Shitbox Rally 2012 - Mario II

[Sheldon McIntosh]

For next years rally, this time from Melbourne to Cairns via central Australia, I decided I needed slightly more power than Mario I had provided, and also some better looks.

This should do the trick.

[MD]

Good call big guy. As you have learned (from experience of others  ) the cooling system is critical. So as before, take spare head gasket, re-tension head now, clean radiator core and replace all hoses including heater hoses. Take spare water pump if you can afford it. Not to say this stuff is suspect but more to the point that you know that it isn't.

By now you know all the short comings of transaxles and  you can work on the key areas. This is good lateral thinking.

Look forward to developments of the second episode..happy to make another donation.

[Paul Gulliver]

Wise choice Sheldon . That sun roof should make all the difference.

Gully

[aggie57]

V6 vs Nord 4.....the battle is on!!

[Davidm1600]

You little bewdy, 2 Alfas have got to be better than one.  Should be epic,  .  Have fun, and for sure count me in for a donation again.

[pep105]

Brilliant Sheldon nice chioce good to see you've upgraded  

An extra 8 or so horses (depending on engine spec) and a few Nm plus those striking Alfetta good looks and a sunroof - you wont know yourself.

You've got my vote and donation. Good on you for doing it again
Im pissed off though because your alloys look in better nick than mine    

Could you post more details on the subject vehicle please

Thanks

Your day just gets better when your driving an Alfetta.......

[Evan Bottcher]

I'm really stoked to be joining Sheldon this year in the mighty Mario II.  We picked up the car a week or so back in the dark, based on a vague description of 'a little bit of rust'.  The new Mario Speedwagon is a 1983 Alfetta 2-litre, in a fetching faded red with brown highlights.  He runs a bit rough, but strongly, and the usual mix of things wot work and things wot don't work.

Sheldon has kicked things off with a post over on his blog hoonanism.com so check that for more details.

The donation page for our team Scuderia Shitbox is at:
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/scuderia_shitbox_2012

It's for a great cause - research and treatment for cancer - so please give generously.

[Evan Bottcher]

A highlight of the new shitbox was the inclusion of a team mascot - a decomposing rat conveniently placed in the engine bay!  Luckily there was no nest of rubbish in the air cleaner, and no sign of chewed wiring or anything else.  The interior is remarkably clean and good condition, no rat poo!

[alfagtv58]

A highlight of the new shitbox was the inclusion of a team mascot - a decomposing rat conveniently placed in the engine bay! 

Surely you can come up with a symbol of a serpent devouring a rat then.

[Sheldon McIntosh]

You've got my vote and donation. Good on you for doing it again
Im pissed off though because your alloys look in better nick than mine    

Could you post more details on the subject vehicle please

Hey pep105.  For the right a donation you're welcome to come and swap the alloys.  As you know from last year pep105, I'm happy to give away good stuff in exchange for donations, it's all for a good cause. 

More details on the vehicle will be forthcoming as we start to take it apart.  At present there's not much more to tell than what Evan said.  It was built late 82, complianced mid 83. 

It's made me want to get an Alfetta though, this car is seriously cool!  I love the quad-lights, the sunroof, the beautiful dash.  Shame it stinks like dead burning rat though...

We'll let everyone know what parts we'll be needing, a list is being made as we speak.

Thanks guys, don't forget to donate....

[pancho]

Looks like you boys will be riding in style next year!

[Evan Bottcher]

We were a little puzzled by the four-headlight grille, which I had thought were only on the GCLs.  The wiring and mounting points look stock though.  A little research in David Wright's 'Alfa Romeo Downunder' and I think Mario II is an Alfetta 'Migliorata' - manufactured in late 82 and sold as a 1983 car here in Oz.  They had the four headlights, electric windows, and walnut facia on the instruments.  Wot luxury!

[Evan Bottcher]

Dear Mister Bottcher,

with reference to your request we are informing you as follows.

According to our documentation files, the chassis number ZAR 11656003011217 originally corresponds to an Alfa Romeo Alfetta 2.0 RHD, manufactured on the 21st October 1982 and sold on the 10th February 1984 in Australia.
The body colour is Alfa red.

Yours, Sincerely,

         Marco Fazio

(btw - archiviostorico@alfaromeo.com no longer works - use centrodocumentazione@alfaromeo.com instead)

[Sheldon McIntosh]

We found out today what killed the rat...

[AlfaACT]

It'll be the only Alfetta Spider ever driven from Melbourne to Cairns ... or anywhere for that matter! 

On the other hand, it's a very sedaentary looking spider!