Oh I wanted one of these so badly back then! Those were such nice cars, by '86 the IFI and emissions were straightened out, the engine is one of the best of it's kind of the time, and with all it's quirks it was a unique car in a time of boring 80's cars. I like how this review says Alfa has big plans for our market, within a few years they were gone. A real shame. A good example of one of these ia almost impossible to find anymore.
I've had one for 26 years now. Nose dropped to proper height (dial in 1/2 degree negative camber), shocks & springs upgrade, 2.5 --> 3.0 SOHC with ported/flowed heads and intake runners & plenum, HC pistons and hotter cams, plus oversize aluminum radiator. Aftermarket FI that removes the restrictive AFM and of course headers and low restriction exhaust. Stitch welded chassis, Verde/75 transaxle with double shimmed LSD, 16" wheels and sticky track tires. Extended steering solves the Italian reach to the wheel, & racing seat for big guy fitment. This car has great bones guys. While it is an old design and could never really compare to something made during the 2000's, we see them on the road every day. Not so with a GTV6. These cars have a high fun factor, are quite compact in size and flat out look good. Since they are old, figure on buying the best one you can find then dumping in another $5-$8 grand to get it into reliable drive anywhere shape. Make it a part time hobby car and don't expect it to be your every day drive and you'll be quite happy with it's uniqueness. And note, manual steering with modern wide wheels and sticky tires means it's a real workout steering in parking lots. But once above 5mph it's not a problem. The car is very rewarding to own and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.
BentMafkFilms Yeah, I should do that. Just got the engine running after some down time with substantial drivetrain upgrades (I should just leave it alone and drive it) so it will be a bit yet, but hopefully in a month or so I can do that.
Bart Van Riel Yeah, Alfas of that period and earlier actually had rather soft suspensions. I suspect many of the rural roads in Italy may not have been in the best of shape and the suspensions designed accordingly. But one can fit stiffer front torsion bars, rear springs, shocks, and of course thicker aftermarket anti roll bars for those who drive nicer roads. And of course the car just isn't going to be a more modern E46-M3 or Alfa 4C for that matter. Still, they are a blast to drive.
My dad had one in Midnight Metallic Blue with tan leather.and it looked and drove like a million dollars!! I felt so cool when he used to pick me up in the Alfa!
I don't recall when I first saw one as I had an Alfa showroom at my corner growing up, and I took for granted the cars on the lot. I'd really like one now. I love GTs. John is so right about the timeless design. I like that clean, "wedge" minimalist 1970s style design like the Rover 3500 SD1. Too bad British Leyland couldn't get consistent quality and durability to support their designs.
Fiat dropped the automotive equivalent of a steaming dump on the US markets in the form of the Ritmo, which rusted if you put a glass of water on the hood, and they basically killed any US interest in Italy outside of the supercar/hypercar markets as we got fed up with the usual electrical issues, uncomfortable seat positioning, and usual Italian quirks. Replace the Ritmo with what Lancia was doing at the time, and Alfa Romeo would have a more robust presence in the US.
I've sat in the back of my GTV6 and a 944 and the Alfa is vastly superior, although I don't like the fact that the Alfa's clutch is at the gearbox end of the prop shaft. Shifting a Porsche 944 is much quicker because the clutch is at the engine end. I think the 944 has firmer handling though balance is basically the same. I'd prefer the Alfa on long trips though! (And with all the glass it's not as dark and oppressive feeling like a 944, although I've never driven one with the roof panel off.)
Well Id say the 944 would be a superior car even though Ive never owned one Ive driven a few older ones recently. Also the 944 was a much more expensive car in the 80s if Im not mistaken. And also in terms of looks the 944 was way ahead of its time.
@@jimmygrant3212 No 944 n/a in the world would accelerate 0-60 in 9.8 seconds. The 944 made it in 7.8-8.2 seconds. What was the official time for the alfa?
I would love to have one of these...I wouldn't even care if half of the interior features didn't work. With some suspension tweaks and different wheels and bumpers, this car would do it for me!
I test drove an '85 today that I actually looked at last year. I saw the car last year initially but the seller wanted $7,000 for it. For the condition it was in with faded paint, worn trim, dents, I passed. I thought the Alfa had sold but I saw it at a car show a year later in the same exact condition that it was in before. Upon starting the Busso it shook violently back and forth indicating the need for new motor mounts. Random wires were cut in the engine bay, the AC didn't work, turn signals didn't work, speedometer didn't work, etc. The car actually felt pretty quick but the clutch was worn and the second gear synchro was worn badly. The car didn't track straight, either. I really wanted to like it, especially at it's reduced price of $5,500. The engine sounded amazing and it felt properly quick, but it was hampered by its crunchy transaxle and less-than-ideal brakes and steering.
