For a spell, we were convinced that the best way to get a sample of Alfa history was to bridge the gap between the new and the old. New to us was the torsion bar front suspension and DeDion rear suspension with rear transaxle and inboard rear brakes. And old was the venerable 4-cylinder hemi Alfa powertrain. We took one on as a project for our dad, and never managed to piece it together before it became apparent that it was never going to get the attention that it deserved. Then along came a running a driving example that wouldn't require assembly - today's blue Alfetta GT.

We remember late spring snow flurries coming down as we insisted that our dad purchase this clean, low-mileage Texas car in 2016. It came in on a transporter, and while the car was dry as expected, it was pretty apparent that the original paint wouldn't clean up. Add to the fact that 1976 wasn't the best year to be a SPICA car, and the Alfetta was clean, original, and dry, but not the most inspiring car to have taking up a garage space.

Year: 1976
Model:  Alfa Romeo GT
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  63,325
Price: $11,111 obo
Location: Okahumpka, FL

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

This 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT was a lifelong Texas car, It is finished in distinctive blue over light tan with 39,500 miles showing on the odometer which is believed correct. The car is described as largely rust-free and retains its factory 1962cc twin cam inline-four mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, both of which are in good running condition following a September 2016 service at Alfa-specialist DiFatta Brothers in Baltimore, Maryland. Work included a new fuel pump and filters, SPICA adjustment, and more. A new clutch was also installed in September by previous owner. This Alfetta is now offered with recent service records and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name. Outside, the factory blue paint has faded evenly due to sitting in the Texas sun between 2013 and 2015 since in our inventory it was been under roof. This Alfetta is a solid and largely rust-free with areas of corrosion where the A-pillar meets the cowl and on the rear hatch where the lower glass meets the frame. Both areas are detailed in the photo gallery, can provided extensive up-close photos of the body and undercarriage that show the vehicle to be in solid condition. The original San Antonio, Texas dealership’s sticker remains on the rear bumper. All panels and paintwork are believed original to this car, the spot-welds on the rear valence, fender lips, etc. are in very good condition. Clean Florida Title.

We dropped the exhaust and the front of the DeDion and replaced the clutch disc at our parents' garage in Pennsylvania. Job done, we remember how much the engine labored under acceleration. In a lighter 105/115 chassis, with better cams and a perfect set of carbs or a well-tuned SPICA pump, we can imagine that a 2000cc Alfa engine must really crank, but it wasn't enough to propel the Alfetta with any sense of urgency.

The current seller of this car doesn't seem to have done anything to the car since he purchased it, but you can see on Bring a Trailer that he bought the car for $6,666. It's a clean and original car for sure, so we don't think his asking price is egregious. That said, Alfettas remain one of the best deals in the Alfa world. These are no-excuses Alfa Romeos with a cool mix of technology. We can say that this might be one of the cleanest and most original examples on the market - you'll have to decide what that's worth to you if you decide to make an offer.

-Graham