Alfa Romeo GTV (916) - Azzurro Nuvola
Discussion
ST270 said:
Cracking car and thread.
Any excuse to post up my old car - regret selling it, the sound was addictive.
When my rear suspension began to squeak I had the lot polybushed and it really tightens up the car (just for future reference)
Any excuse to post up my old car - regret selling it, the sound was addictive.
When my rear suspension began to squeak I had the lot polybushed and it really tightens up the car (just for future reference)
Jhonno said:
Really like a GTV! That looks lovely!
I wouldn't get too caught up with the idea of 17's being big personally.. I suspect they have to run 225/45 (?!) tyres which actually are a decent sidewall in today's world..
Thanks - that does look wonderful on the teledials... alas I think budget is going to be spent on other parts and a decent set of boots for the current wheels. Plus, the owner has been looking at the options and quite likes both the current 'softer' set and the latter 'teardrops'.I wouldn't get too caught up with the idea of 17's being big personally.. I suspect they have to run 225/45 (?!) tyres which actually are a decent sidewall in today's world..
Suspension is definitely in the crosshairs, but we have been pleasantly surprised so far how the current (largely original) setup is working correctly!
ajb85 said:
Watching anything GTV related with interest as I am currently considering one of these (in V6 form) or an R129 Mercedes SL320. Two very different cars, granted. It will probably boil down to which presents itself soonest, in the right condition, at the right money, and without having to swap ends of the country to buy it.
I agree with your point on prices rising when years gone by these cars were for peanuts; the iffy reputation Alfa have been synonymous with for decades in the UK has guaranteed ruinous depreciation. Twin spark 156s for example were everywhere, picked up handily, drove so nicely and are now so scarce. I've owned Alfas, loved them all (they didn't love me) had petrol and diesel yet never the V6. Not even driven one. I could do with some convincing from the Alfa brigade that they are worth the considerable outlay over the 4 cylinders..
What's space like in the back of a GTV for a child?
Indeed - amazing how certain cars just evaporate, especially when I'm now in the phase of my life where I remember 1990s cars being released and then seeing fresh, shiny ones on the road.I agree with your point on prices rising when years gone by these cars were for peanuts; the iffy reputation Alfa have been synonymous with for decades in the UK has guaranteed ruinous depreciation. Twin spark 156s for example were everywhere, picked up handily, drove so nicely and are now so scarce. I've owned Alfas, loved them all (they didn't love me) had petrol and diesel yet never the V6. Not even driven one. I could do with some convincing from the Alfa brigade that they are worth the considerable outlay over the 4 cylinders..
What's space like in the back of a GTV for a child?
The Alfa and the Merc I would think are quite different ends of the 90s spectrum, but both are well built and heavily enthusiast/specialist supported if they need work. The GTV really surprised me on a drive - very akin to the Fiat Coupe, its natural contempory, as a comportable cruiser for longer distances over any specific sports car focus. Definitely nicer than an MGF and even a Ford Puma for munching those miles.
If I were in the market for a 3ltr, I would aim to spend a lot more on a proper enthusiast owned example with loads of preventative maintence - rust, engine belts, suspension etc etc. Get a 'money put in' by last owner, labour of love, and pick it up for a relative bargain. But don't buy that 4k wheezing one with no history...!
Offspring accomodation - well, depends on their age and size. Its certainly not bad, and its a modern car - this isnt an MGB or those other beancans people get all whimsical and rose-tinted about. Ergonomics and getting a seat in/out might be an issue.
If I was really going to recommend a child-friendly V6 Alfa I would say track down the 8k 164 in black that's currently for sale on the Bay...
Edited by Spinakerr on Monday 10th July 23:23
I've had both the TS and 3.2 Busso
The TS was by far the better handling car; much more agile far less nose heavy. It also did around 30mpg. I struggled to get 17mpg in the 3.2. The Busso engine was musical, it sounded like an angry harp being played; the TS loved to be revved and also sounded great. I enjoyed my TS far more.
Back in 2011 I remember most 3.0 gtvs were 3-5k with the occasional 3.2 a few thousand more. I doubt anyone in the intervening period has made any money out of them as the maintenance costs would have cost a fortune.
The rear seats are occasional use only, but could accommodate a small child ok.
The TS was by far the better handling car; much more agile far less nose heavy. It also did around 30mpg. I struggled to get 17mpg in the 3.2. The Busso engine was musical, it sounded like an angry harp being played; the TS loved to be revved and also sounded great. I enjoyed my TS far more.
