RE: Shed of the Week: Alfa GTV
Discussion
A little harsh blaming the car when the driver needs to learn to use 1st gear for hill starts, not 2nd or even 3rd, come on!
On the pocket Maserati;
Suspension tends to turn to chocolate and needs attention but that is peculiar to numerous other cars also, some of them are even ssshh! German!
Sort out the suspension bushes, pop in a strut brace and if you are super keen, replace the roll bars with GTa numbers. Stick an LSD in by all means. They handle really well on Uniroyals!
Most issues I have had with mine came from erratic idling so I replaced the intake hose with a silicon one and the plastic silencer hose with a carbon tube. Ensured all the breather pipes aren't split.
Then of course lob on a Wizard exhaust and go 'wibble'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El7mBJQUhkM
On the pocket Maserati;
Suspension tends to turn to chocolate and needs attention but that is peculiar to numerous other cars also, some of them are even ssshh! German!
Sort out the suspension bushes, pop in a strut brace and if you are super keen, replace the roll bars with GTa numbers. Stick an LSD in by all means. They handle really well on Uniroyals!
Most issues I have had with mine came from erratic idling so I replaced the intake hose with a silicon one and the plastic silencer hose with a carbon tube. Ensured all the breather pipes aren't split.
Then of course lob on a Wizard exhaust and go 'wibble'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El7mBJQUhkM
Edited by Oilchange on Friday 13th October 22:50
canucklehead said:
My dad, back in the late '70s (in western Canada, no less) yielded to the Alfa bug and bought himself a low-mileage 1976 Alfetta GT (the 2.0L 4-cyl predecessor of the GTV6). In 3 years of ownership he went through 3 clutches. Now, truth to tell, some of this no doubt was due to his aversion to using 1st gear off an uphill stop sign (and we lived on the side of a mountain)...2nd was ok, 3rd was favoured...but it was still a fairly rapid rate of clutch decay.
Nevertheless, I loved that car. It was my first experience of being in a proper European sport car, and it exuded style and dolce vita in a way that our '73 Cutlass (with a 350 Rocket) just could not match. Being ferried to my childhood sporting endeavours in it made me feel cool and exciting in a way that no other car has ever really done. The other kids in their parents' station wagons were jealous. Except when it was having another new clutch fitted :-(
In the end, after 3 years, he sold it and replaced it with a '79 Mustang 5.0L V8 with a terrible 4-speed manual. Not nearly as stylish or fun, but reliable as hell and parts were cheaper too.
I still love Alfas, but have never been tempted to buy one - forewarned is fore-armed and all that.
My granddad owned a 'Sud. Quickly decayed to rust as they all did. I think he still had it when I was little but I don't remember it so I must have been really young. And guess what? That little fact has the square root of feck all to do with any modern Alfa Nevertheless, I loved that car. It was my first experience of being in a proper European sport car, and it exuded style and dolce vita in a way that our '73 Cutlass (with a 350 Rocket) just could not match. Being ferried to my childhood sporting endeavours in it made me feel cool and exciting in a way that no other car has ever really done. The other kids in their parents' station wagons were jealous. Except when it was having another new clutch fitted :-(
In the end, after 3 years, he sold it and replaced it with a '79 Mustang 5.0L V8 with a terrible 4-speed manual. Not nearly as stylish or fun, but reliable as hell and parts were cheaper too.
I still love Alfas, but have never been tempted to buy one - forewarned is fore-armed and all that.
Did it influence my decision to very nearly get a 33 as my first car? No. Did it deter me from buying a 166? No. Sa Calobra said:
I've always wanted a Alfa but never have or will. For me a car needs to start and work in the button everytime and I like using my holiday allowance for ..Holidays not calling garages, pick up/drop off.
Then you've not really "always wanted" one bad enough. Why not try and look beyond the cliches and give it a try? As someone eluded to earlier, half the problem with the reputation is the type of owners that won't ever lift the bonnet and then complain that they fall apart of they are a money pit. Aye, they maybe demand a little more love and attention than some other cars, and ergo you may have to spend more money on routine maintenance, but if you accept that and keep them well maintained then they don't have to be any less reliable than anything else on the road. You can be risk averse and go with a paragon of reliability like a Honda, Toyota or one the germans, but that doesn't guarantee you won't be left at the side of the road by some complex and expensive electrical tantrum one day.Pereldh said:
I like the GTV and being built on the same "Tipo" floorpan as the Fiat Coupe etc it's bound to be reliable enough.
