Hi, everyone. I originally tried selling this car back in the summer, but didn't pursue it very hard. I've now become more aggressive with my price because it's just sitting in the garage and I have no time to use it (new baby keeping me very, very busy).
We bought this 1989 Spider Gradiate from RML Automotive in Daytona Beach in May 2006.
It was a well-maintained Florida car that was used for product development purposes by RML. At 117,000 miles, Ric Lovecchio (owner of RML) personally restored it. Details of the work performed by Ric are listed below.
Since taking delivery, we have driven the car about 9,000 miles. One or two minor issues were sorted out (including a new water pump and a new battery) but the car has run strongly otherwise. I ended up using it as a daily driver on a 40-mile roundtrip back road commute for a few months, and it never failed me. I have no doubt that it will continue to run well.
We do think it needs a new master cylinder, and are making arrangements to have this work performed.
Speaking of which, while in our possession, the car has been maintained by Vinnie at Supercar Life (formerly Auto Italia) in Jupiter, FL.
The only two major flaws right now are a missing front turn signal cover and a scratch on one of the fenders (my fault). I should also note that the speedometer did work, but decided to stop at some point along the way. I have found it a lot more fun to not worry about how fast I'm going anyway.
Now, here's the work done by RML:
Show quality, original color re-paint.
Engine overhaul using 10:0-1 (from a 91-94 Spider) pistons and all standard bearings.
New water pump, re-conditioned flywheel, new clutch assembly, etc.
Nicely done 3-angle valve job with new guides and green seals. Assembled with top-quality gaskets and Dirko sealant.
New engine and transmission mounts with rebuilt driveshaft.
RML performance ignition system.
Transmission was rebuilt using new sleeves and syncros.
Installed with new gear stick boots (both).
Intake begins through a custom fabricated K&N assembly, runs through a 2.0-litre hemi and exhausts through an original extractor from an early Spica car (using an original, factory, two-piece exhaust system). A bung was welded to the front exhaust to utilize the O2 sensor and keep closed loop fuel injection. There is no catalytic converter on this system.
All of the brake calipers were rebuilt, with new pads.
Repacked bearings, new seals, and all hydraulic hoses were replaced.
Suspension remains stock with no worn joints.
Seats were reupholstered to exact specifications. Carpets and door panels are original.
All new door and trunk seals.
The gear stick is trimmed out with a leather boot.
Correctly functioning heating and air conditioning system, with new heater valve and ice cold air. Custom blower in center console.
New Robbins cloth top.
15" Panasport wheels with 205/50/15 Falken ZE512 tires.
Completely detailed undercarriage.
Roll bar bolted to frame.
Pioneer CD player and power antenna.
We paid A LOT of money for this car -- $12,500. I paid that premium based on the car's condition and Ric's reputation. Now, I'm willing to take a substantial loss just to get this to someone who will actually use it. I'm thinking $8,500.
If you're interested, please let me know. I'd be happy to show the car to anyone in person. It's located in Jupiter, FL. More pics and info can be provided upon request. And I'm happy to answer questions you might have. PM me for my contact info.
Thanks for looking,
Nilus
We bought this 1989 Spider Gradiate from RML Automotive in Daytona Beach in May 2006.
It was a well-maintained Florida car that was used for product development purposes by RML. At 117,000 miles, Ric Lovecchio (owner of RML) personally restored it. Details of the work performed by Ric are listed below.
Since taking delivery, we have driven the car about 9,000 miles. One or two minor issues were sorted out (including a new water pump and a new battery) but the car has run strongly otherwise. I ended up using it as a daily driver on a 40-mile roundtrip back road commute for a few months, and it never failed me. I have no doubt that it will continue to run well.
We do think it needs a new master cylinder, and are making arrangements to have this work performed.
Speaking of which, while in our possession, the car has been maintained by Vinnie at Supercar Life (formerly Auto Italia) in Jupiter, FL.
The only two major flaws right now are a missing front turn signal cover and a scratch on one of the fenders (my fault). I should also note that the speedometer did work, but decided to stop at some point along the way. I have found it a lot more fun to not worry about how fast I'm going anyway.
Now, here's the work done by RML:
Show quality, original color re-paint.
Engine overhaul using 10:0-1 (from a 91-94 Spider) pistons and all standard bearings.
New water pump, re-conditioned flywheel, new clutch assembly, etc.
Nicely done 3-angle valve job with new guides and green seals. Assembled with top-quality gaskets and Dirko sealant.
New engine and transmission mounts with rebuilt driveshaft.
RML performance ignition system.
Transmission was rebuilt using new sleeves and syncros.
Installed with new gear stick boots (both).
Intake begins through a custom fabricated K&N assembly, runs through a 2.0-litre hemi and exhausts through an original extractor from an early Spica car (using an original, factory, two-piece exhaust system). A bung was welded to the front exhaust to utilize the O2 sensor and keep closed loop fuel injection. There is no catalytic converter on this system.
All of the brake calipers were rebuilt, with new pads.
Repacked bearings, new seals, and all hydraulic hoses were replaced.
Suspension remains stock with no worn joints.
Seats were reupholstered to exact specifications. Carpets and door panels are original.
All new door and trunk seals.
The gear stick is trimmed out with a leather boot.
Correctly functioning heating and air conditioning system, with new heater valve and ice cold air. Custom blower in center console.
New Robbins cloth top.
15" Panasport wheels with 205/50/15 Falken ZE512 tires.
Completely detailed undercarriage.
Roll bar bolted to frame.
Pioneer CD player and power antenna.
We paid A LOT of money for this car -- $12,500. I paid that premium based on the car's condition and Ric's reputation. Now, I'm willing to take a substantial loss just to get this to someone who will actually use it. I'm thinking $8,500.
If you're interested, please let me know. I'd be happy to show the car to anyone in person. It's located in Jupiter, FL. More pics and info can be provided upon request. And I'm happy to answer questions you might have. PM me for my contact info.
Thanks for looking,
Nilus
