Been toying with the idea of getting a GTV6 for a while now, so signed up to the forum to find a little bit more about them. Just thought I'd say hello
Anyone else from the UK on the forum?
Chris.
I used one as a daily driver from 1998 to 2006. Had to spend some money on it but not that much. The hardest thing was finding a good garage that understood it. Once this happend it was very reliable and a treat to drive. I still have it but a growing family has pushed it into semi-retirement. I still miss driving it every day, but it always fires up first time, sometimes after months left standing. In the UK beware of dodgy demisting, I bought mine in the UK but soon moved to drier, warmer Spain. Buy the best you can afford and get a good specialist to look after it, there are plenty in the UK. Ask the Alfa club or get a recommendation on this site. My Alfa broke down once in 8 years and never refused to start in the morning! In the 90s it could still kick the arse of most BMW, Mercedes on the Spanish autopistas of the time! Then came the big turbodiesels!
¡Si me gusta conducir, es porque conduzco un Alfa!
'84 GTV6 UK spec back on the road after 4 years!
05 Corolla daily driver
'84 GTV6 UK spec back on the road after 4 years!
05 Corolla daily driver
Hey Chris 71,
Im from the UK, and have had GTv6's for the last 10 years or so over here, and I would have to say a definate NO to a daily driver in the UK. There's just far too much traffic and salt on the roads in the uk, to name just a few reasons as to why not, and I havent even touched on fuel prices! Fantastic as a second car though. Although this does depend on your circumstances, ie what type of commuting you do, where you live etc etc, but on the whole the UK is a harsh envoironment for a GTV daily.
Im from the UK, and have had GTv6's for the last 10 years or so over here, and I would have to say a definate NO to a daily driver in the UK. There's just far too much traffic and salt on the roads in the uk, to name just a few reasons as to why not, and I havent even touched on fuel prices! Fantastic as a second car though. Although this does depend on your circumstances, ie what type of commuting you do, where you live etc etc, but on the whole the UK is a harsh envoironment for a GTV daily.
Huy guys.
Thanks for the ubiased replies. I had been a little worried about their suitability for daily use (50 mile round trip commute on the M25 or about half that on B-roads depending on where I'm based) I'm also conscious that something like a BMW 328 coupe would be quicker, more practical and probably more reliable. The thing is I get bored of mundane cars quite easily and I think a blood red alfa with that V6 in it, would be a rather different matter to a run of the mill sports saloon.
The idea is to get something interesting, RWD and capable of everyday use. Currently, the other cars I'm looking at are things like a 944, Lotus Excel, Scimitar GTE, SD1 Vitesse and (somewhat more sensibly) a variety of 3 series variants. They all have their plus points, but with the possible exception of the Lotus I don't think any of them are quite so evocative!
Thanks for the ubiased replies. I had been a little worried about their suitability for daily use (50 mile round trip commute on the M25 or about half that on B-roads depending on where I'm based) I'm also conscious that something like a BMW 328 coupe would be quicker, more practical and probably more reliable. The thing is I get bored of mundane cars quite easily and I think a blood red alfa with that V6 in it, would be a rather different matter to a run of the mill sports saloon.
The idea is to get something interesting, RWD and capable of everyday use. Currently, the other cars I'm looking at are things like a 944, Lotus Excel, Scimitar GTE, SD1 Vitesse and (somewhat more sensibly) a variety of 3 series variants. They all have their plus points, but with the possible exception of the Lotus I don't think any of them are quite so evocative!
Huy guys.
Thanks for the ubiased replies. I had been a little worried about their suitability for daily use (50 mile round trip commute on the M25 or about half that on B-roads depending on where I'm based) I'm also conscious that something like a BMW 328 coupe would be quicker, more practical and probably more reliable. The thing is I get bored of mundane cars quite easily and I think a blood red alfa with that V6 in it, would be a rather different matter to a run of the mill sports saloon.
The idea is to get something interesting, RWD and capable of everyday use. Currently, the other cars I'm looking at are things like a 944, Lotus Excel, Scimitar GTE, SD1 Vitesse and (somewhat more sensibly) a variety of 3 series variants. They all have their plus points, but with the possible exception of the Lotus I don't think any of them are quite so evocative!
Thanks for the ubiased replies. I had been a little worried about their suitability for daily use (50 mile round trip commute on the M25 or about half that on B-roads depending on where I'm based) I'm also conscious that something like a BMW 328 coupe would be quicker, more practical and probably more reliable. The thing is I get bored of mundane cars quite easily and I think a blood red alfa with that V6 in it, would be a rather different matter to a run of the mill sports saloon.
