'grale for sale - and it's rather nice!
Discussion
I know there are alot of Grale fans in here, and as they don't come up too often I thought I'd point this out;
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/217051.htm
Having been a passenger in this car I can vouch for the power - I was rather shocked at how much it has for such a small, and old(ish!) car.
Alas I don't have the readies for this and I doubt he'd accept a battered 156 in exchange
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/217051.htm
Having been a passenger in this car I can vouch for the power - I was rather shocked at how much it has for such a small, and old(ish!) car.
Alas I don't have the readies for this and I doubt he'd accept a battered 156 in exchange
This is the one you want, and DJC just might take that alfa off your hands as a px
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
MonkeyMatt said:
This is the one you want, and DJC just might take that alfa off your hands as a px
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
That's Nervous' old car.http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
Vesuvius 996 said:
MonkeyMatt said:
This is the one you want, and DJC just might take that alfa off your hands as a px
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
That's Nervous' old car.http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
MonkeyMatt said:
This is the one you want, and DJC just might take that alfa off your hands as a px
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmMMMMMMmmmmmmVesuvius 996 said:
MonkeyMatt said:
This is the one you want, and DJC just might take that alfa off your hands as a px
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
That's Nervous' old car.http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
Ive managed to drag my heels over selling it and placating the missus for as long as possible...hey I think 6 months is a fine job ...but I have to be responsible now 
...and no, selling the missus and keeping the car is not an option! (I did think about it though)
Nice car but 12k? my EVO 1 is/was also mint and only done 50k and was worth I'd say 9k before the lump let go.
Be warned! stunning cars and mine was fine for 10 months then engine failed as well as other stuff bill - £6500 + :-)
I'd like to keep car on raod so will send the cash.
Mine has all bills/mots/service history from new and the body is mint, no roof rush etc, also have tool set leather seats aircon and the rare non abs version :-)
Cracking cars
SKR
Be warned! stunning cars and mine was fine for 10 months then engine failed as well as other stuff bill - £6500 + :-)
I'd like to keep car on raod so will send the cash.
Mine has all bills/mots/service history from new and the body is mint, no roof rush etc, also have tool set leather seats aircon and the rare non abs version :-)
Cracking cars
SKR
Edited by SuperKartRacer on Friday 10th August 19:43
SuperKartRacer said:
Nice car but 12k? my EVO 1 is/was also mint and only done 50k and was worth I'd say 9k before the lump let go.
Be warned! stunning cars and mine was fine for 10 months then engine failed as well as other stuff bill - £6500 + :-)
I'd like to keep car on raod so will send the cash.
Mine has all bills/mots/service history from new and the body is mint, no roof rush etc, also have tool set leather seats aircon and the rare non abs version :-)
Cracking cars
SKR
If you still have the original jack...replace it! Trust me on this, the metal will be fatigued. Mine bent like a wax candle when I jacked it up to replace a wheel. Ultimate shame...I had to borrow an Audi jack from my neighbour.Be warned! stunning cars and mine was fine for 10 months then engine failed as well as other stuff bill - £6500 + :-)
I'd like to keep car on raod so will send the cash.
Mine has all bills/mots/service history from new and the body is mint, no roof rush etc, also have tool set leather seats aircon and the rare non abs version :-)
Cracking cars
SKR
Edited by SuperKartRacer on Friday 10th August 19:43
DJC said:
Vesuvius 996 said:
MonkeyMatt said:
This is the one you want, and DJC just might take that alfa off your hands as a px
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
That's Nervous' old car.http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
Ive managed to drag my heels over selling it and placating the missus for as long as possible...hey I think 6 months is a fine job ...but I have to be responsible now ...and no, selling the missus and keeping the car is not an option! (I did think about it though)
the only car ive ever owned that Id happily buy back.
nervous said:
DJC said:
Vesuvius 996 said:
MonkeyMatt said:
This is the one you want, and DJC just might take that alfa off your hands as a px
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
That's Nervous' old car.http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/204873.htm
Ive managed to drag my heels over selling it and placating the missus for as long as possible...hey I think 6 months is a fine job ...but I have to be responsible now ...and no, selling the missus and keeping the car is not an option! (I did think about it though)
the only car ive ever owned that Id happily buy back.
