Motherlode of Italian Classic Projects and Parts

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If you like your classics with a dash of Italian flair, you might find this collection irresistible. All the great names are there, from Alfa Romeo to Maserati and Fiat, and if a complete car isn’t on your radar, there is an enormous selection of parts that may help get your existing project on wheels. The seller needs to downsize significantly, and while they don’t specify prices, it is worth a close look. The collection is listed here on Craigslist in Mission, British Columbia, Canada. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Henry R for proving that variety really is the spice of life.

Scrolling through the supplied photos made it challenging to choose which cars to feature in this article. This Lancia Beta Coupe jumped out for a couple of reasons. The first was that it appears to be in decent condition. There are no visible panel imperfections or signs of rust, although an in-person inspection would reveal if there are hidden issues. However, as one of the few vehicles in this collection protected from the elements, it stands a better chance than most. The interior is complete and in good order, and if it proves to be structurally sound, it could be the pick of the bunch.

If the Beta doesn’t tick the rarity box, this Lancia Scorpion might. These are sweet little mid-engined cars, and although the 1,756cc four doesn’t produce mountains of power, the excellent suspension and brakes make these a blast when pointed at a ribbon of twisting tarmac. Once again, the lack of detailed photos makes determining the presence of rust impossible, but it is certainly worth a look. Nestled next to the Scorpion is a Fiat 124 Spider. This is another relatively rare vehicle that is worth considering. The top is intact, meaning moisture may not have found its way inside this gem to wreak havoc on the floors. Surrounding this pair is a selection of Alfa Romeos, including a couple of 164s and Spiders that show promise.

If a sports car doesn’t tick the boxes and you prefer a Grand Tourer, this Maserati Quattroporte III might be more to your liking. These cars feature sumptuous leather trim and a V8 under the hood. Maserati offered two versions, with the smaller 4.2-liter motor generating 252hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque. Step up to the 4.9-liter powerplant and those figures rise to 276hp and 289 ft/lbs. Even in its mildest form, it would return a ¼-mile ET of 16.3 seconds and a top speed of 137mph. Devouring the miles effortlessly is this car’s forte. Of course, there is also a selection of Biturbos that some might find irresistible.

Potential buyers may have difficulty knowing where to start if a Fiat X1/9 is on their Wish List. There are several of them, and if the price is right, snagging a couple to produce one good one might be worth considering. Once again, these aren’t powerful but are fun to drive. Picking through the parts collection would also be rewarding because it appears there is everything from mechanical components to trim and body panels. It seems that if an Italian manufacturer produced it, you will find anything you need in this one-stop shop.

Are you tempted? If an Italian project candidate has been on your radar, you could be spoiled for choice with this collection. It is almost guaranteed that long-term exposure to the elements will have taken a heavy toll on some. However, there are vehicles in the supplied photos that show enormous promise. Which would I choose? The Lancia Scorpion would be hard to resist. It isn’t the most potent vehicle on offer, but I love the styling and the prospect of a rewarding driving experience. What about you? Which one would you like to find in your workshop?

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Comments

  1. Howard A Howard AMember

    Tempted? Good heavens, no. One Italian car would be too many, much less a field full. The “Motherlode” is highly subjective, maybe for someone in Turin, but I never thought Italian cars had that much of a following here. Maybe that one person that might need a part, but it’s clear, this collection will turn into steel 2x4s, and probably serve a better purpose.
    Hey Stan, out your way, need a Fiat?

    Like 5
    • MikeH

      Ever drive an Italian car Howard ?

      Like 4
      • Howard A Howard AMember

        Hi Mike, not too many, but my brothers ’63 Alfa Spyder was an incredible driving experience. In the 50 years since, nothing has replicated that sound or feel. Back where I come from, we almost never saw Italian cars, and the ones we saw, were but poor examples and not fair to base an opinion on them. I wonder if Italians see a Vega and think that was all America was capable of. Today, I just don’t see much of a call for any of this stuff.

        Like 1
      • Mar4357

        Even the lowly Fiat 128 was a ton of fun–just like their 1975 ad said, “A lot of car, but not a lot of money!” (Another ad, “There’s even room for your mother-in-law in the back seat.” My husband and I can attest to that, too!)