Funny how reliable most Fiats are compared to Alfa's, even after they married in 1987.
You'd think the distance between Turin & Milan isn't that far?
Had many Fiats (incl top whack 340bhp Coupe 20V Turbo) which never gave me much headache. Last summer I bought my first Alfa, ok not new, 75 3.0 V6 1990. Sure enough - it's by far the crappiest car I've ever had and - it's broken down.
What also seems typical is I'm now eager to rebuild it with a 24V 164 engine. I'm "hooked".
What a lovely car that 75 was!Funny how reliable most Fiats are compared to Alfa's, even after they married in 1987.
You'd think the distance between Turin & Milan isn't that far?
Had many Fiats (incl top whack 340bhp Coupe 20V Turbo) which never gave me much headache. Last summer I bought my first Alfa, ok not new, 75 3.0 V6 1990. Sure enough - it's by far the crappiest car I've ever had and - it's broken down.
What also seems typical is I'm now eager to rebuild it with a 24V 164 engine. I'm "hooked".
Really like the looks with the 17 inch wheels, so you can showcase the bodywork, envy you, Sir!
I had a fair share of TS 146 / 147 at the time being as company cars, interesting as they had really a wide spread of power, one of them went so good, I ended up buying the car out after lease ran out.
As I have upgraded at that time privately to a 75 v6 3.0 qv there was honestly no big difference in power / delivery, but the sound was unearthly for a normal v6, a creamy surge with a roar from 5000 rpm on upwards, really as has been noted the best sounding engine this side of a Ferrari V12.
The package was quite good too, even as the boot space of the v6 was 1/3 smaller because of the larger fuel tank, and ergonomics, although quirky, weren' t that far off a normal car.
But being honest, these TS engines were really good, power, efficiency, soubd, reliability (did 130k mls on the 147 without anything), before all went diesel-crazy, better than all mainstream engines, coupled with a good fun chassis you had real oldschool fun, revving the nuts off on B roads and that.
Had a few drives in the gtv and really enjoyed the cars, only the size of them did not suit my needs at that time.
inside and out, way nicer to look at as the coupe Fiat, not as fast maybe, but as 2.0 v6 turbo an exceptionally nicely rounded machine in a very traditional mould, the best leather in italian cars ( even if it is not the momo, which is even sturdier AND better looking) on top.
Still something nice to behold, so A+ for shed
Perhaps it does take a moment of madness to take the plunge and buy an old Alfa but I did just that having owned an Alpina D3 went straight to a 156 GTA Sportwagon.
I did wonder what I'd done initially because sure there isn't quite that sense of Germanic solidness to the interior plastics perhaps. But I just continue to be blown away by that Busso engine and the car feels so tight, okay it is a low mileage example and has clearly been pampered but these just get under your skin.
I think to use one as a daily driver would take away that special feel maybe, or maybe not. Mine has needed a radiator repair so far with a tiny weep identified, it was treated to new discs and pads and a caliper repaint of those gorgeous Brembo 330's and has had Rhoddy Harvey-Bailley re-valved Bilsteins fitted which give the car an exceptional feel and plantedness.
Can't see me ever selling this one, my first Alfa
Only image I have to hand
I did wonder what I'd done initially because sure there isn't quite that sense of Germanic solidness to the interior plastics perhaps. But I just continue to be blown away by that Busso engine and the car feels so tight, okay it is a low mileage example and has clearly been pampered but these just get under your skin.
I think to use one as a daily driver would take away that special feel maybe, or maybe not. Mine has needed a radiator repair so far with a tiny weep identified, it was treated to new discs and pads and a caliper repaint of those gorgeous Brembo 330's and has had Rhoddy Harvey-Bailley re-valved Bilsteins fitted which give the car an exceptional feel and plantedness.
Can't see me ever selling this one, my first Alfa
Only image I have to hand
Edited by Evoman on Saturday 14th October 09:52
Every time I look at this thread the urge for another GTV returns...having already had a couple of TS's I really should have learned by now?
I paid £950 for my second as seen below, probably spent that again and then some to get it near perfect before rather annoyingly writing it off in a wizard prang
I paid £950 for my second as seen below, probably spent that again and then some to get it near perfect before rather annoyingly writing it off in a wizard prang
I miss mine... I had it 12 years and it's been gone for 1.