Back in 2011 I remember most 3.0 gtvs were 3-5k with the occasional 3.2 a few thousand more. I doubt anyone in the intervening period has made any money out of them as the maintenance costs would have cost a fortune.
The rear seats are occasional use only, but could accommodate a small child ok.
CarlosSainz100 said:
I've had both the TS and 3.2 Busso
The TS was by far the better handling car; much more agile far less nose heavy. It also did around 30mpg. I struggled to get 17mpg in the 3.2. The Busso engine was musical, it sounded like an angry harp being played; the TS loved to be revved and also sounded great. I enjoyed my TS far more.
Back in 2011 I remember most 3.0 gtvs were 3-5k with the occasional 3.2 a few thousand more. I doubt anyone in the intervening period has made any money out of them as the maintenance costs would have cost a fortune.
Angry harp is a great description! Yes I think now its a case of sorting the unloved but still running ones from the ones that have been truly maintained. For the 3ltr, best to get a truly solid one.The TS was by far the better handling car; much more agile far less nose heavy. It also did around 30mpg. I struggled to get 17mpg in the 3.2. The Busso engine was musical, it sounded like an angry harp being played; the TS loved to be revved and also sounded great. I enjoyed my TS far more.
Back in 2011 I remember most 3.0 gtvs were 3-5k with the occasional 3.2 a few thousand more. I doubt anyone in the intervening period has made any money out of them as the maintenance costs would have cost a fortune.
Cambs_Stuart said:
I missed this one Spinakerr!
I can't believe I'm the only one to wonder this. Which is fastest, the GTV or the 164?
Ha! We do have a big fleet at present for the ULEZ turnover, so easy to miss another one. I can't believe I'm the only one to wonder this. Which is fastest, the GTV or the 164?
No question - the GTV. The 16V (another 10-15bhp + less weight) = at least a second 0-60, and its very spritely!
Are the side slashes, headlamps and full width rear light strip taken from the Audi Quartz concept car?:
https://www.carrozzieri-italiani.com/listing/audi-...
I like the wheels on it. It's such a striking design does it need the more ornate teledials? The wheels on it are more faithful to the Audi Quartz concept car?
https://www.carrozzieri-italiani.com/listing/audi-...
I like the wheels on it. It's such a striking design does it need the more ornate teledials? The wheels on it are more faithful to the Audi Quartz concept car?
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Yes, in my one experience with an early TS Spider it was a terrible drive, with scuttle shake akin to a Saab 9-3. Very pretty to look at but one to avoid, sadly.Happy to report I joined the GTV fold earlier in the week, in the shape of this 1999 V6. After seeing such little use in recent years I was a bit dubious about pressing it into service and driving home 240+ miles. It performed faultlessly. So far, so pleased.
carinaman said:
Congratulations!
You may want to check the GTV section of the AlfaOwner forum for details on the relay mod. for the heated rear window. If it's not been done it may prevent a melted fusebox.
Thank you, I was not aware and a quick check it looks like this fix has already been completed. As always, I will check the work...!You may want to check the GTV section of the AlfaOwner forum for details on the relay mod. for the heated rear window. If it's not been done it may prevent a melted fusebox.
carinaman said:
Are the side slashes, headlamps and full width rear light strip taken from the Audi Quartz concept car?:
https://www.carrozzieri-italiani.com/listing/audi-...
I like the wheels on it. It's such a striking design does it need the more ornate teledials? The wheels on it are more faithful to the Audi Quartz concept car?
Ooooo interesting! I love this site, thank you for sending it over! Quartz is a brilliant name for a car too.https://www.carrozzieri-italiani.com/listing/audi-...
I like the wheels on it. It's such a striking design does it need the more ornate teledials? The wheels on it are more faithful to the Audi Quartz concept car?
only1ian said:
Ive had 3 GTV a ts, cup 76 and a 1999 v6 in Nuvelo Blue. I can tell you that yours is rocking horse poo rare with that interior. Is it electric?
It is not electric, no, but has all the Momo stamps. It looks very good in the pics and is all ok, no splits or tears but it does need some love to prevent it getting to the level of dissasembled carcass my wife's Saab 900 got to.ajb85 said:
Yes, in my one experience with an early TS Spider it was a terrible drive, with scuttle shake akin to a Saab 9-3. Very pretty to look at but one to avoid, sadly.
Happy to report I joined the GTV fold earlier in the week, in the shape of this 1999 V6. After seeing such little use in recent years I was a bit dubious about pressing it into service and driving home 240+ miles. It performed faultlessly. So far, so pleased.
