1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV

1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTWeber Carb Conversion / Twin DCOE 40 / HeaderKoni Shocks / Aftermarket Springs / Big Sway BarExcellent Original Campagnolo Alloy WheelsSet up for Autocross and Daily DrivingVIN: AR11615*1236401*
Nice example of the Alfetta GT: A model that is rapidly becoming sought after. now that it is old and scarce. This one has been off the road for about ten years. It had a lot of work done on it. and a few autocross competitions. before it was put into storage.  
MECHANICAL: Strong running car with a Weber twin-carb conversion from injection to give European spec power and response. The Webers look new and spotless (inside and out). and can't have many miles on them. The car starts instantly. and sounds fantastic. but throttle at "tip-in" is a bit ragged. so we think these carbs need to be dialed-in a bit better. Once their throats clear. the revs soar. (Please see and hear it run on the Youtube links!) We also would advise installing the support strut that usually accompanies these carbs. which helps to stabilize them and removes some pressure from the rubber mounting blocks. The velocity stacks look fantastic! We fitted them with four little free-flow air strainers that are clean and brand new.
The motor is clean. inside and out. We replaced the cam cover gasket. which was leaking (see pictures on the photo link to look at the spotless valvetrain!). and we rebuilt the clutch slave on the transaxle for the same reason. The water pump is weeping a little. and the next owner will want to take care of this soon (a pretty easy. inexpensive job on these motors). Oil and filter are fresh. and my associate couldn't resist using 20W-50 synthetic 'racing oil'. Oil pressure is great. even at a warm idle. We saw no evidence of intermingling of oil and coolant. and we presume the head gasket to be healthy. It's a nice motor; strong and it doesn't smoke.
Compression is an amazing 170 lbs across the board. We checked it and rechecked it. Cams are stock. Very cool aftermarket four-into-two-into-one steel header -- this is a super well made exhaust piece. and even freer breathing than the excellent factory cast iron header.  
The car starts eagerly and goes down the road nicely. with an addictive noise and sharp responses.  
The brake pedal pressure and travel are good. and the brakes seem in good shape. The booster doesn't seem very effective. and the hoses do not look new. but we bled the brakes and didn't think anything more needed to be done to them for now.
All controls and gauges work. though the speedo jumps a bit at low speeds -- usually a sign of wear. but sometimes cleaning and lubing up the mechanism with graphite and dab of lithium grease works wonders.  
For anyone accustomed to Alfetta transaxles. there will be no surprises. This one shifts well. It's not sloppy feeling (a common complaint). and in fact it feels like it's got a "Sure-Shift" bushing kit installed. It doesn't crunch on second if you shift with some finesse (Alfetta synchros do not like 'speedshifting'). Likewise. a driver who knows how to heel-and-toe will never have an issue with downshifting an Alfetta without grinding. Mastering the craft of good driving techniques is one of the rich rewards in driving these cars fast and well. They will bring a smile to your face like few other machines. This one is no different. and even a short blast around the block will have you wanting to go back out for more. The feel. the noise. the higher than expected average speeds are just addictive -- This is the essence of what made the classic Alfas so legendary and well loved.
The odometer reads 94966. We believe the vehicle's condition supports this mileage. but we cannot confirm its veracity in any way.  
CHASSIS: This car has been set up as an autocrosser. taking advantage of the Alfetta's perfect weight distribution. Koni adjustable shocks. some stiff red springs in the back (perhaps from the old Shankle catalog?). and a truly heroic looking front sway bar make this car much more responsive and chuckable than the soft riding stock set up. The ride is stiffer for sure. but not punishing -- a very nice trade off. The front torsion bars look stock. and the lowering method in this case is to remove the torsion bars. turn them one spline. and re-install - Voila: European spec ride height! This is an aesthetic improvement as well as a dynamic one.
Tires are Yokohama Advan 0320R (195/60 x 14). a fairly exotic autocrossing tire. with soft compound and a supersized contact patch for their size; probably not the best choice for day-to-day commuting. but very sticky indeed. They are old tires. but still have some tread. While the next owner will want to consider replacement soon. they have useful life in them yet. In fact. they appear to be perfectly seasoned for autocrossing right now. Tires are mounted on factory original style Campagnolo 'Turbina' wheels with correct wheel centers that have the Alfa logo. Please note: there are only four wheels. and there is no spare or jack in the trunk.  These wheels are in excellent condition. right down to the little 'Campy' stickers at the rims. Any Campagnolo wheel is a high quality. desirable item: Light. strong. and the 'Turbina' style was an original extra cost option for this car. (See detail shots of all four tires/wheels on the photo link!) 
BODY / APPEARANCE: This is often the Alfetta's Achille's heel. and serious rust has claimed more of these cars than any other reason. This car is much better underneath than we expected. It has the typical surface corrosion around the windshield and backlight corners. around the tail light holes. There are some rust perforations along the bottom of the passenger side door skin and in the corners of the rocker panels. The door skin on the driver's side door is not rusty. and the door frames themselves are very clean: We examined them inside and out (see photo link for pics). The wheel arches are super nice. and appear to be all steel.  
When we put this car up on the hoist. we were very impressed by what we saw: Strong floors. straight steel. and very solid metal. even in the valance panels and their joints. THIS IS NOT A RUST BUCKET.  Please don't just take out word for it. but make your judgment from the pictures.
