Buying Advice? - Alfa Giulia 1750 GT
Discussion
Hi everyone,
I feel like I've just landed in another country. I've been a proud owner of a beautiful Speed Yellow Porsche 993 until this weekend and a regular vistor to the Porsche forums but this is my first time here!
Now that my previously cherished car has sold my attention has turned to fulfilling a long held ambition to own an Alfa Giulia 1750 GT. I'm going to be looking to buy a car towards the end of the year and want to use it for touring holidays with my wife and two young children (I'm going to be 'allowed' to indulge in another car purchase on the basis that i commit to a driving holiday in Italy)!
In order to prepare myself I've already spent countless hours on Alfaholics website (My new home page) drooling over all the shiny parts they sell but would really like to hear from other owners and their buying and ownership experiences. In particular is my choice of a 1750 appropriate for touring (Can I fit rear inertia seatbelts to secure child seats?), or would I be better with a 2000. How different would a 1600 be?
I plan to do some track work as well (Definitely a trip to the Nurburgring) so would like a car that would accomodate that as well.
If anyone could point me towards a good 'Buyers Guide to the 105 series cars' as well I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance
I feel like I've just landed in another country. I've been a proud owner of a beautiful Speed Yellow Porsche 993 until this weekend and a regular vistor to the Porsche forums but this is my first time here!
Now that my previously cherished car has sold my attention has turned to fulfilling a long held ambition to own an Alfa Giulia 1750 GT. I'm going to be looking to buy a car towards the end of the year and want to use it for touring holidays with my wife and two young children (I'm going to be 'allowed' to indulge in another car purchase on the basis that i commit to a driving holiday in Italy)!
In order to prepare myself I've already spent countless hours on Alfaholics website (My new home page) drooling over all the shiny parts they sell but would really like to hear from other owners and their buying and ownership experiences. In particular is my choice of a 1750 appropriate for touring (Can I fit rear inertia seatbelts to secure child seats?), or would I be better with a 2000. How different would a 1600 be?
I plan to do some track work as well (Definitely a trip to the Nurburgring) so would like a car that would accomodate that as well.
If anyone could point me towards a good 'Buyers Guide to the 105 series cars' as well I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance
Hello
I've got a 1750 GT Veloce. Depending on how big your kids are they might get cheesed off in the back for long periods of time on bobbly black vinyl seats. Against that, they would be in one of the best looking cars ever!
I believe most 105 Coupes have rear seat belt mounts if you poke about. Mine does anyway. A 2000 is torquier and has a standard fit LSD, but in my mind doesn't look as elegant inside or out.
Good Buyers Guide here - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Romeo-Giulia-Coupe-Essenti...
A decent fast road suspension setup doesn't compromise comfort too much but makes a big difference on the twisty bits so allow for that in your purchase if you are intending to go on the track.
Depending on your budget, this kind of spec would make a great all round fast road car:
http://www.alfaholics.com/cars_for_sale_menu/road_...
Keep an eye on the Classicalfa website too as they get plenty of cars for sale:
http://www.classicalfa.com/cars.htm
Last but not least also worth watching the AROC Classifieds:
http://www.aroc-uk.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale.h...
Happy Shopping! Let us know how you get on.
I've got a 1750 GT Veloce. Depending on how big your kids are they might get cheesed off in the back for long periods of time on bobbly black vinyl seats. Against that, they would be in one of the best looking cars ever!
I believe most 105 Coupes have rear seat belt mounts if you poke about. Mine does anyway. A 2000 is torquier and has a standard fit LSD, but in my mind doesn't look as elegant inside or out.
Good Buyers Guide here - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Romeo-Giulia-Coupe-Essenti...
A decent fast road suspension setup doesn't compromise comfort too much but makes a big difference on the twisty bits so allow for that in your purchase if you are intending to go on the track.
Depending on your budget, this kind of spec would make a great all round fast road car:
http://www.alfaholics.com/cars_for_sale_menu/road_...
Keep an eye on the Classicalfa website too as they get plenty of cars for sale:
http://www.classicalfa.com/cars.htm
Last but not least also worth watching the AROC Classifieds:
http://www.aroc-uk.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale.h...
Happy Shopping! Let us know how you get on.
RicksAlfas said:
Hello
I've got a 1750 GT Veloce. Depending on how big your kids are they might get cheesed off in the back for long periods of time on bobbly black vinyl seats. Against that, they would be in one of the best looking cars ever!