4:31 good Italian design there, put the clock next to the tachometer there. And as the useful fuel gauge is unimportant. It goes to the middle so the back seat passengers can see it.
No, i'll tell you what a real good italian design is: put the temp and oil pressure gauge right in front of the driver and the other gauge whereever you want X)
How about the heater fan switched by a column stalk or the choke knob hidden underneath the steering column as on my Alfasud lol. Gotta love those quirky Italians ;-)
The leather was crap. The steel was crap. The OEM head gasket was crap. The tachometer had no idea where it was in this world, the A/C expansion valve was never trained to work, the engine-speed driveshaft rubber doughnuts were terrified to do their job, the voltage regulator didn't, the interior plastics were fragile, the OEM shifter was abysmal, the hatch struts died...what else have I missed? I ended up giving the car away after installing a new battery and voltage regulator. I watched it drive away under it's own power. And I will regret that decision for the rest of my life. Adored that car!
You forgot the leaking rear seal .. leaking timing belt tensioner .. delaminating dashboard .. groan from front calipers .. leaking flexible exhaust ...However ... i love it !!
"The 1/4 mile went by in 16.2 seconds" Oh, I do fondly remember my GTV-6, at the time of purchase, one of the nicest pre-owned in the USA. Campy wheels....Recaro leather, the works. Piston rings gave me all sorts of grief but that exhaust note was wonderful, even if by today's standards, it would be eaten by a Ford Fiesta ST. One final observation....dash vents by hand might seem elementary but I'll take them over most of the options you have today. You can dial those vents exactly where needed with minimal effort.
His "you have to open the dash vents by hand" whinery reminded me that no MW review was complete until he made sure to say at least a couple of pointlessly arrogant smarmy comments.
THAT NOISE! mmmmmmmmmmm! I don't care if it breaks down every 15 miles . . .being able to run to the redline every 15 miles will make me smile every time!
+David “Derpy Drift” Adams I drove mine from Las Vegas to the Best of France and Italy show, then around SoCal for three days, then back to LV. No issues. Vroooooooom!
The US models must have had a much more soft suspension setting. My ’83 (sold in Sweden) does not have anywhere near as much roll, even 35 years later on basically stock suspension components.
My father had a gtv6. It's a gt, who cares about trunk space? Trunk space or carrying people is the task for a station wagon, suv or minivan. He rated that car very well. I still miss that car
Always loved this car since, in 1983 on my Honda CX500, I had a bit of a race with one on the M20 in Kent, England, I was pulling 112mph when the CX cut out(?!!) and the GTV-6 wafted past ..
I owned this model with black rocker covers and black velour seats here in australia circa 1987. Was a lot of fun but I put stainless hiflow extractors and different airflow sensor for fuel as well as lowering the front and installing bilsteins. definitely looked forward to getting inside and taking it for a spin, but second gear syncro was poor and almost non existent.
Sans manual transmissions. So what's the point. Only offering an automatic in a performance car is like going out for a 4 four star dinner and then taking a dump in the middle of the plate before you start eating.
I'm trying to work out how they got such slow acceleration times! the 1979 GTV 2.0L did those times, the 86 GTV-6 was something like mid 7s to low 8s 0-100km/h (62mph)!
Give a European car to Americans, they complain there is no cup holder, they're too big to fit inside, and they can't operate a stick properly. Bless America, but their notion of cars is just funny.
always liked these. haven't seen one in the wild since june of last year at a car show in big boy's parking lot in LA. vitaloni mirrors and kamei air dam. brought back a lot of memories =)
Brings back memories both good and bad. It was a blast to drive. It sounded fantastic (mine had headers and a Cat delete hee hee). It was a money pit. Parts woukd literally fall off. Cylinder head gaskets blew at 38000 miles (36k warranty, nice). Clutch failed at 45k. But I loved it, I loved that car.
In 1985 I had a lowered '81 and was part of the CT Owner's Club. The Callaway Twin Turbo version had just come out and reps from Callaway came to the club to present. They said that when Alfa first approached them to do a turbo mod, they expected the GTV-6 to fall apart as soon as they applied boost. They took one in to test, and could not believe how strong the engine was, and how much power they could get out of it. In the end, they settled for a more modest 220 HP or so, but said it could have been much more. Later that year I had a verbal contract from Bobcor Motors in NJ to sell one to me for $19K, but when I went to pick it up, they demanded an extra grand. Slimy move on their part, so I walked.......Probably should have just paid the money, but it was the principle. Ended up getting a Merkur XR4Ti instead. Not quite the fire breather the Alfa was, but unique in its own ways.