I bought it early on in my car life so I felt I needed to play the field a bit but it was hard to let it go. Best car in the world. Not that fast, quite expensive to run especially compared to performance but they are sooooooo much fun and a great ownership experience. Someone earlier mentioned that a v70 2.4T feels faster than V6... Well I've had back 2.4T as well. I hated it. It went quite quickly in a straight line, sure, but it wasn't exciting. The Alfa engines are a glorious cacophony of mechanic noise, intake roar exhaust grumbling and even some fuel pump and transmission whine, steering alive in your hands as you have to concentrate to keep it in a straight line (could be seen as a negative but it feels involving in one of these)... It's just unadulterated joy.
I bought it early on in my car life so I felt I needed to play the field a bit but it was hard to let it go. Best car in the world. Not that fast, quite expensive to run especially compared to performance but they are sooooooo much fun and a great ownership experience. Someone earlier mentioned that a v70 2.4T feels faster than V6... Well I've had back 2.4T as well. I hated it. It went quite quickly in a straight line, sure, but it wasn't exciting. The Alfa engines are a glorious cacophony of mechanic noise, intake roar exhaust grumbling and even some fuel pump and transmission whine, steering alive in your hands as you have to concentrate to keep it in a straight line (could be seen as a negative but it feels involving in one of these)... It's just unadulterated joy.
I wasn't a fan of these back in the day, but they seem to look better each time I see one!
Never had anything against Italian cars - back in the late 70s I had a Fiat 125 then a 132 1800ES. Italian twin-cam engines were so much more exciting than anything else at the time. I loved them both!
A (wealthy) school friend had an original Alfetta which was a fantastic car.
I looked at a 124 Spyder and a 124 1800 Coupe as potential replacements, but both were bad examples and I ended up with a Rover P6 3500S in the end.
(Which was as rotten as either Fiat)!
Some years later I thought about a Lancia Thema Turbo, but by then I was a committed RWD fan! (Which is why I'm now on BMW numbers 4 and 5 as there aren't many RWD alternatives).
Maybe I should try one of these - my Mum's Fiat 127 was the first car I drove after passing my test, and despite being FWD it was a great little car!
Never had anything against Italian cars - back in the late 70s I had a Fiat 125 then a 132 1800ES. Italian twin-cam engines were so much more exciting than anything else at the time. I loved them both!
A (wealthy) school friend had an original Alfetta which was a fantastic car.
I looked at a 124 Spyder and a 124 1800 Coupe as potential replacements, but both were bad examples and I ended up with a Rover P6 3500S in the end.
(Which was as rotten as either Fiat)! Some years later I thought about a Lancia Thema Turbo, but by then I was a committed RWD fan! (Which is why I'm now on BMW numbers 4 and 5 as there aren't many RWD alternatives).
Maybe I should try one of these - my Mum's Fiat 127 was the first car I drove after passing my test, and despite being FWD it was a great little car!
PoopahScoopah said:
My granddad owned a 'Sud. Quickly decayed to rust as they all did. I think he still had it when I was little but I don't remember it so I must have been really young. And guess what? That little fact has the square root of feck all to do with any modern Alfa Did it influence my decision to very nearly get a 33 as my first car? No. Did it deter me from buying a 166? No.
Conversation last night over beers concluded the Alfasud was the one car we all lusted after as kids (Athena fuelled 512BB/Countach/Testarossas aside) Did it influence my decision to very nearly get a 33 as my first car? No. Did it deter me from buying a 166? No. Sa Calobra said:
I've always wanted a Alfa but never have or will. For me a car needs to start and work in the button everytime and I like using my holiday allowance for ..Holidays not calling garages, pick up/drop off.
Another belting comment from someone that has never owned one. 5 years/3 cars/130,000miles in Alfas in the 90s and they remain the only car I never had issue with, aside from my 2014 640d GC. Never failed to start, never missed a beat.3 months into a Giulia QV and I'm hoping to continue the theme....
But this is 2017, not 1977 - cars don't really have the not-starting issues anymore*?
(* tempts fate
)Bert Cheese said:
Every time I look at this thread the urge for another GTV returns...having already had a couple of TS's I really should have learned by now?
I paid £950 for my second as seen below, probably spent that again and then some to get it near perfect before rather annoyingly writing it off in a wizard prang
I have that interior in my Spider. Could it be any cooler?I paid £950 for my second as seen below, probably spent that again and then some to get it near perfect before rather annoyingly writing it off in a wizard prang
silverthorn2151 said:
Bert Cheese said:
Every time I look at this thread the urge for another GTV returns...having already had a couple of TS's I really should have learned by now?
I have that interior in my Spider. Could it be any cooler?
