Aspiring 105 owner

[CAJL1972]

Hi, I've been checking out the forum for a while now so thought I should come clean and join. I'm a 147 owner with a desire to own a 105 (1750 GTV or 2000 GTV).

I'm a driver not a mechanic so I'll be searching the forum further for tips from other owners but welcome any advice on what to be wary off or specifically look out for in my search.

[Colin Byrne]

nice one, good to see you turning from the dark side!

there's some tips here on things to check on 105's

http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=1562.msg7233#msg7233

any questions, just ask

good luck

[1750GTV]

Hi, I've been checking out the forum for a while now so thought I should come clean and join. I'm a 147 owner with a desire to own a 105 (1750 GTV or 2000 GTV).

I'm a driver not a mechanic so I'll be searching the forum further for tips from other owners but welcome any advice on what to be wary off or specifically look out for in my search.

Welcome to the forum.
There is a nice looking 1972 2000GTV for sale in the Queensland magazine (Per Sempre Alfa) this month.
The owner is asking $30K and can be contacted on 0417 646 502 (Peter).
FYI, I do not know him, nor do I have any pecuniary interest in the car.

Chris

[Davidm1600]

Also check out the usual online websites like www.carsales or carpoint.  There is a particularly nice and very original series 1 1750 GTV (the best one to buy apart from a stepnose IMO) for sale.  White with a black or red interior (I can't remember) and for sale at $18K definitely worth checking out.  I think from memory there is about 5-7 1750 GTVs listed and probably 5 or so 2L GTVs.

As for what to look out for, condition is paramount and dictates the price.  Fully restored examples typically command from $15K-30K.  However, for between $8K -15K there are a range of cars generally available, which while nice may have some issues to be sorted out. Sub $7K takes you into poorer condition cars requiring restoration.

THe main issues to look out for if in the lower price bracket include rust  (ie in the cills, floor pan in the cabin, rust in rear wheel arches, doors around the door handle and the bottom, rust in the rear of the bootlid, rust inside the boot, and if especially bad in the engine bay or around the front sway bar mountings etc.   Basically look everywhere and check the car out from underneath (an inspection by a knowledgeable Alfa specialist is worth it).  Trims, lights etc are all available from both here in Aus (ie Milano Spares in Vic) and overseas (UK Classic Alfa/Alfaholics etc and America  Centreline, IAP). But they cost.  Mechanically 105s are pretty reliable but can suffer from 2nd gear sychro problems, rear gear not locking in, engines are pretty tough but valve stem wear, loose timming chains, bottom end problems (rings/bearings) if engine is smokey, and also 2Ls can suffer from head gasket failure.   The other thing to check out properly includes both front and rear suspension (ie. worn suspension rubbers, ball joints/tie rods etc.  Heavy steering box means problems (ie. wear) and also brakes can fail (both due to caliper problems and/or master cylinder etc issues.   

Given you have a 147, a 105 will feel completely different (antique) but once you get the hang of them they are terrific fun to drive.  If you can afford a decent one then it is unlikely you will suffer from the sorts of issues I have mentioned but it is always good to know what to look out for.  Invest in decent tyres and shockies (Konis, or bilsteins).  There are heaps of improvements that can be made to both the engine and suspension.  It really depends on what you want the car for, ie fun weekend car or for the track.

The one thing I can say from experience is if you get a good one they can be extremely reliable.  I used my '69 1750 as my daily driver for 11 years until the rust took hold and I needed to put it away pending its restoration.  My 156 JTS is nice but definitely not as sporting to drive.  Goodluck with the hunt. Oh and post pics of the car you get if possible.  Dave

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

There is a great little book available.
Title: The Essential Buyer's Guide
Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Coupe
Author: Keith Booker
Publisher: Veloce

$29.95 from Pitstop Books
http://www.pitstop.net.au/view/marques-alfa-romeo/page/query/plu/15605/

Cheers,
Marco.