I believe most 105 Coupes have rear seat belt mounts if you poke about. Mine does anyway. A 2000 is torquier and has a standard fit LSD, but in my mind doesn't look as elegant inside or out.
Good Buyers Guide here - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Romeo-Giulia-Coupe-Essenti...
A decent fast road suspension setup doesn't compromise comfort too much but makes a big difference on the twisty bits so allow for that in your purchase if you are intending to go on the track.
Depending on your budget, this kind of spec would make a great all round fast road car:
http://www.alfaholics.com/cars_for_sale_menu/road_...
Keep an eye on the Classicalfa website too as they get plenty of cars for sale:
http://www.classicalfa.com/cars.htm
Last but not least also worth watching the AROC Classifieds:
http://www.aroc-uk.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale.h...
Happy Shopping! Let us know how you get on.
Thats great - thanks for the info. Very useful. My boys are both under 3 so proper child seats will be the order of the day for some time yet which will help to maintain their comfort in the back. . .I've got a 1750 GT Veloce. Depending on how big your kids are they might get cheesed off in the back for long periods of time on bobbly black vinyl seats. Against that, they would be in one of the best looking cars ever!
I believe most 105 Coupes have rear seat belt mounts if you poke about. Mine does anyway. A 2000 is torquier and has a standard fit LSD, but in my mind doesn't look as elegant inside or out.
Good Buyers Guide here - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Romeo-Giulia-Coupe-Essenti...
A decent fast road suspension setup doesn't compromise comfort too much but makes a big difference on the twisty bits so allow for that in your purchase if you are intending to go on the track.
Depending on your budget, this kind of spec would make a great all round fast road car:
http://www.alfaholics.com/cars_for_sale_menu/road_...
Keep an eye on the Classicalfa website too as they get plenty of cars for sale:
http://www.classicalfa.com/cars.htm
Last but not least also worth watching the AROC Classifieds:
http://www.aroc-uk.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale.h...
Happy Shopping! Let us know how you get on.
Hi not much to add to Ricks bit, but to say I've got a 1750GTV and a 2000GTV so I can compare a bit.
They are both lovely looking cars and are great to drive if set up right. the 2000 is noticably quicker and the standard seats in the 2000 are definatly more comfortable than those in the 1750Mk1. The mk1's seats are unique and are thought of as the most desirable, but frankly they aren't as well shaped as those in a 2000GTV and I believe the 1750 mk2 shared the later design. If you are planning on doing some long touring trips you need to be happy with the seats, or plan to change them. You might struggle to get a good seating position either way as the floor standing pedals tend to make your leg hurt after a while. The low set standard seat makes this worse lifting the seat position with some after market ones might help.
The 2000 has slightly more room in the back, as the seat was moved back slightly when the car was revised. Oddly though I can find no high up mountings for a rear shoulder strap in my 2000, the 1750 did have these.
Looks are personal thing, but to my eyes the earlier grill on the 1750 looks the nicest of all the Bertone coupe's, I also think the 1750 GTV dash and interior fittings are the best too.
The market seems to value the 1750's higher, mainly due to the prettier styling and the accepted Alfisti opinion that the 1750 is a sweeter unit than the 2000. Maybe mine are odd but my 2000 engine seems sweeter than the 1750. If you get the opportunity try some out to see which you prefer.
They are both lovely looking cars and are great to drive if set up right. the 2000 is noticably quicker and the standard seats in the 2000 are definatly more comfortable than those in the 1750Mk1. The mk1's seats are unique and are thought of as the most desirable, but frankly they aren't as well shaped as those in a 2000GTV and I believe the 1750 mk2 shared the later design. If you are planning on doing some long touring trips you need to be happy with the seats, or plan to change them. You might struggle to get a good seating position either way as the floor standing pedals tend to make your leg hurt after a while. The low set standard seat makes this worse lifting the seat position with some after market ones might help.
The 2000 has slightly more room in the back, as the seat was moved back slightly when the car was revised. Oddly though I can find no high up mountings for a rear shoulder strap in my 2000, the 1750 did have these.
Looks are personal thing, but to my eyes the earlier grill on the 1750 looks the nicest of all the Bertone coupe's, I also think the 1750 GTV dash and interior fittings are the best too.
