Buying a Guilia

[Dr Gonzo]

Hi I’m thinking about picking up an Alfa Guilia as a weekender. I have pretty much owned BMWs exclusively and have never owned or driven a car that old. What should I be looking for in a terms of on going maintenance problems ect?

[Seinista]

first, get a taste for this forum and the models described. For a Giulia, you are basically posting in the wrong section. Go to 'sedan' . Use the search function, there are many topics abound already with the answers to your questions.
As on most fora, it is nice to introduce yourself etc, in the correct location, then it will be far easier for people to get a feel for you, who you are, what you want, what your capabilities are etc.
Then, you will find a fountain of knowledge and advice.
Giulias are way cool cars. But with their problems. Lots of aussie owners here too.
Also check Akitamans topics, etc.
Welcome aboard,
Rik

[Dr Gonzo]

yeah i noticed that i posted in the wrong spot, i've been doing a bit of reading online, (nothing serious i sucked my bandwidth dry so everything takes forever) anyway thanks for the welcome

[Subtle]

Welcome to the BB.

Are you looking for a Giulia Super, Sprint GT, or a Spider?

[Peter]

Welcome, and good luck with your search!

[Alfajay]

Dr. Gonzo:

Yes, specifying the model of Alfa that you are looking for would be helpful, though I suppose the same advice would apply to any vintage car, be it BMW or Alfa: Find one with minimal rust. Find one that is complete and running.

I owned a 1969 BMW 1600 coupe prior to having Alfas - mechanically they are similar - Bosch electrics, ATE brakes, unibody construction. If you have worked on early BMW's, Alfas will seem familiar.

Pick up a copy of the book "Alfa Romeo Buyers Guide" by Pat Braden. Pat (now deceased) wrote this about 20 years ago, but his advice is still sound. The book does a nice job of outlining the different models, and discusses how to evaluate a prospective car.

[Dr Gonzo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subtle Welcome to the BB. Are you looking for a Giulia Super, Sprint GT, or a Spider?

[Pat Padden]

Dr. G,

I've done this twice now with Alfa's though not Guiias. The first time with a 69 Boat tail convertible which "ran" but was pretty tired and needed a lot of work over the first few years of ownership. The second time was with a mostly pristine 74 GTV coupe that I was able to drive for 10 years virtually trouble free before doing a rebuild.

It was much more fun with the pristine car than with the fixer upper.

Have fun...Alfas are a blast to drive.

[Subtle]

The Bertone coupes have outstanding lines--and in various examples-- an outstanding competition record.

[alfazagato]

Welcome and start reading. There is a mass of information on the BB and, as usual, time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted. My advice, for what it's worth, is to buy the best example you possibly can. It usually is the cheapest solution.
BTW a non-matching number car may not bother you, but it may bother the person you try to sell to later on!

[Alfajay]

Dr. Gonzo had written: "Its not a matching numbers car but that doesn't really worry me"

What do we even mean when we say that an Alfa isn't a matching numbers car? I understand the term for Porsches, where the doors, deck lid, hood, wheels... carries the chassis number or a date of manufacture code, and people really worry about whether these numbers correspond. But on Alfas, a) there aren't numbers stamped on the parts, and b) owners care a whole lot less about originality.

The two major things you can authenticate on an early Alfa is whether it is painted the color it had when it left the factory, and whether it has the correct series engine. A Giulia GT with metallic paint and a 2L engine might be considered "non numbers matching". Of course, a myriad of other details can be incorrect, but these are generally not that hard to put back to original if you are bothered by that sort of thing.

I'm not differing with AlfaZagato - a "numbers matching car" (whatever that means in detail) will always be more valuable. BUT, if you are buying the thing for fun, rather than as an investment, then who cares? You should pay less for the non-original car when you acquire it, and can deal with the sales price down the road.

As you can tell, I am much more of a hotrodder than a restorer. I respect the restorers' position, but personally feel that non-original cars are just more fun.

[Dr Gonzo]

I have decided to pass up on this Guilia, I have thought long and hard about it and it wouldn’t be affordable to buy one right now. (rent is going through the roof here, and i'm cutting back work for the next 3 months to focus on uni) I will have a look at one next year, when I should be able to buy one with cash instead of borrowing.

[Subtle]

Wise beyond your years.

[pathung]

Or you could trade one of your Bimmers for the Alfa, and experience one of life's utmost pleasures - instant gratification!

[Dr Gonzo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pathung Or you could trade one of your Bimmers for the Alfa, and experience one of life's utmost pleasures - instant gratification!