Tag Archives: Alfa Romeo

Head Scratcher: 1984 Alfa Romeo GTV-6 w/ 3.0L on stand

December 15, 2018 Graham

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

Alfa Romeo

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

December 6, 2018 Graham

As promised, we'll conclude our impromptu Alfa Romeo sports sedan week with a Giulia, and a Quadrifoglio at that. A tech specialist at a powertrain company once told me that BMW and Honda are engine companies that happen to produce automobiles. Lotus, at least lately, is the opposite, producing chassis into which Toyota engines are installed. The same could be said of Cadillac, with their exemplary ATS sports sedan chassis let down by lackluster albeit powerful engines. The Giulia Quadrifoglio manages to best the competition with both its powertrain and its chassis - a rare feat today.

The chassis of the Giulia, if my experience and every modern review are to be trusted, is beyond reproach. The powertrain is a unique beast requiring some background. Ferrari's F154 V8 serves as the basis of the Alfa Romeo V6. Now, the F154 V8 is the best, or perhaps second best V8 engine in the performance market, matched only by the Mercedes-AMG M177/M178 4.0 Bi-Turbo V8. Though Maserati does have access to the F154 series engine in V8 form in the top Quattroporte and Levante models, the F154 V6 remains exclusive to Alfa Romeo. V6 Maseratis must chug along with a humble FCA Pentastar-based unit.

Year: 2017
Model: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Engine: 2.9L V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Mileage: 122 mi
Price: $59,995

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

$18k off of sticker is a good starting point for a brand new Giulia Quadrifoglio. Really, under $60,000 for a Ferrari-powered sports sedan with a factory warranty is absurd. And, since it's a 2017 model that's been languishing in the showroom, its peers have put in the legwork to find out which issues necessitate recalls. Drive it straight to the service department, have the recalls addressed, and enjoy!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1991 Alfa Romeo 164S

December 3, 2018 Graham 2 Comments

Let's see this Alfa Romeo sports sedan theme through; spoiler alert: tomorrow's post is going to be a modern Giulia.

The 164 breaks with Alfa's tradition of basing its sports sedans on its sports cars. The internet at large will be quick to point out that the 164 shares DNA with the Saab 9000, Fiat Chroma, and Lancia Thema, and it does share much of the floorpan with those sedans. But, having owned two 164s, I can tell you that they share shockingly few components with that trio. At first glance, it's not a very appealing Alfa sports sedan - shared platform, and FWD at that. Drive one, though, and you'll quickly understand.

The 164 doesn't weigh as much as you might expect. Combine the relative light weight with excellent steering feel, a comfortable and controlled ride, and a torquey V6, and the car really excels at daily driver duty. In S guise, the V6 makes 200hp, thanks to the vaunted S cams, a bump in compression ration. Piston cooling jets, a water to oil engine oil cooler, and a bumped-up oil pump curve ensure durability at the increased power level.

Year: 1991
Model: Alfa Romeo 164S
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 134,363km
Price: auction

The Alfa Romeo 164 is a four-door executive saloon that was manufactured by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1987 to 1998 and designed by Pininfarina.

Alfa brought the 164 to American shores in 1991, and all of those cars were equipped with the beautiful 3.0-liter motor. This engine, with its exposed intake tubing, was as satisfying to drive as it was to look at and in SOHC 12-valve form was rated at 183 horsepower in the base and “L” versions and 200 horsepower in the “S” cars.

1991 Alfa Romeo 164S. The exterior is White with a Black interior. 5 Speed manual transmission. 134,363 km. V-6 Engine. FWD. Sunroof. Options include power windows, power mirrors, power seats, heated seats, air conditioning. In showroom condition.

Click to view listing

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 1991 Alfa Romeo 164S

The mileage and perceived condition of this example are desirable. Missing is any record of engine and suspension service. The electronic shock absorbers and their bearings are difficult to source, if broken. The engines are robust, but it never hurts to reiterate that timing belt service must be kept up on. In general, these cars are outside of their design lifetime in age, if not mileage, so elastomeric components will be worn out - belts, hoses, seals, suspension bushings. It's nice to see a record of what has been replaced.

