Touring in Tasie in my Alfa Romeo 105 GTV

[Paul Gulliver]

I recently had an extended long weekend in Tassie with my Alfa Romeo 105 GTV . I have been down there many times before , but so much fun in the 105. Even the boss enjoyed it

[bonno]

Hi Paul
Looks like you had a fantastic time, taking in all the sights and driving your beloved 105 GTV. Never been to Tasmania, but from all reports it is fabulous place to visit and many things to see and do. Planning to holiday there early next year and would have loved to have taken the old girl down for a drive (Alfetta GTV), but not possible as the wife won't be in it unless we fly down and hire a car. Living in Sydney I suppose she is right, as 3 to 4 days will be taken up just to get to Tassie and back, leaving not much time left for a weeks holiday to see the sights.
Cheers
bonno

[Paul Gulliver]

Bonno, If you make it down there next year  and get to drive around in a hire car , I'm sure that would be enough. You would be planning another assault with the Alfetta .
I actually brought my Alfetta GTV down in Tassie nearly 10 years ago . I booked a return tiger airways flight for $60.00, thinking if I didn't buy the car I would just fly back , but it was love at first slight. So,  a quick drive from Launceston after the purchase  to the Ferry at Devonport & home the next day on the big red boat . That was so much fun.
My wife wasn't to impressed but my then 16 year old son thought it was hilarious . He dared me to do it .
I think I will make that trip an annual pilgrimage , next year in the Alfetta. Wife mightn't be as impressed as the suspension is a lot stiffer and the car is a bit lower as the car gets used for club sprints.
PS : Tell you wife Tassie is just like Noosa but with a wood fired heater   

[bonno]

Paul
Both your 105 and Alfetta GTV look absolutely fantastic. I too had a 105 1750 GTV back in the 70's and I wish I still had her, but getting married and my first child on the way I had to let her go. I have 2 x Alfa's now, the Alfetta GTV4 which I have had for several years and slowly bringing it back to it's original glory and the second which I picked up today being a 2005  156 JTS manual, which I picked up for a song. It needs a bit of work but has got the makings of a good and reliable everyday driver (See attached photos of both cars).
cheers
bonno   

[Paul Gulliver]

Both look great . Love those simmons wheels.

Only things to watch on the JTS are 1. Oil consumption,( if your wife drives it for three weeks & you forget to check ) they all use more oil than most 2. Thermostats, Keep an eye on it . If temp is running a bit cool not working properly & can clog cat convertor & you get the dreaded engine warning light on all the time. Those engines need to run reasonably warm to help with emissions.  3. Coil packs:  Always used to give a bit of trouble but the price for the genuine bosch ones has dropped at fair bit. Used to be around $300 now about $100 from memory I would keep one in the glove box. Anyway our family had 2 156's  , my twin spark & my son's JTS . They were my recollections of the JTS.   

[Victor Lee]

Hi Paul, 

Ah!  You should have made your Tassie trip a month earlier and been with us for the annual Alfesta which was based in Launceston!  Some great day drives organised by the Tasmanian Alfesta Committee!  (Bonno:  There was a strong contingent from NSW there, as well as Alfisti from all over the country, including WA!).

But you're right, Tassie has some great touring roads and must got back one day.

Cheers

Victor

[Paul Gulliver]

Victor, your right . I was going to preference my opening remarks that " Unfortunately I couldn't make it to Alfesta" . Usually have long standing family commitments over the Easter break which clash.

Did enjoy Elephant Pass just north of Bicheno which was part of this years Targa. Amazingly beautiful brand new re surfaced road virtually in the middle of no where.

PS , Victor . I think I had the best steak I have ever eaten at the Black Cow Restaurant in Launceston.   

[David Mills]

Had I known you were coming to Bruny I would have invited you to drop in!

[Paul Gulliver]

I'll be coming back just  for the " Get shucked Oysters" . We got through 2 dozen that day. Unfortunately the Rose ran out . It was amusing, we got back to our accommodation that night at the RACV club and mentioned to concierge that we had been to Bruny Island, His first question was "did it rain" which the answer was yes. Beautiful day sitting down for lunch at Adventure Bay on the beach when a big black cloud found us . Luckily it was all over in about 3 mins.   Great place . 

PS The !05 just made it on and off the ferry with a minor exhaust scrap , not sure the Alfetta would make it.

[Colin Edwards]

Hi Paul,

We were in Tassie for Alfesta and agree 100% re Elephant Pass.  A magnificent stretch of road in perfect condition.  No wonder it was one of the Targa stages!

Also agree with you re "Get Shucked Oysters"!

Worth going to Tassie just for the food and roads!

[aggie57]

Hi Gully - love the lunch time photo!  Nice

[bonno]

Thanks Paul for the heads up on what to look out for with the JTS 156. There is an issue with the dreaded leaking electronic fuel pump and Air bag light staying on, which were negotiated on when purchasing the car, but for now everything else seems fine.
bonno