what do we think about this car :)

[Craig_m67]

Hi everybody

I've been dreaming for many, many (tens of) years now of a Guilia Spider. Back in Oz I had a '66 Duetto however on moving to the UK I promised myself that I would replace it with one of these when the time was right... the time is right (finances and summer have aligned.. the exchange rate is superb at the moment too.. so i may pull it off for good money ... kinda, sorta ).

I've not had any experience of these cars however.. so, here's one i've found, which i really like the look off and i'm interested in your honest opinions. The steering wheel looks wrong to me and the bonnet catches wig me out a bit.. anything else - anybody know the car ?

The owner is probably around so be nice. I'm also considering going to look at it on the weekend (if available) - just have to tell the missus.

Link to advert

[alfagtv74]

looks nice... i would look for rust, rust and rust. make sure you get way underneath it... getting it up on a lift and having a good inspection underneath is key. everything else is pretty simple on these. how much are these going for in the UK nowadays?

[alfa soon]

Judging by the color and bonnet locks I think what the previous owner really wanted was a Cobra. I'm surprised it doesn't have any white stripes. Doesn't look like a bad deal if it has no significant rust and you don't mind the color combo. And yes, that steering wheel has got to go!

Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale

[geh458]

I actually like it as is, and I agree with the comment about the Cobra idea that Matt mentions above. With this particular more modern color, the steering wheel looks fine. If the rest of the car was more original, then yes, the steering wheel should be replaced. In the end, if this is the car you want and you like it the way it is, then just ignore any negative comment "we" might make, after all, it would be your car not ours.

[Craig_m67]

Cheers.. what I am trying to ascertain is how 'far' from original (if at all) it is, not if you guys like it or not - I mean I own a 156 JTD SW for crying out loud, I'm suprised I haven't been strung up for listing a Fiat in my signature as yet

Apart from the colour and bonnet locks - is everything else pretty much present ?? Did they come with this colour interior for instance?

I've had several Alfa's (incl the duetto) so i have a keen eye for rust

[alfagtv74]

i actually like that colour combo...

[Jimb]

I like it too. I actually came across that car a couple of days ago in me search and would considered it if it were LHD.
Good luck!
Jim

[Mikes4C1300]

If that is a metallic paint it's not correct and I don't think the white interior is original either. The door mirrors look incorrect and it looks like the nosing over the instruments is missing. Should have rubber floor mats too.

Mike Hollinger
Atlanta

[geh458]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_m67 ...not if you guys like it or not......

[alfabits]

I think for you there are four main considerations. 1) Right hand drive? Check! 2) Rust? That is up to you to determine as stated before. 3) Originality? Important only if you care, and you did ask ask about originality so it must be an issue. If it is an issue, then consider the costs to make it right: Paint -- expensive; steering wheel -- if your lucky to find a good used restorable replacement then not too expensive; interior -- I don't think it's an original color scheme (although I like it for a non stock car) and it is expensive to do it right. 4) Engine -- big consideration here -- original, good running order? Very expensive to do over.

So your options are drive it like it is and enjoy or redo any of the areas mentions above.

Above all... have fun!

George

[Craig_m67]

Quote:

Originally Posted by geh458 I beg to differ. If you look at your first post that leads this thread, you asked for our "OPINION" at the end of the first sentence of the second paragraph, and that's what we've given you so far.

[ESjaavik]

Look for front damage and how it was repaired. My guess is they could not get the bonnet catch to work properly and put in those pins instead. Clue: Bonnet does not fit too well. Often things like this can reveal itself as a huge job when the bondo lets go.

And did someone say check for rust? Yes, but if there's none, how well was that taken care of?

There's not a lot that can be said about a car from looking at 2 pictures. Unless that brings forward someone that know the car. So try to find an experienced person to help you check the car.

[Craig_m67]

Cheers Einar - really good point about bonnet, I was thinking that it may have been tracked at some stage in it's life - but your explanation makes more sense - although it could be anything (or nothing).

Where's the nastiest place for rust on these models, rear arches ?
there's more photo's of the car if you follow the Link i provided.

[Mikes4C1300]

I'm not sure what the exchange rate is between the GBP and US Peso but $25K isn't a bad price if the car is rust free. Non-original engine isn't a big minus now (esp. for a daily driver) but might hold down value in the future. Look for rust in the typical places: sills, floors, wheel wells, and battery mount in the trunk. Completeness is important at this price too. Parts are becoming more available but at stupid prices.

Mike

[101/105guy]

Nice car for a 'driver', not a show queen!
Be wary of the term "restored" in the text. The car looks nice in the pics, but a very close exam will probably show a lot of short cuts taken. Note that the front and rear wheels do not match.
Randy