Having only dredged the bottom of craigslist for 164s, the price of this one is a bit rich for my blood. That said, the 164S is sort of favored to the 164Q for those who want similar performance, but can't stomach the service requirements of the 24V Busso of the 164Q. At this price, I have a feeling that an outsider to the Alfa world will make a foray into Alfa ownership. With this particular car, they will more than likely emerge unscathed.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1988 Alfa Romeo 75 1.6 Twin Spark Swap

December 2, 2018 Graham

The concept isn't foreign to the elders at CICFS: US serviceman buys desirable car in Europe, drives it while serving in Germany, and then brings it back to the US to enjoy. We have to imagine that e30 BMWs are currently popular among car enthusiast serviceman in Europe, so we applaud this gentleman for his taste in less-common sports sedans.

The Alfa 75 in 1.6 trim is as basic as the model was offered. A friend of the site has a particularly mean 75 1.6, which was swapped to a 3.0L Busso V6 powertrain for the ultimate sleeper 75. This particular 75 doesn't deliver on sleeper status, with its aftermarket wheels and Alfa Romeo decals, but we see nothing that couldn't be reversed for a 2.0 TS sleeper build.

Year: 1988
Model: Alfa Romeo 75 1.6
Engine: 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 112,000 mi
Price: auction

This is a 1988 Alfa Romeo 75 2.0 Twin Spark, the European version of the Milano in the states.

VIN: ZAR162B2000049876

This car is a European spec car, originally it was imported from Italy and sold new in the Netherlands in 1988 as a White Alfa 75 1.6. From there It changed hands and had a full documented restoration in 1998 by L Beute. When it was restored, the drivetrain was swapped over from a 2.0 Twin Spark and the car was resprayed green. The car was purchased from the Netherlands in 2014, from there it was imported to Germany and then to the United States. Once it made it over here, the car was brought back up to good condition.

What Separates it from the Milano:
Euro Bumpers and headlights
Euro Tails
Reliable 2.0TS engine
Center Exit Exhaust
Fuel tank under the car instead of in the trunk
NO quirky ABS system
NO sunroof
Power front windows only
NO A/C factory
Less weight

The Good:
Everything from the rear doors back was rebuilt. All new transmission mounts, new slave cylinder, lines, brake calipers. Brake rotors, replacement axles and new rear bearings.
New wheels and tires
New brakes all the way around
Rebuilt Transaxle
Rebuilt Shifter
Strong Engine
Excellent Paint
Mint interior
Lowered with Koni Adjustable Shocks and Springs

The Bad:
Inner and outer rear wheel arch rust,
The passenger rear door has a rust hole in it
Inner fender behind the coolant bottle also has a hole in it.
Paint has two clearcoat blemishes
Headliner Sagging

Car in action:

More Pictures:
https://imgur.com/a/Uv9VNS3

Click to view listing

CLICK FOR MORE DETAILS: 1988 Alfa Romeo 75 1.6 Twin Spark Swap

Though the suspension components seem to be pretty devoid of rust, this car does show a fair amount of rot, particularly in the area where the rear doors meet the rear wheel wells. This is a common rust area for the 75 / Milano, and repair sheetmetal does exist - as do examples without the rust.

Asking price is strong on this car. We attribute that to the rarity of this particular model in North America, as well as to the considerable list of maintenance that the current owner had completed on the car. We'd ditch the Nardi steering wheel and shifter, swap out the Crown Royal shift boot for something less 2008, and get to work on rust mitigation. For those in search of the ultimate lightweight 75 and a powerful engine to boot, this car is a good opportunity.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1969 Alfa Romeo Berlina

November 30, 2018 Graham

BMW is the household name in sports sedans in North America, and deservedly so. But, Alfa certainly produced some equally-appealing, if less beloved models in the category. While Europe saw even more models, North America was fortunate enough to receive the Giulietta, Giulia, Berlina, Milano, and 164 sedans, with the modern Giulia arriving for the 2017 model year.

Folks are usually surprised when I share that Alfa sports sedans benefit from being largely derived from their sports car counterparts and not vice versa. The Berlina is no exception to this, sharing its powertrain, brakes, and suspension with 115 series Alfa sports cars. The additional mass of a sedan body style might no be so welcome, but the proven hardware is up for the task.

Year: 1969
Model: Alfa Romeo Berlina
Engine: 1750cc 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 94,419 mi
Price: auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1969 Alfa Romeo Berlina

Offered for sale is a 1969 Alfa Romeo Berlina 1750, that is powered by the improved 2000cc inline-four engine.

Recent mechanical and cosmetic improvements were made to make this Berlina a reliable and comfortable daily driver. Mechanical improvements include new brakes, tune up, and installation of the Shankle Sure Start replacing the thermostatic actuator to assist in cold starts. With the exception of the clock, all gauges, lights, heater and radio (new speakers) operate. Mechanical improvements to the car were performed by an experienced Alfa mechanic, resulting in the car running strong with solid handling and quick acceleration.

