WTB: Giulia GT/GTV stepnose

[Davidm1600]

DavidM your 1750 looks pretty good to me, but I guess the photo's only tell half the story. I see you have a 124 AC coupe in your stable, you're a man with taste, how long have you had it, what's it like, where'd it come from and what do you plan to do to it?

I had one for 10 years, got it in about 95, totally original, still in it's original Positano yellow paint with 65,000 miles on the clock. Many, many fond memories of that car...when they're straight, with no rust and going well, they're brilliant. In fact, and I probably shouldn't admit this here but I looked at a few stepnose GTV's when I had the AC, two of them with good bodies and very reasonably priced...only problem was each time I'd get back in my AC and be blown away at how much better it drove. I took this to indicate that mechanically these particular GTV's were just very tired. I'm still yet to drive a well sorted one...and now I'll be jumping back into a 205 gti or the RS Clio, which maybe isn't a great idea...perhaps I should ride my bike when I go to look at GTV's 

Without wanting to hijack the thread once more re my own cars, it might be better if I answer your questions via a PM. There is quite a bit of history re both, suffice to say I have owned my AC for 31 years and the GTV for 14 years.

Re Emmanuel's questions, from my experience and understanding in essence there are two schools of thought on this.  One side, and usually the purist element goes with staying all original and then there is the other side, which relates to its your car and you can do what you wish to with it. If that means modifying mechanically or otherways it is ok, well perhaps as long as it doesn't destroy the car.

From a sale point of view and perhaps especially at the top end of the market, original cars, with all matching numbers (engine, driveline, interior/exterior including either original colour or the very least original period manufacturers colour), will generally command the higher price.  However, like all there are exceptions to the rule and totally well executed GTA reps with say full Alfaholics gear will equally command high prices. Don't know the Unique Cars one for sale.

[ItalCarGuy]

I think this is on topic in the sense that it helps to know what to look out for and what is of value...

Most of these cars now have 2L engines it seems. That being said, the Alfa Archives never listed an engine number with each chassis number so all you need is a 1600 engine number that falls within a series range and your car could have 'matching numbers'. The 1600s are out there, I have 4 in my garage... although a couple need to be reseated. Some things make complete sense to upgrade like the suspension, but these 1600 engines are sweet engines and a lot of fun, which is why I am sticking with the original in my Super even though I have a 2L sitting around as well.

Not sure about the "GTA type box" though I would say it would not deminish value at all. I guess its close ratio with lightened gears?  It also has the GTA type heart and grille by the looks of it. I don't think anyone would say the Unique Cars one is bad looking at all!

Gary Pierce in Melbourne has the best original spec one I reckon and that'd would sell for more than any GTA rep I would think. But its all opinions isn't it?

[DaveT]

Yes I think Gray Pierce's GTV is in a league of its own in terms of both originality and finish, a truly stunning car and I think justifiably worth a premium. But it is hard to know what value to place on GTA-esque GTV's, is a 2 litred, bumperless/hubcapless GTA-esque GTV worth more or less than an original 1600 GTV in the same condition? Then there's the full on Alfaholics replicas, I did a quick add up of all the shiny bits and hooley dooley my eyes are still watering. Knowing what's involved and having an idea of the levels of performance/handling/braking achievable, I think these cars should justifiably command high prices on resale.

The one thing I find very odd, is why people leave cars for sale, for months (sometimes years), at the same price, it doesn't make any sense to me. I put one of my 205 GTi's up for sale on Sunday and it sold on Tuesday. I don't think this was because the car was under priced, but because I had a good idea of where the market was and I met it. I gave it the mother of all details, took some nice shots of it, was upfront and honest about the cars condition and advertised it with good exposure. The first person who saw it bought it. This is the 4th classic car I've sold in 7 years and they've all sold within 2 weeks. I think if a car's for sale for any longer and you've done all the right things - good photo's, honest/upfront write up, good exposure, the only reason it hasn't sold is price. I guess this is where 'no reserve' ebay sales really give the true value of what the market is prepared to pay. The white stepnose recently on ebay failed again for the 4th or 5th time to reach reserve, and a white junior failed also for the second time to meet reserve, each time they reached roughly the same amount as the previous auctions before running out of puff.

