[Bellocchio]

So, I’m no Alfisti, but a SoCal dilettante with a much greater knowledge of Italian films than cars. (I teach.) I had a spider back in the 80’s and ran it hard until someone ran me off the road. I'm looking to get back in the game. I’ve long wanted a GT 65-74 and I've always admired the GTV 2000 in particular – and apparently so does everyone else. Sheesh, they aren't cheap. I’m looking for a driver that I can run up the PCH occasionally. Doesn’t have to be perfect; I’m not loaded and am willing to do some work.

So, questions: Other than books, what’s the best way to get up to speed on Alfa GTVs? Hang out at a shop? Autoshows? Is there some simpler way to evaluate the actual value of these Alfas for sale other than years of intimate study, spreadsheets and a mechanic in your pocket? And why is Craiglist so **** dicey?

Any thoughts on
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/car/436441975.html
or
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/car/434493545.html ? (Now, I thought I saw this one before.)
And is it copacetic to ask for evaluations on these boards?

What are the good websites to watch, beyond this one and Hemmings? But most importantly, can 6’4” man drive a GTV in the first place? Damned if I’m going to try.

Really, I just wanted to say hello and not just lurk around the boards. Thanks so much.

 

[Pat Braden]

First Post, Looking for Suggestions

So, I’m no Alfisti, but a SoCal dilettante with a much greater knowledge of Italian films than cars. (I teach.) I had a spider back in the 80’s and ran it hard until someone ran me off the road. I'm looking to get back in the game. I’ve long wanted a GT 65-74 and I've always admired the GTV 2000 in particular – and apparently so does everyone else. Sheesh, they aren't cheap. I’m looking for a driver that I can run up the PCH occasionally. Doesn’t have to be perfect; I’m not loaded and am willing to do some work.

So, questions: Other than books, what’s the best way to get up to speed on Alfa GTVs? Hang out at a shop? Autoshows? Is there some simpler way to evaluate the actual value of these Alfas for sale other than years of intimate study, spreadsheets and a mechanic in your pocket? And why is Craiglist so **** dicey?

Any thoughts on
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/car/436441975.html
or
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/car/434493545.html ? (Now, I thought I saw this one before.)
And is it copacetic to ask for evaluations on these boards?

What are the good websites to watch, beyond this one and Hemmings? But most importantly, can 6’4” man drive a GTV in the first place? Damned if I’m going to try.

Really, I just wanted to say hello and not just lurk around the boards. Thanks so much.

Welcome to the bb and good luck in your Alfa quest.

I know several 6'5" men that drive GTV's so you shouldn't have a problem.

As far as where to buy, you'll find less rust in California or the western states; watch all the various ad outlets for Alfas for sale, both print and electronic, join or hang out with the local Alfa chapter or the guys and gals in your area that have Alfas, they're a wealth of information and usually know about cars for sale before they ever go public.

 

[eight-o-one]

I'll second that completely. But just don't rush. Take your time. Get second opinions. Read/watch/listen. Then after you feel confident; your heart and soul will tell you.
WELCOME ABOARD THE ZOO TRAIN---BEST OF LUCK...Ed K.

 

[Charlie DiMarco]

Welcome Bellocchio,

I suggest you check out this local Alfa event on Nov 4.
http://www.franceanditaly.com/
You can explore the So Cal Alfa community and see some amazing cars all in one day. There are always cars for sale at this event.

Charlie
www.serpentautosport.com

 

[Bellocchio]

Thanks

Thanks for the suggestions and warm welcome. I'll be at the Best of France and Italy.
If anyone has any websites they would suggest following, other than Hemmings, ebay, craigs and this I would appreciate it.

John

 

[JazzforG]

Bell'ochio,

I'm a decisive guy, so it didn't take me long to buy my first Alfa: five years. Of looking. And learning. Most of that delay, I will admit, was driven from fear of being taken for a ride. When I was 20, I found the first GTV I liked. I gave the mechanic of the shop 800 bucks as collateral while I took the car to a mechanic I trusted. He told me it was junk. I lost the cash.