The idea is to get something interesting, RWD and capable of everyday use. Currently, the other cars I'm looking at are things like a 944, Lotus Excel, Scimitar GTE, SD1 Vitesse and (somewhat more sensibly) a variety of 3 series variants. They all have their plus points, but with the possible exception of the Lotus I don't think any of them are quite so evocative!
I used the the GTV6 as a daily driver for 4 months cause the Company I work for gave us free parking for all employees. Now sadly the CEO decided to take that luxury from us so I´m taking the bus again.I cant tell how expensive is to use it daily, but I can tell you it gave me a reason to get out of the bed in the morning. I dont care how fast other cars go, just listening to the 12v 2.5 sing is the healthiest way of starting the day. And at the end, after a hard working day at the office, on your drive home that V6 brings life to your soul again. No matter how hard the day at work was, you always get home with a smile on your face. The driving experience and sound of a GTV6 only can be matched by a V12 Ferrari.
84 GTV6
96 M3
96 M3
I have been using GTV6's as daily drivers for most of my life now.Service them properly and you shouldn't pick up any problems.Have to agree that just being able to hear that V6 sing on the way home helps to alleviate the stress of work and traffic.
Fuel though is a major expense for us South Africans as it is for you in England.It eats up a chunk of my income feeding that 3.6L... :shock The main culprit being an overwhelming desire to have the tacho needle meet the red paint at any appropriate opportunity...
Like you driving a dull run of the mill car would have me opting for suicide in no time.
Fuel though is a major expense for us South Africans as it is for you in England.It eats up a chunk of my income feeding that 3.6L... :shock The main culprit being an overwhelming desire to have the tacho needle meet the red paint at any appropriate opportunity...
Like you driving a dull run of the mill car would have me opting for suicide in no time.
"Racing is life,everything before and after is just waiting."- Steve Mqueen
ahh yes they do sing wondefuly dont they...i find myself holding gears much longer than needed for thisFernando wrote:The main culprit being an overwhelming desire to have the tacho needle meet the red paint at any appropriate opportunity...
but averageing 30mpg with my 2.5 keeps the wallet happy..considering ive got several v8's that get about 12mpg lol
Have noticed most people replying live in nice warm, dry places. Do I detect there might be a bit of a rust issue with the GTV? 
My parents used to have a 4 cylinder alfetta GTV and apparently that was still mechanically perfect at the point you could stick your fingers through the bodywork! Have heard they used a different source of steel for the V6's though?
Oh - random question, does anyone know if the GTV came with any other V6s as standard in the european/UK market? See a lot of 3.0 ones, guess they're usually a transplant from the '75?
The alfa is easy to dismiss (on sensible criteria) then I see one, or better still, hear one and like you say - can't help thinking it'd cheer up a dull day at work.
My parents used to have a 4 cylinder alfetta GTV and apparently that was still mechanically perfect at the point you could stick your fingers through the bodywork! Have heard they used a different source of steel for the V6's though?
Oh - random question, does anyone know if the GTV came with any other V6s as standard in the european/UK market? See a lot of 3.0 ones, guess they're usually a transplant from the '75?
The alfa is easy to dismiss (on sensible criteria) then I see one, or better still, hear one and like you say - can't help thinking it'd cheer up a dull day at work.
Mine lived in cold salty Cambridgeshire from 1984 to 1998. I had some pretty major welding done in 2001. No worse than many other cars of the period, how many mid 80s cars do you see on the road these days in the UK? I think if you get a good one, regularly treat it with waxoyl and inspect it every year, it should last a while. Salt is a real killer though...All GTV6s were 2.5s except about 200 South African ones that had a special 3.0 for homologation into Group B to take on the BMW 535. There is plenty on this forum about those. The 75 engine is a straight swap, mine has a 75 engine, unfortunately the 2.5...
¡Si me gusta conducir, es porque conduzco un Alfa!
'84 GTV6 UK spec back on the road after 4 years!
05 Corolla daily driver
'84 GTV6 UK spec back on the road after 4 years!
