147 GTA hunt

[Alfa147gta]

Anyone looking for a 147 GTA future classic?

What are your thoughts on them and how rare of a car are they in Australia.

[Thijsvr]

They're certainly fun cars, but I don't think they'll become classics. They're too common for that and don't appeal to a wide enough audience. There will be people interested in them for sure, so well maintained models will hold their value, but I don't see them go up in price much.

Don't feel they're that rare here. I don't see them on the road often, but there's pretty much always a couple up for sale.

I love that Alfa just made it. Being a torque steering, FWD, overpowered little thing. Awesome that they made it, but I would never buy it.

[twistybits]

Anyone looking for a 147 GTA future classic?

What are your thoughts on them and how rare of a car are they in Australia.

I've owned one and it was good fun (albeit expensive to keep on the road). I would be very surprised if they become collectable. They certainly provide a lot of 'bang for your buck' but IMHO, they are not a ground breaking car with some stiff competition and are simply not worth restoring. Saying that, I laughed at the chap who bought my R100 Mazda 22 years ago when he said that he believed it would become very collectable one day [emoji86]


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[Alfa147gta]

Because you see a couple on carsales every so often, does that mean it isn't classified as a rare car? What do you classify as a rare car then? Also do you have facts to prove they aren't rare or are you talking generalities?

[poohbah]

I'll go out on a limb and say the 147 GTA is an increasingly rare car, and potentially collectible - as much because their current value is limited (the magic of Alfa depreciation), meaning they are less likely to be looked after and/or restored. (Though personally I much prefer the 156 GTA, but that's a hatch vs sedan thing)

So a good one bought cheap today should eventually have its time in the sun - though it might take another 20 years. I'm still waiting for the value of my 81 GTV to appreciate enough to at least  what I have sunk into it...

[julianB]

Great little car, symptomatic of what Alfa was like under Fiat ownership in its first period (ie the nineties and noughties ).
When you compare it (and the 156 GTA) to everything else they produced in this period,
They are quite literally, the only car worth owning.
So, from a standout perspective, they are it, and judging by the number of GTA engines showing up, I'd say that their ranks are thinning enough to make them a bit rarer.

If I had garage space, I'd get one and park it, but not at the expense of a real alfa classic, like a step nose Jr or SA 3.0 GTV6

[alfamisa]

I've owned one and it was good fun (albeit expensive to keep on the road). I would be very surprised if they become collectable. They certainly provide a lot of 'bang for your buck' but IMHO, they are not a ground breaking car with some stiff competition and are simply not worth restoring....[emoji86]

They certainly were not a leap in automotive advances. Their nose heavy, front steering setup was so over the top ridiculous for the bhp, they actually used 2.0 Twinsparks in the GTA Cup racing series (147GTA body). About the same bhp today in a Giulietta is much better to steer because of a lighter four pot and turbo (and electronic devices including factory fitted diff).

But in terms of restoring a 147/156 GTA, owning an Alfa is dependant on how deep your pockets are and as this UK father & son pair prove a 156 GTA resto is doable even through a third party restorer; http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-gta/1022921-autolusso-156-gta-full-mechanical-rebuild.html

PS You need to be registered with AlfaOwner UK to see the pics but it is worth seeing the detailed work done...impressive.

[Alfa147gta]

I don't think you can even compare the Giulietta and the gta as they are different cars totally. The GTA has everything that makes alfa... Alfa. Different, unique, brave, classy, brutal. You just listen to the raw chrome ventricle v6 engine and then look st the electronic giulietta and they dont even compare if you are a true alfa enthusiast or motor head. The GTA is just something else still turning heads with its unique v8 like sound coming from a little hatchback. I dont think your pockets have to be deep at all, you just take care of it like any other car.

its such a great car, why should a 'good one' have to be cheap? Is a good house cheap? Is a good camera cheap? Is a good diamond cheap? I dont understand that logic. If its good then its fair that you pay wat the vehicle is worth, just like anything in life. Why should this be skimped on as if you're a scrooge at a flea market. If its good you appreciate it and you pay the going rate.

[Craig_m67]

The GTA has everything that makes alfa... Alfa. Different, unique, brave, classy, brutal. You just listen to the raw chrome ventricle v6 engine and then look st the electronic giulietta and they dont even compare if you are a true alfa enthusiast or motor head.

I disagree (its all opinions in any case)

Personally I think the GTA is the odd car out in the entire line up; it is ugly, heavy and in no way a great driver (handling) without work - it's inherently flawed.
If your memory, experience or knowledge can stretch back the full length of Alfa's history - the current "Everything that makes an Alfa" starts in the 50's (and was re-etched in stone with the Sud).

[Garibaldi]

The GTA has everything that makes alfa... Alfa. Different, unique, brave, classy, brutal. You just listen to the raw chrome ventricle v6 engine and then look st the electronic giulietta and they dont even compare if you are a true alfa enthusiast or motor head.

I disagree (its all opinions in any case)

Personally I think the GTA is the odd car out in the entire line up; it is ugly, heavy and in no way a great driver (handling) without work - it's inherently flawed.
If your memory, experience or knowledge can stretch back the full length of Alfa's history - the current "Everything that makes an Alfa" starts in the 50's (and was re-etched in stone with the Sud).

Guys, it sounds like it is time to resurrect my old post. 

When is an Alfa Romeo not an Alfa Romeo?

http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=11353.msg69701#msg69701

[poohbah]

When is an Alfa Romeo not an Alfa Romeo?