It was the first engine Callaway modified to twin-turbo. Yes, they expected it to last two hours but it never broke and they eventually gave up after a whole day's running. Not my engine, mind you, that head gasket failed in N.E. Philly and I had to have Pep Boys put a one-piece gasket on. Terrifying, but they did it and it ran perfectly from that day on.
Really good car for the time from a design and drivetrain standpoint. Sure the seat position and reliability are big flaws, but there really were some unique car options in those days.
Well , I just bought a red ‘86 just like that. Hopefully it’s a fun weekend /curvy road car. The 1-2 shift is tricky. Not to mention a 3-2 downshift....
I had the pleasure of owning an '86. It was loaded and fast. The only problem was the 2nd gear synchro. Had to sell it when I was buying my first home...:(
I remember looking through the cars for sale section of my newspaper back in the late 80’s. Every one of these I saw said “ only x,xxx miles on rebuilt engine” and the engines seemed to fail at under 20,000 miles based on the total miles of the ones I saw for sale. Otherwise a stunning car. The 2 seat convertible Alpha from around the same time was even nicer looking.
I used to own a 1986, Silver GTV6. Talk about a car that would astound and frustrate you! :) The car seduces you with it's sexy looks, lusty, perfectly-Italian-sounding engine, and good handling for it's day. Then it frustrates the hell out of you because the steering is too heavy, when you shift from 1st to 2nd gear too quickly, the synchros crunch, and the interior was so shoddy, it could have been an entry-level car from a FIAT back in the 70s. Even Road & Track commented (about the steering) and said, "The idea of a He-Man's car is rather dated". And they were right. In other words, this car was very close to being absolutely amazing, but it's almost as if the Italian Engineers back on those days just said, "Well, she looks bellisima and she has a great engine! Let's go-a drink-a some wine-a, she's all done!" :-)
+1970borntorun Right, chassis & styling were excellent. Good bones I say. Interior was an afterthought not up to even 1980's standards. And Porsche synchromesh??? What the F is that??? Lever feels like it's stirring in a bucket of rocks. But, put in some upgrades, toss the early model seats for those with real side bolsters, and this car delights. Even the steering can be fixed with a power unit out of a Milano/75. For me it's been live with (and enjoy) the steering, and get really good at double clutching the down shifts. Yes, kind of hokey today but boy is it fun!
Snarge22 Absolutely agree my friend!! Italian cars get under your skin in a way even my excellent 2003 BMW 530i can never. Have a wonderful Christmas! :)
Yep, have to double clutch. Years after I sold my '81, I was selling a spare transaxle I still had to a current GTV-6 owner. I asked to test drive his, for old times sake, during which he noticed my double clutching, commenting "....you sure do know how to drive this car...."
when i was a kid my dad had a 1974 gtv with a fuel injected 2l 4cyl with a 5 speed,with a top speed of 144mph, it had the same hp and tq but a lighter car so it went from 0-60 in about 7.5 and i loved it, the faster he drove the better i liked it...and from what ive been reading the fi model was pretty rare, most came with carbs and from what dad said it was the exact model that Italy used as a police car
Had one, actually not the 6, a four. Loved it, hated it. I put the lowered suspension kit on it, heavy anti-sway bars, wider tires. It would corner with almost anything, Rust was it's bane, as with all Alfas through the years. I did later get the mash-up sedan with the six cylinder engine, a beautiful engine. The car was short geared for highway use though. Again, it rusted and was replaced with a BMW 535, superior in every way.
I do not recall the driving position to be a problem nor the back seat access. My 1981 GTV-6 was wonderful. Sound like F1, handled great, stopped hard. Yeah, it had problems, but it was unforgettable. I was winning a race every time I got into it.
A mechanical wonder, but deeply flawed. People say they would have forgiven the unreliability and the quality issues... But the market suggests this was not so. I love the expression "some lightness in the rear end". It doesn't begin to tell the story. A mechanical wonder, but not always in a good way.
I should have never sold mine!! Ran it revved up between second and third most of the time in the city making the the Alfa ad appropriate, "your mother will probably refuse to ride in it"...!!
For 1986 standards I've thought the 40-55mph test was only fair yet the 0-60mph and quarter mile tests were good, it must have more high end power than low end power.
Can anyone make out what John is saying at 0:33? Oh, & I LOVE how Craig Singhaus is all decked out in his '80's attorney/lawyer attire for this test!!!!!