        Like 0
    • That AMC guy

      I know from experience that the Fiat 124 Spyder is a heck of a lot of fun, from driving friends’ cars. However when many years ago I tried to find one to purchase myself, being in the damp/salty Northeast I could not find one locally that didn’t have severe structural rust problems. (I wound up with something completely different – a Marlin – instead. But that’s another story.)

      Like 1
  2. JDC

    How sad that someone allowed all these beautiful cars to sit and rot. Lots of classics here, whether Howard A thinks so or not. How can anyone not get excited by a lot full of Lancias, Maserati, Alfas and Fiats??!!

    Like 14
  3. Casey

    Is it me, or the first picture looks like they’re Matchbox cars ?

    😂😂😂

    Like 5
  4. Jeff

    I fuel prices were high when purchased and the owner just bought them with full tanks of fuel. :-)

    Seriously hopefully some repair shop or person who already has a recycle yard will buy these and part them out as full cars to be restored for some of them….

    Like 0
  5. Jeff

    I fuel prices were high when purchased and the owner just bought them with full tanks of fuel. :-)

    Seriously hopefully some repair shop or person who already has a recycle yard will buy these and part them out as full cars to be restored for some of them….

    I had a Lancia Beta in College for two years. I was a nice front engine five speed car. These were prone for rust but ran like a champ with all disc brakes if I remember correctly.

    Like 2
    • SubGothius

      Yup, the Beta was the very first car ever mass-produced with the overall engineering formula that ultimately prevailed across the industry worldwide — transverse FWD with a DOHC engine and full-syncro 5-speed transaxle, 4-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering (power in some specs), and fully-independent strut-based suspension with a multi-link rear.

      All standard stuff in recent decades, but few cars had any of that, let alone all of that, when the Beta debuted in 1972, nor many more by the time it retired a dozen years later. This makes the Beta a “modern classic” in a very particular sense — classic looks with completely modern driving characteristics.

      Like 1
      • Martin Horrocks

        Beta is a good car, but the only Lancia bit is the badge. Everything else is FIAT. Actually better for it as well when you consider that left to their own devices post FIAT taking over, the Lancia engineers gave the world the Gamma.

        Like 0
      • SubGothius

        Martin, the only significant thing FIAT about the Beta is the engine (and the styling of the sedan), which was one of the most advanced and efficient in Europe at the time, so a real no-brainer for Lancia to adopt for rapid development of the Beta as a long-overdue replacement for the Fulvia.

        Literally everything else about the Beta was developed entirely in-house by Lancia engineers and stylists who remained on-staff after the FIAT buyout. Lancia engineering and fabrication techniques are evident throughout the car, such as the powertrain being mounted on a drop-out subframe and the use of multi-layered thin steel stampings lighter and stronger than a thicker single stamping.

        If there’s anything similar to other FIAT products of the era, it’s because FIAT nicked them from the Beta, not the other way around. Even that sweet DOHC engine had never been used in a FWD application before, let alone in a transverse orientation, where Lancia still had to re-engineer many aspects to make it suitable.

        Like 0
  6. Mike

    I owned a white Lancia Beta Coupe about 40 years ago. It was a great car. It had a tan leather interior, and was luxurious! My friend had a Scorpion, and from what I remember, the Scorpion was named Monte Carlo in other markets. The Quattroporte looks like a neat car to restore if it doesn’t have rust!

    Like 2
    • SubGothius

      Yup, the Scorpion was originally called Montecarlo (one word), but Chevy already owned the rights to the Monte Carlo (two words) moniker here, so US variants were named Scorpion, in a nod to Abarth’s early involvement in developing the model.

      Like 1
  7. RNR

    Building could use a new roof…..

    Like 1
  8. Chinga-Trailer

    In the evening, when it’s cool and there is no wind, one can hear the sound of the rust eating, all the way to Seattle and beyond . . . .

    Like 3
  9. sonny

    Howard should be banned from this site. His lack of intelligence is just not acceptable nor is his ability to express them whatsoever!
    I agree with Adam, the Scorpion is a catch as well as the X 1/9 cars shown. The Beta as well but the costs of all in transport may be prohibitive .