This look brilliant, congratulations! the interior looks fantastic - and don't you think it is surprising quiet, tight and well built given all the usual Alfa baggage the armchair pundits spout? I am duly impressed by ours so far.Happy to report I joined the GTV fold earlier in the week, in the shape of this 1999 V6. After seeing such little use in recent years I was a bit dubious about pressing it into service and driving home 240+ miles. It performed faultlessly. So far, so pleased.
Thanks for all the comments - little write up on a little trip to follow.
We spent last week in Cornwall on a bit of a last minute decision, and despite my case for the MG 260, its last gasps of air con, droopy headlining and 'not being an Alfa Romeo' argument meant the GTV was goign to be our steed of choice.
As every review of the car whinged about the boot space, I am pleasantly surprised by how much we got in (5 night trip, including wetsuits/fins and my computer).
I removed the spare tyre, a dicey prospect on the horrible 'Dailyway' threadbare biscuits the car was on, with the agreement to stop at Micheldever Tyres en route to get a new full set.
The spare wheel unscrews as normal, then a deep socket takes out the boss/prong. Boss Prong, incedentaly, is a great name for an 8-bit arcade game.
The car had used about 500ml of oil in 1000 miles, so I recruited an old 1 litre 10w40 vessel and found a niche in the boot for it to live. Tyre and screenwash checked, we set off. En route, the 2000s Sony CD player turned out to be not only working but in resonable audio output territory, even with Portishead as a trip hop, somewhat muted test.
Unfortunately, while Micheldever had four Falken ZE310s at a decent price, it transpired the car had locking wheel nuts. CUe disgorgement of a full car's luggage and protracted ransacking of every nook and cranny. Nothing. Nada.... Nuts! The Micheldever team prodded the tyres a fair amount and said we 'should be ok' for Cornwall. One lad even said 'he'd been to the Ring and back on worse', which made me chuckle. I assume he meant Wagner's full production at the National Opera House.
We decidded to press on, carefully, while I scoured eBay and the Alfa forums for the correct wheel nut caps (they look normal at a glance, but require special caps that go on each nut, ratehr than a socket tool).
We had a great run down. Probably one of the best ever.
During the week the Alfa aquitted itself for Cornwallian lane diving, proving small and nimble while immensely satisfying at normal speeds.
It didnt miss a beat, which is more than can be said for the usual collection of terrying colanders people seem to fart down to region every day.
MOT exemptions...great idea...
Rejuvenated by a week in Fowey, we had a bit more of a 'normal' journey back, with several detours parallel to the A303 to dodge traffic and a pit stop to pick up a certain green Saab from its recent maintenance.
At home I was happy to find a set fo the correct locking wheel nut caps from a fellow alfa owner on the doorstep, and today my wife it heading off to Micheldever once more, so hopefully that particular type of risk will be significantly mitigated.
In the meantime, a week of no work has led to a large amount of service part purchasing...
As every review of the car whinged about the boot space, I am pleasantly surprised by how much we got in (5 night trip, including wetsuits/fins and my computer).
I removed the spare tyre, a dicey prospect on the horrible 'Dailyway' threadbare biscuits the car was on, with the agreement to stop at Micheldever Tyres en route to get a new full set.
The spare wheel unscrews as normal, then a deep socket takes out the boss/prong. Boss Prong, incedentaly, is a great name for an 8-bit arcade game.
The car had used about 500ml of oil in 1000 miles, so I recruited an old 1 litre 10w40 vessel and found a niche in the boot for it to live. Tyre and screenwash checked, we set off. En route, the 2000s Sony CD player turned out to be not only working but in resonable audio output territory, even with Portishead as a trip hop, somewhat muted test.
Unfortunately, while Micheldever had four Falken ZE310s at a decent price, it transpired the car had locking wheel nuts. CUe disgorgement of a full car's luggage and protracted ransacking of every nook and cranny. Nothing. Nada.... Nuts! The Micheldever team prodded the tyres a fair amount and said we 'should be ok' for Cornwall. One lad even said 'he'd been to the Ring and back on worse', which made me chuckle. I assume he meant Wagner's full production at the National Opera House.
We decidded to press on, carefully, while I scoured eBay and the Alfa forums for the correct wheel nut caps (they look normal at a glance, but require special caps that go on each nut, ratehr than a socket tool).
We had a great run down. Probably one of the best ever.
During the week the Alfa aquitted itself for Cornwallian lane diving, proving small and nimble while immensely satisfying at normal speeds.
It didnt miss a beat, which is more than can be said for the usual collection of terrying colanders people seem to fart down to region every day.
MOT exemptions...great idea...
