70's Alfa GTV/Junior or Fulvia?

[iDrive]

Morning

Has anyone experience of both Fulvia and GT Coupe (GTV)?

Both look lovely, comparison tests suggest the Alfa is the better car to drive?

Thanks!

[sunbeam alpine]

A '70's Alfa Junior/GTV is a very enjoyable drive (I may be a bit biased). The Fulvia is an itch I've been wanting to scratch for a while. I've been a passenger with a mate who's got a Fulvia, and it's a great machine. He tells me it's more complicated mechanically than the Alfa (not worked on it myself). It's also FWD, but certainly has great handling.

If you're looking for a great driving experience on a budget, don't discount the 60's/70's Alfa Giulia 4-door saloons. I personally prefer the Giulia over the GT/GTV (and I've got several).

I've missed the boat a bit on bargain Fulvias, but if one came up at a decent price, I'd add it to the collection.

[iDrive]

Fulvias still seem good value - Particularly LHD from Italy

I understand they were more than an E-Type when new (can that be right?)

[sunbeam alpine]

iDrive said:

Fulvias still seem good value - Particularly LHD from Italy

I understand they were more than an E-Type when new (can that be right?)

You either need to go yourself, or have someone in Italy to check the cars very carefully - there are a lot of pretty ropey machines being punted at the moment - they often manage to take photos of only the good bits!

I have quite a lot of contacts in Italy. If you have a particular car in mind (and if I know someone close by) let me know and I'll get them to check it out.

[crostonian]

iDrive said:

Fulvias still seem good value - Particularly LHD from Italy

I understand they were more than an E-Type when new (can that be right?)

It was only because of high UK import taxes that made them more expensive than an E-Type

[sparkey]

I have both and have used them both for various runs and events this summer. It'd be difficult to choose between them, but they are quite different. My GTV is a 2.0 and is quicker and more relaxed to drive on open roads, but I would say the Fulvia (1.3) would be a match for it on tight twisty roads. I think the fulvia is a better handling car and really responds to being thrashed. The engine comes into it's own at high revs, the gearbox is lovely and the handling is great fun - a bit like a classic mini with more power. The alfa interior feels more classy and upmarket, but the lancia has lots of beautiful little touches that remind you that Lancia really had great attention to detail (locking the boot is always a pleasure - you need to have one to appreciate the details..). The Lancia is a really nice airy cabin as well with very big glass area. The Fulvia engine is great and revs well, but the Alfa is smoother with much more torque. The Alfa is probably a more straightforward car to maintain and work on (I've totally restored mine) whereas the Fulvia is odd in every way, with a v4 engine on i'ts side, transverse leaf srung front end and leaf sprung rear and dogleg gearbox, but these unusual features add to the ownership in my mind. It's impossible to walk away from either car without a backward glance - they're both beautiful designs. I suppose it comes down to which you bond with more. I'll have to sell one at some stage this year and it will be a difficult decision !

[TR4man]

sparkey said:

I have both and have used them both for various runs and events this summer. It'd be difficult to choose between them, but they are quite different. My GTV is a 2.0 and is quicker and more relaxed to drive on open roads, but I would say the Fulvia (1.3) would be a match for it on tight twisty roads. I think the fulvia is a better handling car and really responds to being thrashed. The engine comes into it's own at high revs, the gearbox is lovely and the handling is great fun - a bit like a classic mini with more power. The alfa interior feels more classy and upmarket, but the lancia has lots of beautiful little touches that remind you that Lancia really had great attention to detail (locking the boot is always a pleasure - you need to have one to appreciate the details..). The Lancia is a really nice airy cabin as well with very big glass area. The Fulvia engine is great and revs well, but the Alfa is smoother with much more torque. The Alfa is probably a more straightforward car to maintain and work on (I've totally restored mine) whereas the Fulvia is odd in every way, with a v4 engine on i'ts side, transverse leaf srung front end and leaf sprung rear and dogleg gearbox, but these unusual features add to the ownership in my mind. It's impossible to walk away from either car without a backward glance - they're both beautiful designs. I suppose it comes down to which you bond with more. I'll have to sell one at some stage this year and it will be a difficult decision !

You Sir, are a lucky, lucky man!

Just love the unusual colour of that Fulvia!

[vpr]

Never driven the Fulvia but always admired their shape

The Alfa though is a perfect little car for bombing around, handle beautifully

My Nippers car here, owned since he was 14, learnt to drive in it too, lucky chap.

[iSore]

I like them both. but I made the mistake of having one of these first. The best thing Alfa made in many ways:

[iDrive]

sparkey said:

I have both and have used them both for various runs and events this summer. It'd be difficult to choose between them, but they are quite different. My GTV is a 2.0 and is quicker and more relaxed to drive on open roads, but I would say the Fulvia (1.3) would be a match for it on tight twisty roads. I think the fulvia is a better handling car and really responds to being thrashed. The engine comes into it's own at high revs, the gearbox is lovely and the handling is great fun - a bit like a classic mini with more power. The alfa interior feels more classy and upmarket, but the lancia has lots of beautiful little touches that remind you that Lancia really had great attention to detail (locking the boot is always a pleasure - you need to have one to appreciate the details..). The Lancia is a really nice airy cabin as well with very big glass area. The Fulvia engine is great and revs well, but the Alfa is smoother with much more torque. The Alfa is probably a more straightforward car to maintain and work on (I've totally restored mine) whereas the Fulvia is odd in every way, with a v4 engine on i'ts side, transverse leaf srung front end and leaf sprung rear and dogleg gearbox, but these unusual features add to the ownership in my mind. It's impossible to walk away from either car without a backward glance - they're both beautiful designs. I suppose it comes down to which you bond with more. I'll have to sell one at some stage this year and it will be a difficult decision !

