Classic Alfa as an everyday car?
Discussion
Am thinking about 'investing' in a classic Alfa Romeo Spider 1970's vintage, would it be silly to think that I can run this as an everyday car? I don't have a garage, but will have it professionally rust proofed (if its possible to rust proof any 70's car). Also it will be sitting for fairly long periods of time (2-8 weeks) as I work offshore. Am I dreaming or is it possible?
I don't mind having to jump start it when I get back from offshore as I have to do this anyway with my current Alfa.
Only thing is due to not having a garage I think that it would probably deteriorate quite quickly, would it be worth getting a decent outdoors car cover?
Opinions please.
Thank you
I don't mind having to jump start it when I get back from offshore as I have to do this anyway with my current Alfa.
Only thing is due to not having a garage I think that it would probably deteriorate quite quickly, would it be worth getting a decent outdoors car cover?
Opinions please.
Thank you
I would only do it with a car that's had a bare metal restoration, because that's the only way you'll have a properly rust-free, protected body to begin with that won't deteriorate (or won't deteriorate faster than a modern car). And you would definitely need a good breathable outdoor cover - you might as well minimise the amount of water that goes into drains/doors/channels etc and the softtop won't be fully watertight. Also, it means you won't be worried about the car dissolving every time it rains.
My Alfa was my only car for 3 years and it lived outside under a cover (didn't need to commute though). If properly maintained the cars are very reliable, though regular use helps a lot, so you might find the car's brakes seizing, for example, if you only use it every couple of months.
I'm now having to fork out for some rust repairs but these were already present when I bought the car (typical story - much more rust than I thought). In hindsight I should have just forked out for an immaculate car as the overall economics won't be much different and I would have enjoyed a better car from day one (and not dreaded rainy days).
My Alfa was my only car for 3 years and it lived outside under a cover (didn't need to commute though). If properly maintained the cars are very reliable, though regular use helps a lot, so you might find the car's brakes seizing, for example, if you only use it every couple of months.
I'm now having to fork out for some rust repairs but these were already present when I bought the car (typical story - much more rust than I thought). In hindsight I should have just forked out for an immaculate car as the overall economics won't be much different and I would have enjoyed a better car from day one (and not dreaded rainy days).
I don't need to do a commute, thank goodness.
I might ask my neighbours if I could use their garage whilst I'm offshore. It is a very preeeety car after all so they shouldn't mind (too much) plus I'm sure I could pay them in beer. I was also thinking about getting a cheep run around for the winter (read Alfa 145) or keeping my current car as the salt on the roads would be a killer.
I think I am going to buy one as they are so beautiful and I have wanted one for ages. I just don't want to ruin it!
Typically how much are the servicing costs and whatnot on your Alfa?
I might ask my neighbours if I could use their garage whilst I'm offshore. It is a very preeeety car after all so they shouldn't mind (too much) plus I'm sure I could pay them in beer. I was also thinking about getting a cheep run around for the winter (read Alfa 145) or keeping my current car as the salt on the roads would be a killer.
I think I am going to buy one as they are so beautiful and I have wanted one for ages. I just don't want to ruin it!
Typically how much are the servicing costs and whatnot on your Alfa?
Hi Alfa Chick
I ran an S4 Spider as daily driver for 3+ years and kept it outside no problem. The S4 was the last incarnation from 90-93, still with the same classic shape but a few more mod cons and a slightly more galvanised body (they are still prone to rust though). The 70's Spider will be an S2, if you buy a sorted one then yes, it should be no more costly than most but it does deserve to live in a garage.
There are quite a few threads with similar questions on www.alfaowner.com worth checking out.
Its a great car and if you buy a good one you will not regret it!
Good luck
I ran an S4 Spider as daily driver for 3+ years and kept it outside no problem. The S4 was the last incarnation from 90-93, still with the same classic shape but a few more mod cons and a slightly more galvanised body (they are still prone to rust though). The 70's Spider will be an S2, if you buy a sorted one then yes, it should be no more costly than most but it does deserve to live in a garage.
There are quite a few threads with similar questions on www.alfaowner.com worth checking out.
Its a great car and if you buy a good one you will not regret it!
Good luck
helen, they are lovely cars but the biggest problem is that the rust is very likely to be there already before you start. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the quality of the steel bought by Alfa was the issue. Re constituted or something from Russia. Your best bet is rust proofing but also a garage with some heat and a dehumidifier. I'm lucky that I have an insulated garage with both and the brake discs don't even tarnish. The down side it was a three car garage but now it fits only one. Don't ask.
Well I have a very generous friend who has offered to keep it in his garage when I am offshore in exchange for being a named driver, so that is one hurdle overcome.
