Classic early 70's Alfa's
Discussion
Hi all, I'm trying to do a bit of homework around the late 60's early 70's Coupes. I'm possibly going to be in the market for one of these but so far I'm totally confused with all the different models between Gulia's/Juniors/Supers etc etc.
The idea is to use the car regularly to keep it in good running order and I do this with 2 other classics so I'm no stranger to oily hands/breakdowns etc. I'm chopping in my 'modern' car as I don't use it enough and there is too much money tied up in it that I need to recover some of.
What I'd be hopefully looking for is disc brakes and a 5 speed box, the bigger the engine the better. So where do I start to understand what the differences of the models are and don't end up buying the first one I see, which so far looks even more of a challenge as there doesn't seem to be many about!
I notice some have single headlights, some twin, 1300's to 2 litre etc etc.
Cheers
Mags
The idea is to use the car regularly to keep it in good running order and I do this with 2 other classics so I'm no stranger to oily hands/breakdowns etc. I'm chopping in my 'modern' car as I don't use it enough and there is too much money tied up in it that I need to recover some of.
What I'd be hopefully looking for is disc brakes and a 5 speed box, the bigger the engine the better. So where do I start to understand what the differences of the models are and don't end up buying the first one I see, which so far looks even more of a challenge as there doesn't seem to be many about!
I notice some have single headlights, some twin, 1300's to 2 litre etc etc.
Cheers
Mags
Edited by Mags on Friday 29th February 17:04
I am no expert but, I think you might be after a giulia coupe from the mid sixties (with single headlights) these are often referred to as 105 series or "Berties" as they were originally designed by bertone. The one to for would be a "step front" these had a 1600 or 1750cc engine. Later ones had up 2000cc. I think these are the ones with four headlights. Heres a picture of one;
or even better a GTA
These models stayed around in various guises until the mid seventies when the Alfetta based 116 took over:
Alfa also had a small coupe based on the sud called the sprint, but you probably wouldn't be interested in one of those.
Like I said I'm no expert but I hope that helps a bit.
or even better a GTA
These models stayed around in various guises until the mid seventies when the Alfetta based 116 took over:
Alfa also had a small coupe based on the sud called the sprint, but you probably wouldn't be interested in one of those.
Like I said I'm no expert but I hope that helps a bit.
The mid-60's onwards Alfa Type 105 spawned a big saloon (Berlina), a onvertible (Spider), a small saloon (Giulia Super or just Super) and a luscious coupe (deep breath GIULIA SPRINT GT/GTA/VELOCE/GTC - GT JUNIOR 1300/1600 - 1750 GTV - 2000 GTV. Often simply called "Bertie" because it was designed by Giugiaro in his early days at Bertone. Junior is the basic trim level. Veloce is the plusher one). The earliest GTs also had a Sprint model designation and as Rob says are known as "Stepfronts" because of the odd bonnet fit. They were 1300 and 1600 only. 1750s appeared in 1968 with a more conventional front and the 2000 in 1971/2. If in doubt easiest thing is to ask how many doors it has!!
The 105s were phased out as the Type 116 appeared in the mid 1970s - easily identified by having a rear mounted transaxle gearbox - but I have seen one registered as late as 1977.
All have 5 speed boxes and disks all round (except for some very early examples which you are unlikely to find). All are twin cam, twin carb and the engines are 1300, 1600, 1750 and 2000. All are pretty much interchangeable so you will often find a 1300 GT with a 2000 in it. Other than heavy steering and poor ventilation they drive exceedingly well and are more than happy to hack it in everyday traffic, even on the motorway where even my (mildly breathed on) forty year old 1750 will steam along in the outside lane harassing the moderns.
Parts are readily available for most models here: www.classicalfa.com , here www.alfaholics.com and here www.highwoodalfa.com . Also look for car sales here www.velocesport.com and here www.ianellisalfas.co.uk . The AROC is a great mine of useful(!) information and also has a good classifieds section www.aroc-uk.com/classifieds .
GTs seem to be the most expensive, closely followed by the Spider, then the Super (as used by the police in The Italian Job), then the Berlina. All are a delight to own and drive but all have their advantages/disadvantages many of which will be down to personal preference.
Contrary to what you might think there are plenty out there so there's no need to rush. Have a look round. It's probably not too far to Ian Ellis from you. Also you could pop along to Spring Alfa Day at Chatham Docks on the 13 April where there should be plenty. If you do get one it's worth joining the AROC for the advice on their forum alone. Failing that natter me and Mitch on here!
The 105s were phased out as the Type 116 appeared in the mid 1970s - easily identified by having a rear mounted transaxle gearbox - but I have seen one registered as late as 1977.
All have 5 speed boxes and disks all round (except for some very early examples which you are unlikely to find). All are twin cam, twin carb and the engines are 1300, 1600, 1750 and 2000. All are pretty much interchangeable so you will often find a 1300 GT with a 2000 in it. Other than heavy steering and poor ventilation they drive exceedingly well and are more than happy to hack it in everyday traffic, even on the motorway where even my (mildly breathed on) forty year old 1750 will steam along in the outside lane harassing the moderns.
Parts are readily available for most models here: www.classicalfa.com , here www.alfaholics.com and here www.highwoodalfa.com . Also look for car sales here www.velocesport.com and here www.ianellisalfas.co.uk . The AROC is a great mine of useful(!) information and also has a good classifieds section www.aroc-uk.com/classifieds .
