It is not a secret that Europe is home to the most respected car brands in the world. Several brands have cemented their reputation thanks to their creativity and high standards. As a result, a fair number of truly game-changing and rare European beasts have seen their value shooting through the roof. A lot of those cars have, of course, originated from Italy.
Italy, the land of delicious pasta and Vespas, has some of the most beautiful Italian classic cars petrol heads can buy. These cars can range from a couple of thousand to over 5 million dollars. Regardless of their monetary value, those classic cars are absolutely wonderful. They are even worth sacrificing Jimmy's college fund.
10 1955 Fiat 8V Coupe Zagato
Established in 1899, Fiat is one of the oldest Italian car brands still alive today. Now part of the Stellantis Group, Fiat is mostly known for its urban-friendly 500. While the 500 Abarth is a terrific micro car, the Italian carmaker has released several cars since its creation that easily outshine the 500. Back in the postwar era, Fiat produced vehicles that were on par with some of the nicest cars made by Ferrari.
The 8V Zagato is one of the coolest Fiats ever made. Produced between 1952 and 1954, the 8V Zagato is one of Fiat's most exceptional sports cars released after World War 2. Underneath the hood sits a 2.0L V8 that develops 105 hp at 6,000 rpm and 108 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. The 8V Zagato was a serious threat to some Ferrari and Maserati cars of the same era. With only 114 units made, the 8V Zagato is a true collectible.
9 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS
Though most regular people are unable to tell the difference between a 550 Maranello and an SF90 Stradale, they can easily tell both cars are Ferraris. Easily recognizable thanks to the prancing horse, Ferraris have been associated with excellence for over half a century. Having won multiple professional races over the last six decades, Ferrari's notoriety only embellished over time.
The gorgeous 275 GTS is a true classic that only gearheads in the top 1% can take for a spin. Fitted with a 3.3L Colombo V12 producing 260 hp at 7,000 rpm and 217 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm, the 275 GTS is an elegant grand tourer that packed a decent punch. Ferrari manufactured 200 units between 1964 and 1966, making the 275 GTS a rarity. One 275 GTS in pristine condition sold for a whopping $1.3 million a couple of years ago.
8 1965 Iso Grifo A3/C Bizzarrini
Mainstream car companies have eclipsed smaller and less promoted ones. Unknown to the majority of people, these companies often produce vehicles that only rich hardcore gearheads can afford. On top of being pricey, those cars are manufactured in such limited numbers that having a fat wallet may not be enough. Iso Autoveicoli is the sort of obscure brand that used to manufacture such cars.
Looking like a true classic Italian sports car, the A3/C is the result of a partnership between Iso and Bizzarrini. Iso took care of the body of the A3/C, while Bizzarrini worked on everything related to the mechanical aspect of the car. The A3/C comes with a 327 cu in Chevrolet V8 rated at 400 hp at 6,000 rpm and 375 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, the A3/C is a beast made for the track. Following a disagreement over the Grifo name, Iso and Bizzarrini split. Only 22 units were ever made.
7 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
When it comes to Italian car brands, the first names that come to mind are Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati. While those brands have shown times and times again that they were dominating the luxury car scene, several other Italian carmakers produced insane machines. Alfa Romeo was once up there with the most prominent Italian car brands.
There are several things only true Alfisti know about the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. Besides being one of the biggest successes of Alfa Romeo, the 33 Stradale is a real supercar from yesteryear. The mid-engine beauty comes with a 2.0L V8 that makes 227 hp at 8,800 rpm and 152 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm. Only 18 units were manufactured between 1967 and 1969.
6 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV
After being highly dissatisfied with his Ferrari, Ferruccio Lamborghini decided to create his own car company. Being a successful businessman, Lamborghini decided to become Ferrari's most serious rival. Today, Lamborghini is one of the most respected supercar manufacturers in the world. However, the company's reputation was not built in a day.
The Lamborghini Miura P400 SV is the top-line trim. While other trim levels are outstanding, the SV is insane. The 3.9L V12 develops 380 hp at 7,850 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 5,750 rpm. This is more power than the P400 and P400 S. Lamborghini only manufactured 150 units between 1971 and 1973. Back in 2011, a P400 SV sold for $1.7 million.
5 1971 Maserati Ghibli SS
In recent years, Maserati has gotten a lot of heat. Reliability issues mixed with low resale value have turned off potential buyers. However, things not always used to be that way. Back in the '60s and '70s, Maserati used to manufacture some serious sports cars. On top of being stylish, those cars were equipped with robust engines and luxurious finishes.
The Ghibli SS is by definition one of the greatest Italian sports cars of the '70s. Its classy figure hides a solid 4.9L Tipo 115/49 V8 rated at 330 hp at 5,500 rpm and 355 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. 425 Ghibli SS coupes were made between 1967 and 1973. Though not the rarest Italian classic sports car, the Ghibli SS remains a terrific car valued at $367,000 in Concours condition.
4 1972 DeTomaso Pantera
It is fair to say that DeTomaso is the Italian version of AMC. DeTomaso entered the market by offering alternatives to Ferrari and Lamborghini cars. Being fully aware that the company was nowhere as reputable as the other well-established Italian car manufacturers, DeTomaso established partnerships with some of the most important players in the automobile industry.
The 1972 DeTomaso Pantera looks incredible and could be one of the most American-Italian supercars out there. The mid-engine beast comes with a 351 cu in Ford Cleveland V8 that pumps out 326 hp at 5,400 rpm and 344 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. The Pantera is one of the greatest underdogs to ever take a shot at Ferrari and Lamborghini.
3 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi
In the United States, the automotive industry was in shambles during the 1980s. Muscle cars across the board were underpowered and incapable of rivaling the sports cars coming out of Europe and Japan. European automakers were releasing one instant classic after another. Ferrari did not fail to manufacture some of the greatest sports cars of that era.
Predecessor of the legendary Testarossa, the 512 BBi is part of a series of outstanding supercars made to rival the Lamborghini Miura and Countach. Ferrari shoehorned a huge 4.9L flat-twelve powerplant that churns out 335 hp at 6,000 rpm and 333 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. Though mass-produced by Ferrari's standards, the highest the 512 BBi sold for was $990,000 according to Hagerty.
2 1988 Lamborghini Countach P5000 Quattrovalvole
Lamborghini reshaped the market when it released the Miura. It was the company's very first supercar and a huge success. Ferrari worked tirelessly to develop a vehicle that would annihilate the Miura. To replicate the Miura's success and give Ferrari something to worry about, Lamborghini developed the iconic Countach.
Since its release in 1974, the Countach has fascinated numerous petrol heads. Its avant-garde looks and astonishing performance had something to do with it. The Countach underwent several transformations that would always improve an already great vehicle. The LP5000 Quattrovalvole came with the Countach regular engine bored and stroked to 5.2L. Now producing 449 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, the Countach was ready to take on any Ferrari.
1 1994 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo 2
Lancia is one European car brand most domestic gearheads do not know about. Established in 1906, the Italian carmaker produced a plethora of outstanding vehicles before losing the plot like Oldsmobile or Pontiac. World Rally Championship will, however, remember Lancia as the car company that developed several astonishing rally cars such as the Stratos, the 037, and the Delta Integrale.
The Delta HF Integrale Evo 2 is one of the coolest Lancias ever made. Though not as flashy as other rally-bound Lancia sports cars, the Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo 2 wreaked havoc on the track. The Delta was given a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine capable of developing 212 hp at 5,750 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. Even if the Delta Integral was produced in large numbers, its numerous victories in WRC made it an instant classic.