The market seems to value the 1750's higher, mainly due to the prettier styling and the accepted Alfisti opinion that the 1750 is a sweeter unit than the 2000. Maybe mine are odd but my 2000 engine seems sweeter than the 1750. If you get the opportunity try some out to see which you prefer.
Thats just the sort of advice I was looking for. On balance I think I am going to concentrate my search on a 1750 GT Veloce as I like the purity of the design slightly more that the 2000 GT Veloce.
I've obviously made the right choice as my wife has just said she wanted to see what I was buying this time (She 'tolerated my Speed Yellow Porsche 993 but wasn't a fan - she used to refer to it as 'That bl**dy car' quite a lot). When I showed her pictures of the 105 series coupes on Alfaholics website she was uncharacteristically enthusiastic. She said 'Oh wow, I really like that - its looks really good'. This is from someone who divides her descriptions of cars between 'It looks like a duck' (Honda S2000, Porsche 944's, Jag XKR etc) and 'It looks like a tissue box' (Lancia Delta Integrale, Golf GTi etc).
I'll make a petrolhead of her yet!
Next question - my budget is going to be in the region of £10K (Maybe a little more). What kind of car should I expect for this? Am I better buying cheap and restoring or getting the best my budget can get?
I've obviously made the right choice as my wife has just said she wanted to see what I was buying this time (She 'tolerated my Speed Yellow Porsche 993 but wasn't a fan - she used to refer to it as 'That bl**dy car' quite a lot). When I showed her pictures of the 105 series coupes on Alfaholics website she was uncharacteristically enthusiastic. She said 'Oh wow, I really like that - its looks really good'. This is from someone who divides her descriptions of cars between 'It looks like a duck' (Honda S2000, Porsche 944's, Jag XKR etc) and 'It looks like a tissue box' (Lancia Delta Integrale, Golf GTi etc).
I'll make a petrolhead of her yet!
Next question - my budget is going to be in the region of £10K (Maybe a little more). What kind of car should I expect for this? Am I better buying cheap and restoring or getting the best my budget can get?
Edited by OnePaintedMan on Thursday 30th April 09:41
Strange I've got a wife like that... 'that bloody car' usualy refers to the 1750GTV, I'm getting better a response to the 2000GTV as the seat is better... it smells though..
Actualy, I'm a bit confused are you looking for a Guilia saloon or coupe?. Most of the referances seem to be towards coupes on the previous posts, my experiance is with Coupe's too. The thread title refers to GT too, which would be a coupe. The 1750 Saloons are known as Berlina's and are very capable four door's but don't quite have the styling panache of the coupe.
As for the other question regards restored or not, there are two schools of thought. Most would say buy the best you can afford as it will work out cheapest in the end, but another option is to buy something that is cheap but needs work on it and get it restored to your own standards. With the latter route you will know in your mind that the car is what you expect it to be, providing you personally witness the work (or do it yourself of course).
These Alfa's are great cars, but it has to be said they do have an issue with the old tinworm and it is very easy to end up buying something which needs an awfull lot of work. If you can find someone you feel you can trust and ask for his opinion or ask him to inspect the car for you (it might cost a bit but it might save you a lot!). Have a good look around at some of the Alfa shows too, National Alfa day would be the best, up in Yorkshire in July.
Actualy, I'm a bit confused are you looking for a Guilia saloon or coupe?. Most of the referances seem to be towards coupes on the previous posts, my experiance is with Coupe's too. The thread title refers to GT too, which would be a coupe. The 1750 Saloons are known as Berlina's and are very capable four door's but don't quite have the styling panache of the coupe.
As for the other question regards restored or not, there are two schools of thought. Most would say buy the best you can afford as it will work out cheapest in the end, but another option is to buy something that is cheap but needs work on it and get it restored to your own standards. With the latter route you will know in your mind that the car is what you expect it to be, providing you personally witness the work (or do it yourself of course).
These Alfa's are great cars, but it has to be said they do have an issue with the old tinworm and it is very easy to end up buying something which needs an awfull lot of work. If you can find someone you feel you can trust and ask for his opinion or ask him to inspect the car for you (it might cost a bit but it might save you a lot!). Have a good look around at some of the Alfa shows too, National Alfa day would be the best, up in Yorkshire in July.
One other thing to bear in mind is that nearly all the bits are interchangeable - so if you find a really nice 1300, you can always put a 2000 lump in it. Or you can pretty up a 2000 with a 1750 grill and so on. Unless the car is an absolute original mint example people don't get too worried about modifications which improve the driving pleasure - hence all the upgrade parts on Alfaholics website!
