1985 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

1st Aug 2001, 21:57

"Rewarding car to drive if you can find a good one and put up with Alfa's little idiosyncrasies"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Nothing really serious.

Dash has one crack.

It's difficult to start from hot (after it's been sitting for about 20 minutess). But it seems to be particular to this car only. Alfa and numerous "Alfa Specialists" can't figure it out either.

Ergonomics are a disaster. eg. dimly lit courtesy light at night. Inadequate illumination for heating & demister controls. Wipers are too slow. No oil pressure warning light!

General comments?

Fantastic road holding.

Gear change a bit slow and vague, but nevertheless pretty acurate.

Rust isn't really a great problem with later models.

Brakes are almost atomic! It'll stop on a dime.

Performance is fantastic and the car is generally ecomomical if you don't drive it too hard.

Looks are fantastic, from every angle.


17th Dec 2004, 02:16

I have a 1985 Alfetta Gtv an have the same starting problems when hot, engine stutters into life and smells rich or of petrol. I have fitted a fuel pressure regulator and a return pipe to the tank to bleed off pressure after 15 seconds from shutdown. All to no avail. My Lancia Fulvia 1600 has Dellortos fitted and starts on the 1st compression hot or cold.

Other thing is the window rubbers have shrunk and allow water into the doors. Poly sheeting is a must at the inside of the door to prevent water ingress and damaged door trim panels.

Otherwise a great drivers car now the rear bushes have been replaced and the front suspension Camber/caster and toe have been 'adjusted' to spec. Don't ignore suspension adjustments they are almost always wrong and ruin the 'feel' of the car, but difficult to correct!

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