The car has also had an interior refresh, including new carpet and reupholstered front seats complementing the classic Nardi steering wheel and wood dash. There is one crack in the dash top and the console wood is showing wear (see pictures) - otherwise the interior is in excellent condition.

Rust repairs were made to the rocker panels and the car has been resprayed in Amarante/Maroon, which was a color change at some earlier point in the life of the car with the original color appearing to be Verde Olivia/Olive Green.

This Berlina is a perfect candidate for a complete restoration or with attention to a few more areas such as improving the suspension and addressing minimal rust spots, specifically in the tire well, this Berlina could become an even stronger daily driver.

With Spiders and GTVs dominating the Alfa classic market, the Berlina is a rare fine and this one is a solid performer and great fun to drive.

We've seen this particular Berlina before, and we've even considered buying it. When it was shared on Bring A Trailer in November 2016, the photos were not very promising. The underside showed a discouraging amount of rust. The car certainly didn't look beyond repair, and at the $5,900 asking price, didn't show too much optimism on the seller's part.

Now with bidding over $12,000 at the time of posting, we are curious to see the rust repairs to the sills claimed by the new seller. If completed correctly and thoroughly, the car stands to be a great purchase. The 115 series sedans don't share the plucky proportions or driving experience of the 105 series Giulia sedans. But, all accounts point to these being comfortable and rewarding sports sedans in their own regard. If the rust repairs check out, this could be an enjoyable Berlina to sink your teeth into.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde

October 11, 2018 Graham

Tip of the hat to Alfa Rob for the link!

84 watchers, according to the eBay page at the time of this post. We already have a black Verde, so we're sharing this one with you all after a few days of talking ourselves out of buying it. It's not because this isn't going to be a great buy - it's a solid Verde, no doubt. No - it's because we don't have a place to park it. Why is that? Well, we've got a customer Verde on jackstands in the garage, stripped entirely of its suspension. And the other two (tight) spots in our 24x24' garage? The Maserati is in one. It should be in storage at a friend's place by now, but that would require its cover, which would first require a car wash, which would require windows that close. Currently waiting on the machine shop to produce a pin for the window regulator. Third spot goes to our black Verde, of course.

There are two types of Verde buyers: The curious, and the repeat offenders. The curious first-timers often buy the cosmetically sound but neglected cars, or the dilapidated projects, and once their wallets re-calibrate their expectations, they cut their losses and move along. The repeat offenders are always on the prowl for the cared-for drivers out there. Dents, dings, and worn interiors are simple enough to fix, but the various unorthodox systems on the Milano, if broken, do require more research and effort than on the typical Italian car.

Year: 1988
Model: Alfa Romeo Milano Verde
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 114,000 mi
Price: auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde

1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde (3.0L), 114,000 miles; I’ve owned this car for over 10 years, fun driver, but I don’t have time to drive it much anymore, so hopefully someone else will enjoy it and give it a good home. It’s a classic Alfa V6 (3.0L vs regular Milano 2.5L), with cool DeDion rear suspension, torsion bar and A-arm fronts, 5-speed manual transaxle and Recaro interior (seats, door cards, etc). Car is in good mechanical condition, but could use some cosmetics—though I didn’t bother as I liked it as a driver. In the last several years all the suspension bushings have been replaced, as have engine and transmission mounts, steering rack, tie rod ends, etc. It has Bilstein HD shocks, recent Performatek rebuild on shifter, Stebro mid and rear muffler... Cosmetically, the hood could use a respray (clear coat is cracking) and there is a dent on LR fender (paint still adheres).

Relatively new f/r calipers and rotors. Recent new injection hoses and matched injectors.

A/C works, sunroof works, newer headliner, passenger and driver lower seats recovered with OEM Recaro cloth.

ABS brake system (pump and accumulator) work fine, ABS light is on so likely a sensor needs replacement or adjustment.

Comes with 4 spare wheels from 1987 Milano.

Click to view listing

I like to think this was Alfa's answer to the first M cars--but it's way more interesting.