Divorce. Would. Follow. The. Wedding. Far. Too. Quickly.
I'm in the market to buy a new toy in the next few weeks once I've sold my Maserati 4200. With another baby on the way I'm looking to get some cash out of the car and replace it with something more practical, preferably Italian, and something I've always lusted after - that'll be the Integrale then!
"Nervous" - do you lurk on the Porsche forum sometimes? Didn't realise you'd had a 'grale?
What are people's experiences like with these? It'll be a second car for me, but one which I'll hope to drive 2 or 3 times a week. Any significant differences between an EVO I or II?
Any advice appreciated!
"Nervous" - do you lurk on the Porsche forum sometimes? Didn't realise you'd had a 'grale?
What are people's experiences like with these? It'll be a second car for me, but one which I'll hope to drive 2 or 3 times a week. Any significant differences between an EVO I or II?
Any advice appreciated!
sjm18 said:
I'm in the market to buy a new toy in the next few weeks once I've sold my Maserati 4200. With another baby on the way I'm looking to get some cash out of the car and replace it with something more practical, preferably Italian, and something I've always lusted after - that'll be the Integrale then!
"Nervous" - do you lurk on the Porsche forum sometimes? Didn't realise you'd had a 'grale?
What are people's experiences like with these? It'll be a second car for me, but one which I'll hope to drive 2 or 3 times a week. Any significant differences between an EVO I or II?
Any advice appreciated!
A 'Grale is disgustingly practical. It shouldnt be, it should be a sod, a complete arse and bitch to put up with, but it isnt. If it were, you could get annoyed at the thing and bitch and complain, but the bloody thing doesnt actually do anything badly. It even flaming rides well!"Nervous" - do you lurk on the Porsche forum sometimes? Didn't realise you'd had a 'grale?
What are people's experiences like with these? It'll be a second car for me, but one which I'll hope to drive 2 or 3 times a week. Any significant differences between an EVO I or II?
Any advice appreciated!
I drive mine everyday, commute to work in it, do long distance up and down the country in it (Ive even discovered recently how to get decent mpg out of it!), haul stuff between mine, parents, in laws, etc. The carpets are still flawless, the leather is still flawless and omg the leather! The. Best. Leather. Seats. Ever!
The EVO Is evolved through their editions. The IIs had improvements over some + a cat. The last of the EVO Is had pretty much the same gubbins as the EVO IIs, hence why mine has the leather recaros from the IIs.
Oh yeah and whisper it but the last of the Is are faster, more power and sound a lot better because they dont have the cat
sjm18 said:
I'm in the market to buy a new toy in the next few weeks once I've sold my Maserati 4200. With another baby on the way I'm looking to get some cash out of the car and replace it with something more practical, preferably Italian, and something I've always lusted after - that'll be the Integrale then!
"Nervous" - do you lurk on the Porsche forum sometimes? Didn't realise you'd had a 'grale?
What are people's experiences like with these? It'll be a second car for me, but one which I'll hope to drive 2 or 3 times a week. Any significant differences between an EVO I or II?
Any advice appreciated!
Fine for everyday use, but cost ££££"Nervous" - do you lurk on the Porsche forum sometimes? Didn't realise you'd had a 'grale?
What are people's experiences like with these? It'll be a second car for me, but one which I'll hope to drive 2 or 3 times a week. Any significant differences between an EVO I or II?
Any advice appreciated!
Evo 1 is the last car they used to rally.
Mine about to cost me 4k ish, engine let go. Other than that was fine for 10 months!.
Best drivers car there is, simple as that *and coming from a racing driver* ;-)
In the wet NOTHING will touch one.
They corner @ 100 + easy
Bad points
They rot
They crack
They blow up
They rust
Elec are poor
They rot
THEY CRACK
Brakes can fail.... at 120mph etc
:-)
Get one.
I've emailed Zagato Lancia in London - they seem to have some pretty good stock, but more interested in finding a specialist for servicing etc..
Also keep getting tempted by Richird Thorne's web site....
Oh dear, here goes...... Right, anyone interested in a '54 plate Maserati 4200? Dark blue/ beige leather, perfect conditon, cost me £47k from Maranello last year, 21k on the clock....
Also keep getting tempted by Richird Thorne's web site....
