REPRINT FROM #21 2016
CLASSIC CAR PAGES: SISTEN TORRECCA 1982
WHY YOU NEED A FOURTH GENERATION TORRECCA
Laughing stock? For some years it was, but it is time to look at the 4th gen Torrecca from a different point of view now.
Some cars will eventually do a full lap. From showroom fresh and attractive, degrading all the way to prices hitting rock bottom and the car itself being laughing stock, to an attractive classic that is rising in value. And at that point we have the fourth generation Sisten Torrecca, launched in 1982, at the moment. A car that was on many teenage bedroom walls in the 80s, being touted as the most advanced Torrecca ever (which it also was) at its launch. But times are constantly changing. In the late 90s, the 80s styling of the Torrecca was dated to the point of being laughable. Even if it still was a potent sports car, it did not stand up to the modern competition. You could get Torreccas for zero and nothing in US and Germany - and many people did. Imported pure wrecks that did not really help to boost the image of the model.
But this was before the days of synthwave and the Nintendo entertainment system being re-released in a “mini” tribute version. The 80s is hip and cool again, and so is the Torrecca. But the market has not really reacted - yet. You can get a fourth generation Torrecca to a very attractive price, at least now, but maybe not for much longer. Now is the time to get one before it is too late. Believe us or not but the prices are already starting to rise on mint condition cars.
But what is the deal with the Torrecca then? Well, it is still possible to find a cheap one and the 80s coolness should not be ignored. But not only is it a classic that will rise in value, it is also a nice and fun car. It may look like something that’s more suited for a boulevard cruise than for spirited driving, but fact is that the Torrecca can do both - which is one of its strengths. While it offers great comfort for its era, it also can out-corner, out-brake and out-perform many younger rivals. Sure, the engine is the same cast iron lump as in 1962, but it pumped out 249 hp. Sounds a bit tame today but in 1982 that was great numbers. A mechanical fuel injection system improved cold starting and effiency, but it didn’t help much. The fuel economy was one of the Torreccas weak points. Be ready to accept around 18 litres per 100 km - under relaxed driving. Floor it and the 5.5 litre V8 has no limits for how much fuel it can drink.
That leads us to another great point. While it was advanced for its era, and required quite expensive servicing, you still can do most of the work yourself. There is no technology that is too advanced to do repairs on yourself. And it will not break down as often as some more fragile sports cars - in fact, it can take some abuse with grace. But still, it’s a good idea to stay away from the beaten to death examples.
Fourth gen Torrecca. Because popup lights are cool again. Admit it, you think so too!
As we mentioned earlier, watch out with 90s imports. Often they were the cheapest - and worst- that Germany or USA could offer at the time. Living hard lifes, having many owners and being bodged together. Nah, look for an example that have been well taken care of - they are still there, and the difference in price does not justify buying an abused car. Also, as with many 80s cars, look for rust - everywhere. They can have extensive amounts of corrosion, and bad repairs can cover much. Badly repaired collision damage is also something to have on the radar. More than one Torrecca got wrapped around a pole and was “good as new” surprisingly fast after that. Also, check very carefully for any signs that the car is something else than it is supposed to be. Torreccas were stolen like hotcakes in the 80s and the VIN and license plates taken from some crashed example. Insurance premiums still suffer from that too - if you can, get a classic car insurance.
Mechanically it is generally a sturdy car though. Just keep in mind that after more than 30 years, everything can be broken anyway. Check the car through completely, as with any classic car. But there is no dangerous traps you can fall into here - at least not any that doesn’t exist for any other 80s car too.
Do you want to be the one that says in 10 years that you “wish that you had bought a fourth gen Torrecca when they still were affordable”? If not, what are you waiting for. It is time to take your chance before it is too late.
(Thanks to @CorsicaUnknown for the car!)