My new Italian! 147 GTA
Discussion
Unfortunately it’s not a Ferrari but it’s as close as I’m going to get for the time being! I picked this little red beauty up a few weeks ago after wanting one for ages. It’s pretty standard apart from the essential Q2 diff and so far I’m very pleased!
The red is a bit faded but it doesn’t really bother me and depending how long I keep it, I may opt for a re-spray but at the moment I’m just going to enjoy driving it and listening to the sound of the wonderful Busso V6 that lurks beneath the bonnet!
Anyway, some pictures.
We also have a few more cars in the "fleet". My partners Cooper S which is a blast to drive. I have really grown to love the little thing, it begs for revs and that supercharger whine is addictive, no wonder it only does about 26mpg!
We also have Old Rusty which ironically isn't rusty! I bought this as a cheap runabout which has the benefit of coming with a private plate that was worth more than the price I paid for the car which was a bonus. Its only had one owner from new with a full BMW history as well as a mere 72,000 miles on the clock. Shame its only a 316i as it is really rather slow but is nice to drive none the less.
Apologies as I know my photography talent is lacking but you get the idea.
The red is a bit faded but it doesn’t really bother me and depending how long I keep it, I may opt for a re-spray but at the moment I’m just going to enjoy driving it and listening to the sound of the wonderful Busso V6 that lurks beneath the bonnet!
Anyway, some pictures.
We also have a few more cars in the "fleet". My partners Cooper S which is a blast to drive. I have really grown to love the little thing, it begs for revs and that supercharger whine is addictive, no wonder it only does about 26mpg!
We also have Old Rusty which ironically isn't rusty! I bought this as a cheap runabout which has the benefit of coming with a private plate that was worth more than the price I paid for the car which was a bonus. Its only had one owner from new with a full BMW history as well as a mere 72,000 miles on the clock. Shame its only a 316i as it is really rather slow but is nice to drive none the less.
Apologies as I know my photography talent is lacking but you get the idea.
Unless it has been very well looked after, every bit of rubber in the suspension will be knackered. I'd get it checked over by a specialist if you bought privately - the difference between an "average one" and one that is properly set up is huge. My 156 GTA was probably an extreme example, but pretty much all the suspension went in the bin....
rxe said:
Unless it has been very well looked after, every bit of rubber in the suspension will be knackered. I'd get it checked over by a specialist if you bought privately - the difference between an "average one" and one that is properly set up is huge. My 156 GTA was probably an extreme example, but pretty much all the suspension went in the bin....
Haha, I did read that the suspension was made out of toffee! It6 has the original springs and dampers but all the bushes were replaced about 5K ago for Powerflex replacements, there was more work carried out on the suspension at that point as well but I cannot remember what at the moment. It's going to go into Autolusso (which handily is only a 10 minute drive for me) for a Saturday Surgery check up in a few weeks so I'm sure I will leave with a list of things that need addressing!
Groober said:
Haha, I did read that the suspension was made out of toffee! It6 has the original springs and dampers but all the bushes were replaced about 5K ago for Powerflex replacements, there was more work carried out on the suspension at that point as well but I cannot remember what at the moment.
It's going to go into Autolusso (which handily is only a 10 minute drive for me) for a Saturday Surgery check up in a few weeks so I'm sure I will leave with a list of things that need addressing!
I checked your location before reading this post as I was going to recommend someplaces for you.It's going to go into Autolusso (which handily is only a 10 minute drive for me) for a Saturday Surgery check up in a few weeks so I'm sure I will leave with a list of things that need addressing!
Safe to say opinion is divided on Autolusso, have a quick google or check the forums.
Due to location when I owned my 156GTA I used Day and White near Brands Hatch (a lot) and they were brilliant, years of experience.
I got my Q2 and suspension (Koni / Eibach - another popular upgrade) done by Autolusso though and their work never gave me any problems. My first run was at an Alfa day they organised at Bedford Autodrome.
I had to get the train to Leighton Buzzard at ridiculous o'clock and Ned picked me up at the station for a cough swift cough drive back to their place.
Loved the engine in that car... actually loved a hell of a lot about that car. Had a lovely tour of France, Italy (inc Turin) Switzerland in it and it never put a foot wrong.
Some power flexing is good - front upper arms and rear hub bushes. Other than that, not so good, but does give an indication of care/enthusiasm. Watch for rear shock corrosion if original - the spring plate lets go and trashes the rear tyre, can be interesting at speed.
This is bread and butter for autolusso, they will sort anything needed.
My adventures here http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=158... and on Alfaowner, which you need to get on to....
This is bread and butter for autolusso, they will sort anything needed.
My adventures here http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=158... and on Alfaowner, which you need to get on to....
Great choice, my GTA is still one of the only cars I regret selling.
Here's the thread on mine including my experience with Autolusso http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Enjoy
Here's the thread on mine including my experience with Autolusso http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Enjoy
Thanks for for the kind words, i'll keep the thread updated with my ownership ups and downs!
I would like to give the seats a good spruce up though as the leather is a bit dry and starting to look a bit worn. Any recommendations? Preferably a proper restorer type product rather than the autoglym stuff you get from Halfords?
I would like to give the seats a good spruce up though as the leather is a bit dry and starting to look a bit worn. Any recommendations? Preferably a proper restorer type product rather than the autoglym stuff you get from Halfords?
Lovely car, great to see a GTA in good hands. Many, many threads on Alfa red restoration, from mystical companies in Europe to home-brew red-tinted carnuba. I'm sure you'll find the right ratio of expense/result.
For leather restoration I would heartily recommend the Furniture Clinic products and kits. They have very good videos demonstrating what is possible, and I used them for a Jaguar XK8 and Rover P5B, both cream, to great effect in the past. I am now waiting for a weekend in the winter months to restore the black leather of my 164.
For leather restoration I would heartily recommend the Furniture Clinic products and kits. They have very good videos demonstrating what is possible, and I used them for a Jaguar XK8 and Rover P5B, both cream, to great effect in the past. I am now waiting for a weekend in the winter months to restore the black leather of my 164.
Aren't Alfaworkshop (run by Jamie Porter) in the same sort of area as Autolusso? I can't recommend Alfa workshop enough, i would buy another Alfa just to use their services again. They were 1.5 hours from me, but i still took my Lowly 156 2.0 there for everything after trying a few places (including autolusso)
Lovely car by the way
Lovely car by the way
Lovely, always had a massive soft spot for these - keep it looking nice! That Busso unit truly is gorgeous, every time i see one it just serves as a reminder of what an engine should look like, not hidden underneath acres of plastic
Is that exhaust standard? looks like it protrudes from the bumper quite a lot
Is that exhaust standard? looks like it protrudes from the bumper quite a lot
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