1982 Alfa Romeo GTV review from North America

Slight coolant leak, major rear disc brake caliper leak, engine misfires.

The Alfa-Romeo GTV-6 2.5 was introduced in 1981 to much acclaim from the press. It was rated one of the top "cheap" sports cars in 1982, but there was nothing economical about this Italian albatross once you bought it.

Yes, it looked good inside and out. It even smelled good. However, it leaked habitually. Each leak meant hundred of dollars to the local Alfa "expert". Parts were never in stock from the dealer and it seemed they were made (when needed) at the factory. I'll bet they made one GTV-6 2.5 parts car for each one they sold at the dealership!

This car performed fair at best. Its handling was quirky for a rear-wheel drive car and its acceleration wasn't anywhere near that of sports cars in the same price range. A 944 would eat it up like a German devouring brautwurst. Ergonomics were poor and the car was somewhat uncomfortable. The only thing it had going for it was a smooth transmission and a presumably

decent top speed. I was always shy to push the envelope on the GTV-6 because the brakes were always questionable.

"Mussolini" as I called it, finally gave

me the sign we were at war with each other. A combination of both coolant and motor oil began dripping from the passenger side cylinder head and I knew I wasn't long for the battle.

"Oh yeah", the old Alfa guru told me, "They need head gaskets every 36,000 miles."

Great.

Hello, Mustang GT! I finally found a dealer who was numb enough to give me a fair trade in for the GTV-6. I roared off with 5 liters of American muscle and kissed my Italian lover goodbye for the last time.