Longchamp has more in common with U.S. muscle than its looks suggest. Under the hood, you’ll find a 5.8-liter Ford Cleveland V8 paired with a 5-speed ZF manual driving the rear wheels. It’s a similar recipe used in the brand’s more famous Pantera.
Reading down the spec sheet, you’d expect any Italian exotic boasting 330 hp to be quick. With a factory claimed 0-60 mph time of 5.6-seconds, topping out at 149 mph, the De Tomaso doesn’t disappoint. Cool and affordable, a series 2 Longchamp can be had for $20,000.
2 Alfa Romeo Montreal
Alfa Romeo’s prettiest car to date? Without a doubt. Yet, those gorgeous Gandini lines played a role in its value. When new, the Montreal was more expensive than its rivals, listing for $10,000. As a result, Alfa Romeo found a mere 3,925 buyers over a seven-year period. Fast-forward to 2022, and you’ll be handing over $55,000 for a good one.
Under the hood is where the Montreal stands out. Unlike its peers, the Alfa Romeo used a front-rear layout comprising a 2.6-liter DOCH V8 cranking out 197 hp. Enough fun without bank-busting running costs, the Montreal is a bargain.
1 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II
A rally legend, the Delta Integrale took the WRC by storm, claiming 46 wins over a six-year period. Dominance off-road translated well to a road variant in the Integrale Evolution II. An all wheel-drive hot-hatch on steroids, the Lancia is a serious driver’s car.
Cheaper and easier to live with than a Stratos, the Integrale is only a fraction slower. In a drag race, the 212 hp 2.0-liter engine blasts to 60 mph in 5.7-seconds, topping out at 135 mph. Only 220 examples of this rare rally icon exist. Affordable is still possible with a little luck