+BonManger Yes, inboard rear solid rotors. Reduces unsprung weight but then doesn't get the ventilation that hub/wheel located rotors do. Not a problem unless one participates in race tract days. I upgraded to vented rotors on mine and haven't had a problem on the race track since.
You don't see any old Alfa Romeo cars from the 80s because they had horrendous reliability problems. They all ended up in the junkyards. Now that Alfa Romeo is back in the USA, outlooks like its gonna disappear again due to the same horrendous reliability problems it had 40 years ago.
That Alfa V6 is one of the most charismatic mass produced engines ever.
Busso V6... epic
And one of the most bad ass sounding too!
@@studiocalder818 Repost in English please? I don't understand you.
@@studiocalder818 You think I'm crazy because I don't understand some other language?
@@studiocalder818 Oh okay. It was just a misunderstanding then.
Oh I wanted one of these so badly back then! Those were such nice cars, by '86 the IFI and emissions were straightened out, the engine is one of the best of it's kind of the time, and with all it's quirks it was a unique car in a time of boring 80's cars. I like how this review says Alfa has big plans for our market, within a few years they were gone. A real shame. A good example of one of these ia almost impossible to find anymore.
I've had one for 26 years now. Nose dropped to proper height (dial in 1/2 degree negative camber), shocks & springs upgrade, 2.5 --> 3.0 SOHC with ported/flowed heads and intake runners & plenum, HC pistons and hotter cams, plus oversize aluminum radiator. Aftermarket FI that removes the restrictive AFM and of course headers and low restriction exhaust. Stitch welded chassis, Verde/75 transaxle with double shimmed LSD, 16" wheels and sticky track tires. Extended steering solves the Italian reach to the wheel, & racing seat for big guy fitment. This car has great bones guys. While it is an old design and could never really compare to something made during the 2000's, we see them on the road every day. Not so with a GTV6. These cars have a high fun factor, are quite compact in size and flat out look good. Since they are old, figure on buying the best one you can find then dumping in another $5-$8 grand to get it into reliable drive anywhere shape. Make it a part time hobby car and don't expect it to be your every day drive and you'll be quite happy with it's uniqueness. And note, manual steering with modern wide wheels and sticky tires means it's a real workout steering in parking lots. But once above 5mph it's not a problem. The car is very rewarding to own and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.
+Snarge22 make some vids
BentMafkFilms
Yeah, I should do that. Just got the engine running after some down time with substantial drivetrain upgrades (I should just leave it alone and drive it) so it will be a bit yet, but hopefully in a month or so I can do that.
+Snarge22 that bodyroll though, it looks like its about to roll over in the slalom
Bart Van Riel Yeah, Alfas of that period and earlier actually had rather soft suspensions. I suspect many of the rural roads in Italy may not have been in the best of shape and the suspensions designed accordingly. But one can fit stiffer front torsion bars, rear springs, shocks, and of course thicker aftermarket anti roll bars for those who drive nicer roads. And of course the car just isn't going to be a more modern E46-M3 or Alfa 4C for that matter. Still, they are a blast to drive.
Snarge22 I would like to drive one but they're rather expensive and will probably feel slow compared to my 350z
I grew up in a two car Alfa family. I drove the GTV-6 "Balocco SE" version to prom! It was the most unique cool car around.
How lucky, I grew up in a GM household... They were always breaking 😅
My dad had one in Midnight Metallic Blue with tan leather.and it looked and drove like a million dollars!! I felt so cool when he used to pick me up in the Alfa!
Remember when I saw one of this for the first time, it was magical!
Same here. I finally bought one 20 years later. Have since sold it and will always miss it.
I could have bought one about 10 years ago for cheap...but I didn't 😣
I don't recall when I first saw one as I had an Alfa showroom at my corner growing up, and I took for granted the cars on the lot. I'd really like one now. I love GTs. John is so right about the timeless design. I like that clean, "wedge" minimalist 1970s style design like the Rover 3500 SD1. Too bad British Leyland couldn't get consistent quality and durability to support their designs.
I always thought that car was ahead of its time! And still looks beautiful by today's standards!
Alfa Romeo has big plans for the US market ... like disappearing entirely in a couple of years :)
I was amused by that line too.
History will repeat itself, yet again, 38 years later.
Fiat dropped the automotive equivalent of a steaming dump on the US markets in the form of the Ritmo, which rusted if you put a glass of water on the hood, and they basically killed any US interest in Italy outside of the supercar/hypercar markets as we got fed up with the usual electrical issues, uncomfortable seat positioning, and usual Italian quirks.
