Finally got the free barn find Alfa home!

Zachary Mayne · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 01:36 PM

Hey all,
Here are some pics of the Alfa my brother and I got. After some soul searching I decided he could have it, since my hands are full. I'll just make him lend it to me after he restores it!
Here's the story: The day after my birthday I get a message from my dad saying he "found" my birthday present, we just need to figure out how to drag it home. But he didn't say what it was. Turns out he was at a yard sale and started talking to the people who were having it. The conversation wound around to cars, and when my dad said that one of his sons (me) owned a few old car including an Alfa, the guy and his wife asked him if he was Zach Mayne's dad, which he was. It turned out they were old acquantances of my brother and I, we just hadn't seen them around for a while. Once they realized they were talking to my dad, they said they had an old Alfa spider they wanted to give to me which had been sitting for abou 10 years.
My brother and I went over in the evening a couple days later to check it out, not knowing what to expect. It turned out to be an '80 Spider Veloce, white over red with, get this, 63,000 miles on it! And it is totally straight with a few minor dings, looks like zero rust (good old New Mexico dry air) with everything there. The top is totally trashed, it needs new carpeting, etc. But judging by the miles, there is a chance it might start up with an oil change, and the gearbox felt tighter than my GTV. Needless to say, my brother and I are quite excited. Not that I need another project, what with an Alfa GTV racecar, a 911RS project and a TR6, but who can refuse an orphaned Alfa? I'll post pics as soon as I get the car home.

Zachary Mayne · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 01:40 PM

Here are some more pics after it was washed. We put it on my spare GTV wheels to roll it. We tried to start it, but it didn't sound like the fuel pump was coming on. Now the real fun begins...

**Bill** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 02:04 PM

Cool beans!! Great looking find!
We all need bumper stickers: "Save the Alfas"

Vivace · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 02:08 PM

Free is a VERY good price! White with red int. is pretty sharp, I think.

Zachary Mayne · #5 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 02:12 PM

Yes, I have to admit I usually don't like white cars unless its a 911 RS, but the white over red is a pretty stylish combo.

johnei · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 02:23 PM

Is that water under the passenger seat in the picture where you're scooping out leaves? Just wondering.. .

Zachary Mayne · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnei

Is that water under the passenger seat in the picture where you're scooping out leaves? Just wondering.. .

Zachary Mayne · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 02:30 PM

here's a better shot

tokky28 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 02:37 PM

I guess it's a good sign that it's holding water... :P

Andre

91RecaroS · #10 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 03:07 PM

man, get a shop vac!!

That water is making me cry. Good sized shop vac will have thay car bone dry in no time. Walmart has em.

Zachary Mayne · #11 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 03:40 PM

We clogged up the shop vac vacuuming the car. We've already gotten most of the water out, and will get the rest ASAP.

vintage prep · #12 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 03:45 PM

Zach, Good Score!!

You may remember me as the owner of this car:

Zachary Mayne · #13 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 04:07 PM

Of course, how could I forget. That was one of my first stories for Excellence! And still one of the most memorable drives. What do you think of the new graphics that the current owner put on "your" car? I didn't know you had owned THAT many Alfas. Hows the Cheetah replica coming?

Zachary Mayne · #14 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 04:10 PM

here's one of my pics.

vintage prep · #15 (**permalink**) 10-04-2005, 05:50 PM

Oooh! thats a nice one, thanks.

The new owner, Yeah, weird guy with a major ego. I could see (him) doing that if the car were pink, but brown? Obviously he needs a lot of attention.

About the Alfa's, I guess I've had a few. I plan on building another alfa based car after I finish "Mighty Mouse".

When your in town, stop and see the new project.