    Like 6
    • bill tebbutt

      Wow. How about trying the decaf there, Sonny? Maybe just let people express their views on cars (whether you agree with them or not is not relevant), which both you and Howard have done…..

      bt

      Like 3
      • John EderMember

        I couldn’t agree more. We all have different interests, opinions and experiences/knowledge. As long as you respect the posting rules, your opinion and insights/ criticisms are just as valid as the next person’s. I appreciate the opportunity to escape into this “car bubble” as a respite from the rest of my day. If you want confrontation or conflict, I can provide you with a list of websites where you will be welcomed with open arms.

        Like 3
    • John EderMember

      Why hasn’t Sonny’s rude comment been deleted yet? 🤮

      Like 0
  10. Terrry

    My timing is always off it seems. I just dumped my Ferrari Mondial off on Craigslist and unloaded my Lamborghini Countach to Kars For Kids, because I couldn’t get parts. And now this junkyard appears right out of the blue. Someone up there doesn’t like me.

    Like 1
  11. FEEZMember

    Got to wonder, Whats in the Trailers ?

    Like 2
  12. Sam61

    I’m afraid 1-800-got-junk stands to make a tidy profit! Hopefully enthusiasts will find parts they need. I take it shipping parts to the US is easier than title hassles for a car. Good luck!

    Like 0
    • John EderMember

      Yes, sending parts through the mail from Canada to the United States is not a problem at all.

      Like 0
  13. Troy

    Because they are on Canada that’s a big NO add states some may take work to get registered meaning they lost the paperwork and Canada customs would take it until you cleared it up otherwise you may find some parts to get something else on the road

    Like 0
  14. AzzuraMember

    I’ve owned several X1/9’s, an Alfa Spyder, Fiat 2000 and 124, Scorpion, and compared to the host of English cars I’ve owned, I’d pick an Italian car any day. What a treasure trove this is, what fun it would be to wander around there for a few days.

    Like 1
  15. Jim Simpson

    I couldn’t help but notice that there were some British and Japanese iron in the fray, many interesting and worthwhile cars for someone looking for an affordable modern classic and fun car… even the X 1/9’s which are delightful to drive even though not all that fast are worth the time and trouble… I for one am glad someone has saved the cars from the crusher at least they have a chance to have another life…

    Like 0
  16. hugh crawford

    I’m very always had a fondness for the Maserati Quattroporte III, the sound along is amazing, snd they have very robust engines. How this one end up like this?

    Like 0
    • Martin Horrocks

      Most did, in fact. If you want one, buy only the best. It won´t be expensive.

      Like 0
  17. Martin Horrocks

    We are looking at a scrap yard and unfortunately there is almost nothing there which makes for a financially realistic restoration. Parts and panels great, but you can buy good X/19s/Betas/164 Alfas/Fiat Spiders etc for little money from much better climates.

    Like 0
  18. gippy

    It looks like the dead on the battlefield after the Italians threw wave after wave of assaults on American consumers and never managed to scale the walls.

    Like 0
  19. Joe Elliott

    Don’t expect excellent brakes on a USA-spec Scorpion; the only variant sold in North America was the ‘75-76 one with the somewhat flawed partially-boosted braking system.

    Like 0
  20. Frank Sumatra

    Who cares about the vehicles? What amazes me everytime I see rouge shipping containers in a field, yard or spot like this is:
    1) How did they get there and get offloaded?
    2) Were they purchased or stolen?
    3) How does anyone who needs to know where a certain container is at any given time know where the heck it is?
    4) How many fall off ships during storms every year?

    Some people obsess about the meaning of life and why are we here? I obsess about how did that container get there?

    Like 0
    • Frank Sumatra

      “Rogue” shipping containers.

      Like 0
      • MikeH

        Maybe they really are red.

        Like 0
    • John EderMember

      About 1500 containers fall off of ships annually. We contributed to this problem several years ago when the cruise ship we were on collided with a barge full of containers and new cars while departing Montevideo, Uruguay. So many containers and cars sank that the shipping channel took two days to clear so that we could return to port for repairs (one guy from Brazil said, “look at all the drowning cars!” as they started to sink).

      I live essentially in the middle of nowhere, yet there are piles of containers for sale here. They are for sale cheap- perhaps they were abandoned here after arriving with a shipment.

      Like 0

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