Today's search began as a favor for a buddy.  He's on the lookout for a decent Alfa, preferably a Milano, for under $5,000.  That sum of cash will still buy plenty of Milano - and even plenty of Milano Verde, if you have good manners.  I choose to ignore how much 164 you could buy for that sum - a shame, but at the same time a blessing for 164 fans such as ourselves.

The GTV-6 - fundamentally a Milano coupe - somehow eludes any pretense of economic sense on the open market.  Maybe it's the less sensible 2-door body style that invites less sensible sellers, or perhaps it's an inferior complex stemming from the lack of rear doors.  Whatever it is, it results in listings such as today's 1984 GTV-6 project.

Year: 1984
Model:  Alfa Romeo GTV-6
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage:  N/A
Price: $10,000

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 1984 GTV-6 Project

I have a 1984 Alfa Romeo GTV6 project car for sale. All of the parts are there including boxes of newer parts, it just needs some time, money, and love. The car is a dark grey/ black color, but it needs a repaint. It does not have the original engine, but instead has an upgraded 3.0l 24v engine from a later Alfa 164. This engine was in the process of being rebuilt with new pistons and camshafts, and everything is there to finish the project. The original transaxle is in the car, and I bought a second limited slip transaxle from a Milano Verde that was rebuilt by an Alfa shop in Washington state. It also has a second set of magnesium racing wheels.

I bought this car because I wanted to rebuild it and have an amazing car, but I honestly don't have the time or money for it right now. NADA puts the low value of this car at $10k, and with a better engine (including new upgrades) and a second rebuilt LSD transaxle, I think this price is fair even as a project. I'm not in a rush to sell, and I have a clean title in my name.

We are not surprised to see mention of a 24V 3.0L engine swap in the ad.  A friend of the blog has a very sorted 3.0L 24V swapped GTV-6, and it's an absolute monster at high speed and in corners.  No, what surprises us is the lack of any evidence of a 24V engine whatsoever.  See, the pistons have two valve-relief cuts, and the heads show only single camshafts.  That said, the seller mentions that the build includes new camshafts and pistons, and we do see those!  But, like we said, they're 12V units.

Ok, so can we pull this write-up out of a negative nosedive?  Sure - there's nothing wrong with a 12V 3.0L GTV-6!  Many even prefer the 12V timing belt drive to the more complex timing belt drive on the 24V.  A spare 3.55 LSD from a Milano Verde is included with the sale, and certainly sweetens the deal.  If the car is rust-free, it's certainly worth pursuing as a winter project, but the price needs to reflect the reality that it's an inoperable project with an unfinished engine build.  We think there's potential with this one, 24 valves or not.

-Graham