From what we can ascertain. this car was a west-coast original. and then spent some time in Texas before going to Hawaii for a while. and then to here in Minnesota. where it was a fair weather autocrosser only. Whatever the history. it has agreed well with this car's body. (Please study the pictures posted here on eBay. and if you like what you see. we have many. many more detail pictures of the every aspect of underside of the car on our photo link).
This car was repainted at some stage. and it appears the original color was ivory. Looking from inside the hatch area. there is evidence that the right rear quarter panel was replaced at some point -- not straightened. but replaced. Close inspection also shows evidence of cutting and welding around the spare tire well in that same right/rear corner. so the car took a significant impact there at some point. We couldn't tell at all from the outside. and the car tracks straight. We mention it only in the interests of fairness and full-disclosure for the next buyer. so there are no surprises.
The interior is so-so. Seats need upholstery or covers. The dash is in typical condition for it's age: It has all the cracks and marks that can be expected from 70s plastic. but the gauges are all clear and in great shape. The plastic console is good except for a couple of bits of material missing around the shifter quadrant (quite typical. unfortunately). The headliner is stained in places. but we noticed no tears -- It might clean up nicely with a weak bleach solution. The wood steering wheel is a desirable option. with a good finish. The plastic horns buttons have decayed. but the horn still works. Carpets are pretty good. and the floors are solid;
The front bumper was removed. presumably to subtract weight at the front. and thereby very slightly increase the bias toward the rear. There is a front air dam fitted from a GTV6.  
The paint finish is good. but it's an older repaint: Great for casual driving and 'Cars & Coffee' Saturdays. but will not win any awards for best-in-show. Still has great curb appeal. though. and attracts a lot of attention wherever it goes.
OVERALL: This is a very nice Alfetta GT that performs strongly and looks good. It has no glaring demerits. but there are plenty of details that will benefit from a bit of attention. Fine tuning of the carbs. and some interior sprucing will work wonders. The rust situation is not serious. and be kept in check by avoiding wet weather driving and humid storage conditions. This will make a fine classic Alfa for an owner who wants an involving car and is ready to sweat some of the details to make it better and keep it nice.  
I'm told by an eBay rep that as of June we can no longer use any sort of clickable links on eBay for the purpose of showing you more detail photos and some video of the car running/driving. (Great new policy. eBay! Thanks!) However. you should be able to copy and paste the following addresses into you browser:135 DETALIED PICTURES:   flickr. com/gp/146970894@N07/Lyk803SEE and HEAR IT RUN:  youtu. be/CQtRQ9fRmAAyoutu. be/XRZHOmReH18
 NO RESERVE! HIGH BID BUYS THIS CAR NEXT WEEK! And Now… if You're Serious About Bidding. Please Read….
The Fine Print:
GOOD LUCK!Please bid to the value this car may hold for you. Please feel free to ask questions or add comments. Please ask questions BEFORE you bid. We will respond quickly and honestly. This vehicle is garaged in Plymouth. Minnesota. about ten minutes west of downtown Minneapolis. Inspections are invited and encouraged! 
CONDITIONS:Winning this auction constitutes a legal and binding agreement between the Buyer. the Seller (MM1000auto). and the Owner. Please bid sincerely and sensibly. Zero-feedback bidders must contact us first before bidding to establish some level of seriousness-of-intent: It's nothing personal. just business: We. and many others. have been stung on eBay Motors by too many dead-beat auction winners. Vehicle is sold "As-Is and Where-Is". No warranty is expressed. implied or offered. Seller cannot and will not take any responsibility for this car after it leaves the premises.
PAYMENT: Buyer must make a $300 DEPOSIT by PayPal within 24 hours of the Auction Close. The Deposit will secure the Deal for all Parties involved. Failure to make Deposit within 24 hours will risk Cancellation of the Sale at Discretion of the Seller and the Owner. BALANCE MUST BE PAID within 7 BUSINESS DAYS of sale by SECURE PAYMENT. Accepting US FUNDS via WIRE TRANSFER. CERTIFIED BANK CHECK. or CASH at PICK-UP. Deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE except under circumstances deemed fair and appropriate by the Seller and the Owner. Deposit will be payable to this eBay Seller. via PayPal. and the final balance will be made directly to the titled Owner of the car (wire transfer preferred. but certified bank check or cash at pick up is also acceptable). after which clear Title in the Seller's name will be sent to the Buyer.
TRANSPORT: Buyer is responsible for all transportation arrangements and costs. This vehicle is garaged in Plymouth. Minnesota about ten minutes west of downtown Minneapolis. We do not offer quotes on shipping. Fast. competitive shipping quotes are a few keystrokes away on eBay and on Google. If you like. we will be happy to recommend some preferred carriers with whom we have had direct experience. ALL EXPORT SALE DETAILS MUST BE ARRANGED BY THE BUYER. though we can recommend an excellent overseas vehicle shipping specialist if you like.  We are happy to work with any automotive transport company you send. and we are happy to cooperate with overseas expediters in terms of delivering documents. etc.  STORAGE:While the Auction Winner sorts out pick-up or transport arrangements. Seller can offer. free of charge. dry indoor storage for up to 30 days after auction termination. Longer periods can be arranged at extra cost if necessary. Seller cannot accept any liability during this storage period. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thank You for Looking! We are fluent in classic European and American cars. We are hobbyists. first and foremost. and happy to hear from you on the subject of cars or bikes. In addition to AUTOMOBILIA and PARTS. WE HAVE SOLD OVER 50 VEHICLES ON eBAY since 2005. EACH DEAL A HAPPY ONE FOR ALL INVOLVED!T >>MM1000auto>> was created to auction the THINGS WE LOVE MOST: CARS. PARTS. and AUTOMOBILIA 

Also published at eBay.com

Want to buy this car?