Alfa GTV6 - think I need one!
Discussion
Was wondering about getting an old (80s RWD) Alfa GTV6 a while back and decided they weren't practical enough really.
Then, this morning I was going along the M25 and saw a black GTV6 towing what looked like a sail plane, with a load of kit in the back. I was paralell with him in the traffic jam for quite a while and couldn't get over how good it looked, sounded and the fact it was happily accomodating more than my mountain biking gear.
Damn it! Managed to put them to the back of my mind and now I want one again.
Lots.
Logic tells me if I wanted something like that I should go for a more practical, faster, more reliable Porsche 944, but theres something about the look and sound of the GTV that's impossible to shake.
Then, this morning I was going along the M25 and saw a black GTV6 towing what looked like a sail plane, with a load of kit in the back. I was paralell with him in the traffic jam for quite a while and couldn't get over how good it looked, sounded and the fact it was happily accomodating more than my mountain biking gear.
Damn it! Managed to put them to the back of my mind and now I want one again.
Lots.
Logic tells me if I wanted something like that I should go for a more practical, faster, more reliable Porsche 944, but theres something about the look and sound of the GTV that's impossible to shake.
That's a hell of a garage you've got there Jamie 
I could probably get over the lack of folding seats (I used to transport my bike in a Quantum 2 seat kit car - the look on peoples faces as a full size freeride bike was extract from a car not much bigger than it was commical) however, it would have to spend a reasonable ammount of time living outside, it would have to get me to work pretty much everyday and I'd have to be able to get hold of spares to enable that.
Hmmm.
I could probably get over the lack of folding seats (I used to transport my bike in a Quantum 2 seat kit car - the look on peoples faces as a full size freeride bike was extract from a car not much bigger than it was commical) however, it would have to spend a reasonable ammount of time living outside, it would have to get me to work pretty much everyday and I'd have to be able to get hold of spares to enable that.
Hmmm.
I know, I know.... shame the new GTV is rather tight on space and crucially drives the wrong set of wheels 
Probably leaves me with the usual suspects of M3, impreza, scimitar, 944 - all subjectively better, but none quite have the character of an Alfa.
(my parents red Alfetta GTV sat on the drive is one of my earliest memories and the first car I can remember going in, so maybe it's a psychological thing!)
Probably leaves me with the usual suspects of M3, impreza, scimitar, 944 - all subjectively better, but none quite have the character of an Alfa.
(my parents red Alfetta GTV sat on the drive is one of my earliest memories and the first car I can remember going in, so maybe it's a psychological thing!)
To be honest, it's mostly about the noise 
God that makes me sound shallow, but the old alfa V6 is
The 924 (atleast in Porsche engined 'S' guise) is indeed superbly balanced (beats my current car - an MX5 by miles), although steering feel on mine really wasn't that good at all.
With my head I know I'd have trouble justifying one over the porker, let alone a more modern sports saloon or coupe, but theres just something very evocative about them. Had managed to put them out of my head (as too impractical) until I saw one loaded up with kit and towing a huge trailer!
That noise.....
God that makes me sound shallow, but the old alfa V6 is
The 924 (atleast in Porsche engined 'S' guise) is indeed superbly balanced (beats my current car - an MX5 by miles), although steering feel on mine really wasn't that good at all.
With my head I know I'd have trouble justifying one over the porker, let alone a more modern sports saloon or coupe, but theres just something very evocative about them. Had managed to put them out of my head (as too impractical) until I saw one loaded up with kit and towing a huge trailer!
That noise.....
Alfanatic said:
.... playing devil's advocate now: Alfetta GTV prices are climbing. Now's a good time to buy....
That Alfa V6 is a wonderful engine, it never sounded better than it did as a 2.5, and the GTV is the best shell in which to enjoy the engine.
Go on, you know it makes sense
Damn you That Alfa V6 is a wonderful engine, it never sounded better than it did as a 2.5, and the GTV is the best shell in which to enjoy the engine.
Go on, you know it makes sense
Edited by Alfanatic on Friday 25th May 18:23
That sort of talk might just see me renewing my AA membership
As for Porkers - I'd love a 928 if I could afford a mint GTS, but I suspect dogs in my price bracket, yet it'd get a very nice example of a GTV6 (or a 944!)
There is always a thrid way of course....... Alfa 75!
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/173915.htm
Thank god I don't have the money right now! Would have been at severre risk of an impulse buy. Rather doubt he fancies swapping it for an MG ZS.....
Dunno, I prefer the looks of the GTV and let's face I'm not gonna buy a 25 year old Alfa based on any sensible criteria!
The one in the link I posted has a tweaked 3 litre V6 in it (presumably sourced from a 75?) as well as a few other nice bits. Fortunately, I'm waiting to sell two cars, so I don't have the funds to make any impulse buys right now!
The one in the link I posted has a tweaked 3 litre V6 in it (presumably sourced from a 75?) as well as a few other nice bits. Fortunately, I'm waiting to sell two cars, so I don't have the funds to make any impulse buys right now!
My thoughts exactly. Don't think you'd ever buy a 20 year old Alfa with your head, but for the heart, it might be more satisfying waiting for the AA with a GTV, than stuck in traffic with a Porsche/BMW. Was always amazed how clinicle my 924S felt when you were in it, but there again it was good to drive and very practical for a proper sports/GT car.
And here comes a new idea - Lotus Excel. Part Chapman masterpiece, part Toyota Celica. Probably has the upper hand compared to the Alfa on reliability and parts availability (not often that can be said of a Lotus) Still nothing like as sensible as the Porsche, but probably rather more fun
And here comes a new idea - Lotus Excel. Part Chapman masterpiece, part Toyota Celica. Probably has the upper hand compared to the Alfa on reliability and parts availability (not often that can be said of a Lotus) Still nothing like as sensible as the Porsche, but probably rather more fun
Edited by Chris71 on Wednesday 30th May 13:03
Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff