'68 Alfa Romeo Gt Junior
Discussion
I've longed for one of these for many a year. I love the looks - its just so right, the advanced mechanics for the era and the tangible coolness. It seems to transend class too somehow, accepted as a great, yet obtainable for modest outlay. Aesthetically, for me the 105 coupe is up there with the expensive italian classics, but is far more of a realistic proposition!
This one is a GT Junior 1300; Alfa made the GTV cars, and then introduced the Juniors which started with a 1300cc engine and lower interior spec so more cool people could afford one in light of fuel taxes in the mid sixties. Its also a 'step front' - the earlier and more sought after series due to the increasing interest in converting these cars to race spec. Later 'smooth front' cars are outside the era for classic racing, but personally I prefer the step front look, as do many other classic Alfa fans. The car had a bare metal repaint in 2009; new sills, floors and front end. At that time the engine was swapped for a freshly rebuilt 1750 engine, thought to be the best compromise of revvy and torquey twin cam, and a rebuilt gearbox - so it is a car with all of the hard work done. There are still a few issues, but they're pretty easy to sort. Parts are readily available, and easy to fit with a bit of competence and the right tools.
The one thing I know I need to do is buy some new seats. Its fitted with leather Megane items currently which are comfy, but too high and shallow for my 6'4", meaning my knees poke up at 8:15 either side of the lovely Hellebore wood rimmed wheel and my hair brushes the roof. I'm thinking along the lines of a classic fixed bucket with head restraint. I've found some Cobreau Alpines in quilt stitched leather with black cord cushions at the right price. I'd like to fit a period or retro radio too, as it has a jazzy Alpine h/u fitted at the mo. My aim is to get the car back to period fast road spec throughout, and use it lots! It needs some tidying first.
This one is a GT Junior 1300; Alfa made the GTV cars, and then introduced the Juniors which started with a 1300cc engine and lower interior spec so more cool people could afford one in light of fuel taxes in the mid sixties. Its also a 'step front' - the earlier and more sought after series due to the increasing interest in converting these cars to race spec. Later 'smooth front' cars are outside the era for classic racing, but personally I prefer the step front look, as do many other classic Alfa fans. The car had a bare metal repaint in 2009; new sills, floors and front end. At that time the engine was swapped for a freshly rebuilt 1750 engine, thought to be the best compromise of revvy and torquey twin cam, and a rebuilt gearbox - so it is a car with all of the hard work done. There are still a few issues, but they're pretty easy to sort. Parts are readily available, and easy to fit with a bit of competence and the right tools.
The one thing I know I need to do is buy some new seats. Its fitted with leather Megane items currently which are comfy, but too high and shallow for my 6'4", meaning my knees poke up at 8:15 either side of the lovely Hellebore wood rimmed wheel and my hair brushes the roof. I'm thinking along the lines of a classic fixed bucket with head restraint. I've found some Cobreau Alpines in quilt stitched leather with black cord cushions at the right price. I'd like to fit a period or retro radio too, as it has a jazzy Alpine h/u fitted at the mo. My aim is to get the car back to period fast road spec throughout, and use it lots! It needs some tidying first.
Edited by joesnow on Tuesday 12th July 12:11
Friend of mine has one of these i believe in his Opel Commodore GSE all the looks of a retro setup but with modern features. You can't actually tell from a distance it's a modern stereo 
http://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/category/id/...
Just a thought!, Car looks like a fun project too
http://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/category/id/...
Just a thought!, Car looks like a fun project too
I drove it to and from work yesterday. I laughed 3 times. I can't remember the last time I did that behind the wheel! Its a great experience, not so much about the destination or speed, but the enjoyment of getting there.
Heres a slightly tongue in cheek write up about collecting the car on Sunday.
I went to pick the car up. I was a little apprehensive about the 3 hour drive home, as I'm sure anyone would with a relatively unknown 44 year old car. Since its restoration the owner had used it often, but not taken it on a long run. Would I get home, would I break down, would something fall off? All these things were at the back of my mind.
On seeing the car again, I couldn't wait to get behind the wheel. The owner had refitted the chrome bumpers, which I prefer on the GT Junior. I think I'll be keeping them on rather than imitating the GTA look. Once the cash had been handed over, and counted by visiting French relatives (!) I was on my way. Perched quite high on the retro fitted Megane seats, my hair was brushing the roof lining, and my right knee was jammed between the mainbeam stalk and the door panel. I also had to lean forward to get a decent view out of the rear view mirror. However, as I began to get used to the weight of the controls, I started enjoying myself. The rorty exhaust note is great, and there is useful power between 2000 and 4000 rpm. The long gearbox throw is precise, and the floorhinged pedals positive and feelsome to use. The steering is low geared, non assisted and requires some heft at slow speeds. It can also become light over camber changes which needs getting used to. The Hellebore wooden wheel is lovely to use with a push ring horn integrated into the three spokes.
After stopping for petrol and a bottle of water I joined the M11. Setting the car at at indicated 70 I was being overtaken by everyone. Curious to eveyone's hurry, I turned on the satnav I had with me, and that was indicating 55mph. Oh! An indicated 90 was better, the car easily coping with 70mph+ at around 4000 rpm. I put this down to the engine and gearbox change from the 1300 to the 1750. Mental note number 1.
As I pressed on, I found that if I moved the mainbeam stalk up into mainbeam position, it didn't turn on the lights, and stopped digging into my leg. Much more comfortable.
I'd set off with the window open, but as the breeze became too much I managed to wind up the window manipulating the winder in the small space between wheel-leg-door. There was quite a bit of wind noise around the door frame, and I could see daylight between the A pillar and window frame. Mental note number 2. The quarterlights are delightful as they are opened by a small wheel located on the door. You turn the wheel and the quarterlight gracefully opens up on a gear. I opened these on eitherside of the car to get a bit of air in and reduce the wind whistle.
50 miles on and I was amongst the F1 traffic on the M1. I could see an approaching rain cloud and wondered how the electrics were shielded in the engine bay. 10 miles later and the rain hit. The lovely little centre set wipers did a great job of wiping the rain away when I hit the tactile two speed rocker switch mounted on the dash. I also had to work out where the lights were. Something I hadn't though to ask the owner. I tentatively tried the other rocker switches to no avail, so had a go with the mainbeam stalk. This actually rotates, turning on sidelights, and then after another click the headlights. Of course I had to have dipped, so it was back to the knee jabbing! Mental note number 3.
I peeled off the M1 early to fill up again - £35 of unleaded, and took the backroads for the rest of the journey which are where the Alfa really excels. The car is small, nimble and fairly nippy, stringing together corners easily, the high profile tyres absorbing the bumps. Everything happens at lower speeds which was one of the things that attracted me to this type of car. In the 3.2 M3 you need to be pressing on to experience its dynamics, in the Alfa they are there much earlier which is more enjoyable for more of the time.
The car developed a light clicking sound which I thought may be the top end of the engine due to 3hrs at speed. An embarrassing schoolboy error really, as an immediate check showed that the oil was very low, taking 3 litres to get back on the right part of the stick. I think lack of attention by the previous owner, plus my 3hr trip were the causes as there are no drips and the block is clean.
This morning I got out into my commute, and on adjusting the quarterlight, the supporting chrome arm fell off - bugger, leaving the small window secured by the rotating gear at its base, and unable to seal properly. I was hoping that it wouldn't just fall out! It looks as though this part had been repaired previously and was weak. I'm looking into a replacement, which may end up being a new frame.
So on balance, some jobs to do, but over all I'm thrilled to bits with it.
Heres a slightly tongue in cheek write up about collecting the car on Sunday.
I went to pick the car up. I was a little apprehensive about the 3 hour drive home, as I'm sure anyone would with a relatively unknown 44 year old car. Since its restoration the owner had used it often, but not taken it on a long run. Would I get home, would I break down, would something fall off? All these things were at the back of my mind.
On seeing the car again, I couldn't wait to get behind the wheel. The owner had refitted the chrome bumpers, which I prefer on the GT Junior. I think I'll be keeping them on rather than imitating the GTA look. Once the cash had been handed over, and counted by visiting French relatives (!) I was on my way. Perched quite high on the retro fitted Megane seats, my hair was brushing the roof lining, and my right knee was jammed between the mainbeam stalk and the door panel. I also had to lean forward to get a decent view out of the rear view mirror. However, as I began to get used to the weight of the controls, I started enjoying myself. The rorty exhaust note is great, and there is useful power between 2000 and 4000 rpm. The long gearbox throw is precise, and the floorhinged pedals positive and feelsome to use. The steering is low geared, non assisted and requires some heft at slow speeds. It can also become light over camber changes which needs getting used to. The Hellebore wooden wheel is lovely to use with a push ring horn integrated into the three spokes.
After stopping for petrol and a bottle of water I joined the M11. Setting the car at at indicated 70 I was being overtaken by everyone. Curious to eveyone's hurry, I turned on the satnav I had with me, and that was indicating 55mph. Oh! An indicated 90 was better, the car easily coping with 70mph+ at around 4000 rpm. I put this down to the engine and gearbox change from the 1300 to the 1750. Mental note number 1.
As I pressed on, I found that if I moved the mainbeam stalk up into mainbeam position, it didn't turn on the lights, and stopped digging into my leg. Much more comfortable.
I'd set off with the window open, but as the breeze became too much I managed to wind up the window manipulating the winder in the small space between wheel-leg-door. There was quite a bit of wind noise around the door frame, and I could see daylight between the A pillar and window frame. Mental note number 2. The quarterlights are delightful as they are opened by a small wheel located on the door. You turn the wheel and the quarterlight gracefully opens up on a gear. I opened these on eitherside of the car to get a bit of air in and reduce the wind whistle.
50 miles on and I was amongst the F1 traffic on the M1. I could see an approaching rain cloud and wondered how the electrics were shielded in the engine bay. 10 miles later and the rain hit. The lovely little centre set wipers did a great job of wiping the rain away when I hit the tactile two speed rocker switch mounted on the dash. I also had to work out where the lights were. Something I hadn't though to ask the owner. I tentatively tried the other rocker switches to no avail, so had a go with the mainbeam stalk. This actually rotates, turning on sidelights, and then after another click the headlights. Of course I had to have dipped, so it was back to the knee jabbing! Mental note number 3.
I peeled off the M1 early to fill up again - £35 of unleaded, and took the backroads for the rest of the journey which are where the Alfa really excels. The car is small, nimble and fairly nippy, stringing together corners easily, the high profile tyres absorbing the bumps. Everything happens at lower speeds which was one of the things that attracted me to this type of car. In the 3.2 M3 you need to be pressing on to experience its dynamics, in the Alfa they are there much earlier which is more enjoyable for more of the time.
The car developed a light clicking sound which I thought may be the top end of the engine due to 3hrs at speed. An embarrassing schoolboy error really, as an immediate check showed that the oil was very low, taking 3 litres to get back on the right part of the stick. I think lack of attention by the previous owner, plus my 3hr trip were the causes as there are no drips and the block is clean.
This morning I got out into my commute, and on adjusting the quarterlight, the supporting chrome arm fell off - bugger, leaving the small window secured by the rotating gear at its base, and unable to seal properly. I was hoping that it wouldn't just fall out! It looks as though this part had been repaired previously and was weak. I'm looking into a replacement, which may end up being a new frame.
So on balance, some jobs to do, but over all I'm thrilled to bits with it.
Edited by joesnow on Tuesday 12th July 13:36
tosscops said:
I do love classic Alfa's and this car reminds me of the same model which made my car look like it was standing still on the Nurburgring last year
I was blitzing 120mph in my 330d and this little red Alfa went flying past - couldn't help but laugh about it though!
I saw that very same car last year!I was blitzing 120mph in my 330d and this little red Alfa went flying past - couldn't help but laugh about it though!
I do love these, and your's OP is very very nice
Defo ditch the seats for something period though
greggy50 said:
Lovely really want to own one of these in a few year's as a classic to replace the mini. What are they like for space I am 6 foot 2 would I have any hope of fitting inside?
Also how much does a car like this this cost nowadays imagine is a 5 figure sum
Well, I'm 6'4" and fit well enough for a 3hr drive. It'll be much more accomodating when I've fitted my new seats.Also how much does a car like this this cost nowadays imagine is a 5 figure sum
I got a cracking deal, as I picked it up for less than its expected £15,000. Original cars go for more, but bear in mind this was the bottom of the range model with upgrades. At this price there were some step fronts that needed bodywork and engine work, a couple of original 1300 GT Juniors with smooth fronts, and late 2000 GTVs. I think the step front sprints, gtvs and gta reps go for around 20.
Great write up Alistair, I'm really glad you enjoyed your first few runs out 
.
Couple of things...
Lights... the Main Beam is down which seems a bit counterituitive, but that's Alfa, you get used to it (edit. I've just realised your switch on the right side of the column, mines on the left, must be different in early cars.... )
Speedo... yes they tend to read high, though mine aren't that bad.
Gearing... could be linked to the speedo issue too, from memory they all have the same final drive, but the 1300GTJ has a lower fifth to get the engine into a higher rev band at speed, a 1750 wouldn't need that as it's got bags of torque. You can get shorter final drives, which are often used by the racers to give better accceleration, as your has a racy past, I'd see if you can check the ratio's, not sure how you do it though, perhaps counting the teeth on the diff through the filler hole?. Have you got an LSD, do you know?.
Oil consumption.. better watch that, my 1750 would go all year without a top up, though to be fair my 2000 probably needs a litre every 1000 miles or so... does they way I drive anyway!. If it's not leaking it must be burning it or blowing it out of the breather, into the inlet manifold.
Which bit of the quarter light fell off?, the round wheel you turn or the actual glass bit?.
Seats there's a few nice looking seats on the market, I'd recommend Ridgard RS4's they look the part and are very supportive, though they work better with harnesses than 3 point belts.
http://www.ridgardseats.co.uk/PRODUCTS_RS4.html ur...
By the way it's national Alfa Day this weekend if you want a ride out, it's somewhere in Berkshire.
.Couple of things...
Lights... the Main Beam is down which seems a bit counterituitive, but that's Alfa, you get used to it
(edit. I've just realised your switch on the right side of the column, mines on the left, must be different in early cars.... )Speedo... yes they tend to read high, though mine aren't that bad.
Gearing... could be linked to the speedo issue too, from memory they all have the same final drive, but the 1300GTJ has a lower fifth to get the engine into a higher rev band at speed, a 1750 wouldn't need that as it's got bags of torque. You can get shorter final drives, which are often used by the racers to give better accceleration, as your has a racy past, I'd see if you can check the ratio's, not sure how you do it though, perhaps counting the teeth on the diff through the filler hole?. Have you got an LSD, do you know?.
Oil consumption.. better watch that, my 1750 would go all year without a top up, though to be fair my 2000 probably needs a litre every 1000 miles or so... does they way I drive anyway!. If it's not leaking it must be burning it or blowing it out of the breather, into the inlet manifold.
Which bit of the quarter light fell off?, the round wheel you turn or the actual glass bit?.
Seats there's a few nice looking seats on the market, I'd recommend Ridgard RS4's they look the part and are very supportive, though they work better with harnesses than 3 point belts.
http://www.ridgardseats.co.uk/PRODUCTS_RS4.html ur...
By the way it's national Alfa Day this weekend if you want a ride out, it's somewhere in Berkshire.
Edited by velocemitch on Tuesday 12th July 20:40
Edited by velocemitch on Tuesday 12th July 20:49
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