[antipodean]

Hello everyone.

I am in the process of buying my first Alfa Romeo - an Alfa 105 - and am at the point where I would like an inspection done on the car by someone more qualified than me (not difficult, as I am not qualified at all!).
Any suggestions of Alfa specialists in Wellington familiar with older Alfas, and who would be able to do this would be much appreciated.

Thanks guys.
Steve.

 

[alfasprinter]

Shamless plug but Hutt City European in alicetown are all alfa nuts, myself included. give us a call on (04) 5692027

 

[Hans-Peter]

Put up some photos, someone probably knows the car.

 

[Hans-Peter]

Get a panelbeater to look at the body, thats the most important ( expensive) part of a 105, second hand body parts are pretty much not available in NZ, everything is available overseas new but expensive. Be fussy about trim
( again available but expensive), get Richard and his mates to look at the car, they probably know it anyway. 105's tend to fall into 2 groups , really nice, or restoration projects, I've never seen a scruffy but sound GTV for sale, later model spiders are a different story.

 

[antipodean]

@alfasprinter, thanks for the info. BTW I have received PM recommending you guys.

@Hans-Peter, I am very excited about the purchase, but will hold back on posting pictures until I have the keys on my keyring.

Cheers!
Steve.

 

[jonessjon]

Depending on where the cars located, for mechanicals Webbs auto services in Johnsonville (04) 478 2477. They always seem have a 105 (or 2) in the shop and know how to work with old fashioned cars. Talk to Keith (Webb).

I'm (still) Restoring a 105 myself so can confirm Hans' advice - The body is the minefield and needs a thorough inspection. The rust starts internally and isn't visible until very severe (see posts by RPCAS).

The mechanicals are easy to source and (at the moment from the UK) are reasonably cheap so don't worry about them. Trim - difficult to find replacements, but mostly Stainless Steel so clean up well

And don't be shy about giving up some info on the car. We won't steal it out from under you! IN fact you'll likely gain more useful information from the BB than from anywhere else, and might even get someone to help with the transport.

Best of luck
Jon

 

[antipodean]

Thanks Jon for your comments.
Not too worried about mechanicals, as I realise you can always rebuild those. As you mention, it is more the bodywork I need to feel comfortable with.
Not worried about someone "stealing" the car, but the current owner is also a member of this BB and also AROC so am currently checking with him to get the O.K. before posting details. In this day-n-age one can't be too careful about what to divulge.

Cheers,
Steve.