The Alfa Romeo 147 is Exquisite Automotive Art
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- The Alfa 147 is a car I hold dear to my heart. My Dad's old 147 is responsible for my love of cars, and therefore the existence of this channel.
Today on Twin-Cam, we're taking an in-depth look at the styling and engineering of this brilliant small family car, complete with its gorgeous tan leather seating and singing 16 valve Twin Spark engine.
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Your confidence delivering the commentary was off the hook! As was your enthusiasm. And your personal history with this beautiful car brought all the feels. That little towhead gearhead melted my heart. Your dad must have been so proud. I bet he still is. Wonderful work here, Ed. So much content perfectly presented.
Little Ed is adorable!
Thanks David, that's lovely to hear :)
Alfa 147 is beautiful
That green is a lovely colour, such a underrated colour on cars
Green over tan all the cars.
Yes. I did buy a brand new Alfa 147 2.0 Twin Spark in gabbiano blue with optional extras of blue leather seats, 17” alloys and full electric sunroof. A stunning car in every way.
Alfas are the used car market's best kept secret. You can have a 147, GT or 159 for pennies and they're just... better. Alfa reliability stories are old wives' tales best left in the 1980s, and nothing else gives you so much style, so much exotic engineering and so much driving enjoyment for so little outlay. Every Alfa will appreciate into a genuine classic if you keep it long enough too. I've had four in the past six years and don't regret a second.
Great video, some titbits of information about the TS engines that I didn't know.
Thanks mate :)
Every car is a s**t box if you do not maintain and clean it tho... Dunno why people talk all those silly reliability stories😊
How are they just better like you said? What objective facts do you have to support that claim.. or are you just biased
@@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess I didn't specify what they were better than, I was just using a superlative. But, factually, they're better than the vast majority of people think they are.
I would 100% rather have an Alfa than any Volkswagen for example, because the quality is similar and I think they're infinitely more interesting to look at and drive. I don't think they drive better than BMWs, but then they don't cost anything like as much either and I don't think the difference is worth the extra money.
@@MybeautifulandamazingPrincessYou cannot imagine the work that went into the design and creation of the 147 which in 2001 won the Car of the Year award judged by 21 European countries and 56 specialized journalists. It was even designed and partly built already in 1994, therefore before the famous 156 which debuted with the now famous multijet invented by Fiat. The 147 adopted very sophisticated suspensions, a high wishbone at the front and an advanced Machperson at the rear with independent wheels with a self-steering effect which then translated into exceptional maneuverability when cornering and a unique driving pleasure. The 16-valve twin spark engines are very reliable with a cast iron crankcase that is much more robust and resistant than the 8-valve twin spark and the really economical diesels are ready to cover thousands of kilometers without problems. I also own a 147 1.6 twin spark with 215,000km and I plan to do the same. Unfortunately I don't understand what he says in the video but it certainly would have been interesting.. greetings from Italy 👋 🟩⬜️🟥💪👍
Alfa Romeo sporty heart ❤️
Wonderful, and oozing passion. An Alfa is not just a car, it's art, history, fun, and problems. But when the problems get described as giving character or personalty, as they often do with an Alfa or many classic cars. You know it's a winner. I would jump as the chance for a 155 GTA Stradale, a wonderful marriage of Alfa and Arbarth. It's a shame Sbarro never got the go ahead to make a sports wagon of the 155. I also have such a soft spot for the insane SZ, it screams Alfa being let loose with no holds barred. Oh if only I could afford both.
Hit the nail on the head!
Car enthusiasts don't care about inherent problems, they care only about how a car feels.
I just bought an Alfa 147 Ducati Corse, and this very car was also on his drive way. The metalic green paint looks great.
Your enthusiasm is so infectious... I too love Alfa Romeo`s!, had a number of Alfasud`s in the 1980`s and in 2003 i bought a 147 jtd 16v 3 door in that blue you loved, my love Alfas still remains and i really hope that some day soon they will return to making an affordable hatchback...
a new alfa sud maybe!!!
Thanks Peter :)
I've got to say that the front really sets these off - pure Italian! 😍
I 've had in my time A GTV6 and an Alfasud (I've also owned a number of Lancias but that's another story), You never forget your Alfa Romeos or Lancias. You're right, they are deeply flawed but wonderfully so. You live with the flaws because you love the design and you really love the sound. I can hear in my old brain now wringing the neck of my Alfasud hooning the back roads of Kent. I always explained to my friends who complained about the acres of bubbling rust that they were missing the point. Alfas were never meant to grow old gracefully, they were meant to be crashed through a stone wall as you careened around that outside curve with a 50 ft drop on the other side or bent to buggery as you drove up a tree because the understeer finally caught you out. Lancias and Alfas were working class exotica. I was never going to own a Ferrari, but a GTV6? Oh yeah.