05 Corolla daily driver
chris 71,
I remember going through the same apprehesion when looking, and it was hard to try and pick the bones out of all the advise I was getting, so
heres a very quick guide, UK wise. Hopefully will help you avoid a lemon........if you need more info ask away, theres a wealth of knowledge on this excellent site. Sorry for the lengthy post!
would agree with simon b. GTVs are different approach in the UK, but Simon B is right, with the GTV6 in the uk a well ventilated, dry garage to put away at night, and getting a good almost rust free in the first place!. inspection up on a hydraulic lift at your local garage every 4-6 months is a must.
CAVITY AND UNDERBODY PROTECTION
stay on top of undersealing and wax oil as simonb says ( though dont use wax oil on its own, its too thick, attracts debris and blocks drainage). The best stuff for inside the doors and cavities is Dinitrol, ACF50, or corrosion X, which actually penetrate the seams, unlike waxoil. wax oil thinned down alot with WD40 is ok a couple of times to seal in thre ACF50. keep drain channels free.
PRICE AND SERVICING.
Dont be tempted to buy anything for less than 2100 ish sterling, it will be utter rubbish, (unless you are lucky), like most of the cars that come up on ebay. Dont bother looking with classic dealers either, they are muppets! especially the usual Ital dealers in London!!! I dont have to name names, over priced and average. Some quite nice cars often come up on the AROC web site UK from 2500 upwards, a good one more like 3500 upwards. try some of the specialist mechanics, like Bianco Auto developments Reigate, Surrey or Alex Jupe Motorsports Fareham, Hampshire in your search.
I use Biancos for MOT's and other bits as they are on my doorstep, very strustworthy and honest garage, who know their alfas.
MECHANICALS.
2.5 tough as you like!! very unlikely you will find bottom end problems. Just be on the look out for duff head gaskets, and or valve stem oil seals etc. check water pump too. Crunchy second gear synchros are quite common, but dont let that put you off if the rest of the car is good. easily sorted.
Duff speedo senders common, seized electric window cable drums common. Heater blowers, just crap...period. contrary to popular rumour, electrics are pretty good generally. ignition and engine management, superb, rare to get starting problems even after months left.
CORROSION
inner wings/fenders, outer wings/fenders, rear arches, door bottoms, battery tray, rear chassis ( excellent water trap) , front jacking mounts and front scuttle panels. if these are good, buy, the rest is pretty tough. spares are reasonable body wise in the UK, apart from front wings/fenders, these are almost impossible to get now. So unless its easy to cut out and patch, dont buy.
GTV6 steel was the same as the rest of the alfettas, not great, but not as bad as they say. infact better than Vauxhall and Ford at the time. The issue was caused by greedy UK dealers skimming the additional Alfa Italia subsidy for additional under body sealing in the UK, and keeping it! that's fact, I had a friend that worked for 2 alfa dealers in the UK as a manager in the 80's. the subsidies were pocketed and the quality control certificates rubber stamped at major servicings, without the work being done.
My program. I take the car off of the road once a year for a month and pull all of the plastic off, spoilers, grills, carpets up, and have a good poke around with a torch etc, and top up the protection, also check the routing of all drainage pipes, often incorrectly installed from the factory. Oh and if you find a car with stained headlining from a long time blocked sunb roof drainage, walk away!!
PREVENTION is the answer with these cars in the UK, and good anti corrosion control products, not the off the shelf rubbish from high street stores.
Hope this rough guide helps you out. and happy hunting.
I remember going through the same apprehesion when looking, and it was hard to try and pick the bones out of all the advise I was getting, so
heres a very quick guide, UK wise. Hopefully will help you avoid a lemon........if you need more info ask away, theres a wealth of knowledge on this excellent site. Sorry for the lengthy post!
would agree with simon b. GTVs are different approach in the UK, but Simon B is right, with the GTV6 in the uk a well ventilated, dry garage to put away at night, and getting a good almost rust free in the first place!. inspection up on a hydraulic lift at your local garage every 4-6 months is a must.
CAVITY AND UNDERBODY PROTECTION
stay on top of undersealing and wax oil as simonb says ( though dont use wax oil on its own, its too thick, attracts debris and blocks drainage). The best stuff for inside the doors and cavities is Dinitrol, ACF50, or corrosion X, which actually penetrate the seams, unlike waxoil. wax oil thinned down alot with WD40 is ok a couple of times to seal in thre ACF50. keep drain channels free.
PRICE AND SERVICING.