Maimed but undeterred, I kept at it. A few hunts later, I found a '74, like yours, a nice plum burgundy. The car started fine; came from a reputable shop. When I took it to test, the ignition cable got wrapped around the bellcrank and revved at crazy RPMs, unstoppable. I thought it was going to explode. The guy told me (correctly I later learned) that it was an innocent issue, easily fixed. Nevertheless, I bolted.

About 4 cars and two years or more later, my car found me. It's the first car I ever owned. I am thankful I didn't buy the others. But, each time, I had picked something up.

I joined the Nor Cal Alfa Assoc. and found myself calling members at their homes, asking them about repairing oil pumps and steering boxes. Stuff I never thought I'd find myself doing. They were always ready and willing to provide minute detail on things, way beyond the call of duty. You'll find the same sharing attitude in these posts.

The local Alfa club here publishes a magazine called Overheard Cams. So I subscribed, and used to read it all the time. You should do likewise in LA, even before you buy. Alas, I didn't find this Board until a decade later and, in fact, very recently.

Definitely go buy Pat Braden's Alfa Bible. It's awesome. He's got another book that was just published in 2003 or 04, I think. I mourned when I heard Pat died a few years ago; he was my Virgil. But, his wife still posts here under his name, as you can see above.

Best of luck. You'll find it's a slow, persistent, lingering burn, this Alfa obsession. You'll have the shop manual on your bed stand before you know it.

Joe

PS: Are those Portuguese Water Dogs???

 

[Bellocchio]

No car, just the dogs.

Joe,
I'll join the SoCal Assoc. I guess and keep looking around. I don't have a GTV...yet. Yeah, at these prices and my salary, I'm a little nervous about being taken. Pat's book is on the way.

The dogs are Spinone Italianos. They're really great dogs. I can't rave enough about them. Very old breed from Northern Italy. Very personable. Great field dogs. Upland game mostly. And they like riding around in cars. I know more about the Spinone than I do about the Alfa. They're becoming more popular so you have to watch out for unscrupulous breeders, particularly as the breed has so few good lines. Sounds familiar, heh?

John

 

[Pat Braden]

First Post, Looking for Suggestions

Bell'ochio,

Definitely go buy Pat Braden's Alfa Bible. It's awesome. He's got another book that was just published in 2003 or 04, I think. I mourned when I heard Pat died a few years ago; he was my Virgil. But, his wife still posts here under his name, as you can see above.

Joe

Thanks for the "mention" on Pat's Bible. I won't do that in consideration of others who could find it inappropriate, and rightly so. The book that was published posthumously that you made mention of is titled Alfa Romeo All-Alloy Twin Cam Companion, 1954-1994 and it was launched at the New Hampshire Convention in 2004.

While I am "technically" his widow, I consider myself still married to him, so I am in no way offended by being referrred to as his wife. FTR, and clarity's sake, I post under his memorial banner as opposed to his name, I always try and make clear what is his opinion or was his opinion, his writing, etc. and what is mine, without question.

 

[Seinista]

Let me post some thoughts.
Go for a carbureted car instead of a Spica injected. Check out the posts by Akitaman here, to get a feel for how these cars are constructed, Do not get deceived by shiny paint, but look for correct spot welds , shut lines and such.
A dry engine is welcome, oil pressure hot and cold. Gearbox should work like a swiss clock, though if it doesn't, haggle, as it is an easy fix.
Clonks on drive train and suspension : haggle, all are easy fixes, not expensive and can be done yourself. (part of the fun)
Sports wheels, or alloys do not add to the value of the car. You can get those later anyhow.
Check for dried out rubberwork, and splits in dash. Tough one!!
Take a magnet along: Bondo rules far too much.
Take along someone in the know when prospecting.
Good luck!