Alfa GTV 105, as daily driver

[Markh]

Just had a thought, how realistic would it be to use an Alfa Romeo GTV 105 as daily driver, I like the idea of stylish classic coupe to use everyday (with the obvious mods for modern traffic, cooling, brakes etc) my other options where a Volvo P1800 or a Jensen Healey GT or at a push a Porsche 951 (but the later is a bit new for me I feel)

cheers Mark

[niagra]

My daily commute used to be 10 miles each way (I now work from home - hurrah!) and I've always driven classic cars as daily drivers.

My last two have been a Sunbeam Lotus and an MGB GT, both were hard work in winter and heavy on fuel and the SL a bit hairy on wet days but both made the journey to work that much more bearable. I say go for it!

Dario

[jimmyjam]

Perfectly reasonable idea I think. As long as you are aware that it is 35-40 yr old car and will have the natural associated problems. I run a 105 coupe and could easily see myself using it daily if I was prepared to pay for the associated maintenance. It's a good size, keeps up with the traffic, easy to drive and maintain. You'll need to pay £8k-£10k+ now for a good one. No point in buying something cheaper if it is for everyday unless you're prepared to spend. You can fit modern twin spark engines if thats a preferred route.
Parts are readily available thanks to a few devoted retailers, help and advice is plentiful from the owners club and other forums.
I ran a 105 Spider as a daily driver for 3-4 years and loved it.
Do it!

[gareth h]

Provided you are handy with a spanner it shouldn't be a problem!

[Markh]

gareth h said:

Provided you are handy with a spanner it shouldn't be a problem!

And there lies the problem, I'm as handy as you are!

[Alfachick]

I am currently running a Alfa Spider 105 series as a daily driver (only for the last 3 weeks though). It is a very capable car. I would say go for it, the insurance and tax is much cheaper than a modern car so the money you save there can go towards the maintinance.
They are lovely cars to drive very comfy but a bit tiring on a long journey, and 3 point turns can be painfull
Buy a good one and you will not regret it.

[Markh]

Many thanks people, I think I'' go for it, was thinking of something like this

http://www.alfaholics.com/gallery/show_fullsize_im...

[coetzeeh]

They are a delight to drive and inexpensive to maintain - it just needs regular tlc - a bit like your Chimeara.

Buy a good one to start with.

ps - they will only get more expensive...

[jimmyjam]

coetzeeh said:

ps - they will only get more expensive...

Yes agree, they have been on a rapid rise, especially 1750's and then 2000's. There has been a noticeably small number coming to the market this year which is obviously helping to keep the prices keen too.

[RicksAlfas]

No reason why not. Disks all round and a five speed box gives them an advantage over some classics of the same age. I find it's only the heavy steering and lack of ventilation which makes them hard work over a modern.

[a8hex]

RicksAlfas said:

No reason why not. Disks all round and a five speed box gives them an advantage over some classics of the same age. I find it's only the heavy steering and lack of ventilation which makes them hard work over a modern.

Then it's probably got a torque curve much more suited to everyday driving than most modern cars do.

[Markh]

RicksAlfas said:

No reason why not. Disks all round and a five speed box gives them an advantage over some classics of the same age. I find it's only the heavy steering and lack of ventilation which makes them hard work over a modern.

Coming from a TVR, should be a breeze!

[velocemitch]

a8hex said:

RicksAlfas said:

No reason why not. Disks all round and a five speed box gives them an advantage over some classics of the same age. I find it's only the heavy steering and lack of ventilation which makes them hard work over a modern.

Then it's probably got a torque curve much more suited to everyday driving than most modern cars do.

Yes probably dead right there, I've driven a 1750 and a 2000GTV and the torque particularly on the 2000 is quite impressive, but more than that if you feel the need for revs it's got that too!.

My main reservation about using one as a daily driver would be the ventilation issue as Rick pointed out. The later Cars 72 onward are better in that respect though and you can buy an electricaly heated front windscreen these days too.