Dont be tempted to buy anything for less than 2100 ish sterling, it will be utter rubbish, (unless you are lucky), like most of the cars that come up on ebay. Dont bother looking with classic dealers either, they are muppets! especially the usual Ital dealers in London!!! I dont have to name names, over priced and average. Some quite nice cars often come up on the AROC web site UK from 2500 upwards, a good one more like 3500 upwards. try some of the specialist mechanics, like Bianco Auto developments Reigate, Surrey or Alex Jupe Motorsports Fareham, Hampshire in your search.
I use Biancos for MOT's and other bits as they are on my doorstep, very strustworthy and honest garage, who know their alfas.
MECHANICALS.
2.5 tough as you like!! very unlikely you will find bottom end problems. Just be on the look out for duff head gaskets, and or valve stem oil seals etc. check water pump too. Crunchy second gear synchros are quite common, but dont let that put you off if the rest of the car is good. easily sorted.
Duff speedo senders common, seized electric window cable drums common. Heater blowers, just crap...period. contrary to popular rumour, electrics are pretty good generally. ignition and engine management, superb, rare to get starting problems even after months left.
CORROSION
inner wings/fenders, outer wings/fenders, rear arches, door bottoms, battery tray, rear chassis ( excellent water trap) , front jacking mounts and front scuttle panels. if these are good, buy, the rest is pretty tough. spares are reasonable body wise in the UK, apart from front wings/fenders, these are almost impossible to get now. So unless its easy to cut out and patch, dont buy.
GTV6 steel was the same as the rest of the alfettas, not great, but not as bad as they say. infact better than Vauxhall and Ford at the time. The issue was caused by greedy UK dealers skimming the additional Alfa Italia subsidy for additional under body sealing in the UK, and keeping it! that's fact, I had a friend that worked for 2 alfa dealers in the UK as a manager in the 80's. the subsidies were pocketed and the quality control certificates rubber stamped at major servicings, without the work being done.
My program. I take the car off of the road once a year for a month and pull all of the plastic off, spoilers, grills, carpets up, and have a good poke around with a torch etc, and top up the protection, also check the routing of all drainage pipes, often incorrectly installed from the factory. Oh and if you find a car with stained headlining from a long time blocked sunb roof drainage, walk away!!
PREVENTION is the answer with these cars in the UK, and good anti corrosion control products, not the off the shelf rubbish from high street stores.
Hope this rough guide helps you out. and happy hunting.
Thanks MJR, that look's like some very useful info.
To be honest, I think I'm homing in on a 944 instead. I do prefer the GTV, but people have been known keep 944's outdoors and indeed use them for 250 or 300,000 miles without problems and with the seats folded the boot is huge.
Despite these problems, I would still seriously consider a GTV if one came up, but if we take Pistonheads.com as an example, that has 74 Porsche 944's listed and only one GTV6 which is in need of some TLC and at the other end of the country.
I'm not in any great hurry, but in the time it takes to find one possible example of a GTV I could have seen 10 of just about anything else because they're just so rare over here.
To be honest, I think I'm homing in on a 944 instead. I do prefer the GTV, but people have been known keep 944's outdoors and indeed use them for 250 or 300,000 miles without problems and with the seats folded the boot is huge.
Despite these problems, I would still seriously consider a GTV if one came up, but if we take Pistonheads.com as an example, that has 74 Porsche 944's listed and only one GTV6 which is in need of some TLC and at the other end of the country.
I'm not in any great hurry, but in the time it takes to find one possible example of a GTV I could have seen 10 of just about anything else because they're just so rare over here.
now you are letting logic and common sense creep in!
the beauty of the GTV is its rarety. and its definately a sound financial investement. over the next 3-4 years I think they will rocket in value over here. The numbers must be below 100 in the UK now??, and dwinddling fast.
Park the Audi....oops..... I mean the Porsche next to the GTV6, and watch em flock to the GTV. he he he. Still the 944 2.7 turbo aint a bad motor, trouble is within a few months of owning it, you will wish you had baught a 911 instead!. still hard to get a good 944 too. good luck though, which ever you eventually get.
the beauty of the GTV is its rarety. and its definately a sound financial investement. over the next 3-4 years I think they will rocket in value over here. The numbers must be below 100 in the UK now??, and dwinddling fast.
Park the Audi....oops..... I mean the Porsche next to the GTV6, and watch em flock to the GTV. he he he. Still the 944 2.7 turbo aint a bad motor, trouble is within a few months of owning it, you will wish you had baught a 911 instead!. still hard to get a good 944 too. good luck though, which ever you eventually get.