Oh dear, here goes...... Right, anyone interested in a '54 plate Maserati 4200? Dark blue/ beige leather, perfect conditon, cost me £47k from Maranello last year, 21k on the clock....
Had my Grale for two and a bit years now - it's the one for sale that started the thread. Nothing comes close IMHO.
DJM's right the last of the Evo1s got the option of the black leather Recaro seats (as mine does) and they are extremely comfy with an extendible thigh bolster for those of use with longer legs. You can drive it all day and the only ache you will have is from left knee as the clutch is heavy (competition standard with not a huge amount of power assist).
It's a genuine 4 seater too - as Bint can attest, back seats fold down, parcel shelf comes out, tons of room. I know of someone with a 300Hp one who has a baby seat in the back and he uses it to take the kids to school.
Performance-wise she's still got it in her to take on and beat many of the modern hot hatches. It is only turbo lag (from that massive Garett) that lets her down. I had a traffic-light run against an Evo VI and though he was quicker off the line, my little Lancia matched him up to the ton. Turns out it was a modded one (no idea what power) - it's great to chat with other drivers when you've got LHD - and he was extremely shocked that mine was a completely stock model.)
The other thing that catches people out is how quiet the thing is. Stock exhaust for sure helps, but the majority of the noise is from the transmissions and the tyres. However when you poke the loud pedal this wonderful roar - distinctively italian - comes burbling through the firewalls. It's an utterly fabulous sound, it doesn't sound like a V6 or a modern four pot, I've never heard anything like it before or since.
Then there's the feedback. The steering, seat and pedals all communicate the feel of the road to you in a subtle way. As you get used to the car, you can actually begin to detect subtle changes that indicate what each corner of the car is doing. This is something that so many cars just don't do that any more - Elise/Exige for sure, hardcore stuff, but not a hot hatch. The Civic Type R I drove last week was good, but not a patch on a 'grale.
All in, this is one of the best cars I've ever driven. Certainly the best I've ever owned. It's breaking my heart to sell her, but it is the best for the car (I have no garage so she stays under a custom cover and is usually wintered in a garage). Price is £12k but there's the possibility of movement if people are passionate enough.
If you are looking to buy a 'grale I have a few tips - took me two years to find mine and she's been perfect:
1.) Full Service History is essential. Preferably all from Lancia or Specialists. There are a lot of sheds out there and a lot of imports. The Engines are pretty much irreplaceable now so make sure it's in top nick
2.)Check the car over and make a note of the chassis number. Then phone John Whalley (Google him) if it's a UK spec car and ask him if he's seen it. Whalley is the best guy in the country for 'Grales and a lot of them have gone though him at some point. Also great for asking questions to - v.friendly.
3.)Check all the sills and seams - especially the hard to reach ones such as behind the bumper moulding (open boot and look between the bumper and the car body). If you see any rust here probe it with a biro - if anything flakes off then walk away. The ones under the bonnet are easier to camoflauge so look for blisters. If you are suspicious, then walk away, it'll only cause you major pain down the road.
4.)If you can, put it on a ramp and check the underseal. Check also for chassis crack which usually occur just behind the front wheel arch (between the two firewalls). The car is at it's weakest here.
5.)Personally I'd avoid RHD (they were all conversions, no matter what people say, and though some were done professionally many were done by desperate dealers using parts from cars such as Fiat Regatas). I'd also avoid Imports as you just cannot guarantee the history. I'd be wary of any Martini liveried cars (esp Evos) and I'd check the history very carefully. Martini 5 and Martini 6 were extremely limited editions and worth serious money - see one for £10k and bells should be ringing
6.)Evo2s are not really worth the extra cash IMO. A mint Evo2 will be around £20k, Mint Evo1 about £10-12k. The Evo2 has 5 BHp more, but actually has a smaller, less brutal turbo (it spins faster and starts a bit lower down the rev range) as well as a couple of cosmetic enhancements. Worth an Extra £10k - not really.
No matter what you do, if you have any 'Grale questions, you should sign up with the EvoForum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.asp?webtag=e...
You can also use the Lancia Sport website (and club): www.lanciasport.com
Worth turning up at RallyDays or the London 2 Brighton run and having a chat too. Details of both can be found from Lancia Sport.
buying an Integrale is a decision made with the heart not the head. I did it, and have loved every minute. Worth every penny.