I ended up moving to the USA and driving bloatware. It's not the same here. Corners are a new concept to the Americans. BTW nice video. Nicely done.
Have you driven the Giulia?
Love this. You've hit the Alfa-loving mindset straight on the head!
Just reading that I can hear the buzz of the boxer engine in an Alfasud. One day... one day!
Ed: Another excellent review, brilliantly scripted and presented!
@ 5:28 - cute you!
Thanks as ever man :)
Love the explanation of T.Spark - never really understood this before but it makes perfect sense!
I should note that this is only applicable to the 16 valvers!
The earlier Twin Spark equipped engines had two plugs of the same size firing at the same time.
8 plugs.
In 2003 at the age of 25 I bought my 147 2.0 TS Lusso Selespeed in silver. It was a complete dream. I loved the paddles, the Twin Spark, the heated leather seats.
The fact that the gearbox & paddles had been developed from formula one just made it for me!
You are spot on in your review. Thank you!! Aqua... Benzina… happy days!
Thanks John :)
This, the GT and the GTV will always have a special place in my heart. Great review.
Thanks mate :)
Hi just bought a 147 recently coming from driving German cars for 20 years. It's so pretty that I don't even look at its faults, as you rightly said. Who would have known after 20 years of driving various cars an older Italian car would get me so excited!
I know there’s this “grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” effect for cars that were never offered in your own market, but the 147 proves the rule, and makes my envy greener on this side of the Atlantic. As green as the paintwork on this particular car. I like the facelifted car as much, too, which is rare.
You’re quite lucky to have one of these in your past.
It's a lovely thing. Probably ruinous to own, but bursting with character!
Many thanks from us in Texas for your videos! Makes us miss our '87 Milano Gold (or 75). Keep up the stellar work sir!
Thanks mate :)
Replace everything you said about your dad having a 147 and it creating your interest in cars as a child with a 75 2.4 TD and you'll have the exact same situation as me. Alfa Romeos are truly something you can call "special ordinary". I am sure each person has it's own preferable brand for this, but, in my case, I wouldn't want it to be any other brand. Alfa is the reason why I love cars so much and it made me interested in mechanics and specifications as well. I wish they never stop making them "different". Amazing video, now off to look how much do 75s go for and can I even find them in Croatia at this point in time. Cheers.
Ed, what a great video. You are definitely going upwards. You have a good blend of originality and old Topgear. That is a total compliment. Keep on doing lad. 👍
Thank you. The level of safety and car strength is mind boggling in the 147. The more that is asked of the car the more it gives. Superb in the wet, Braking in emergency is insane , makes Peugeot seem bad. I love these cars because they punch above their weight. Very pretty cars.
Had overlooked this one. Fantastic. Your enthusiasm is contagious. I had a 156 which I loved. Perhaps I need to buy a 147 as my daily driver…
Fantastic video Twin Cam ... both passionate and knowledgeable but delivered with real confidence.
Got me convinced ... I will be looking for one of these ... and already own a GT and a Brera.!!!!
Brilliant and I formative review, sir, take a bow. Had Alfas all my life without any regrets. Just hope this iconic company can continue to offer some special cars.
Very well presented Ed, you can see the enthusiasm on this car how much it means to you with your dad owning one, This example is beautifal in that green with the tan interior.
Thanks as ever mate :)
Love your enthusiasm and passion while delivering a very professionally voiced video! I've just purchased a 147 Collezione, my first Alfa Romeo and I instantly fell in love with it from the moment I saw it for sale, faults and all! My Dad has mostly owned Alfas and Fiats so I also have the pre-installed love! Looking forward to seeing future videos and watching your channel grow. 😊
Thanks Emma, that's very kind :)
Hope you keep enjoying it, no matter whether it puts up a fight or not!
Most underrated hatchback by far, passengers in the three I've owned always remarked about how it can turn 90° in an eye blink with no fuss and on a twisty road nothing gets on the back bumper as it always has an advantage in turning speed and steering.
true
Thank you for this great review. Finally, a video appreciating the 147. My love story with this car started in 2013. when I was 12 years old, my parents bought a 2006 147 TI. Years after that, today, 8 days before my birthday, I am waiting to receive my first car (up to now I was using my mom’s car) a 2008 147 Sport. I love this car.