Red Style interior, in my old Phase II Meteor Grey GTV V6. A great car, unfortunately not enough room for the dogs or I might still have it today.
You're far better off forking out the extra getting a 3.0 GTV V6 - fewer suspension woes & definitely recognised as being far more reliable than the TS with less bits to go wrong. Not much difference in insurance either. And you definitely won't lose any money come re-sale time. I've owned two V6 3.0 GTV's and I put them leagues ahead of any BMW I've owned (and I've has a few) in terms of pace, noise, interior, character & soul etc. They're seriously under-rated cars. It's why I keep going back to them....
As the seller of this car I am beyond chuffed that it has appeared on 'Shed of the week" !!!! I follow Shed religiously and it is something I look forward to every Friday. And the write up did not disappoint. One life ambition ticked!
I want to clarify a couple of points:
The car was bought for two reasons: 1. always wanted one 2. Short term prospect for a couple of youtube videos
Basically at £1200 it was a no brainer with money spent previously and an Mot till may 2018. When I got it the mirrors were badly corroded which really let it down and also the air intake was split and the interior was covered in sticky gloop that made it look tatty. I spent £100 and a couple of days on it. I just want to recoup the £100 and I really think the car is easily worth £1300 which is what I would take. I said 'no low ball offers" in the ad, not no offers.
Having been on Shed you'd think I would have been inundated with people eager to experience the thrill of Alfa despair.. I mean ownership. But no. One call since the car was listed, it seems no one wants these
Whilst not being rich as Shed assumes in the article I think the car has to be worth £1300 so if anyone wants a decent little coupe come and buy it, otherwise I will use it as a winter round around.
Moderator edit: no promoting your channel please.
I want to clarify a couple of points:
The car was bought for two reasons: 1. always wanted one 2. Short term prospect for a couple of youtube videos
Basically at £1200 it was a no brainer with money spent previously and an Mot till may 2018. When I got it the mirrors were badly corroded which really let it down and also the air intake was split and the interior was covered in sticky gloop that made it look tatty. I spent £100 and a couple of days on it. I just want to recoup the £100 and I really think the car is easily worth £1300 which is what I would take. I said 'no low ball offers" in the ad, not no offers.
Having been on Shed you'd think I would have been inundated with people eager to experience the thrill of Alfa despair.. I mean ownership. But no. One call since the car was listed, it seems no one wants these
Whilst not being rich as Shed assumes in the article I think the car has to be worth £1300 so if anyone wants a decent little coupe come and buy it, otherwise I will use it as a winter round around.
Moderator edit: no promoting your channel please.
Edited by jeremyc on Thursday 26th October 12:57
As the seller of this car I am beyond chuffed that it has appeared on 'Shed of the week" !!!! I follow Shed religiously and it is something I look forward to every Friday. And the write up did not disappoint. One life ambition ticked!
The car was bought for two reasons: 1. always wanted one 2. Short term prospect for a couple of youtube videos
Basically at £1200 it was a no brainer with money spent previously and an Mot till may 2018. When I got it the mirrors were badly corroded which really let it down and also the air intake was split and the interior was covered in sticky gloop that made it look tatty. I spent £100 and a couple of days on it. I just want to recoup the £100 and I really think the car is easily worth £1300 which is what I would take. I said 'no low ball offers" in the ad, not no offers.
Having been on Shed you'd think I would have been inundated with people eager to experience the thrill of Alfa despair.. I mean ownership. But no. One call since the car was listed, it seems no one wants these
Whilst not being rich as Shed assumes in the article, I think the car has to be worth £1300 so if anyone wants a decent little
coupe come and buy it, otherwise I will use it as a winter round around.[/footnote]
Edited by jeremyc on Thursday 26th October 12:58
Yawn - the usual rubbish dished out about Italian cars:
Dodgy electrics - check
Rust - check
Regular break down - check
What complete and utter crap and the worst kind of journalism. Alfa's of this period are no better or worse than their contemporaries. I've seen BMW's and VW's amongst others with worse rust and electric issues. Try doing some research rather than re-hashing crap from the internet based on cars from the 60's and 70's.
Great car though, although I'd have a phase 2.
Dodgy electrics - check
Rust - check
Regular break down - check
What complete and utter crap and the worst kind of journalism. Alfa's of this period are no better or worse than their contemporaries. I've seen BMW's and VW's amongst others with worse rust and electric issues. Try doing some research rather than re-hashing crap from the internet based on cars from the 60's and 70's.
Great car though, although I'd have a phase 2.
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