2600 Sprint on Ebay

Mr. C. · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 06:42 PM

There is a 2600 Sprint for sale on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2428282555

This is the third time around and the car never gets a bid above about $7K. What do you knowledgeable folks think is wrong with this car that no one wants to pay more for it?

I see them for sale in Europe for much more than $7K. More than $10K in fact. The wheels don't do anything for it but the factory wheels come with it also.

I really like the darn vehicle but can't get myself comfortable about it. Would anyone in the LA area be willing to do a prepurchase inspection on it. How much?

It is starting to bug me

HJR · #2 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 11:44 AM

Hi MrC,

I have noticed it, too and it looks pretty nice, but the reason I think it is not going higher and why I have not bid on it is that it has a "Salvaged" title, which can mean several things in California, from having been in a major accident to having been stolen and stripped to the point that the insurance company bought off the owner rather than repair it to having been flooded at one time. It runs the gamut.

Either way it is a scary proposition to buy a "pricey" or highly-desirable car that you cannot find out the history of very easily. The person listing the car barely addresses it, just calling it a "Theft Recovery". That's easy to say and hard to prove. If he has the paper-work for the car, like the police report, etc. it might be worthwhile.

Just my $0.10,
HJR

Mr. C. · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 11:58 AM

Hello HJR,

Well now I better understand the danger. I had sent an email to the owner asking what theft recovery meant and he just replied saying "it will not be a problem to get a title. check with your state". Did not answer the guestion! He says that 8,000 will buy the car. If I were close and could actually look the and the guy in the eye I would do that. As it is, I know from being old and having been in love with a lot of cars, "Don't stretch the deal".
If it doesn't work easily, it is probably not the right deal.

There will be another 2600 Sprint Bertone.

Zinhead · #4 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 08:38 PM

The theft recovery combined with the fact that 2600 Bertone coupes probably appeal only to the hardcore Alfa fanatic has something to do with this. I think the vehicle is also being sold out of Southern California which is a hotbed for Alfa interest. If it was worth what he wants, it would have been sold by now.

164QV · #5 (**permalink**) 08-19-2003, 07:28 AM

The very same car is for sale at mobile.de for 12.000 Euro = 13.000$ ! - thats incl. shipment to Europe.

I have always wondered why the 2600 only "appeal only to the hardcore Alfa fanatic". For the un-knowing - the lines of the 2600 are very similar to that of the "Bertone". Add to that a smooth 6-cylinder engine and luxurious leather interior. All that at the same - or lower price than a Bertone. Am I missing something, or is this an overlooked Alfa?

I have never driven one, so wouldnt know.

jthraen · #6 (**permalink**) 08-19-2003, 08:47 AM

Mr. C

I went and inspected the car. First let me say that I agree that it is strange that people do not value these cars more. I agree that the lines are attractive and the engine should be smooth and torquey. I have heard that they steer like tractors.

OK, back to this car. The owner is a turn-off. First he yelled at me because he didn't like where I parked my car. Then, when I am inspecting the car, he can't find two minutes to come and talk to me!

Photos on eBay are always better than the reality. This car was no exception. The paint is not bad, but it really could use some attention. Likely, I would have chosen to repaint the whole car. The interior looks like a million bucks in the photos, but in person it shows poorly. It was not done right and is dirty. It may clean up, but likely you would want to redo it as well.

The car has GM style power windows. The cranks are gone. I know there were other "improvements", but right now I can't remember what they were.

The engine bay appeared complete. The walls are black, but that may be correct.

I looked at the rockers and under the car and did not find obvious signs of rust. I was already pretty turned off by the owner, so I did not look too closely, but it looked pretty good.

As to the title, I really do not think that is an issue, especially if it is due to a theft recovery. The value of the car is what others are willing to pay and what the seller is willing to take. I would say that eventually, the seller will have to drop down to the $7,000 that the buyers are offering.

My 2 cents worth says that this car is one that would be better to find in perfect condition. Pay the $15k - 18k and enjoy. I could see easily spending the same money on the restoration alone.

On the other hand, if you enjoy the restoration process this is probably a good starting point.

**italcarguy** · #7 (**permalink**) 08-19-2003, 09:06 AM

jeff,
the 2600 sprint originally came with power windows, at least the ones i've seen.

jthraen · #8 (**permalink**) 08-19-2003, 09:08 AM

Ok, my bad.

Mr. C. · #9 (**permalink**) 08-19-2003, 09:52 AM

Jeff,

Wow thank you very much for the great report. I am indepted to you. Not only a nice guy but a knowledgeable person as well.

For some reason I suspected that the paint was weak. But the report on the interior puts the thing to bed. The owner seems to be no better a host than writer.

Thanks again. If I can return the favor let me know.

btw: I have driven 2600 Roadsters and like them. I will find a Sprint sooner or later.
In the mean time, I have my Giulia Super Nuova.