Great video. I love that you are reviewing a car that might be less obvious for a lot of people. Also, the quality of your videos has really shot up. You're looking quite professional!
Thanks Mark, that's lovely to hear :)
The facelifted version is still one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen. It's one of those designs that keeps feeling better and better the longer you look at it. Which is what I love about Alfas.
I need a cheap second car and am finally going to buy a facelifted 147. It's in gabbiano blue actually. Looking forward to taking good care of it.
Nice video by the way. Underrated channel 🙂
yes yes yes Ed!! Love this video!! Excellent review of a very special car!! I love your in depth research, your enthusiasm and your own personal story about your Dads Giabbino Blue 147!!
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said and share your passion for the brand! what a lovely example you had to film there! Were you able to drive it because they drive as good as they look! I invite you to drive one enthusiastically and you'll end up with a big smile on your face!
Thanks Timothy, that's very kind :)
Great review Ed really enjoyed it. I have a 2.0 TS Spider and daily it. You’ve managed to articulate why anyone should bother in a far better way than I could.
The indented pods in the dash are a throwback to the 1960s Duetto Spider.
Thanks Craig :)
Had I got to it a few months earlier, I could have done a video on the 916 GTV the owner of this 147 also had, but unfortunately he sold it!
Certainly, the 105-Series Spider had proper instrument pods, but didn't all 105-Series Alfas or am I remembering things here?
@@TwinCam yes you are right, a bit of retro done well. Maybe Melvin needs an Italian friend!
Your best work to date. Good to see you back.
Thanks mate, that's lovely to hear!
I have a beautiful 147 1.6 16v ts from 2001 its really true what this person tells you its a blessing
I’m a passionate 147 owner and now I’m a diehard Twin cam fan 🙌🏽
Well done Ed, beautiful car. I completely relate to your childhood association with your discovery of your Dad's Alfa. In 1968 it was the same for 3 year old me. That is why I drive the car in the picture beside this message. Keep up your excellent work. 👍
Thanks Sean :)
Great review. I had one of those and loved it. I think your review makes me see the car in a different light. If I hadn't swapped it for a fabulous Honda Cr-Z, I probably would have regretted it!
Glad to see you back. Love these Alfas. Great review thanks
Thanks Phil :)
I share your passion for Alfa Romeo. Your stories about the 147 and the 156 are brilliant. Thanks for that. Greetings from Germany
Thanks Patrick :)
Great stuff TC, just getting better all the time!
Thanks Stevie :)
Loved your presentation of such a wondeful car. I just bought one, and I am besotted. After 40 years, I am back in the Alfa seat and I could not be happier with my 2.0L - 2005 147. Obsessed, thanks for the positive spin you put on this little charmer that obviously needs no spin, apart from what my foot is going to apply! Thanks.
Thanks mate, hope you keep enjoying your Alfa!
Alfas are works of art, and a joy to drive. They are a great buy second hand, I bought a 145 cloverleaf in 2009 for a grand, and it was in awesome condition, once I put a cone filter on it screamed like a banshee when it came on cam. Then in 2019 I got a 159 sport wagon for 1100 quid, the front end of those things are a joy to behold ❤️ I really fancy a 147 , the 3.2 is pretty much the ultimate hot hatch.
Spoken with passion !
Wow! This bring back lots of fond memories for me. I got the 1.6L 120hp manual one with black leather seats and red threads for about 7 years. Love the looks, interior trimmings and the driving experience. Was my second car, i never realised how good and fun the driving experience was until much later.
I think Alfas are something that you should have after you’ve driven other stuff just so you know just how special they are. I had a 1.6 147 and am about to get another (also had a 146Ti) and even though on paper it’s a sensible small family hatchback, that just doesn’t come close to describing how incredible they are
Miss my 2001 147 2.0 Selespeed so much. Adored it.
Your descriptions are pretty much perfect. Excellent stuff.
Thanks Alexander :)
Professional Video. Subscribed!
Very good presentation for the 156 and the 147 excellent.😎
Looks great! Very well preserved.
Terrific review! Always wanted one of these as a kid - the Alfa designs of the late nineties were really special. My dad had a Alfa 156 sportwagon as his company car in the late nineties which was absolutely beautiful to look at and drive. People really did stop and give it a second glance when they walked past it!Alas, it really did suffer with its electrics….I think that was what put me off becoming an Alfisti. Keep up the good work really look forward to these reviews.
Thanks David :)
Excellent review
Another great informative with great presentation video. Look forward to the next video.
Thanks Martin :)
I hope you've been enjoying!
