1000 miles, 4 countries, 4 days in a '69 Alfa GT 1300 Junior
Discussion
There was no plan for this, it kind of came together out of a few ideas and stupidity. My brother purchased a 1969 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 junior last summer but has been living in the Netherlands, so I've stored it at my house. This week they move home, and he asked if I wanted to do a road trip so he could bring back some fragile things (like the replacement seats for the Alfa).
I jumped at the chance but said I'll only do it in the Alfa, not one of my cars. After the initial shock, it was agreed. I'd drive over on my own with a stop in Belgium, get to him and help finish the moving part, paint the town red then head back. Euro tunnels booked, we're on for an adventure.
among the stresses of moving, he thought it smart to buy a family car, blind, from a private seller. It just needed collecting, from Blackpool, we live near Oxford... I came up with the genius plan that we could change our travel and go via Blackpool to get it. Chances are I'd be the one to take him up to get it, so why not. Euro tunnel cancelled, rebooked as 1 way and the Rotterdam to Hull overnight ferry was booked! (as well as comprehensive breakdown cover)
I've done the basics on the Alfa, typre pressures, fluids, rainX for the windscreen as the wipers are useless etc. But collecting a friend on route to the Bicester scramble I had a strange thought that the brake lights didn't work, low and behold I was right. A quick call to Alfaholics this morning has ensured the switches should be with me tomorrow to fix tomorrow night. I've also thrown together a rough box of tools, including cable ties, duct tape and a hammer. That should fix anything that breaks!
I head out Wednesday morning for a lunch time crossing, which should see me beer in hand by 6 in Belgium. Fingers crossed!
Generic shot of the car
Patiently waiting in the garage after a quick hose down last night.
I jumped at the chance but said I'll only do it in the Alfa, not one of my cars. After the initial shock, it was agreed. I'd drive over on my own with a stop in Belgium, get to him and help finish the moving part, paint the town red then head back. Euro tunnels booked, we're on for an adventure.
among the stresses of moving, he thought it smart to buy a family car, blind, from a private seller. It just needed collecting, from Blackpool, we live near Oxford... I came up with the genius plan that we could change our travel and go via Blackpool to get it. Chances are I'd be the one to take him up to get it, so why not. Euro tunnel cancelled, rebooked as 1 way and the Rotterdam to Hull overnight ferry was booked! (as well as comprehensive breakdown cover)
I've done the basics on the Alfa, typre pressures, fluids, rainX for the windscreen as the wipers are useless etc. But collecting a friend on route to the Bicester scramble I had a strange thought that the brake lights didn't work, low and behold I was right. A quick call to Alfaholics this morning has ensured the switches should be with me tomorrow to fix tomorrow night. I've also thrown together a rough box of tools, including cable ties, duct tape and a hammer. That should fix anything that breaks!
I head out Wednesday morning for a lunch time crossing, which should see me beer in hand by 6 in Belgium. Fingers crossed!
Generic shot of the car
Patiently waiting in the garage after a quick hose down last night.
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