RicksAlfas said:
One other thing to bear in mind is that nearly all the bits are interchangeable - so if you find a really nice 1300, you can always put a 2000 lump in it. Or you can pretty up a 2000 with a 1750 grill and so on. Unless the car is an absolute original mint example people don't get too worried about modifications which improve the driving pleasure - hence all the upgrade parts on Alfaholics website!
Thats something I hadn't considered and is of interest. I intend this to be a long term project car and therefore would be happy to make modifications as and when budget allows. I'm lucky enough to have a detached double garage so will have plenty of space to work on the car Yes, they're good cars for tinkering with and you can get some really good results without spending too much. I've got a LSD on mine and decent suspension with a big fat front anti roll bar. Makes a huge difference. There's often people upgrading their cars on the AROC Forum so there's often bargain bits to be had!
Aaahh stop it - thats just making me want to rush out and buy a car right now! 
I have to have a little break while until my finances stabilise themselves before I blow any more money on cars! I think need to chat with a few owners and familiarise myself with the models before I buy though (I'm just stalling . . . and I'm quite impatient as I know that the big space in my garage is going to start gnawing at my conscience as soon as the buyer has picked up my 911).
+ I'm going out for a lot of afternoon drives because the weather is lovely (I'm not working at the moment) and every time I find myself speculating what the drve would be like behind the wheel of a Giulia coupe!
I have to have a little break while until my finances stabilise themselves before I blow any more money on cars! I think need to chat with a few owners and familiarise myself with the models before I buy though (I'm just stalling . . . and I'm quite impatient as I know that the big space in my garage is going to start gnawing at my conscience as soon as the buyer has picked up my 911).+ I'm going out for a lot of afternoon drives because the weather is lovely (I'm not working at the moment) and every time I find myself speculating what the drve would be like behind the wheel of a Giulia coupe!
I'm also teetering on the edge of buying one of these beauties. It would mean the sale of my integrale with a scary amount of money invested in it but when you have an itch to scratch! In a perfect world I'd like a step front starter car but they're obviously a significant step up in money. As previously mentioned I believe the front grills and therefore styles are pretty interchangeable.
Jamie
Jamie
Hi. I've got a Junior with 2000 engine which worked well for me as it meant I got more car for my budget. As before, most parts are interchangeable so you can mix and match to your taste.
I have just put rear inertia belts in, very easy. However, my rear seats are quite saggy and dished and the baby seat moves around a fair bit. Doesn't bother me but it may be an issue for more safety conscious folk.
Don't forget Brooklands AutoItalia event this Saturday in Weybridge. There'll be a lot of berties there.
Other places to keep an eye on are www.carandclassic.co.uk where I got mine or www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk
Also www.ianellisalfas.co.uk
I would try and buy in the summer as the market seems to dry up in the winter.
Enjoy the search you lucky chap!
I have just put rear inertia belts in, very easy. However, my rear seats are quite saggy and dished and the baby seat moves around a fair bit. Doesn't bother me but it may be an issue for more safety conscious folk.
Don't forget Brooklands AutoItalia event this Saturday in Weybridge. There'll be a lot of berties there.
Other places to keep an eye on are www.carandclassic.co.uk where I got mine or www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk
Also www.ianellisalfas.co.uk
I would try and buy in the summer as the market seems to dry up in the winter.
Enjoy the search you lucky chap!
FofS216 said:
I'm also teetering on the edge of buying one of these beauties. It would mean the sale of my integrale with a scary amount of money invested in it but when you have an itch to scratch! In a perfect world I'd like a step front starter car but they're obviously a significant step up in money. As previously mentioned I believe the front grills and therefore styles are pretty interchangeable.
Jamie
Jamie just be careful as you can't interchange the stepfront grills and front lights with a flush fronted one (1750 onwards), so you do need to decide which you prefer. The Stepfronts tend to demand higher prices as they fit into various historic motorsport classes (pre-66 or whatever) so they are snapped up for that and turned into GTA replicas (or GTAm like the pic above). The other thing to be wary of on the Stepfronts is that the very early cars had a weaker two bolt front suspension and Dunlop brakes which are a pig and expensive!Jamie
Here's a nice one if you are feeling flush!!
http://www.alfaholics.com/cars_for_sale_menu/road_...
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