This Verde is one of the good ones. Fresh engine and trans mounts were probably done in conjunction with the steering rack job. That rear engine mount and the steering rack are both weekend-crushers for the uninitiated. The suspension bushing replacement, as innocuous as it sounds, is a relatively time-consuming, though inexpensive way to bring an a worn Verde back to life. Paired with the fresh steering rack and tie rods, the steering on this Verde will feel like new. Stebro exhaust, Performatek shifter components, and the Bilsteins are all a great use of someone else's money. We don't love the ABS light, but that isn't insurmountable, and at least the accumulator is in working order. No seller comments on the engine, but the engine is usually the easiest part of a Verde to sort. If it's in good shape, service it properly and it will continue to function as intended for years to come.

There are plenty of venues for a bad deal on a Verde, so we are refreshed to find out the market price for a mildy scruffy but sorted example. Whoever buys it should get out and drive it - I've personally put over 7,000 miles on my Verde since April of this year. Maybe paint the intake manifold if you buy this one though?

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

2001 Alfa Romeo 166 2.4 JTD

October 9, 2018 Graham

Here's something you don't expect to hear from an auto enthusiast: Front wheel drive Alfa sedans are good. Quite good. Yes, we've been custodians of three now, all of which we've loved. The 164Q met an untimely demise, but not before we gave it the 24V lump a full water pump and timing belt service - not cheap or easy on those. There was also a 164 LS that starved for oil when we took a cloverleaf off ramp at 90mph. Velocity squared over radius - it's the velocity that gets you. And finally, there was our 1991 164L winter car, which didn't self-destruct so much as inflict death by a thousand cuts upon our morale, wonderful though it was. That got the boot after a frustrating winter daily-driving it in Detroit.

The 164 design is beyond reproach in our simple minds, but if it could be improved upon, then Walter de Silva would be one of our top choices for the job. De Silva and his team at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo managed to update the 164 theme without blending in among the anonymous ranks of contemporary European sedans. The handsome design would become the last Alfa sedan to be powered by the Arese-produced Busso V6 engine, which was replaced by a General Motors-based unit in later Alfas.

Year: 2001
Model: Alfa Romeo 166 2.4 JTD
Engine: 2.4L 5-cylinder diesel
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 108,241 mi
Price: auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 2.4 JTD

Rare, one of a kind the only 2001 Alfa Romeo in the country, import to the US didn’t start until 2015 selling at $50,000 - $75,000.

This 166 model called the “Executive Car” only 500 built in Rivalta, Italy and actually designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo and Walter de Silva. It is front wheel drive, six speed stick shift, 2.4L engine V6 turbo diesel. How cool is that? (CICFS NOTE: the engine is a 5-cyl, not a V6)

Runs and drives like a champ, fast, furious very tight, how much fun…Everything works, engine, transmission, clutch and ac, it needs a drives window switch and the drives seat is fixed in a comfortable position and needs the motor, the computer screen is in Italian and I can’t read it. But I have navigation CD and a 6 disc player in the trunk.

I found a non running 1999 for $12,900 and 2002 running one for $25,900 VIN ZAR93600000060348

166 models built as the "Executive Car" only 500 per year built in Italy from 1999 to 2003. It is so much fun to drive it is fast…nice and tight! The readings are all in kilometers. Driver’s seat is in a fixed position and the computer is in Italian, I can't read it. I also have a navigation CD. I just had the car completely serviced with new air, cabin, oil and fuel filter.

This was at an Insurance Auction and said it had fresh water flood claim however after full inspection I found no damage at all, NONE!

The 166 was never offered for sale in the United States, so to see one on eBay is quite rare. We would be interested in bidding, but for a few issues. First, the car was sold as a flood car through an insurance auction. Sometimes you have to deal with the myriad issues brought on by flooding in order to purchase a rare car. In this case, we don't think the risk is outweighed by the rarity and desirability of the car. Second, the seller sounds like a real piece of work. His price comparisons are based in pure fantasy - unless you think $50,000-75,000 is justifiable for a 2001 164 diesel. Ah, diesel. Yes, the final reason that we wouldn't bid: we don't do diesel Alfas. The diesel engine in this car is a 5-cylinder, not a V6 as stated by the seller, just to be clear. Diesels are great, diesels are efficient, diesels are torquey. But, diesel engines do not perform as an Alfa Romeo engine should. Buy a Mercedes-Benz if you want to enjoy a proper diesel.

So, will the seller manage to sell a rare, flood-title Alfa that was never sold new in the US? Depends on the reserve price. Our guess is that this will stick around eBay until the seller wises up to reality. In the meantime, we'll keep a look out for 166's worth bidding on!

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

October 7, 2018 Graham

We try to keep this site free of our personal biases, but in the interest of transparency, we'd like to come clean: we are sharing this car because our personal 1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde has the same stereo! We made ours light up orange to match our Verde's interior, but same stereo. So, what's in it for you, the reader? Well, this price of this 4C Spider just so happens to be $100 less than the price of yesterday's wrecked Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2.

