PHILIP HURRING’S 1971 ALFA ROMEO 1750 BERLINA

Philip Hurring has a well-practised reply when people ask him who applied the paint on his Alfa: “Some guy in Milan!” That’s how original his 1750 Berlina is.

Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, this 105 Series 1750 Berlina was delivered new to Dunedin in 1971 and subsequently sold to Mr Millar of Mosgiel. Later, Philip’s father, a Ministry of Transport– sanctioned driving instructor, actually tested Mr Millar for his over-70 driver’s license in the Alfa Romeo — every year for 18 years, in fact — and got to know him very well. When Mr Millar passed away, Philip’s father was able to buy the car, and he cherished it for 15 years before it ended up in Philip’s ownership — there were too many Alfas in the family already, but there was no way Philip would let this one out of the family, having known the car’s original owner as well as sharing a long-time passion for Alfas with his parents.

Today, the three-owner Alfa shows only 84,000 miles (135,184kms) on the clock and is in completely original, unrestored condition — and that includes the upholstery, carpets, and all the trim and fittings. Only the usual service items have been replaced, such as filters, brake pads, fluids, clutch plate and hydraulic cylinders, and water pump, and the head gasket has been refreshed. All original documents are with the car, including Mr Millar’s original handwritten logbook.

Philip uses the Berlina sparingly but enthusiastically; it is a very strong performer, with its twin-cam motor boasting a beautiful power band and its typically good Alfa Romeo handling. He has enjoyed a number of trips up and down New Zealand, and his perfect quick drive is from one end of Lindis Pass to the other.

Philip, a professional consultant in health and fitness, believes good things should, and can, last a very long time.