Alfa GTV 3.0 (916)
ENGINE 2959cc/V6/DOHC POWER 217bhp@6300rpm TORQUE 199lb ft@5000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 155mph 0-60MPH 6.6sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 18-26mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 68,976
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This GTV’s 3.0-litre Busso engine cracks into life with a grizzled roar. Throttle response is excellent, with a linear pull through the rev range and the water temperature gauge sits at a steady 90 degrees. The five-speed gearbox is tight and precise through the ratios, and the clutch pedal perfectly weighted. The suspension is customarily firm and exhibits no peculiar knocks, creaks or vibrations, having been treated to new Powerflex bushes. The brakes – upgraded Brembo 330m discs and calipers in GTA-specification – pull the car up quickly and without fuss. The steering is well weighted with no dead zones.
BODYWORK CHECK
The appeal of this particular car over similarly priced GTVs is that it’s not a Cup, whose bodykit isn’t to everyone’s taste. This car is a normal GTV, and thus closer to designer Enrico Fumia’s original design. The paint is exquisite aside from a couple of minor stone chips on the nearside of the clamshell bonnet. Otherwise all the panels are as Enrico intended. The optional 18in Zender Sienna alloy wheels are in perfect undamaged condition and the Kumho Ecsta LE Sport tyres have plenty of tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
More Cup comparisons – that version only had a black leather interior, whereas this car has beautiful tan leather chairs that are heated and electrically operated. It’s truly exquisite in here, with only very minor creasing and no rips or marks. All the touch points are in excellent condition, with only the top of the gear knob and door sills showing any wear. All of the electrical items work and the air conditioning blows ice cold. The headlining is in excellent condition, too.
UNDER THE BONNET
Lift the clamshell and you’re greeted with one of the prettiest engine bays ever made. This one has been enhanced with a superb dress-up kit, there’s no hint of corrosion or damage and all the fluids are up to the maximum mark with no evidence of leaks. This Alfa has received a lot of love, judging by the fruity-sounding Supersprint exhaust system, powder-coated suspension parts and more, but there’s a gap in the service record between 2012 and 2018, when its last service (undertaken by Alfa Aid at 68,203 miles) included a new timing belt and plugs, brake hoses, oil cooler pipers, suspension arms, radiator, clutch and master cylinder.
THE CCW VIEW
The Cup may sit at the top of GTV values, but its bodykit and limited interior options do not have univeral appeal. This has to be one of the best ‘normal’ V6 GTVs we have seen in recent years, with hardly a thing out of place. It’s absolutely exquisite and ready for more exciting adventures.