We won't venture to compare a Gallardo with a 4C, but the 4C holds its own, on paper at least. Specific output on the 1.75L 4-cylinder is 135hp/L, so expect some peaky, if not extremely entertaining power delivery. And, rumor has it that the carbon fiber monocoque is related to that of the KTM X-Bow. This is an Italian car site - why do we care about the Austrian X-Bow? We care because the X-Bow was designed and developed by none other than Giampaolo Dallara's engineering firm. Unlike Sr. Dallara's first mid-engined street car, the Miura, the jury is out on the 4C's design. We personally are not drawn to it, which is surprising given how much we care for the other designs - the Ferrari 456, Ferrari 550 Maranello, and Ferrari 360 - by its designer, Lorenzo Ramaciotti.

Year: 2016
Model: Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
Engine: 1.75L 4-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
Mileage: 4,053 mi
Price: $49,800 obo

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Giallo Prototipo (Yellow) Exterior over Black with Yellow Accent Interior LOADED WITH OPTIONS! TRACK PACKAGE! LOW MILEAGE! **ORIGINAL WINDOW STICKER LIST: $77,475** FACTORY OPTIONS INCLUDE: 18 x 7 and 19 x 8.5 Dark Fan Spoke Wheels (Originally $2,500) Giallo Prototipo (Yellow) Exterior Paint (Originally $1,500) Spider Track Package (Originally $1,400) Carbon Fiber Exterior Mirrors Race Tuned Suspension Bi-Xenon Headlamps (Originally $1,000) Spider Convenience Group (Originally $900) Cruise Control Rear Parking Assist System Racing Leather / Microfiber Seats (Originally $500) Sport Tuned Dual Exhaust (Originally $500) Carbon Fiber Cluster Bezel (Originally $490) Carbon Fiber Shift Bezel (Originally $490) Alfa Romeo Red Car Cover (Originally $400) Alfa Romeo Yellow Performance Brake Calipers (Originally $300) VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS: 1.7 Liter Turbocharged 4 Cylinder Engine -237 Horsepower- -258 lb/ft of Torque- Rear Wheel Drive 6-Speed Automatic Transmission 18/19 Dark Fan Spoke Wheels Power Adjustable Exterior Mirrors Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers Daytime Running Lights Alfa Romeo Performance Calipers Body Colored Exterior Mirrors Dual Bright Exhaust Tips Solar Control Glass Premium Speaker Package Bright Aluminum Pedals Sport Tuned Suspension Hill Start Assist Black Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel Leather-Trimmed Interior Carbon Fiber Cluster Bezel Carbon Fiber Shift Bezel VEHICLE HISTORY: ONE Previous Owner! LOADED with Options! Pristine Condition Throughout! Exceptionally Well Equipped! INCLUDES: *One Master Remote Key* *Original Owners Manuals* *Floor Mats* *Alfa Romeo Car Cover*

We aren't exactly opposed to the design either, to be clear. And, $50,000 is the price at which these low-mileage 4Cs, especially the Spider, start to interest us. We'd take the roadster, because we can't foresee much in the way of long-distance driving, were we to purchase a 4C. And the yellow? That's our loud color of choice for Italian cars. We'll let you know when we finally do purchase a yellow Italian car. In the meantime, one of you should take a serious look at purchasing this one.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate

October 2, 2018 Graham

Sometimes we come across an example of a car that we might normally overlook modified in just the right way to catch our eye. Take, for example, last month's Bertone X-1/9 Corsa, or any lowered Ferrari Mondial on 17" wheels. The right set of wheels or subtle cosmetic touch can transform our perception of a nice, but perhaps not-quite-enticing car.

This is exactly why we've chosen today's Alfa Spider. Sure, the Bosch cars are reliable, and any Spider has plenty of appeal in its own right, but they aren't the most unique choice among Italian sports cars. Why, then, do we find ourselves so drawn to this particular example? First, the BWA wheels are a great for a red Spider like this one. Add to that the faded red vinyl wrap with the black hood section, and the sort of garish but simultaneously cool Quadrifoglios behind the front wheels, and we have to say that the overall effect is pretty scrappy and appealing.