Nooooooo!!! 

Don't mention the war ... I've got a foot in both camps (pre and post Fiat platforms). 

[alfamisa]

Relax, this isn't about "the war'...it comes from a newb to the forum (5 posts) and clearly a newb to Alfa to suggest in 147/156GTA form quote "The GTA has everything that makes alfa... Alfa", which is of course complete nonsense.

For one thing the "A" in 147/156GTA certainly didn't stand for Alleggerito (Lightened), it stood for Aumentato (Increased) weight!

And that is historically Alfa Romeos signature trait, light, nimble, squeezed bhp from small capacity and innovative design e.g. Sud as Craig_m67 mentioned or many other Alfas before the bad idea, badly executed 147/156GTA came about.

PS Reminds me of a clown from a forum in oz that claimed similar things about 147GTA...but was surprised that "paper" was in an oil filter and that it could handle the heat...clearly another newb not only to Alfa but to the automotive world full stop.

PSS Go on about your day people there's nothing to see here...

[poohbah]

Fair enough Alfamisa. You make some sensible points.

But ... I won't stand for anyone calling the 156 GTA "badly executed". 

I reckon its still one of the best dollar for dollar value performance cars you can (almost) use as a daily driver if you don't want a V8 Falcodore or old Rexy/Evo.  As far as I'm concerned, the only problem with them is there are usually none for sale in WA whenever I happen to be in the market...

Also I don't think there's any need to have a dig at "newbs" just 'cos they are new to Alfas. We're a broad church - I reckon we should embrace all folk who like Alfas of any type, regardless of their knowledge or mechanical nous.

I'm pretty sure most purists would hate my "perfect (but realistic - no supercars) ten car garage":  I'd have 4 Alfas - a 156 GTA, a 75 V6 Potenziata, a 116 GTV6 and a Giulia QV - but no 105. That doesn't mean I'm dissing "true" or "classic" Alfas, its just that being in my late 40s I've got a thing for the late 70s-early '80s cars, and the style/comforts of their more recent V6-powered non-hatch successors. I've had 50s and 60s cars, and I prefer having a working heater.

The other cars in the garage would be just as "not perfect but interesting": Lancia Delta Integrale, Porsche 928S, FJ55 Landcruiser (the ugly one), Maserati 3200 GT (series 1 only),  Jag XJ6 (Series 1), and a Valiant E39 Charger (burnt orange of course!). They aren't the greatest cars ever made, but I just like em.

So in summary - if someone likes the 147 GTA, I say they should just bloody get one. In 20 years, there will probably be hardly any others around, and they will be cool - if only as a big "FU" to econazi anti-petrol heads! 

[Italian Supermodel]

I don't think you can even compare the Giulietta and the gta as they are different cars totally. The GTA has everything that makes alfa... Alfa. Different, unique, brave, classy, brutal. You just listen to the raw chrome ventricle v6 engine and then look st the electronic giulietta and they dont even compare if you are a true alfa enthusiast or motor head. The GTA is just something else still turning heads with its unique v8 like sound coming from a little hatchback. I dont think your pockets have to be deep at all, you just take care of it like any other car.

its such a great car, why should a 'good one' have to be cheap? Is a good house cheap? Is a good camera cheap? Is a good diamond cheap? I dont understand that logic. If its good then its fair that you pay wat the vehicle is worth, just like anything in life. Why should this be skimped on as if you're a scrooge at a flea market. If its good you appreciate it and you pay the going rate.

Bravo Alfa147gta,
  beautifully conveyed!
The first time I drove one was when I was handed the keys to a gunmetal coloured demo from Patrick Latin in Richmond July 2005.He said "see you tomorrow". I was a convert after the first 5 kilometres. Unfortunately for him it didn't convert to a sale as my partner successfully argued its limitations as a family car with two young kids!
   Great feel, one of the last of the great sticks , and yes V8 orchestral notes coming from a hatchback!

[Alfa147gta]

alfamisa - I didn't know the amount of posts makes you more of an enthusiast. Should we start bowing to you and calling you Alan Jones now or something because you have more posts than another member? I've been a mechanic for 20 years buddy and know a shit hell lot more about cars than you do, so don't go assuming with your little forum reputation. Question, have you ever owned the 147 GTA? It sure sounds like you and Craig_m67 have to be able to provide such information and hold such strong opinions of the car. Hmmmmmm, I'm guessing it's all assumptions again??? I've owned many cars in my time and to this day, the 147 gta still turns heads driving down the street. IT IS WHAT MAKES ALFA ALFA, because it's different, NOT THE NORM, it's bold with it's roar, beautiful lines and interior, chrome ventricles. What are you even talking about?! Those are some of the things why people choose Alfa over a stock plastic jap car or a typical boring german car. Alfas are just different. I was never talking about it's heavy nose or its diff. You're comparing an electric assisted giulietta which in a few years will be updated with a different newer better model to a GTA. The giulietta will be forgot mate, that's just the world we live in. The GTA won't be forgotten with it's raw high powered V6 and iconic sound. Like a lot of enthusiasts say just because it has faults doesn't mean it's a bad car, it may have those faults to it, but that's what can make it great as it's called human element and a drivers car, something you don't get with a lot of modern day cars. Something you need to work on and you appreciate more than an electric fart. The smile it puts on your face when you put the foot down with no electronic assists and you hear that roar of the V6, while you don't even know the Giulietta exists lol.