Wow!

[The Surveyor]

iDrive said:

Wow!

So the answer is clearly, buy both

[P5BNij]

vpr said:

Never driven the Fulvia but always admired their shape

The Alfa though is a perfect little car for bombing around, handle beautifully

My Nippers car here, owned since he was 14, learnt to drive in it too, lucky chap.

The Escort makes the Alfa look tiny and delicate.... and the giallo ochre paint is the icing on the cake, perfection!

[iDrive]

sparkey said:

I have both and have used them both for various runs and events this summer. It'd be difficult to choose between them, but they are quite different. My GTV is a 2.0 and is quicker and more relaxed to drive on open roads, but I would say the Fulvia (1.3) would be a match for it on tight twisty roads. I think the fulvia is a better handling car and really responds to being thrashed. The engine comes into it's own at high revs, the gearbox is lovely and the handling is great fun - a bit like a classic mini with more power. The alfa interior feels more classy and upmarket, but the lancia has lots of beautiful little touches that remind you that Lancia really had great attention to detail (locking the boot is always a pleasure - you need to have one to appreciate the details..). The Lancia is a really nice airy cabin as well with very big glass area. The Fulvia engine is great and revs well, but the Alfa is smoother with much more torque. The Alfa is probably a more straightforward car to maintain and work on (I've totally restored mine) whereas the Fulvia is odd in every way, with a v4 engine on i'ts side, transverse leaf srung front end and leaf sprung rear and dogleg gearbox, but these unusual features add to the ownership in my mind. It's impossible to walk away from either car without a backward glance - they're both beautiful designs. I suppose it comes down to which you bond with more. I'll have to sell one at some stage this year and it will be a difficult decision !

What is your view on values currently? (I guess you may be the most inappropriate person to ask?!)

GTVs seem to be pushing in the the £20k+ range for decent cars, up to £40k for as=new restorations?

[sparkey]

I think some of the advertised prices are optimistic and most of the £20k+ Alfa Bertones seem to sit around for a while unless they really are special. I think you can still get a decent one for less than £20k. The Fulvias seem like a bargain in comparison as you can get a decent useable Fulvia for little over £10k, and although it's a smaller capacity I'd argue it is just as desirable a car as the Alfa.

There are more "modified" Alfas around as well, with later twinspark engines and uprated suspension, which can cloud the issue of values - although some of the most modified cars such as the Alfaholics GTA-Rs are considerably more expensive. Fulvias tend to be kept in standard original specification - probably due to the unusual design of the engine and suspension meaning less potential routes for modification.

[iDrive]

sparkey said:

I think some of the advertised prices are optimistic and most of the £20k+ Alfa Bertones seem to sit around for a while unless they really are special. I think you can still get a decent one for less than £20k. The Fulvias seem like a bargain in comparison as you can get a decent useable Fulvia for little over £10k, and although it's a smaller capacity I'd argue it is just as desirable a car as the Alfa.

There are more "modified" Alfas around as well, with later twinspark engines and uprated suspension, which can cloud the issue of values - although some of the most modified cars such as the Alfaholics GTA-Rs are considerably more expensive. Fulvias tend to be kept in standard original specification - probably due to the unusual design of the engine and suspension meaning less potential routes for modification.

Thanks - Really appreciated!

If you had to put one of yours into regular service for a 30 mile commute (I'm not looking for a Daily Driver, but in the summer I'd enjoy the commute so much more if I have the option!) - Which would you keep?

[jaisharma]

This is a happy dilemma and in my view no wrong answer. I found the Fulvia one of the most satisfying cars to own. The 1.6 is quite a lot quicker than the 1.3 but all variants have considerable merit in my opinion

[sparkey]

iDrive said:

Thanks - Really appreciated!

If you had to put one of yours into regular service for a 30 mile commute (I'm not looking for a Daily Driver, but in the summer I'd enjoy the commute so much more if I have the option!) - Which would you keep?

Both cars would easily handle a 30 mile commute, but having got the Lancia out today I think that has to be the choice. It always feels special - even the keys are different to other cars. Also the Lancia is unfortunately temporarily stored outside under a cover, and although I haven't been near it since October it started straight away and settled into a lovely smooth V4 idle. I love it !

[Skyedriver]

Always fancied the Alfa.
Had a Fulvia 1.3 back in the 90's - an absolute hoot to drive (thrash) everywhere and totally pretty.

[JimmyJam]

iDrive said:

Thanks - Really appreciated!

If you had to put one of yours into regular service for a 30 mile commute (I'm not looking for a Daily Driver, but in the summer I'd enjoy the commute so much more if I have the option!) - Which would you keep?

I have regularly put my GTJ into daily service, doing a 30 mile motorway and city commute. Its always stood up to the task well.

[corporalsparrow]

iDrive said:

Thanks - Really appreciated!

If you had to put one of yours into regular service for a 30 mile commute (I'm not looking for a Daily Driver, but in the summer I'd enjoy the commute so much more if I have the option!) - Which would you keep?

I've got 4 Alfas - 3 105s and a gtv6. My 1750GTV was used as a daily driver for 5 years and worked perfectly. So have no fear on that score.

Whichever car you choose, the value (i believe) is determined by its fundamental quality. I'd rather have a modded car that has been carefully restored, on a rotisserie for example, so that I knew that the chassis was totally solid, over an unmodified car that had question marks.

As I understand it, the Alfa would be the sportier drive, and the Lancia more of a refined GT.

Good luck!