Having your soul licked by angels.

[Davidm1600]

I know exactly what you are talking about MD. I too pretty much all my driving life have only owned and driven by choice 'classic' Alfas and Fiats. And somehow it didn't seem to matter to me which car I was driving they all had/have this ability to communicate to me. The experience gained in taking my 1750 GTV for a spirited drive along some nice twisty bits, or in my 124 sport are experiences I will never forget. Cars like these feel like an extension of yourself. As much as I enjoy my 156 sport wagon, too much of the interaction has been lost. Most modern cars are safe, quiet, comfortable, have AC, are economical etc. but for someone who enjoys the mechanical interaction, the tactile pleasures that come from cars that are imbued with a different type of design ethos, one aimed at drivers, for me the majority of modern cars are just transport. I even experienced this difference between driving my 156 and a 159. I simply prefer the older cars, they have a character that for me translates into soul. Perhaps it also explains why I like antiques and old houses over modern stuff.

[Davidm1600]

Oh and just quickly back onto the topic of the GTV6, I was walking into town the other afternoon with other half on our way to see Skyfall, when I spotted the slightly lowered white GTV6, it took off from the traffic lights and the sound of its engine/exhaust translated from the typical low base note to the spine tingling howl. God it was glorious, and made me once again realize how great an engine it is. Would love one. I suspect the other half though probably merely thought what a loud car. The difference in how we as individuals perceive things.

[MD]

Somebody buy that man a beer!!!
You know what David, the 2.5V6 certainly has a big following in the noise department but it can't be a patch on the baby brother, 2.0V6 version doing 10 000 rpm which they are reputed to be capable of.

OOOH Yeah, Scooby snacks !!!

[GG105]

Hi Guys.

This thread struck a chord. In 1988 or 89 I bought my first GTV6, just for the noise. I owned a 2L Alfetta GTV at the time. My car was an interesting one. It was an 82 split dash car, with no intrusion bars. When we checked its history it turned out to be one of ARAs press cars and was to UK specs. I loved it. Sold it in 92 when our daughter came along because I couldn't fit all the stuff in....

This was the second of 13 Alfas to date including an SS (sold) and a 101 Spider Veloce which is under restoration. I replaced the GTV6 with a Giulia 1300TI, which I still have and a GT 1300 Jnr followed me home a little later. Still have that too. Went off in some non Alfa tangents, a Fiat 2300S is in the garage and last year I bought an E36 M3. But despite the heavy steering, useless aircon, crook gear change (pre isostatic) and shrinking rubber molds, the itch never quite left.

So...I just scratched it and bought an immaculate, stock, 85. Havent picked it up yet, but despite all their faults and the fact my M3 will run rings around it, the memory of that yowling little V6 has never left me. Before I bought my first one, when they were more commonly around, I used to stop and listen to them going up the road.

They say you shouldn't go back, but I just have.

John