Replace the Ritmo with what Lancia was doing at the time, and Alfa Romeo would have a more robust presence in the US.
@@harleymitchelly5542 They sold Lancia's here too. They didn't sell well either.
.. in the meantime it has put on the market what is still the most desirable sedan, the Giulia
The back seat is not a joke. I've entertained many young ladies in the back seat in my younger days.
xD
I've sat in the back of my GTV6 and a 944 and the Alfa is vastly superior, although I don't like the fact that the Alfa's clutch is at the gearbox end of the prop shaft. Shifting a Porsche 944 is much quicker because the clutch is at the engine end. I think the 944 has firmer handling though balance is basically the same. I'd prefer the Alfa on long trips though! (And with all the glass it's not as dark and oppressive feeling like a 944, although I've never driven one with the roof panel off.)
Well Id say the 944 would be a superior car even though Ive never owned one Ive driven a few older ones recently. Also the 944 was a much more expensive car in the 80s if Im not mistaken. And also in terms of looks the 944 was way ahead of its time.
jpatt1000 performance wise the 944 2.5l is very similar to the GTV6. Also it doesn’t take eight hours to change a clutch in a GTV6 like 944’s.
@@jimmygrant3212
No 944 n/a in the world would accelerate 0-60 in 9.8 seconds.
The 944 made it in 7.8-8.2 seconds.
What was the official time for the alfa?
This car has such a distinct side profile. Timeless
The old Datsuns used to look like this.
I would love to have one of these...I wouldn't even care if half of the interior features didn't work. With some suspension tweaks and different wheels and bumpers, this car would do it for me!
I test drove an '85 today that I actually looked at last year. I saw the car last year initially but the seller wanted $7,000 for it. For the condition it was in with faded paint, worn trim, dents, I passed. I thought the Alfa had sold but I saw it at a car show a year later in the same exact condition that it was in before. Upon starting the Busso it shook violently back and forth indicating the need for new motor mounts. Random wires were cut in the engine bay, the AC didn't work, turn signals didn't work, speedometer didn't work, etc. The car actually felt pretty quick but the clutch was worn and the second gear synchro was worn badly. The car didn't track straight, either. I really wanted to like it, especially at it's reduced price of $5,500. The engine sounded amazing and it felt properly quick, but it was hampered by its crunchy transaxle and less-than-ideal brakes and steering.
Nice car. Something between a Fiat and a Ferrari, with unusual SAAB/BMW uniqueness. Good stuff.
This car had a huge greenhouse. Unlike today's cars which you can't see out of.
4:31 good Italian design there, put the clock next to the tachometer there. And as the useful fuel gauge is unimportant. It goes to the middle so the back seat passengers can see it.
No, i'll tell you what a real good italian design is: put the temp and oil pressure gauge right in front of the driver and the other gauge whereever you want X)
It's not like the gauges worked anyway; it is an Italian car.
How about the heater fan switched by a column stalk or the choke knob hidden underneath the steering column as on my Alfasud lol. Gotta love those quirky Italians ;-)
I believe this was the redisigned dashboard. The original had only the tachometer in front of the driver!
I still think this is a really good looking car. I still like the 80s angular styling & Alfas do look nice today.
The one of the few auto manufacturers that produces art
Such a beauty, this will be my next car. Currently own a 1998 GTV 3.0 V6 and its amazing too.
The leather was crap. The steel was crap. The OEM head gasket was crap. The tachometer had no idea where it was in this world, the A/C expansion valve was never trained to work, the engine-speed driveshaft rubber doughnuts were terrified to do their job, the voltage regulator didn't, the interior plastics were fragile, the OEM shifter was abysmal, the hatch struts died...what else have I missed?
I ended up giving the car away after installing a new battery and voltage regulator. I watched it drive away under it's own power. And I will regret that decision for the rest of my life. Adored that car!
You forgot the leaking rear seal .. leaking timing belt tensioner .. delaminating dashboard .. groan from front calipers .. leaking flexible exhaust ...However ... i love it !!
@@novi0974 Yeah, I was going to say..... the point being what? It's still glorious and I love mine.
"The 1/4 mile went by in 16.2 seconds" Oh, I do fondly remember my GTV-6, at the time of purchase, one of the nicest pre-owned in the USA. Campy wheels....Recaro leather, the works. Piston rings gave me all sorts of grief but that exhaust note was wonderful, even if by today's standards, it would be eaten by a Ford Fiesta ST. One final observation....dash vents by hand might seem elementary but I'll take them over most of the options you have today. You can dial those vents exactly where needed with minimal effort.