GTs seem to be the most expensive, closely followed by the Spider, then the Super (as used by the police in The Italian Job), then the Berlina. All are a delight to own and drive but all have their advantages/disadvantages many of which will be down to personal preference.
Contrary to what you might think there are plenty out there so there's no need to rush. Have a look round. It's probably not too far to Ian Ellis from you. Also you could pop along to Spring Alfa Day at Chatham Docks on the 13 April where there should be plenty. If you do get one it's worth joining the AROC for the advice on their forum alone. Failing that natter me and Mitch on here!
Great, thanks guys, that's exactly what I was after, so its easier to refer to them as Berties!
It's a 2 door version that I'm interested in and I'd prefer tax exempt but I guess these have a premium on them as well.
Ian Ellis doesn't look too far and I think going to the Spring Alfa day is exactly what I need to do!
The links are helpful too.
Well, I just have to wait and see who wants to buy BMW M Coupe and then the search is on!
I hope to be back on a serious hunt soon
Mags
It's a 2 door version that I'm interested in and I'd prefer tax exempt but I guess these have a premium on them as well.
Ian Ellis doesn't look too far and I think going to the Spring Alfa day is exactly what I need to do!
The links are helpful too.
Well, I just have to wait and see who wants to buy BMW M Coupe and then the search is on!
I hope to be back on a serious hunt soon
Mags
Mags said:
Great, thanks guys, that's exactly what I was after, so its easier to refer to them as Berties!
It's a 2 door version that I'm interested in and I'd prefer tax exempt but I guess these have a premium on them as well.
Ian Ellis doesn't look too far and I think going to the Spring Alfa day is exactly what I need to do!
The links are helpful too.
Well, I just have to wait and see who wants to buy BMW M Coupe and then the search is on!
I hope to be back on a serious hunt soon
Mags
Good luck! I can certainly recommend Ian Ellis as being an all round top bloke.It's a 2 door version that I'm interested in and I'd prefer tax exempt but I guess these have a premium on them as well.
Ian Ellis doesn't look too far and I think going to the Spring Alfa day is exactly what I need to do!
The links are helpful too.
Well, I just have to wait and see who wants to buy BMW M Coupe and then the search is on!
I hope to be back on a serious hunt soon
Mags
Hi Mags, Rick has given you most of what you need in the way of background info on Berties. They are a great Car to own as a classic, exclusive, pretty, great to drive, relatively easy to work on and have a good enthusiastic trade support.
You haven't mentioned a Budget, but I'm guessing it will be 'sufficent' if you are letting an M Coupe going.
Bertie Values seem to be on a bit of a roll at the moment, we seem to be seeing people asking 17 to 18k for excellent examples and 8 to 10 for solid and usable ones. The step front cars, particularly pre 68 ones are the most valued, although the slightly better equipped and more powerful 1750GTv is probably the next most sought after.
Take your time and do some research, there's a few good books about, Keith Booker's buyers guide by Veloce publishing is handy if a bit condescending at times. The AROC forum is brilliant for technical backup and fair advise you need to be a member of AROC though.
Good luck and keep us posted.
You haven't mentioned a Budget, but I'm guessing it will be 'sufficent' if you are letting an M Coupe going.
Bertie Values seem to be on a bit of a roll at the moment, we seem to be seeing people asking 17 to 18k for excellent examples and 8 to 10 for solid and usable ones. The step front cars, particularly pre 68 ones are the most valued, although the slightly better equipped and more powerful 1750GTv is probably the next most sought after.
Take your time and do some research, there's a few good books about, Keith Booker's buyers guide by Veloce publishing is handy if a bit condescending at times. The AROC forum is brilliant for technical backup and fair advise you need to be a member of AROC though.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I bought an excellent small book which tells you all about this model, it's only a few quid, I got mine off E-Bay.
It's actually a pocket book so you can carry it with you for reference, it has all the pifalls and advice on buying, as well as the relative values of each model.
"The essential buyers guide - Alfa Romeo Giulia GT coupe" by Keith Booker.
Good luck.
It's actually a pocket book so you can carry it with you for reference, it has all the pifalls and advice on buying, as well as the relative values of each model.
"The essential buyers guide - Alfa Romeo Giulia GT coupe" by Keith Booker.
Good luck.
mph said:
I bought an excellent small book which tells you all about this model, it's only a few quid, I got mine off E-Bay.
It's actually a pocket book so you can carry it with you for reference, it has all the pifalls and advice on buying, as well as the relative values of each model.
"The essential buyers guide - Alfa Romeo Giulia GT coupe" by Keith Booker.
Good luck.
There's a picture of my front wheel in there!!!It's actually a pocket book so you can carry it with you for reference, it has all the pifalls and advice on buying, as well as the relative values of each model.
"The essential buyers guide - Alfa Romeo Giulia GT coupe" by Keith Booker.
Good luck.
I've ordered a copy so should get it before the weekend, 2 timewasters on the ZMC so far and another visitor tomorrow so fingers crossed. Typically there seems to be loads for sale at the mo', when I was looking there was only a few 
but I consider mine to be superior so lets hope theres a genuine buyer out there with real money!
Anyways, will devour the book at the weekend, cheers for the help all.
Mags
but I consider mine to be superior so lets hope theres a genuine buyer out there with real money!Anyways, will devour the book at the weekend, cheers for the help all.
Mags
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