ALFA ROMEO GTV
ENGINE 1970cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 165bhp@6400rpm TORQUE 152lb ft@3250rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 137mph 0-60MPH 7.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 27-38mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, five-speed man MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 53,065 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The four-cylinder JTS engine fires up instantly and tackles busy town traffic with ease. The light clutch bites at half travel and the slick five-speed gearbox is easy to use. Performance is impressive and you don’t need to rev it hard because there is ample torque. The steering is direct and free from play while the firm suspension keeps body roll to a minimum, smoothing out uneven surfaces and keeping the cabin rattle-free. Powerful braking from the firm pedal inspires confidence, too.
BODYWORK CHECK
Alfa Red paint certainly suits the Pininfarina design. There are a couple of issues – the roof has suffered two bruises, there are several tiny stone chips in the front edge of the bonnet and a couple of small blemishes on the top edges of both doors where the lacquer coat has peeled. There’s also a touchedin scratch on the nearside rear quarter panel and two thumbnail-sized indentations on the boot lid, but the paint hasn’t cracked. The underside shows no evidence of corrosion and all four wheels wear new tyres, but
EXTERIOR
Rust-free Small paint blemishes
INTERIOR
Minimal wear Lusso specification
MECHANICALS
Smooth drivetrain No rattles there’s evidence of kerbing on the nearside front.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The cabin is very clean and in first-class condition. The Lusso-spec Momo black leather sports seats show minimal wear, even on the side bolsters, the door cards are unmarked, the carpets have been protected by overmats and the roof lining is as-new. Only the leather gear knob shows any sign of wear, in fact. All of the many dials operate as they should, likewise the electric windows and mirrors. The factory CD/ radio and air conditioning are all working correctly, too.
UNDER THE BONNET
There is no evidence of oil or
coolant leaks below the main plastic cover and the remainder of the engine bay is in generally very clean condition. The mileage is verified by a full service history carried out either within the dealer network or via specialists, including two timing belt replacements – the last of which was in 2015 at 43,000 miles. Most recently the GTV has received a new battery, rear discs and pads plus a full service, and the vendor has replaced the tyres and alternator.
THE CCW VIEW
Accurately described by the vendor as an affordable modern classic, this is a daily driver that can be used and enjoyed as it is. The handful of paint and panel issues are not unsightly and could be lived with, although most enthusiasts would probably look to address them, and the car seems to be priced accordingly. There’s little to fault the driving experience, either, the lovely JTS motor contributing to that ‘Alfa experience’ that we are all supposed to enjoy once in a lifetime. Worth checking out.
1970, 71,000 miles, £9,750, ono, 1098cc, white with red hood and upholstery, excellent condition, servo assisted front disc brakes, optronic ignition, alternator, cigar lighter, JVC radio 01451 509039, 07849 724107, Cotswolds 1991, 111,000 miles, £4,495, Very good condition all round, excellent chrome, immaculate interior c/w original radio module, MoT’d, photos on request, please call 07831 884788, 01763 289241, Hertfordshire 1990, 25,000 miles, £139,000, Miles from new, LHD, timewarp condition, finest examples, factory clearcoat underseal still visible, pristine Schwartz black hide, AC, lived in Spain, last of iconic 930 Turbos manufactured 0208 8783355, 07850 888880,Kew (T) www.ddclassics.com
128,000 £1395 (SOMERSET) 07754 688636
Star Silver, with full Red leather, 12 months MoT, HPI clear, fully auto hardtop, 4 e/windows, very smooth, great fun, could deliver. (SC 2955)