Rejuvenated by a week in Fowey, we had a bit more of a 'normal' journey back, with several detours parallel to the A303 to dodge traffic and a pit stop to pick up a certain green Saab from its recent maintenance.
At home I was happy to find a set fo the correct locking wheel nut caps from a fellow alfa owner on the doorstep, and today my wife it heading off to Micheldever once more, so hopefully that particular type of risk will be significantly mitigated.
In the meantime, a week of no work has led to a large amount of service part purchasing...
StescoG66 said:
I do enjoy your musings Spin. Like your writing style. Reminds me a little of the now removed Breadvan..........
Ah yes Breadvan and r129 were significant inspirations to get me first posting on PH - a shame to miss them and their fleets.I'm glad these are of interest - while other 'social media' outputs have their place, these threads are my choice as they are actually also very helpful to just have it all in one location. The numebr of times I've gone through my own threads to find a part number or check a photo of how it should look... !
My wife took the new caps down to Micheldever on Friday and now has fresh Falkens and a full alignment. I'm keen to take it for a spin and see how different it is, but mainly I'm just relieved to be rid of the 'Dailyways' which were a daily way to find a disastrous end.
Spinakerr said:
This look brilliant, congratulations! the interior looks fantastic - and don't you think it is surprising quiet, tight and well built given all the usual Alfa baggage the armchair pundits spout? I am duly impressed by ours so far.
Absolutely, I was prepared for the crashy ride I recall from my 156 2.4 but was was pleasantly surprised at how compliant thie ride is in the GTV. And as you say: well built, squeak and rattle free, yet we’re still talking about an Alfa built bang in the middle of the “bad old days”.This one of mine has been very well maintained by all accounts HOWEVR I’m convinced something has gone unnoticed whenever it’s been up on the ramps at the garage for its checkovers, which it’s had an abundance of. I noticed on the test drive, with me sitting in the passenger seat, a terribly obtrusive roar - not rumble - from the n/s/f at 70mph. Not 60, not 65, it comes on strong at 70mph. This did not even register with the previous owner. I quizzed about a possible suspect wheel bearing and he shrugged it off suggesting it’s always been there in his 10 years ownership.
How’s yours at 70? I’ll head over to Alfa Owner for advice but thought you might be able to comment upon this having a GTV and countless Alfas beforehand. I could do with some affirmation that I’m probably right as I suspect that if I take it to my mechanic, have the car off the ground on ramps and therefore not under the load of its weight, a duff bearing might not rear its head.
Any opinions gratefully received.
ajb85 said:
Absolutely, I was prepared for the crashy ride I recall from my 156 2.4 but was was pleasantly surprised at how compliant thie ride is in the GTV. And as you say: well built, squeak and rattle free, yet we’re still talking about an Alfa built bang in the middle of the “bad old days”.
This one of mine has been very well maintained by all accounts HOWEVR I’m convinced something has gone unnoticed whenever it’s been up on the ramps at the garage for its checkovers, which it’s had an abundance of. I noticed on the test drive, with me sitting in the passenger seat, a terribly obtrusive roar - not rumble - from the n/s/f at 70mph. Not 60, not 65, it comes on strong at 70mph. This did not even register with the previous owner. I quizzed about a possible suspect wheel bearing and he shrugged it off suggesting it’s always been there in his 10 years ownership.
How’s yours at 70? I’ll head over to Alfa Owner for advice but thought you might be able to comment upon this having a GTV and countless Alfas beforehand. I could do with some affirmation that I’m probably right as I suspect that if I take it to my mechanic, have the car off the ground on ramps and therefore not under the load of its weight, a duff bearing might not rear its head.
Any opinions gratefully received.
Hmm I'm hoping some other owners will weigh in that have had many, many more GTVs than I, but if a roar starts quietly and increased at higher speed my initial though is a loose undertray or panel somewhere (even wheelarch liners... thanks Jaguar... took me weeks to figure that out). Wheel bearing...limited experience but worn ones for me are always a rumble across a wide speed range, increasing in volume, not something that comes on at exactly a certain speed. This one of mine has been very well maintained by all accounts HOWEVR I’m convinced something has gone unnoticed whenever it’s been up on the ramps at the garage for its checkovers, which it’s had an abundance of. I noticed on the test drive, with me sitting in the passenger seat, a terribly obtrusive roar - not rumble - from the n/s/f at 70mph. Not 60, not 65, it comes on strong at 70mph. This did not even register with the previous owner. I quizzed about a possible suspect wheel bearing and he shrugged it off suggesting it’s always been there in his 10 years ownership.
