A strange thing happened...

[Pete Y]

A little over 7 years ago I sold my last roadworthy and daily driven Alfa - my 1750 Berlina. A little over 5 years ago I sold my last of all Alfa - a Series 1 Sprint Veloce 1.5.

They were partings of necessity - time of life, GFC, no garage. The AROCA membership lapsed. I cycled through a strange mix after that - some good, some bad. A Hyundai. An '87 Saab 900 Aero T16. An '00 MX5.

With Bub #1 on the way last year the MX5 had to make way for a 'proper' car, that could at least occasionally serve as a kid carrier. I was determined not to buy Japanese or Korean. In came a 2007 Fiat Punto. While it was mostly all generic euro light car, the odd driving position let me know exactly where it'd come from.

Fast forward to last week and the Punto needs a service. Now I know it doesn't take a genius to work on an 8v 1.4 L4, and nothing had actually gone wrong with it.... But I thought I would treat it to the workmanship of the Italian car specialists not far from me.

I arrived early to drop off, and parked up. I heard it first, and then smelt it - in all it's just started petrolly richness... A yellow Montreal being backed out before the day started. It'd barely been parked a second when the next reversed out. The unmistakeable breadvan shape of a 'Sud Giardinetta. The offbeat boxer warble that put me back behind the MOMO wheel of my Sprint. I dropped the keys off and left, trying but failing to ignore the Spider and pristine 147 on the way out.

The next day I returned - walking past the brothel at the end of the street to that other business that trades money for simple pleasures... I spotted the Punto in the line-up and got in, pausing for a moment to check the invoice. Beside me I sensed another red car had just been parked.

105. It all flooded back. Took in all the details - those metal door handles, the diminutive size, the hooded instruments. The complex surfacing. Giugiaro had mastered surfacing before Chris Bangle was out of three-cornered pants. The C-pillar badge, surely one of my all time favourite pieces of automotive jewellery, marked it out as a 1750.

On the 4km drive home the Punto felt great (well as great as 57kw can feel).. but it was an empty feeling. I got home and straight away got online. Carsales. Gumtree. ebay. Alfaclub. The conversations started in my head. "Wonder what a GTA goes for now". "Maybe a 166" "Always liked the facelift 156s" "have to own a Busso once in my life" "Maybe I could just get a cheap 33 and put it on CH plates." "Where on GODS EARTH IS MY BERLINA!!"

So thankyou Maranello Pursang. A service of a few hundred dollars may be about to get even more expensive. The Biscione has bitten again. As the saying goes....

Always Looking For Another.

[alanm]

Love your story Pete, I fear that I have the same problem – I lifelong passion for Italian cars, Alfas in particular. Like any significant relationship, there are going to be problems, but the highs far outweigh the lows.

So when are you going to buy another Alfa? You like the Busso V6 and you have a young family, I think you need a 156 V6 with the 6 speed manual. If your wife insists on an auto, get the Q-system auto, I've had one for 4 years and its one of the most reliable AND enjoyable cars I have ever owned.

Cheers,
Al.

[Evan Bottcher]

Welcome back Pete. I hope your search is short and fruitful.