What an utterly lovely colour. Matches the leather perfectly. Fantastic condition too. The 3.2 V6 Busso version would have a sound to match the whole design but would, I suspect, be ruinous to own. It is possible to get slightly smaller number plates than standard for Italian cars (or any cars really). Only the font style, size and spacing are specified, the plate itself can be reduced in size and doesn't have to include a border. Double wishbones can be very good, but in FWD vehicles the packaging (particularly the upper wishbone) tends to dictate that they are quite short and not really optimal. Who cares though, you buy these to look good and feel good, not to be sensible or win races. Respect to whoever owns this one.
Yeah ive got a smaller plate on the front of mine, gets rid of the plastic plinth and makes it look a lot cleaner 👍
I agree that a smaller plate would suit these better!
Also, green over tan all the cars!
@@TwinCam what is the name of the colour?
Great review! I owned a 1.6 TS 147 from new in 2001, then bought a facelift in 2009… last year I missed them so much that I bought the 147 GTA. Great timeless cars.
Thanks Gordon :)
01:59 Yes! I'm not the only one who like the offset number plate! It's not something you see on many cars these days, but it really works with the retro grille design.
It was and still is, a head turning car. Beautiful.
Had a black 1.6 Lusso about 15 years ago, loved it! Worst best car I've ever had...
Great review, I've had loads they are wonderful. The Twin Spark Fiat/Alfa engine in the early 145s and mid range 155s were the best - aluminium cam cover and tubular manifolds mark them out - they sound amazing and perform the best
Thanks Paul :)
Great video!!
Really enjoyed this one. My wife craved a 147 she eventually got a 2004 2:0 she ran it for 11 years. We still have one front seat for an office chair. So much emotion for a car! Off set number platte yep. Tupperware of course well done great work.
My granddad left me his 16 year old 2005 1.6, it's the best car I've ever driven
Oh, I want one so bad now...Oh, wait ..I have one already (2005 2.0) but still love hearing positive reviews about them
As you can tell I kinda like 147s! My baby being a 2003 silver GTA. Very loved car and kept wrapped in cotton wool most of the time. 147 gta uk versions getting quite rare now. Good video btw
Bravissimo, great video! you described the essence of the Alfa Romeo! Please do just like this for 156 model
Thanks mate :)
Fortunately, there is a video of the 156 coming this weekend!
Well done Ed on this Car like you it’s one of why favourite cars in the Alfa range also I use to own 2 Alfa Suds a Dark Chocolate Brown and 2 years later metallic mint Green which stood out from the crowd it was fast and nippy heads would turn because of the throaty sound that all Alfa give off I just left the crowd behind from a standing start:))
I'd love an Alfasud so much!
An excellent presentation of à wonderfully Delicious Alfa Roméo 147. Gorgeous, timeless styling inside and out.
Thanks mate :)
Love your videos and great to have you back! Consider some footage of the cars on the move if possible
Thanks Will :)
Unfortunately it gets a little difficult with logistics, and also fitting it into the flow of the video without seeming like a sore thumb. However, I'll have a try!
awesome. great presentation style. getting better every episode 👍
Thanks Patrick :)
A really beautiful 147 Ed. Almost as good as your pedal car :-) That 147 has a great colour combination. If Alfa Romeo brought it back, it would sell like hotcakes. :-)
Beautiful review. I am the owner of 2 original design 147s and really enjoyed your video. Big thumb up and subscription from me.
Thanks mate, that's very kind :)
I hope you enjoy what I have lined up!
Had a 1.6 twinny, loved it 😍
Welp, now I want a 147. What a great video man, great job 👍
Thanks mate, that's very kind :)
My mum had a 2.0 16v in silver, honestly one of the best cars I've ever driven
Also the Alfa Giulia is also another one of my favourite car as I got privilege on driving this one on hire absolutely brilliant fantastic car to drive too me out of this world and as you said the Badge says it all
I love Alfa Romeos. I didn't know about the 147 though. I would love to drive this!
It reminds me of the Volvo c30, but more style. Awesome video as always.
Thanks mate :)
Yesss! Had one recently and unfortunately crashed it but it was an amazing car.
I like your style and a good, even handed reviews which goes a way towards dispelling the urban myths about Alfa. They have their issues as do all cars, but one thing with an Alfa is you should lift a bonnet and check stuff. Most folk don't these days .
Cracking vid. Thank you
Thanks Steven, that's very kind of you to say :)
Keep the videos coming!
147 is a great car. excellent description and enjoyed the passion. You have to own a Alfa once
Thanks Martin :)
Absolutely adore my 147, it's here to stay.