How’s yours at 70? I’ll head over to Alfa Owner for advice but thought you might be able to comment upon this having a GTV and countless Alfas beforehand. I could do with some affirmation that I’m probably right as I suspect that if I take it to my mechanic, have the car off the ground on ramps and therefore not under the load of its weight, a duff bearing might not rear its head.
Any opinions gratefully received.
Maybe a resonance from loose exhaust rubber? I had a squeak at 60 that drove me crazy in the 164 and it was the rubber under the bonnet lip by the catch!
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I'd love a gtv Spider, in that lurid green or yellow please. I do like an old Alfa, owned an Alfetta gtv2000, a Sud sprint and my personal favourite, the much maligned 145 'breadvan' 2 litre green cloverleaf. Absolute hoot. Keep up the good work man, loving the thread. I had, and loved, one of these as my first serious car, replacing a Punto that I’d abused appallingly. I bought it at around 18 months old from the then-dealer in Bournemouth (who naively took the Punto in p/ex) and I thought I was quite the thing.
I had a weekly commute from Dorset to London at the time and the Alfa beat a groove into the A303 travelling at a now thoroughly indecent lick. It never let me down and - other than occasionally locking me in - it was thoroughly foible free.
P640 DCY - did you survive!?
I had a weekly commute from Dorset to London at the time and the Alfa beat a groove into the A303 travelling at a now thoroughly indecent lick. It never let me down and - other than occasionally locking me in - it was thoroughly foible free.
P640 DCY - did you survive!?
I managed to prise the keys out of my wife's possession long enough today to complete some short, satisfying jobs.
GTV mats seems to be in short supply and original items command a bizarre premium. I contacted a breaker to nonchalantly ask for a set from a car advertised and secured a used set in good order. Of course, what turned up was in 'breaker status' - gloves required as it seemed every short haired mammal from the 2000s had shed on this set. Naturally, the rears looks factory fresh.
Fortunately I had borrowed a small wetvac a few weeks ago for cleaning the MG and so put it to work.
A satisfying result! The UV faded lower edges I can hoepfulyl tart up with the same potion I used on the 164 mats, which are exactly the same construction and colour.
As the car came with absolutely zero anything, I also nabbed a manual/handbook set.
Tired 'aero' wipers changed for bosch Super Plus, which I seem to use on all cars for a balance of quality and cost.
Finally, as the storm clouds gathered and summer thunder distantly bellowed, I cleaned up the number plates, added the correct 'capped' screws and cleaned up the exhaust tip (just the tip) with Autosol.
I then darted inside as the rain got into its groove. Hopefully the next few weeks will see some more time available to remove some rust, renew the airbox assembly and few odds and sods.
Its using around a litre every 1200 miles on oil, which seems high but not unusual for the 16V.
GTV mats seems to be in short supply and original items command a bizarre premium. I contacted a breaker to nonchalantly ask for a set from a car advertised and secured a used set in good order. Of course, what turned up was in 'breaker status' - gloves required as it seemed every short haired mammal from the 2000s had shed on this set. Naturally, the rears looks factory fresh.
Fortunately I had borrowed a small wetvac a few weeks ago for cleaning the MG and so put it to work.
A satisfying result! The UV faded lower edges I can hoepfulyl tart up with the same potion I used on the 164 mats, which are exactly the same construction and colour.
As the car came with absolutely zero anything, I also nabbed a manual/handbook set.
Tired 'aero' wipers changed for bosch Super Plus, which I seem to use on all cars for a balance of quality and cost.
Finally, as the storm clouds gathered and summer thunder distantly bellowed, I cleaned up the number plates, added the correct 'capped' screws and cleaned up the exhaust tip (just the tip) with Autosol.
I then darted inside as the rain got into its groove. Hopefully the next few weeks will see some more time available to remove some rust, renew the airbox assembly and few odds and sods.
Its using around a litre every 1200 miles on oil, which seems high but not unusual for the 16V.
Good work OP.
I'm not happy with the ride on my 3.0. It's Unacceptably harsh. It has been polybushed by a previous owner which is something I'd never do to a road car. That won't be helping but I'm not about to remove all the bushes.
Springs look ancient to me. Anyone able to recommend a good set up favouring ride comfort over performance with springs and shocks? Ultimate handling is low priority.
I'm not happy with the ride on my 3.0. It's Unacceptably harsh. It has been polybushed by a previous owner which is something I'd never do to a road car. That won't be helping but I'm not about to remove all the bushes.
Springs look ancient to me. Anyone able to recommend a good set up favouring ride comfort over performance with springs and shocks? Ultimate handling is low priority.
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