Year: 1986
Model: Alfa Romeo
Engine: 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 55,936 mi
Price: $11,900

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate

GR Auto Gallery is pleased to present this 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce for your consideration. This Alfa is finished in a Red and Black custom Vinyl Wrap over the Black vinyl interior. It features a set of Alfa BWA 14x6 alloy wheels and Ereminas chassis stiffeners which are both rare and desirable options. There are currently speakers in the kick panels but there is no radio installed, the factory radio delete plate is in excellent condition. All gauges, lights, switches and factory controls function as they should. According to the current owner, this Alfa was recently serviced and features a new head gasket along with new front sway bar links, a new heater blower motor, new fuel injection hoses and new motor mounts. This Spider Veloce is a looker and gives a very comfortable ride going down the road. Please call or email us today for more information.

We are not quite sure why the seller has listed this particular Spider as a Veloce. It shows a Graduate badge on the decklid, and the seats sure seem to be Graduate-spec vinyl. Crank windows adhere to the Graduate spec as well. The top is a cloth unit, most likely as a result of a top replacement, though a graduate would be optioned with a vinyl top from the factory. We're not familiar with Spider HVAC controls, although there is a chance that this unit has A/C, as was an option on Graduates. There appears to be a knob for cool air in the cabin, but the engine bay photos don't allow us to see if there is a compressor mounted to the engine.

We are not in love with the price on this car, but that is not to say that the car is not worth the asking price. The interior is most certainly clean and mostly complete, the underside doesn't show any signs of rust, and the seller claims that everything is functional. We recommend this example to anyone in the market for a Series 3 Spider with some cool cosmetic upgrades.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

1988 Alfa Romeo 75 1.6

September 23, 2018 Graham

The Alfa Romeo 75, as the Milano is know everywhere outside of North America, still has a healthy following all around its home continent of Europe. A more commonly-known example is RSR Nürburg, who are for hustling their fleet of Alfa 75s around the Ring. Another example, with whom we are familiar, is the Transaxle Forum out of Germany.

I had the pleasure of meeting two gentlemen from the Transaxle Forum the last time I was in Bavaria. I met them at one of their workshops - this one lined with various Alfa 75 models and stocked with countless Alfa 75 parts. While I really enjoyed seeing the top spec V6 models, there were two cars that really stood out. First was a 3.0 V6 model that had been converted to 1.6L spec on the outside - a true sleeper. The second was a 1.6L model that was undergoing restoration. Due to the decreased content on the base 1.6L models, the vehicle weight is significantly lower than that of the 3.0L models. From what was reported, the 1.6L cars are great for zooming around Italy, where the group has their annual meet-up.

Year: 1988
Model: Alfa Romeo 75 1.6
Engine: 1.6L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 154,418km
Price: Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Alfa Romeo 75 1.6

This 1988 Alfa 75 was imported from Italy in 2017. This car is totally unmolested and rust free,

You will get lots of looks and thumbs up when driving this car, The 1.6 litre 4 cylinder is the last version of the 1.6 liter that was in the Alfa Gulia of the 1960's and '70's and performance is much the same as the Gulia Super. She has twin Del Orto carbs and electronic ignition and is a pleasure to drive. The speedo reads in KM 154,418 = 96,390 miles.

The seats are great and the car is very relaxing to drive on a long trip. I have been getting about 32 MPG at 70 MPH and she will happily cruise at 80 all day. The Michelin tires are almost new with about 4,000 km.

A number of new parts have been fitted over the last year. I fitted a 3rd brake light for safety. Other parts fitted are: lower ball joints, front brake pads, engine mounts, transmission mounts, prop shaft flex joints (guibo's), fuel pump.

If anyone wants to inspect the car, it is in eastern North Carolina and there is a local garage where we can use a lift. There are a few tiny dents on the hood but I have not been able to photograph them.

It appears that Ebay has a problem with the VIN number. The correct number is ZAR16282000065190

I do have more photos if wanted. Please email me if you want to see more and I can then email them to you directly as eBay limits you to 24 photos total. This car has been relisted due to a time waster.

Those interested in purchasing might find themselves wondering where one might find engine components for a 1.6L 75. We would imagine that nearly everything could be purchased through Centerline, aside from a few items specific to the 4-cyl 75. If we had to guess, things like the engine mounts and cooling system components might need to be sourced from Europe. Otherwise, it should be just as easy as a Milano to maintain - likely easier, with that wide open engine bay.

This 1.6L 75 is simply too unique to overlook here in North America. And, in this condition, it presents as a strong candidate for a Milano/75 purchase, before rarity is even accounted for. Just be warned - you may find yourself bidding against us on this one!

-Graham