I daily a 147Ti; in spite of it being being 20 years old it's still a great looking car and it's way more fun than all the other econobox spamcans.
good man!
Another great vid Ed. I love Alphas.
Also, like you, I’m on e bay after each of your reviews looking up the cars you present (especially this one) 🤪
You get better and better Mate
David👍
Thanks mate 🙂
Good to have you back doing what you do so well!
Thanks Adam :)
@@TwinCam and the Insignia Grand Sport offer is still there if you ever find the time now we’re getting back to a bit of normality and if you still have my email 😂
This video was brilliant mate 👏🏼
Thanks mate :)
Love your review style. Keep it up!
Thanks mate :)
Nice one Ed. Great car. Rare 20 years ago, even rarer today.
Thanks as ever Dave :)
Italian cars certainly have a wonderful style .
I do love BL/Rover cars but I will always be win over by the Italian cars..
Another great review Ed...
Thanks Paul :)
I had two 145's. The first was a pre facelift R reg 1.8, with the cast alloy engine cover. And the second was a W reg 1.6 with the plastic engine cover. Loved both of them, but neither were without the notorious Alfa Romeo electrical gremlins, which drove me to distraction at times, but that is what I think some people mean, when they say "Alfas have soul"
I've had Two 147's, Both 1.9 JTDM. I prefer the facelift versions but will definitely love to work my way up to the GTA, My Current one Is the Q2 and it eats up corners! Lovely review mate!
Thanks Sam :)
Great review, I just want one even more now!
Thanks mate :)
I borrowed one of these a few years ago, a 1.6 and it was fantastic with exquisite steering and a lively engine. The seats were very comfortable and the ride was nice and pliant. I would have bought one if there was a sunroof available.
There was a sunroof available!
My Dad's 147 had one fitted.
i had a diesel one, it brigned only problems, a lot of them. but the handling of this car is just something beyond this earth
You never to old to learn something new. I didn't know about the big time difference between the two spark plugs.
I had a GTV1750 - 72, and I bought some special (expensive) plugs that gave 4 sparks (at the same time)
Alfa romeo had also a very nice cigarette light er. You put the ciggaret into a hole, and after a while you could feel a really good aroma of rosted tobacco. It's a little strange but I never heard anyone mention this in any review.
Excellent video, Ed! I really miss my 147, it was an excellent car. Bella macchina 👌🍀🇮🇹
I own one 1.6 petrol,2003.Do you wanna buy?
@@panditbhudev21 no thanks, I don't have room for more cars unfortunately 😁
@@fhwolthuis U can park outside like i do.
Thanks Frank :)
The main thing that "ages/dates" any car is when the headlamps yellow, the ones on the Alfa 147 in your video looked almost new. Another great watch from Twin Cam. How about a Cooper S with twin fuel tanks or a MOKE, if one ever comes along. Stay safe Stay strong....
Thanks as always Mike.
I have to say, a Cooper 1275 S is coming...
Excellent review,,,,well done! Subscribed
Thanks Richard :)
I bought a 2007 147 last year and it brings a smile to my face every time I drive it. Absolutely beautiful car and it really turns heads.
Do you still have it?
@@Sam-gw5pl I recently sold it and got a Hyundai Coupe Siii
Will miss the 147 but also love my coupe
@@EricWalkerUk would you recommend?
@@Sam-gw5pl yeah definitely
Awesome video! I love Alfa they definitely have a soul ♥️. Fun fact, talking about Italian language in the Alfa vs French in a Citroen, my Renault have all the warning labels in french, but inside everything is made from symbols there are no words, but in the rev counter says tr/min (tour par minute) instead of rpm. A little french touch.
Thanks mate :)
Oh dear, you are now officially an Alfaholic... incurable I am afraid. I had a wonderful fling with an Alfasud 1.5 Ti, but my daily crave is an Alfetta GTV V6 3.0 in red. I had a two year love affair with a GTV 2.0 but I was always after her faster, younger sister.
I got my love for cars from my dad too. Great vid Ed.
Oh don't worry, it's a long standing affliction!
Some day, I'll have a few Alfas knocking about. Until then, I can but dream!
Thanks David :)
We share the same passion ❤😊 excellent video
The 145/6, 916 GTV6 are probably my favourite models but by the time the 146 and 156 were out I was old enough to drive myself. Though I'd never had an Italian car at that time I was intrigued. A 156 in silver with a red leather interior and teledials with a busso engine would be perfection. The 146 would be a great consolation prize though and even though green isn't my colour, that one looks superb with as you say, the best colour interior. My 15 year old really wants a MTO or a 146 for his first car.
Green over tan all the cars!