His "you have to open the dash vents by hand" whinery reminded me that no MW review was complete until he made sure to say at least a couple of pointlessly arrogant smarmy comments.
THAT NOISE! mmmmmmmmmmm! I don't care if it breaks down every 15 miles . . .being able to run to the redline every 15 miles will make me smile every time!
Get an sho... Even better
Dayton Sander 89-95 all day :)
+David “Derpy Drift” Adams I drove mine from Las Vegas to the Best of France and Italy show, then around SoCal for three days, then back to LV. No issues. Vroooooooom!
authenticvegas If I did that in this car, I'd never have to use the radio. That engine would be all the music I'd ever need.
The US models must have had a much more soft suspension setting. My ’83 (sold in Sweden) does not have anywhere near as much roll, even 35 years later on basically stock suspension components.
My father had a gtv6. It's a gt, who cares about trunk space? Trunk space or carrying people is the task for a station wagon, suv or minivan. He rated that car very well. I still miss that car
A grand tourer better be able to carry luggage! That's the point of a grand tourer.
My elementary school best friend's dad had one of these. We road to school in it every morning for years.
The prettiest Alfa ever! I love the look of these.
Alpha gtv is no slouch
love the busso v6
Always loved this car since, in 1983 on my Honda CX500, I had a bit of a race with one on the M20 in Kent, England, I was pulling 112mph when the CX cut out(?!!) and the GTV-6 wafted past ..
I owned this model with black rocker covers and black velour seats here in australia circa 1987. Was a lot of fun but I put stainless hiflow extractors and different airflow sensor for fuel as well as lowering the front and installing bilsteins. definitely looked forward to getting inside and taking it for a spin, but second gear syncro was poor and almost non existent.
That second gear synchro could be gotten (driven) around easy enough to not be much of an issue.
love this car. I'm glad Alfa is back.
And about to leave again 🤦🏻♂️
Sans manual transmissions. So what's the point. Only offering an automatic in a performance car is like going out for a 4 four star dinner and then taking a dump in the middle of the plate before you start eating.
4:06 John: MOST OF US ARE STILL LEFT WITH THE FAMOUS AND UNCOMFORTABLE STRAIGHT ARM, BENT LEG ITALIAN DRIVING POSITION! LOL
I'm trying to work out how they got such slow acceleration times! the 1979 GTV 2.0L did those times, the 86 GTV-6 was something like mid 7s to low 8s 0-100km/h (62mph)!
Heavier car? 🤷🏼♂️
Give a European car to Americans, they complain there is no cup holder, they're too big to fit inside, and they can't operate a stick properly. Bless America, but their notion of cars is just funny.
All US destined European cars got their compression ratios dropped, which reduced power, that's why this car only makes 155bhp.
always liked these. haven't seen one in the wild since june of last year at a car show in big boy's parking lot in LA. vitaloni mirrors and kamei air dam. brought back a lot of memories =)
Great little with a DeDion rear suspension.
I drive by a guy who has two of these and a 75/Milano in his yard that have never moved since I can remember.
Had a roomie with one..... Outstanding exhaust note!!!
Oh look. The car Jeremy Clarkson would treat better than is wife and child.
Brings back memories both good and bad. It was a blast to drive. It sounded fantastic (mine had headers and a Cat delete hee hee). It was a money pit. Parts woukd literally fall off. Cylinder head gaskets blew at 38000 miles (36k warranty, nice). Clutch failed at 45k. But I loved it, I loved that car.
In 1985 I had a lowered '81 and was part of the CT Owner's Club. The Callaway Twin Turbo version had just come out and reps from Callaway came to the club to present. They said that when Alfa first approached them to do a turbo mod, they expected the GTV-6 to fall apart as soon as they applied boost. They took one in to test, and could not believe how strong the engine was, and how much power they could get out of it. In the end, they settled for a more modest 220 HP or so, but said it could have been much more.
Later that year I had a verbal contract from Bobcor Motors in NJ to sell one to me for $19K, but when I went to pick it up, they demanded an extra grand. Slimy move on their part, so I walked.......Probably should have just paid the money, but it was the principle. Ended up getting a Merkur XR4Ti instead. Not quite the fire breather the Alfa was, but unique in its own ways.
It was the first engine Callaway modified to twin-turbo. Yes, they expected it to last two hours but it never broke and they eventually gave up after a whole day's running. Not my engine, mind you, that head gasket failed in N.E. Philly and I had to have Pep Boys put a one-piece gasket on. Terrifying, but they did it and it ran perfectly from that day on.
Really good car for the time from a design and drivetrain standpoint. Sure the seat position and reliability are big flaws, but there really were some unique car options in those days.