Enjoy
T.
DJM's right the last of the Evo1s got the option of the black leather Recaro seats (as mine does) and they are extremely comfy with an extendible thigh bolster for those of use with longer legs. You can drive it all day and the only ache you will have is from left knee as the clutch is heavy (competition standard with not a huge amount of power assist).
It's a genuine 4 seater too - as Bint can attest, back seats fold down, parcel shelf comes out, tons of room. I know of someone with a 300Hp one who has a baby seat in the back and he uses it to take the kids to school.
Performance-wise she's still got it in her to take on and beat many of the modern hot hatches. It is only turbo lag (from that massive Garett) that lets her down. I had a traffic-light run against an Evo VI and though he was quicker off the line, my little Lancia matched him up to the ton. Turns out it was a modded one (no idea what power) - it's great to chat with other drivers when you've got LHD - and he was extremely shocked that mine was a completely stock model.
)The other thing that catches people out is how quiet the thing is. Stock exhaust for sure helps, but the majority of the noise is from the transmissions and the tyres. However when you poke the loud pedal this wonderful roar - distinctively italian - comes burbling through the firewalls. It's an utterly fabulous sound, it doesn't sound like a V6 or a modern four pot, I've never heard anything like it before or since.
Then there's the feedback. The steering, seat and pedals all communicate the feel of the road to you in a subtle way. As you get used to the car, you can actually begin to detect subtle changes that indicate what each corner of the car is doing. This is something that so many cars just don't do that any more - Elise/Exige for sure, hardcore stuff, but not a hot hatch. The Civic Type R I drove last week was good, but not a patch on a 'grale.
All in, this is one of the best cars I've ever driven. Certainly the best I've ever owned. It's breaking my heart to sell her, but it is the best for the car (I have no garage so she stays under a custom cover and is usually wintered in a garage). Price is £12k but there's the possibility of movement if people are passionate enough.
If you are looking to buy a 'grale I have a few tips - took me two years to find mine and she's been perfect:
1.) Full Service History is essential. Preferably all from Lancia or Specialists. There are a lot of sheds out there and a lot of imports. The Engines are pretty much irreplaceable now so make sure it's in top nick
2.)Check the car over and make a note of the chassis number. Then phone John Whalley (Google him) if it's a UK spec car and ask him if he's seen it. Whalley is the best guy in the country for 'Grales and a lot of them have gone though him at some point. Also great for asking questions to - v.friendly.
3.)Check all the sills and seams - especially the hard to reach ones such as behind the bumper moulding (open boot and look between the bumper and the car body). If you see any rust here probe it with a biro - if anything flakes off then walk away. The ones under the bonnet are easier to camoflauge so look for blisters. If you are suspicious, then walk away, it'll only cause you major pain down the road.
4.)If you can, put it on a ramp and check the underseal. Check also for chassis crack which usually occur just behind the front wheel arch (between the two firewalls). The car is at it's weakest here.
5.)Personally I'd avoid RHD (they were all conversions, no matter what people say, and though some were done professionally many were done by desperate dealers using parts from cars such as Fiat Regatas). I'd also avoid Imports as you just cannot guarantee the history. I'd be wary of any Martini liveried cars (esp Evos) and I'd check the history very carefully. Martini 5 and Martini 6 were extremely limited editions and worth serious money - see one for £10k and bells should be ringing
6.)Evo2s are not really worth the extra cash IMO. A mint Evo2 will be around £20k, Mint Evo1 about £10-12k. The Evo2 has 5 BHp more, but actually has a smaller, less brutal turbo (it spins faster and starts a bit lower down the rev range) as well as a couple of cosmetic enhancements. Worth an Extra £10k - not really.
No matter what you do, if you have any 'Grale questions, you should sign up with the EvoForum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.asp?webtag=e...
You can also use the Lancia Sport website (and club): www.lanciasport.com
Worth turning up at RallyDays or the London 2 Brighton run and having a chat too. Details of both can be found from Lancia Sport.
buying an Integrale is a decision made with the heart not the head. I did it, and have loved every minute. Worth every penny.
Enjoy
T.
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