Alfa GT Junior for year-round use?
Discussion
I've long wanted a Bertone GT Junior/GTV, and have now got the green light from SWMBO to buy one - savings are not making any money, and here in the eurozone they're positively dangerous!
I've found a nice-looking example (going to see it this week), but I've suddenly had the offer of a 155 Q4 via a friend, which has thrown a spanner in the works.
I already have a small collection of summer-only cars (Alfa Spider, Sunbeam Alpine and Mini Cooper) and what I really need is a 4 seater which can be used year-round. The Q4 seems to fit this profile much better - being more modern - plus it should be a hoot to drive - 190 bhp, four-wheel drive - a Q car in every sense of the word. It does however lack the sense of occasion you get with a classic - the interior is an acre of plastic.
Does anyone on here run a GT Junior/GTV in the winter?
I've found a nice-looking example (going to see it this week), but I've suddenly had the offer of a 155 Q4 via a friend, which has thrown a spanner in the works.
I already have a small collection of summer-only cars (Alfa Spider, Sunbeam Alpine and Mini Cooper) and what I really need is a 4 seater which can be used year-round. The Q4 seems to fit this profile much better - being more modern - plus it should be a hoot to drive - 190 bhp, four-wheel drive - a Q car in every sense of the word. It does however lack the sense of occasion you get with a classic - the interior is an acre of plastic.
Does anyone on here run a GT Junior/GTV in the winter?
I would not fall into the trap of thinking the 155 will be reliable....have a look on www.alfa155.org
I have run my GTJ as a daily for a few weeks at a time over the winter when my others are off the road. It's quite capable on a day to day basis but I'm not sure it could take it long term and I think the novelty would wear off. If you've got deep pockets and are dedicated to the cause of driving a 40 year old car every day then do it, otherwise I'd buy it and just use as a normal 2nd classic.
I did have an S4 Spider which was great as a daily for 3 years but that's much more modern of course.
I did have an S4 Spider which was great as a daily for 3 years but that's much more modern of course.
JimmyJam said:
I have run my GTJ as a daily for a few weeks at a time over the winter when my others are off the road. It's quite capable on a day to day basis but I'm not sure it could take it long term and I think the novelty would wear off. If you've got deep pockets and are dedicated to the cause of driving a 40 year old car every day then do it, otherwise I'd buy it and just use as a normal 2nd classic.
I did have an S4 Spider which was great as a daily for 3 years but that's much more modern of course.
Sorry - I maybe wasn't clear in my first post - it won't be used daily, but as a 2nd/3rd/4th classic. I did have an S4 Spider which was great as a daily for 3 years but that's much more modern of course.
I really want the GTJ, the only thing that's stopping me is that I already have 3 cars which only come out when the sun shines. I want a weekend toy that I can use in the winter too. It will be garaged.
Waynedear - I used to have a Q4 (had it for 4 years and totalled it in France when I fell asleep at the wheel on the motorway). It never once let me down. In fact I've had an Alfa in one or other form since 1989, and have only had 1 breakdown. (I know I'm going to regret typing that next time I go out
)sunbeam alpine said:
I really want the GTJ, the only thing that's stopping me is that I already have 3 cars which only come out when the sun shines. I want a weekend toy that I can use in the winter too. It will be garaged.
Ah. In that case I think you would be OK. Performance, brakes and gears (all 5 speed) are no problem everyday. What would drive me to distraction is the poor demisting/ventilation. The later the model you get, the better the ventilation, so a 2000 might be the one to look for. You can get aftermarket heated front screens (and rear screens presumably). 20 cans of Dynax and some mudflaps and away you go. You could even look for one with fibreglass body panels! Evoluzione said:
sunbeam alpine said:
Waynedear - I used to have a Q4 (had it for 4 years and totalled it in France when I fell asleep at the wheel on the motorway).
Was that the one that came up for sale again a few months ago? sunbeam alpine said:
No. I know the guy who bought the wreck (and believe me it was a wreck). He's still got it.
Ah I see, K779 DTF was the one I was thinking of, apparently crashed on the way to Spa and ended up in a ditch written off, but not whilst the driver was asleep (just researched it again) - the old 'diesel on the bend' reason this time.When it came up for sale recently the vendor forgot to mention any of this!
I wonder what the guy you know is ever going to do with it, a shame when they sit around doing nothing for so long.
Buy an integrale btw.
Bought the Q4 - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Still negotiating on the GTJ - I'm going to buy both.
Still negotiating on the GTJ - I'm going to buy both.
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