How are these cars on reliablility? I would be looking to do a few road trips in her as I feel this is one of the best ways to enjoy (and get to know) a car. Would a 30 year old Alfa be up to the job?
Also anything to watch out for with these cars when buying, apart from the obvious rust?
Thanks for all your input guys!
Helen
How are these cars on reliablility? I would be looking to do a few road trips in her as I feel this is one of the best ways to enjoy (and get to know) a car. Would a 30 year old Alfa be up to the job?
Also anything to watch out for with these cars when buying, apart from the obvious rust?
Thanks for all your input guys!
Helen
They are pretty well engineered so if they are well maintained, they are very reliable. I've done a few 700 mile weekend trips (two in constant rain) with no problems, and a few trackdays. Alfa specialists charge around £35-£45 per hour so routine maintenance should not cost any more than other cars.
Buy in excellent condition (with pre-purchase inspection by a reputable specialist), and be pro-active with maintenance (e.g. drop it in every 6 months to a specialist for a quick checkover/test drive) and you'll love it.
Oh, and the worst quality steel was used from around 1973 to perhaps the mid 80s. Cars earlier than that are no worse than other cars of the era.
Brad
Buy in excellent condition (with pre-purchase inspection by a reputable specialist), and be pro-active with maintenance (e.g. drop it in every 6 months to a specialist for a quick checkover/test drive) and you'll love it.
Oh, and the worst quality steel was used from around 1973 to perhaps the mid 80s. Cars earlier than that are no worse than other cars of the era.
Brad
gahKeep looking Alfachick, there will be others. IMO the best two Spiders were the original Duetto for it's pure looks, or the S4 fr it's galvanised body, power steering etc.
You are also likely to be able to find a better example of an S4 too, as the galvanised body did't rust as bad. The S2 is a prettier car than the S4, I agree, but I should think you will find an S4 more suitable as an occasional use car. Didn't mention S3's did I.... don't like them much to be honest, worst looking of the bunch and just as prone to rust as an S2 or S1.
You need to keep it in a Garage though and make sure you fit a battery isolator switch so you can switch it all off when you leave it. A trickle charger would be a good idea too, but I appreciate if it's the neighbours leccy that might not be an option.
You are also likely to be able to find a better example of an S4 too, as the galvanised body did't rust as bad. The S2 is a prettier car than the S4, I agree, but I should think you will find an S4 more suitable as an occasional use car. Didn't mention S3's did I.... don't like them much to be honest, worst looking of the bunch and just as prone to rust as an S2 or S1.
You need to keep it in a Garage though and make sure you fit a battery isolator switch so you can switch it all off when you leave it. A trickle charger would be a good idea too, but I appreciate if it's the neighbours leccy that might not be an option.
I know its been a while 
But I have finally found another S2 Spider that I like. I will be going down to look at it this week. I have some pics of the underside and its slightly worrying what do you think to it? Acceptable for a 38 year old car or not?
I will be spending some money getting it cleaned and waxoiled at my local Alfa specialist if I get the car.
So thoughts? The jacking points look in good nick but the sills look a bit suspicious, could be signs of more rot inside?
Cheers folks
But I have finally found another S2 Spider that I like. I will be going down to look at it this week. I have some pics of the underside and its slightly worrying what do you think to it? Acceptable for a 38 year old car or not? I will be spending some money getting it cleaned and waxoiled at my local Alfa specialist if I get the car.
So thoughts? The jacking points look in good nick but the sills look a bit suspicious, could be signs of more rot inside?
Cheers folks
Very strongly suggest you get an expert to look over the car first or alternatively phone one of the usual suspects as listed below and ask if they know of any decent cars that are for sale as many of these are either advertised on their website or in the case of Ian Ellis and Richard or Max Banks , they may even have restored the car themselves.
Having bought a 2000 GTV for £4000 I have spent over £8000 getting up into good condition as the brakes, gearbox, and all sorts of sundries needed sorting out. What you don’t want is to be driving a rolling restoration and need to buy one where the bodywork is sorted as it can be a nightmare. From the photos you have shown, you would need to look carefully at front and back ends of both sills and at the very least, lift the carpets to see the inner sills and footwell/floors as this is where a lot of your money will land up if rotten or needing work as minor bubbling at the surface can herald substantial hidden rust. For some idea of how these can turn up, see http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/gt-1965-1974/14696... well worth registering on this website for free and following some threads.
Like buying a house, be prepared to look at many. From one of my replies to a similar thread - have bought a number of Alfas on my own but for logistical reasons, recently got an Alfetta expert Alex Jupe to inspect and collect a GTV6 I was interested in. The costs of him inspecting, collecting and towing the car were far outweighed by the fact that he was able to professionally appraise the car and was probably the best Alfa I have bought (although it looked a bit rough to the naked eye due to faded paint).
