Three weeks and three Italians. I can't help it - clearly there's something in the air right now that has had me feeling all irrational about
ropey Maseratis
De Tomasos
. This week, I'm on the hunt for Alfa Romeo GTV V6s, a car that typically for its maker was brilliant in so many areas, and just as frustrating in others.
It's got the engine, the looks, the badge...
I know there have been a number of stories about the GTV V6 in PH over the years, and judging by my recent ramblings about
the 156 GTA
there are a fair few of you who love Alfas. I know I do. I've had loads, and still have a mouldering Alfasud in the garage that will have its day in the sun. But the Alfas that really pull my emotional rip cord are those with Busso V6s under the bonnet - especially if they're a) affordable; and b) look bloody amazing. And right now, the GTV V6 ticks both of those boxes.
And whereas the GTA I highlighted recently seems to be bumping along the bottom of its market right now, GTV V6s are already on the rise - and markedly so. Yes, I know our friend Shed highlighted a high mileage example in seemingly rude health as recently as October last year, and there are still plenty of cheap, knackered Twin Sparks around that will probably continue to pass their MoTs for years to come - but if you want a really nice V6 that you don't want to treat as a rolling project, you'll already need to pay a premium. And rightly so.
Feelgood vibe from in here as well
And it's a strange one, really. There's clearly something 'extra' about the Alfa GTV V6 that most other 1990s coupes just don't have. Calibras and Probes are still picked up for sold-as-seen trade-in money from bomb sites, while others such as the Mazda MX-6, Fiat Coupe, Rover Tomcat (both certifiably quick in turbo form) and Toyota Celica struggle to reach four figure sums. Only the Volkswagen Corrado (itself a fantastic drive, and worthy of the hype - damn it) commands stronger prices. And the Alfa is truly rare for a 1990s coupe in that it looks right drawing up outside a Michelin star restaurant, gorgeous companion in tow.
I've driven a few and lusted after many, but have never been in the right place at the right time. They look amazing, aside perhaps from the quad headlights being too small. The interior is special enough that in the right colour and trim combo, you can start living out some Ferrari fantasies. Forget any notions about it being at a disadvantage for being front-wheel drive - as long as they are in tip-top condition, these cars turn-in crisply, thanks to their quick-rack steering. And when you really hoon, they track well, don't misbehave too much, and give you cheeky amounts of easily caught lift-off oversteer, should you choose. Little surprise to learn that Alfa Romeo benchmarked the Elan M100 during its development.
£2,500 for this smart looking black one...
Performance is more than useful, with a maximum speed of between 155 and 160mph depending on whether you go for the 220hp 3.0-litre or the 240hp 3.2, and 0-60 is in the low sixes. Many have now been played with, and more than a few will be sporting Q2 diffs for even better turn-in. But the best part of the GTV V6 experience is aural - the noise that deep-chested, tuneful, soul-laden V6 is sensational. It's cliched to say, perhaps, but this really is one of the finest sounding, most tractable engines ever made. And it's for these reasons that the GTV V6 is inspirational, and if you've hankered after trying one - you really should make the effort to do it now.
Owning one - as a cherished weekender - needn't be too onerous, as long as you're sensible. The Busso V6 is strong and reliable, and provided you change the belts at 60K, feed it good quality oil every 3,000 miles or so (I am conservative when it comes to such matters) and budget for an annual service with an Alfa specialist, then you'll be surprised at how dependable these cars can be as they head into the parking area labelled 'classic'. They weren't reliable when new, and electrics can be fickle, but you know that already, don't you?
...or closer to £9K for a 'restored' Cup version
Of the 525 remaining registered examples in the UK, there appears to be a mere five GTV V6s of all types on offer on
the PH classifieds
, ranging from a lovely looking 107K example - in black - with a private seller in Lancashire
for £2,500
GTV Cup
that really does look good, but has me wondering at being 'restored' - it's a 2002 car for goodness sake. But with a few around, and with the non-specialist trade still treating these with caution, there's still the possibility of finding a good one at run-of-the-mill money. And if you do, grab it with both hands. Because if you don't, there's a space in my barn alongside a certain mouldering Alfasud earmarked for one...
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