Buying Guide

Alfa Romeo 105 Series

Someone always says it whenever the fabled Italian marque is discussed: ‘ You’re not a proper car enthusiast unless you’ve owned an Alfa Romeo.’ True? Maybe not. But when it comes to the 105 Series it’s easy to see why any of us with petrol running through our veins might be tempted – and they make classic buys today.

Launched in 1964 to replace the 101 Series (although they overlapped for a time), the first to appear was the Giulia saloon, soon followed by a somewhat confusing but achingly pretty range of coupé variants, plus the stylish Spider. The first of the coupés was the Sprint GT that arrived in 1963 sporting delicately penned bodywork by Giorgetto Giugiaro, plus power from Alfa’s all-alloy, twin-cam. That same powerplant would be slotted into pretty much all 105 models over the years, in capacities ranging from 1.3 to two litres, and for sheer zest and character there are few engines to match it. Expansion of the range continued apace with the launch of models including the GT Junior, a more powerful Veloce version of the GT, and the one that’s gained almost mythical status amongst the Alfisti – the GTA.

The ‘A’ stood for ‘Alleggerita’, which is Italian for ‘ lightened’ and referred to lightweight construction featuring aluminium alloy panels; power was boosted by a twin-plug cylinder head.

It’s no surprise that the GTA fetches the highest prices, but those on a more modest budget won’t be disappointed whatever model they pick. And while a coupé or Spider will certainly turn heads, don’t dismiss the saloons; their grippy handling and perky engines will give you plenty of entertainment.

So maybe that old saying about owning an Alfa really is true – we should all own one…