NB NB The magazines always cite experts in saying buy the best example you can afford - this is true - but the key is identifying which exactly are the best examples - the scruffy looking one with faded paint but totally originally and untouched with no rust - versus the pristine looking recently sprayed beauty hiding a list of horrors - you pays your money.....there is an article on one of this months classic car mags about somebody buying a S2 Spider to hire out and a decent looking car eventually cost around £20K to fully restore
Like many classic cars and especially Italian cars, these actually are more reliable if you use them regularly. Personally I would go for a pre-73 GT coupe such as a GT junior which will generally be worth more than the equivalent spider if and when you choose to sell .
Ian Ellis 01273 857077 or http://www.ianellisalfas.co.uk/
Richard or Max Banks (Alfaholics) 0845 458 1570 or 01275 349449 or http://www.alfaholics.com/
Richard at Classic AlfaTel: 020 8679 0707 or http://www.classicalfa.com/
Chris Sweetapple Highwood Alfa: 01792-23431 or http://www.highwoodalfa.com/
Also worth joining Alfa Owners Club and speaking to your local section for cars for sale:
I would tend to avoid ebay (unless you know the vendor or know beforehand) as many of the cars may be bodged or tarted up for sale.
Worth speaking to them as the latter tow are the ones you will be phoning for parts anyway.
Hope this helps
Just my .04 euros
Having bought a 2000 GTV for £4000 I have spent over £8000 getting up into good condition as the brakes, gearbox, and all sorts of sundries needed sorting out. What you don’t want is to be driving a rolling restoration and need to buy one where the bodywork is sorted as it can be a nightmare. From the photos you have shown, you would need to look carefully at front and back ends of both sills and at the very least, lift the carpets to see the inner sills and footwell/floors as this is where a lot of your money will land up if rotten or needing work as minor bubbling at the surface can herald substantial hidden rust. For some idea of how these can turn up, see http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/gt-1965-1974/14696... well worth registering on this website for free and following some threads.
Like buying a house, be prepared to look at many. From one of my replies to a similar thread - have bought a number of Alfas on my own but for logistical reasons, recently got an Alfetta expert Alex Jupe to inspect and collect a GTV6 I was interested in. The costs of him inspecting, collecting and towing the car were far outweighed by the fact that he was able to professionally appraise the car and was probably the best Alfa I have bought (although it looked a bit rough to the naked eye due to faded paint).
NB NB The magazines always cite experts in saying buy the best example you can afford - this is true - but the key is identifying which exactly are the best examples - the scruffy looking one with faded paint but totally originally and untouched with no rust - versus the pristine looking recently sprayed beauty hiding a list of horrors - you pays your money.....there is an article on one of this months classic car mags about somebody buying a S2 Spider to hire out and a decent looking car eventually cost around £20K to fully restore
Like many classic cars and especially Italian cars, these actually are more reliable if you use them regularly. Personally I would go for a pre-73 GT coupe such as a GT junior which will generally be worth more than the equivalent spider if and when you choose to sell .
Ian Ellis 01273 857077 or http://www.ianellisalfas.co.uk/
Richard or Max Banks (Alfaholics) 0845 458 1570 or 01275 349449 or http://www.alfaholics.com/
Richard at Classic AlfaTel: 020 8679 0707 or http://www.classicalfa.com/
Chris Sweetapple Highwood Alfa: 01792-23431 or http://www.highwoodalfa.com/
Also worth joining Alfa Owners Club and speaking to your local section for cars for sale:
I would tend to avoid ebay (unless you know the vendor or know beforehand) as many of the cars may be bodged or tarted up for sale.
Worth speaking to them as the latter tow are the ones you will be phoning for parts anyway.
Hope this helps
Just my .04 euros
Alfachick said:
Am thinking about 'investing' in a classic Alfa Romeo Spider 1970's vintage, would it be silly to think that I can run this as an everyday car? I don't have a garage, but will have it professionally rust proofed (if its possible to rust proof any 70's car). Also it will be sitting for fairly long periods of time (2-8 weeks) as I work offshore. Am I dreaming or is it possible?
I don't mind having to jump start it when I get back from offshore as I have to do this anyway with my current Alfa.
Only thing is due to not having a garage I think that it would probably deteriorate quite quickly, would it be worth getting a decent outdoors car cover?
Opinions please.
Thank you
Frankly, unless you have a bottomless wallet, you have to be joking. Classic Alfas need a garage even when you drive them. I remember seeing the new GTV at Roger Clark's garage at Narborough in the early 80s and the headlamp reflectors were already brown with rust in the showroom. Avoid!I don't mind having to jump start it when I get back from offshore as I have to do this anyway with my current Alfa.
Only thing is due to not having a garage I think that it would probably deteriorate quite quickly, would it be worth getting a decent outdoors car cover?