I wanted one of these so bad when I was a kid.
the same guy always hitting the thumbs down button. drinking that "haterade"
“We have a car that’ll do the same thing.” The same what, John, goddamn you, the same _what?!_
Someone forgot to press RECORD for the first 28 seconds.
Well , I just bought a red ‘86 just like that. Hopefully it’s a fun weekend /curvy road car. The 1-2 shift is tricky. Not to mention a 3-2 downshift....
Put an Ansa exhaust on it. Your welcome.
"the brakes are more than up to the speed that the alfa can generate" so subtle 😂😂😂
I would like to see a Motorweek review of the GTV6 when it was new rather than on its way out.
I had the pleasure of owning an '86. It was loaded and fast. The only problem was the 2nd gear synchro. Had to sell it when I was buying my first home...:(
I remember looking through the cars for sale section of my newspaper back in the late 80’s. Every one of these I saw said “ only x,xxx miles on rebuilt engine” and the engines seemed to fail at under 20,000 miles based on the total miles of the ones I saw for sale. Otherwise a stunning car. The 2 seat convertible Alpha from around the same time was even nicer looking.
Beb152 the early Alfa V6’s had valve guides that would wear out early, that was fixed later on.
I had one in 85 with 60k+ no probs, it went like stink, but had trouble later with vibration on the drive shaft to the transaxle
So the convertible was the Alfa Alpha?
(what a missed marketing opportunity, now that I think about it)
I used to own a 1986, Silver GTV6. Talk about a car that would astound and frustrate you! :) The car seduces you with it's sexy looks, lusty, perfectly-Italian-sounding engine, and good handling for it's day. Then it frustrates the hell out of you because the steering is too heavy, when you shift from 1st to 2nd gear too quickly, the synchros crunch, and the interior was so shoddy, it could have been an entry-level car from a FIAT back in the 70s. Even Road & Track commented (about the steering) and said, "The idea of a He-Man's car is rather dated". And they were right. In other words, this car was very close to being absolutely amazing, but it's almost as if the Italian Engineers back on those days just said, "Well, she looks bellisima and she has a great engine! Let's go-a drink-a some wine-a, she's all done!" :-)
+1970borntorun
Right, chassis & styling were excellent. Good bones I say. Interior was an afterthought not up to even 1980's standards. And Porsche synchromesh??? What the F is that??? Lever feels like it's stirring in a bucket of rocks. But, put in some upgrades, toss the early model seats for those with real side bolsters, and this car delights. Even the steering can be fixed with a power unit out of a Milano/75. For me it's been live with (and enjoy) the steering, and get really good at double clutching the down shifts. Yes, kind of hokey today but boy is it fun!
Snarge22 Absolutely agree my friend!! Italian cars get under your skin in a way even my excellent 2003 BMW 530i can never. Have a wonderful Christmas! :)
Yep, have to double clutch. Years after I sold my '81, I was selling a spare transaxle I still had to a current GTV-6 owner. I asked to test drive his, for old times sake, during which he noticed my double clutching, commenting "....you sure do know how to drive this car...."
Dude, that engine sounded like it was about to shit the bed even when it was new lol
Lol @ shit the bed! I love that phrase..😄
ignorant troll you are
when i was a kid my dad had a 1974 gtv with a fuel injected 2l 4cyl with a 5 speed,with a top speed of 144mph, it had the same hp and tq but a lighter car so it went from 0-60 in about 7.5 and i loved it, the faster he drove the better i liked it...and from what ive been reading the fi model was pretty rare, most came with carbs and from what dad said it was the exact model that Italy used as a police car
stickloaf Yes the Italian police used this car, but in the 4-door sedan version called AlfaRomeo alfetta 1.8l
Rear transaxle Alfas are the least "twitchy" cars I've ever driven. The best possible vehicle to be driving if you must suddenly pass the"moose test".
Volvo called.
And they're laughing.
Had one, actually not the 6, a four. Loved it, hated it. I put the lowered suspension kit on it, heavy anti-sway bars, wider tires. It would corner with almost anything, Rust was it's bane, as with all Alfas through the years. I did later get the mash-up sedan with the six cylinder engine, a beautiful engine. The car was short geared for highway use though. Again, it rusted and was replaced with a BMW 535, superior in every way.
I do not recall the driving position to be a problem nor the back seat access. My 1981 GTV-6 was wonderful. Sound like F1, handled great, stopped hard. Yeah, it had problems, but it was unforgettable. I was winning a race every time I got into it.