Cheers
DaveT

[massiveluvbuddy67]

Hi Dave,
In answer to your question - IMO - No.
It all depends though. What do you want the car for? Investment or ultimate fun? You cannot have both. Answering that question will provide focus. There are no wrong decisons here only wrong choices. (Been there and done that ALOT!  )
Best Regards
Phil

[pancho]

There is a new barn find at Manning Motors (Sydney) you might be interested in Dave, it would be a restore job though but it looks complete. Rob is a nice guy to deal with.

[Davidm1600]

X2 re what pancho says. Rob is really laid back and grt to deal with/talk to. The photos of his latest find show a gt that is definitely worth restoring. He knows of a couple more as well out there.

[massiveluvbuddy67]

X3. I trust Rob!

[Evan Bottcher]

he's allright...for a Sydney-sider.

[giulia_veloce]

Thanks guys
Im just an enthusiast like the rest,,,just in a bigger scale.

and= = - =  Gee thanks Evan
I know your in SYDNEY at the moment and its raining
And its your shout for coffee at Phillip Island next weekend.

Robert

[DaveT]

Hi guys,

Yes I've been following Rob's 'tree find' GTV posts on AlfaBB, great find and great read.

At the moment I'm not really set up/prepared to take on a full resto. I am still keeping an eye out for the right car, but have been pre occupied with trying to get a garage built whilst doing an engine rebuild on my 205 gti.

Anyone else find they always seem to be reading about someone discovering something interesting, never the one to actually discover? Last week on an early 911 forum I read about a couple of enthusiasts discovering a pre production 911E with an interesting racing past resting in a barn and pig stye in Scotland.

Dave

[pancho]

I watch that show pickers every week and I dream like a fool that I'll find a forgotten Alfa Romeo storage barn full of NOS items and original 105 GT's going for crazy cheap. My barn find - well 'Kennards Storage' find was sensational (if I may be so modest  ) - I still check the original pictures and pinch myself.

[Davidm1600]

I found that barn many years ago (well kind of) that you are talking of Pancho, but regrettably despite some efforts they went to another guy.   In the barn was a early GT body semi complete, a complete GT Veloce and a complete S1 1750 GTV.  The guy who bought them all, went on to collect quite a few more.  Despite moving some on, he still has a few and heaps of parts.  He is one of the guys I mentioned to you last night.

Hang in there DaveT, they still seem to turn up, occasionally.   I too remain hopeful.   A guy down here in Hobart who has posted here in the past, like you is into 205 GTis (ran one a couple of times in Targa) etc.  A couple of years ago he found his GT Veloce in Canberra and bought it and drove it home.  The price, less than $4k. It is a bit mucked around with in the interior, definitely has some filler in it, but basically quite a nice car.

[twistybits]

Here's another one out of Unique Cars. If it was done by the 105 Factory it will be well sorted.

Has anyone seen this car in the flesh?

[off]

Here's another one out of Unique Cars. If it was done by the 105 Factory it will be well sorted.

Has anyone seen this car in the flesh?

Pretty good car that is well looked after, but the interior is tired, resprayed about 15 years ago so the body isn't pristine either.  I liked it. Interesting colour that I haven't seen before , just a pity it isn't more original mechanically and it's a RHD conversion. The owner has a few nice cars, a fulvia, flavia and an elan filling the shed that proved to be something of a distraction.

[DaveT]

A saucy little something was supposed to arrive on the back of a truck today and I was getting all excited to show and tell...

Alas, I just had a phone call to say I have to wait another 17.35 hours...aaaaahhhhh the anticipation's killing me!

So ETA is now 6.30am tomorrow morning...when, with all things going well, the neighbours will be thrown bolt upright in their beds by the inglorious sound of a strangled (dirty socks) Alfa twin cam running on 3 cylinders spluttering its way into my driveway....HOORAH

Dave