Opinions please.
Thank you
arguti:
Well my budget is about 6-7k no more. Having looked at the price guides 6k seems about right for a car that is needing some work. I can't afford to get a totally mint car and I wouldn't like to buy a totally mint car as an everyday driver as it would get ruined very quickly.
I don't mind having to replace the sills on the car at a later date - this winter probably.
The only thing that I don't want to have is a car that will need like you say a total rolling restoration while I am trying to use it this summer.
The car will be taken off the road in the winter and treated to some new metal probably.
Will have to see what it is like when I go down to see it with my magnet and rust poker....
Thanks for the advice
I also have some pics of the floor pans under the carpet and they look fine. They were one of the areas I was the most worried about!
Well my budget is about 6-7k no more. Having looked at the price guides 6k seems about right for a car that is needing some work. I can't afford to get a totally mint car and I wouldn't like to buy a totally mint car as an everyday driver as it would get ruined very quickly.
I don't mind having to replace the sills on the car at a later date - this winter probably.
The only thing that I don't want to have is a car that will need like you say a total rolling restoration while I am trying to use it this summer.
The car will be taken off the road in the winter and treated to some new metal probably.
Will have to see what it is like when I go down to see it with my magnet and rust poker....
Thanks for the advice
I also have some pics of the floor pans under the carpet and they look fine. They were one of the areas I was the most worried about!
arguti said:
For some idea of how these can turn up, see http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/gt-1965-1974/14696... well worth registering on this website for free and following some threads.
I have just joined up there, what a fab site! SO much information as well.Cheers for pointing it out.
Remember that Alfabb is written in American and they don't have much of a sense of humour!
That underside doesn't look too bad, but have a good poke about. If it's surface rust it will clean up and treat. If it's more deep rooted it's more of a worry. Have a look around the rail where the master cylinder bolts through, that looks a bit crispy. Also have a good look round the front crossmember where the anti roll bar mounts and the "boxes" where the top arms mount as they're a pig to repair.
That underside doesn't look too bad, but have a good poke about. If it's surface rust it will clean up and treat. If it's more deep rooted it's more of a worry. Have a look around the rail where the master cylinder bolts through, that looks a bit crispy. Also have a good look round the front crossmember where the anti roll bar mounts and the "boxes" where the top arms mount as they're a pig to repair.
arguti said:
Alfachick
At that price level if a spider is what you want, then definitely speak to the experts as per my previous post as it sounds like a S4 spider might be the best value option.
At that price level if a spider is what you want, then definitely speak to the experts as per my previous post as it sounds like a S4 spider might be the best value option.
Much better corrosion resistance / rust proofing, fuel injection and modern upgrades to the interior and chassis.
Definitely a better bet as an everyday car.
Try and find one with a hard top if you can, for winter use.
Hi there, I have a 1750 GTV and it's a lovely, lovely car...simply wonderful to drive. The previous owner used it as a daily driver and racked up 70,000 miles in it over 5 years. It never let him down once, and in the three years I've had it it's never let me down either.
However, and here's the rub, it was a very good, solid car to begin with and it was properly maintained. Don't think for a moment you can buy one cheap and all will be well. These things are approaching 40 years old. You should really be thinking about buying the MOST expensive one you can afford. Everything mechanical is fixable, but the bodywork and chassis must be rust-free.
That said, buy one. You're only on this planet once, enjoy it if you have the chance.
However, and here's the rub, it was a very good, solid car to begin with and it was properly maintained. Don't think for a moment you can buy one cheap and all will be well. These things are approaching 40 years old. You should really be thinking about buying the MOST expensive one you can afford. Everything mechanical is fixable, but the bodywork and chassis must be rust-free.
That said, buy one. You're only on this planet once, enjoy it if you have the chance.
Hi there, I have a 1750 GTV and it's a lovely, lovely car...simply wonderful to drive. The previous owner used it as a daily driver and racked up 70,000 miles in it over 5 years. It never let him down once, and in the three years I've had it it's never let me down either.
However, and here's the rub, it was a very good, solid car to begin with and it was properly maintained. Don't think for a moment you can buy one cheap and all will be well. These things are approaching 40 years old. You should really be thinking about buying the MOST expensive one you can afford. Everything mechanical is fixable, but the bodywork and chassis must be rust-free.
That said, buy one. You're only on this planet once, enjoy it if you have the chance.
However, and here's the rub, it was a very good, solid car to begin with and it was properly maintained. Don't think for a moment you can buy one cheap and all will be well. These things are approaching 40 years old. You should really be thinking about buying the MOST expensive one you can afford. Everything mechanical is fixable, but the bodywork and chassis must be rust-free.
That said, buy one. You're only on this planet once, enjoy it if you have the chance.
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