What's a 1600 GT Junior like to drive?

[bertie]

I'm hanging my nose over an Alfa 1600 GT Junior as I've got an itch for a classic that I'm badly needing to scratch.

So the Alfa appeals as a very pretty car, and a proper classic, but what are they like to drive?

Given I'm used to some more modern performance cars, is it going to feel.....flaky?

Any experience from owners gratefully received.

[jamieandthemagic]

Cracking. Properly set up, with a Harvey bailey handling kit..........many miles with many smiles.

[velocemitch]

A 1600 probably won't feel that fast after a modern performance car, but it will definitely feel closer to a pure driving experience. The extra torque of the bigger engined cars would get closer to a moderns performance, in fact through the gears they stand comparison with a modern 'warm' hatch. The main thing you will probably notice if you haven't driven a classic car at all (or even recently) is the lack of power steering, they do feel heavy at low speed though lighten up to feel very delicate at higher speed.

[arguti]

Really depends on the condition of the car and how they are set up - if they are on original spec 165 width tyres, they are nimble, light and give exquisite feedback, gearchange should be slick and generally a hoot to drive. Not really a winter commuter - no effective demist, etc.

Problem is that so many have been bodged and bent/badly restored and I have driven a few dogs. I was fortunate enough to see an original 13K mile GT Junior at auction a few weeks ago. just the way the door shut was amazing. I had a 105 spider (effectively same drive train and chassis) from new and they are great cars.

[B@W]

arguti said:

I was fortunate enough to see an original 13K mile GT Junior at auction a few weeks ago. just the way the door shut was amazing.

Was that the car at the Brightwells auction?

[arguti]

B@W said:

arguti said:

I was fortunate enough to see an original 13K mile GT Junior at auction a few weeks ago. just the way the door shut was amazing.

Was that the car at the Brightwells auction?

Yes, it looked very original but some of the lower wing corners had been badly repaired at some stage and black gloop sprayed on the underside - presumably to hide something!

[JimmyJam]

Youve certainly got the right username to have one.
Get a good one and it'll be a lot of fun, light and checkable, easy to get the back out and control, exhaust note is addictive

[bertie]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'm struggling to find any sort of reviews or driving impressions, you'd think one of the magazines would have done an article but I can't find any.

Any tips on what to look for, faults and foibles?

[velocemitch]

Can't believe that, most magazines have been covering 105's like they have been going out of fashion in the past few years, there must be something on the net somewhere?.

I'd love to whitter on for ever about my driving impressions, but in truth it's a personal thing, driving is very subjective and it's difficult to know what your expectations are. Most reviews I have read in magazines have universally praised the Bertone coupe's for their driving abilities as well as their timeless looks. If you leave aside their propensity to rust they are the perfect classic for anybody who is looking for something reasonably affordable and with a strong range of dynamic abilities.

But they are a fifty year old design, probably the best there was at that period of time but still fifty years old.

EDIT Just read your 'garage' in your profile, which makes my comments about it being a fifty year old design even more relevant. You would need to recalibrate your senses I think. Can I suggest you have a chat with the guys at Alfaholics, they have a wealth of experience with these cars and may be the best people in the country to answer your questions. While they are at it they might just try and sell you one of their GTAr's.

http://www.alfaholics.com/our-cars/completed-build...

Edited by velocemitch on Monday 8th October 22:34

[arguti]

Bertie

if you PM/email via pistonheads, I can email you a bertone GT/GTV buyers guide

[joesnow]

I have one in the garage, and I keep going back here for a good gander; http://www.alfaholics.com/our-cars/completed-build...

Like the chaps say, they're very tactile to drive and quite addictive!