Three main and equally-sized gauges directly in front of the driver: the speedometer, the tachometer, and a fucking clock.
For some reason I can't help but think of an early 1980's Datsun 210 hatchback when I see the rear end.
A mechanical wonder, but deeply flawed.
People say they would have forgiven the unreliability and the quality issues... But the market suggests this was not so.
I love the expression "some lightness in the rear end". It doesn't begin to tell the story.
A mechanical wonder, but not always in a good way.
Always thought the back end styling on those a bit awkward ...but oh, that sweet Alfa V6 :-D
Always gotta watch out for that “tail twitch” ! 😂
handles like theres no tomorrow.
Please do the OPEL MANTA!
I love the videos guys, but I'm dying for a 89 Honda CRX review.
they did one already...
Saw one in person for first time today
Did you get to hear it?
It looks gorgeous in black! Beautiful car, it could be faster though.
Get one of the Callaway Twin Turbo GTV 6
" too much squat" that is because the ride height is higher in the US,,ruined the mgb also....I had a gtv6 and it handled great
deadkemper You're right, the euro spec gtv6 had a lower ride hight (specially at front) My father had a gtv6 (1983) Great car!
That motor was shaking bad before the start.
I should have never sold mine!! Ran it revved up between second and third most of the time in the city making the the Alfa ad appropriate, "your mother will probably refuse to ride in it"...!!
The plastic bumpers demanded for the USA market ruined the look. The chrome bumpers on the European models looked FAR better.
The Euro GTV6 had slimmer black bumpers, the Alfetta GT and GTV had the chrome ones. Cheers from Italy
Please post the original Alfa GTV6 Road Test from 1982. Season 1 episode 12 I believe. Thanks!
Looked nice... would've never of bought one, but it's nice.
Cool styling
Motor sounded like it was full of marbles
That's just the built-in reliability rattling around inside. It's a miracle that this vehicle made it through this review under its own power.
We got a South African only special with a 3.0L engine
For 1986 standards I've thought the 40-55mph test was only fair yet the 0-60mph and quarter mile tests were good, it must have more high end power than low end power.
lol..! who's that serial killer sitting in the car? 4:03
Now that Alpha is back (sort of) they should bring a new GTV-6 back.
I love the look but it's kinda hard to believe that at one point this look was described as "timeless"
154hp for a V6 engine.... And had the same performance as the 1.6 liter, 16v of Isuzu..... The GTV-6 was a piece of junk! But we LOVE IT!
love this car
Can you please post your '82 test?
ALso is it just me or does this car look similar to a 1970's Mercury Capri, especially by the headlights.
Can anyone make out what John is saying at 0:33? Oh, & I LOVE how Craig Singhaus is all decked out in his '80's attorney/lawyer attire for this test!!!!!
***** "Alfas have suited a select few" i think...
I listened to it again, & that is what I got, as well.
that suspension is soft af
These strongly tempted me when they came out, but reason prevailed fortunately. Since I didn't have the ikind of money Jeremy Clarkson has.
6:02 Is that a TINY cloud of clutch smoke coming from the drivers tire area??
Clutch is in the rear of the car, transaxle set up
with cars like this how did they fail in the USA?
Rust, reliability, poor resale, expensive parts...
Weren't the Speedlines '85 only?
WoOw wanderful handliong👌
i wish alfa would be released now they have alot of interesting car thats one is ok, looks odd
Did this car have inboard brakes, or am I thinking of a different Alfa?
+BonManger
Yes, inboard rear solid rotors. Reduces unsprung weight but then doesn't get the ventilation that hub/wheel located rotors do. Not a problem unless one participates in race tract days. I upgraded to vented rotors on mine and haven't had a problem on the race track since.
You don't see any old Alfa Romeo cars from the 80s because they had horrendous reliability problems. They all ended up in the junkyards. Now that Alfa Romeo is back in the USA, outlooks like its gonna disappear again due to the same horrendous reliability problems it had 40 years ago.
Sweet Jesus, that body roll is awful! XD
Seriously though, cool little sports car.
De Dion rear bridge. The body rolls, but the wheels are glued to the tarmac.
Thst rear end squats waaay low when flooring it. It's extremely noticable...
Anybody happens to know the stereo model featured on the car? 03:32 Thank you in advance for any tips!
Whats the point of powerful largebenhibe cars when 55mph is top
beatifulllllllllllllllllllllllll car. loved
Ma che bella macchina
I can fit a 4-piece drum set (with 20'' bass drum) in the back seat. Hardly worthless.
Lambs love velvet power.
Amore mio...tornerai mia😘😘
lexus SC400 pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee?