Alfa Giulia Sprint GT Veloce 1600. It's very pretty but what's it really like to drive?

[@mpetry912]

I think modern cars completely miss the delightful handling and light weight and simplicy of cars like this.

[@jackmorgan5431]

It is a shame, even if you stripped a modern car back to basics I doubt you would ever get anything that's the same weight or size as the old cars due to the requirements of airbags, crash structures and other safety items

[@treennumbers]

@@jackmorgan5431 Yep, regulations mean we'll never have another like this (that isn't one of those reproductions like the aston and jag from a few years ago that cost a million). Amazing to think about how, back in the day, the reason you didn't need power steering was because the tires were so thin. Now, thin tires are considered economical and environmentally friendly, but only under a car that weighs two tons and requires the power steering anyway.

[@dagweedbumstead8865]

Agreed 👍

[@GamingXpaul2K10]

@@jackmorgan5431 MX5s and the Lotus Elise/Exige are the closest you'll get from a modern car. The Elise comes in at a lower weight than this car but it's going to be less practical and less confortable.

[@caladanian]

@@GamingXpaul2K10 ...and the Elise is about to be discontinued. What a loss.

[@simonedwards5070]

That car has put a bigger smile on your face than the M3s you’ve been driving

[@TernaryTrout]

Just what I was thinking :)

[@lollypop9580]

And the front grill is far more engaging than the Bavarian's...

[@abuhamza1970]

That’s because it has the magic combination of front engine, rear wheel drive, skinny tyres and a wooden steering wheel.

[@f.kieranfinney457]

And it’s just as unreliable

[@the1beard]

The Secret Feels Fast at legal speed limits 👌

[@johnmandragon4830]

Totally totally agree. I know the MX5 is a bit of a predictable car to mention, but the absolute joy is that when you are doing 40, it feels like 70. I also have a big old Lexus LS460 and at 70 you feel like you are standing still, which is no good for your licence....

[@the1beard]

@@johnmandragon4830 Lotus elise are similar fun at legal speed limits

[@kurtbarker3303]

Absolutely. Get an MG Midget with a mildly tuned engine on old tyres...NOW WE’RE LAUGHING 😆

[@user-ht9fr6eh9u]

spot on. Its how fast it feels not how fast it is. Had a 200mph monster and in 4 years realised hadnt smiled once

[@theLEGOguy22]

Totally agree. My Guila QV is way too fast for public roads and you can’t enjoy it legally.

[@Mike-rk8px]

I’ve owned a 1973 Alfa Giulia Sprint since 2008 and it’s the most fun car I’ve ever owned. I’ve had several Alfa’s, the ‘86 GTV6 I owned from new was addicting to drive, was gorgeous, sounded even more gorgeous, but was about as durable as a potato chip. The ‘73 Sprint I have now is actually quite reliable and is the most joyful experience I’ve ever had behind the wheel. These cars are much prettier than they appear in photos and on tv. The lines of the body are just pure art. It’s a good thing I live in Connecticut where I have to keep the car garaged most of the year (they use salt on the roads, and these cars RUST quickly), it’s kept the body rust free and the mileage much lower than it would be if I drove it daily. And this is a car you will want to drive daily!

[@matthewgodwin3050]

This is the sort of car that almost obliges you to play Matt Monroe's 'On days like these' as you drive along. Absolutely marvellous.

[@blacksquirrel4008]

Or Verdi

[@AntoniusTyas]

You just need to make sure that there is a light at the end of a tunnel. Not a bulldozer.

[@dinispaulino7512]

So you can pretend you're in a Miura driving trough the Alps, like in the Italian Job...

[@blacksquirrel4008]

@@dinispaulino7512 I was thinking of Walter Matthau in Hopscotch

[@DrumToTheBassWoop]

And crash into a bulldozer in a tunnel.

[@mantarayal]

Everything about this car, inside and out, is just bloody gorgeous.

[@hrgiyzueghe]

Harry that is an "ASI targa oro" (golden plate), it means that not only the car has been ASI (historic registry) certified but it has been thoroughly checked by experts for its originality and being very well preserved. That's why Italians are very proud of the plate and display it on their cars.

[@sishabadab6570]

I've been to many, many, many summer cars shows.. And the cars that get the most attention are the classics, new Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini don't get a look in.. God bless the classics, and the people that keep them alive.

[@drink4711]

one of the most beautiful Alfa's ever built

[@thomasmulhall4873]

Alfas. Non possessive.

[@markjohnson8352]

@@thomasmulhall4873 Alfas. Sans doute oui possessif!

[@johnsmith1474]

No.

[@drink4711]

@@thomasmulhall4873 touché. English is not my first language

[@gustavoflorio5383]

Therefore, one of the most beautiful cars ever built.

[@johnandrews3568]

This is, without question, my all-time favourite car. Thanks for showcasing it, Harry.

[@jamesterakazis6624]

I'm lucky enough to have one in my garage...

[@johnandrews3568]

@@jamesterakazis6624 I'm green with envy. See what I did there?

[@jamesterakazis6624]

@@johnandrews3568 No...what ?

[@johnandrews3568]

@@jamesterakazis6624 green with envy... like harry's green 105 lol

[@paulpan2553]

Give us this over any modern BMW review 👌👏🏼

[@Xearin]

When 4-cylinders sounded really good

[@ezraepizon5303]

Wonderful. I have had a 1974 GTJ 1600 Junior for 40 years. Lovely little cars!

[@jonpatchett425]

The smile on Harry's face at 11.30 says it all. Brilliant 👏

[@dp2901]

Alfisti here, too. My GTV6 ownership was like dating a stripper. 95% high-maintenance. 5% envy-provoking, ecstatic motoring with a serious tendency towards explosive drama at any time.

[@spainter1985]

The perfect illustration of the feeling of speed being more important than the actual speed!

[@-DC-]

Such an elegant design the channel goes from strength to strength H.

[@itchywitchy]

What a lovely little car. My Dad had a 1750 GTV back in the 1970's, it was a fantastic car. If I won the lottery I'd rather have an old Alfa than one of today's crazy supercars. Great video!

[@robertrhein8703]

Yes and those winnings will also help with the repairs because I’ll have to drive it on occasion.

[@pez_xsm]

Is this the best era for car enthusiasts? With a car from this era you got style, sound, beauty, driving pleasure... I'm so glad youngsters like me (26yo) are so interested in classic cars again!

[@Joe_Montfort]

This might be my favorite of all the cars Harry has reviewed, and the 105 series are definitely my favorite Alfas.

[@Mr1wd]

What a refreshing changing from all the modern high performance cars.

[@euhm]

Harry's Garage, HubNut and Jay Leno's Garage and and are by far the best car channels there are imo. Real genuine car guys that seem real down to earth and friendly to others. While Jay and Harry do the more high end cars (very well), I find HubNut the best for your everyday forgotten old cars. Nothing like those spoiled kids and there ferrari's. I thank all three of you for making these great video's!

[@Wytnucls]

I take my 1750 on the highway once in a while. It doesn't feel awkward at all. The seat is comfortable, the clutch is light, the gearbox is smooth, the brakes are sharp and the engine has plenty power to cope with traffic. Of course, it's still an old car from the 70s, with shakes and rattles, but is very reliable if driven regularly. I wouldn't think twice before taking her on a long distance journey. Doing all the maintenance work myself, helps with the peace of mind.

[@alfajuj]

I had a 1966 GT back in the 80's and it was utterly fantastic. Bertone outdid themselves on this one. Truly, one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

[@Brownalebelly]

Nice to see a video like this again instead of the BMW M whatever it is, or even worse the electric cars. A beautiful Alfa and Harry enjoying himself. Wonderful.

[@matthewlewis2072]

Nothing wrong with electric cars. We have to move with the times.

[@Krunch2020]

I’m very happily enjoying my Ford Mach E. Teslas are like bellybuttons around here. There’s a lot of high speed miles between SF and LA and comfort becomes paramount.

[@michaelnaughton1393]

Your "farmer friend from down the road" may shout "power" in that vulgar way while spinning in a cloud of smoke but to see you enjoying the involvement and delicacy of this little Alfa and even to argue a reasoned justification for choosing the smaller engine is why we look forward to watching you. You are the true enthusiast.

[@antongutierrez9885]

Great to see the classics on HG again!

[@MarkJVSomers]

One of the best engines ever. I had three cars with this engine, absolutely great.

[@leeparker8926]

What a beautiful little alfa romeo I love cars from the 60s a benchmark that has never been bettered the epitome of style

[@supercomp7078]

I recently discovered the joy of small engined cars, I would travel all over NZ in my V8 at speeds well over 160kph and get to where I was going and think that was a nice run, but now I use a small engined light weight car and have a blast in the twisty bits using all the gears and get to where I am going with a smile after chuckling to myself as I blast through the twisties at less than the open road limit

[@anthonybeech676]

Beautiful. What a contrast to the 'tanks' that we all drive today.

[@jmsjms296]

I don't

[@colinpaton3770]

This is a car you couldn't help falling in love with. A full sensory experience and neat as tuppence.

[@muriellealamelama1310]

Brilliant summary

[@robertmardosian727]

Thank you Harry. I honestly felt the essence and joy of pure motoring with your video. What a wonderful little Alfa.

[@MCS4FUN]

Revisited this video just now while surfing Harry's fascinating channel. I'm another whom prefers uncluttered styling of early Giulia examples like this one, having owned a '74 GTV (USA-spec 115) from-new for 25 yrs. Long gone but certainly not forgotten! Great times and memories!

[@S85B50Engine]

Those Alfas are some of the loveliest classic cars

[@dougbaliko4604]

I love this era of car. I had a series 3 Alfa Spider with the 2 liter and just loved it. I always liked the fact, as you pointed out, that the sounds and the raw feeling of the car made you feel that you were going faster than you actually were. Something that’s lost in more modern cars.

[@willembaartman4568]

Miss my old 1750, made every journey an adventure!

[@joneldridge5513]

Such a sweet little thing. As you say Harry, you don't have to be going 'balls out' to really enjoy the drive! Hustling this along a B road, keeping the momentum up is just as enjoyable, if not more, than something that will go twice as fast.

[@RossEnzo]

Gosh I miss Britain. Great roads for small sports cars. Thanks Harry!

[@thefamilyrobbo]

Proper driving. A relationship between machine and driver where one is dependent upon the other without electronic nanny aids to dilute the experience. Lovely video. Thanks Harry 👍

[@skimmingstoness]

That Verde colour is absolutely stunning

[@piersandromannino4109]

Outside simply gorgeous. Inside, that dashboard still fresher than cars sold nowadays with stupid tablets hanging and piano black, or cheap plastic. Here there is real wood and leather. Timeless car. One of my favorite cars . Love it.

[@markclevedon81]

A beautiful car and so ahead of its time - disk brakes, 5 speed manual box, twin cam small capacity four cylinder and classic styling. Thankyou Harry. When I was a young boy the owner of an Italian "Sidoli" cafe in my village had one in the same colour - my dad maintained it in a large Rootes/Chrysler dealership so this brought back memories.

[@groach45]

Great narrative on the joys of driving an old sports car. This should be required viewing for all supercar owners!

[@bertramspielt]

What a lovely little lady... Amazing. And it lived not so far from me - in Grado! In the old days, I was quite often there, for an espresso at the beach... These early Giulia Sprints were quite a rare sight, they lived not so long, because of the rust. Later versions, most were the 1300, some 1600, were a little bit better protected against the brown problem. I knew some Veloces here, because the tax was quite low on these little engines, so it was a competitor against the E-Type, and the Mercedes SL. Expensive to buy, but relatively cheap to own and drive. Great handling, very robust engines - if they got warmed up softly. So they could reach more than 150.000 Kilometers without problems. But... Revving them to early gives an instand death. I think, this example needs to get on the road, because she sounds not perfect. If this would be my car, I would take her for a happy tour - and maybe for a date at Mr. Tyrrell for a little fine tuning at the carbs... Thank you for this video - greetings from Austria 🇦🇹!

[@siraff4461]

I love cars like that. Just pure driving.

[@peterv3642]

My late mum had one like that new in '66, then a 1750 GTV a few years later and a 2000 GTV (one of the last) in '75. She never sold the 2000, so now it's in my garage and I'll never sell it. Amazing cars and so much better than the soulless stuff that is made today which feels slow at 120mph (just before you lose your licence). At £50k this is half the price of that unbelievably ugly M3 - a bargain! More classics please Harry!

[@stephenscholes4758]

The 2000 GTV is exquisite when fitted with Montreal alloys (Campagnolo or Cromodora, I forget)

[@peterv3642]

@Paul Fellows It looks the same now as when mum bought it - Biancospino with a black vinyl roof and must be one of the few still on original steel wheels and 165 tyres. 55k miles from new!

[@martinrichardhorrocks9869]

@@stephenscholes4758 They are the same 14x6 " Turbina wheels on the Montreal as could be specified on 2000GTV, nice look Low profile and big wheels look wrong on a Bertone.

[@richardcarter1000]

Spot on. Classics are so much more fun at legal speeds.

[@stephenscholes4758]

@@martinrichardhorrocks9869 I like the look of the very first GT of 1963 which, correct me if I'm wrong, ran 15" steelies (Fergat?)

[@tonyosullivan2382]

Back to the classics. The summer is coming 🤙

[@FrldyZX87]

Yup! I check out The Hairpin Company and Classic Motor Hub websites once in a while to see what cars Harry might review 😁

[@giovannifacci]

The feature in the bonnet we call it “scalino” literally means “step”, we use it to recognise early models from the later ones. It’s very nice that has the “Targa Oro” plaque means the Italian owner took great care of it. It’s also sad as it means another Alfa leaving his home country where most likely someone couldn’t afford to keep her anymore. It’s very sad, the past few decades there have been an hemorrhage of all sorts of Alfa’s, Lancia, Ferraris and so on as wealthy Americans buys them from Italy as they appear so cheap to them. I’m also aspecting all sorts of cars from the 80s early 90s (Delta Integrale) fly away to America as they get 30 years old. Unfortunately there are not many people in Italy wealthy enough to keep a classic car running, and most of the time it became a burden for the family, hence way so many get away.

[@morbsgti20vt83]

Made even worse when they are purchased with a view to obtaining an 'investment opportunity' rather than going to somebody who really loves the car

[@Franco96GTA]

Il fatto che sia stata portata via dall'Italia una targa oro del genere (perdendo le sue targhe nere originali) mi fa incazzare non poco

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

The feature in the bonnet is called ‘brievenbus’ or ‘letter box’ in Dutch - also quite appropriate, I think 🙂

[@f.kieranfinney457]

@@Franco96GTA so it should.

[@nicolamiriano9150]

Honestly, i think that with the exception of supercars, this is my favourite car of the sixties/early seventies... Fun, beautiful and with a great noise. And i love this colour

[@davidmatthews3093]

We had a 1966 1600 Guilia Super. My father loved it. We went on several camping trips to southern Italy in it and a marathon journey through Yugoslavia to Greece. (I still have a 30 page schoolboy account of that holiday in an old exercise book. I have other memorabilia including a small promotional booklet of all the Alfa Romeo models on sale in the U.K. at the time and a Corgi model. It like our real car is white with a dark blue roof. It’s previous owner was Rob Walker.

[@martinrichardhorrocks9869]

In fact, the saloon is the real gem in the 105 series range. Drives just as well as the coupe, more confortable and with a charm of it's own. About 50% of the price too!

[@peterbush1595]

Had a 1750 Spider, so much fun to thrash around. Tossable and light, the way it was. Entralling sport motoring

[@fishtigua]

Harry, I haven't seen you smile and grin that much in ages. Modern cars just don't do that.

[@dappergent9422]

What a beautiful car. So simple and elegant.

[@mimidotcat]

Green exterior and a brown interior, such an exquisite car.

[@SteveColburn3]

As a young man living in Austin, Texas in 1974 through '76, I had the extraordinary pleasure of owning a '65 version - white with Maserati air horns and Nardi wheel & shift knob. Blasting through the mostly empty central Texas rolling Hill Country roads at the time while listening to that lovely motor and feeling the road in that special Alfa way always brought a heavenly smile to my face. Over the years and decades before and since, I've owned and driven many wonderful sports cars, but driving the Gulia Sprint GT simply brought more smiles than any of them. Thanks, Harry, for rekindling the memories.

[@Paul-fb1em]

That Door Cam move almost made me fall over! Artistic touch.

[@forneverarrow]

Cars like this are monumental in the automotive history. The carburetors, the raw sound via exhaust without catalytic converters and emission regulations in mind… I still have the memories of my grandpa’s Fiat 128 Berlinetta, that screaming 1100cc engine revved up to 7000rpm just to get at highway speeds at 4th gear! Today my modest Yaris with 1.0 3cylinder engine is capable for 100kmh at just under 3000rpm (and I really enjoy my car) and 5.4l/100km but I would take an old school Alfa or Fiat every single day… Another great video Harry! Thank you!!

[@roujomb1]

I litteraly fell in love with mine. Could drive it all day long. The way she feels and sounds and she looks stunning. 😍 Just can't get enough 😃

[@greyrock551]

My favourite reviewer in the most beautiful car of all time... doesn't get much better for a Sunday evening. Thanks Harry!

[@titanus49]

I once owned a 1967 Giula Super "Bollino D'Oro ,same colour as this delightful GTV,the colour is called Verde Muschio.

[@EconoboxGarage]

Classic case of the enjoyment of driving a slow car fast rather than a fast car slow! Thanks for sharing this delightful specimen!

[@MP-Fin]

Best part of a Sunday: new Harry’s video. Afterwards I go ”drive” the car in Forza Motorsport, haha!

[@stingofpurlear8]

Hahaha me too

[@shaneosullivan8546]

Same.

[@mimidotcat]

Same, but with assetto corsa. Driving the giulia in ac is so enjoyable.

[@Z-u-m-a]

What a heroic little car

[@grayfool]

A car with just enough of everything. Far greater than the sum of it's parts. Brilliant.

[@johntechwriter]

When I was 18 my Dad owned a 1966 Alfa 1600 Duetto roadster, using the same power train as Harry drives here. That little roadster taught me the exhilaration of piloting a thoroughbred two-seater. Now I’m 71 and a current-generation Mazda MX-5 sits in my garage. That car is far more faithful to my Dad’s Duetto than anything Alfa Romeo builds now. Or anybody else.

[@DermotCarroll]

What a gorgeous car! ... from the analogue days! ... Proves the point, you don't need huge speed to be having fun! Love it's simplicity, the rorty exhaust note, and the fact that the design is just so!!

[@delewan]

I spent a good amount of time around these Alfas, and they're all just an absolute joy. The smaller the engine, the sweeter it is - even the 1300 Junior is a real honey of a car to steer. I have a particular fondness for a 1750 GTV... though I'd absolutely adore a Giulia Super or 1750 Berlina.

[@timhouston1638]

Watching the Masters, just chilling on a wonderful lazy Sunday.....Oh wait! There might be a new Harry's Garage! Awesome video this week. Really just such a pleasant relaxing thing to watch. Back to the Masters. Thanks Harry!

[@jimf5160]

great driveline. I owned a 67 Giulia Super 1600 in the late 70s and it drove wonderfully

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

The little Bertie has to be one of the prettiest cars ever designed.

[@jeffcarruthers2605]

Back in the late 80's, I picked up a 1972 Berlina 1750 with twin Webers for about $2000 Canadian. Cheap and glorious fun without the added cost of the coupe or drop top. The driving experience is basically the same but I do admit that this model is a feast for my eyes. Lovely example. Always enjoy your work Harry. Thanks.

[@martinrichardhorrocks9869]

The 1750 and the 2000 Berlina are the best secret in the Alfa twin cam book. They are still cheaper than anything else, and have a longer wheelbase which helps both the ride and handling. Not as pretty as the Giulia but excellent value.

[@18robsmith]

Probably my favourite Alfa - it just looks and sounds right :-)

[@nigelha3699]

had a 67 GSGTV as a daily driver in the late 80s, modded ex race car , lowered, no ground clearance, no heater, with 1750 and 2lt running gear [lsd and twin servo brakes], Autodelta endurance cams out of my 76 Autodelta Alfetta GTAM, no torque low down but went like crazy up top, so drivable in the wet, but still sideways everywhere if one chose...oh what fun and miss it as much as the Alfetta, the best cars, so much more fun than any Ferrari ive driven as you can actually drive the crap out of them, like my X1/9...now have 5 suds and a 928

[@matirs342]

Beautiful car, I think the step-nose actually looks better than the later 1750. As always, great job getting "the feel" of the car across.

[@themartino100]

Superb little car! I went through the whole range over the years, Junior, 1750 to 2ltr. Early example of a mass produced 5speed box was a delight and quintessentially Italian. Snorty exhaust and a very entertaining rear end in the wet !!

[@geraldd2109]

My favourite growing up along with the BMW 2002 ti and my poor man's version the Datsun 510. Simple, light & fun to drive! Can totally relate to the joy @ 60mph.

[@happy_camper]

What a lovely little thing. And it looks fantastic in green.

[@antoonkooij9651]

I can ,it was a beautiful car i hat the same one also in eng racing green amazing .

[@michaelwilliams8781]

Brings back memories of my 1750GTV ... it was quite easy to lose the back end of that in the wet! These are a brilliant drivers car. 😀👍

[@BackwardFinesse]

A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

[@jaymcconnell3840]

Great review. I love older vehicles like this that can be driven in a sporting way without going ridiculously fast.

[@guywilson187]

Wonderful to see the joy this beautiful little car brought you. The key is that on modern busy roads you can have all of the fun at sensible speeds. The look of the design, the sound of the engine and the feel in your hands. Virtually every sense engaged, even the taste of fuel through the vents and fragrance of the materials in the cabin. Perfect! Thanks for taking the time to make and share this snippet of motoring goodness.

[@michaellau2544]

Don’t know why but I realise how much I love badges on the side of cars like this Alfa.

[@phils2180]

What a sweet little Alpha! Part of the appeal of cars like this is the effort you have to put in to drive them rather than just sitting there cocooned in some modern , high powered offering packed with driver aids. Take the Alpha up through the gears to 70 and get a real buzz or do 100+ plus in your RS4/M5 etc and feel nothing. 👍

[@jo05dk]

Not quite sure they're number one, but the 105 Alfas are very high on my top list of classics i'd love to own. ..and that colour interior is my favourite as well. Thanks for yet another great video Harry.

[@chrisdyson5513]

Great little cars. I had a 1969 1750 GTV when I was too young to fully appreciate how special it was. Wish I'd kept it now.

[@gc8216]

What a delightful little car, pure and simple 👌🏻

[@gregdash8517]

I rented a slightly tatty 2000GTV and fell in love, was such a culture shock an old Alfa compared to modern cars, and the smiles and looks of people as you drive past, why would anyone by a "pops and bangs" Audi! This looks like the perfect example.

[@alanbr7892]

Love the 'over the shoulder' camera position. Great footage.

[@pklimbic]

Wonderful car, thank you for making this video! I used to own one of these, except for the colors and the exact type of wheels. I got mine from Newport, RI in 1995, kept it till 2004 and did almost 100k miles in it, between Boston, Vermont, Lime Rock and NYC!

[@ruisantos8291]

Iconic design and such a joy to drive! I own one of the latest GT1600 Junior. Can’t describe my feelings for it...It really is that special! Great video Harry, keep up the good work! 🍀

[@bobkids009]

A good Narrator indeed......Well done Harry....!

[@sheumais63]

I remember lusting after one of these in the local Alfa dealership, long before I had a licence. The Alfaholics update looks interesting.

[@LuisSastre2306]

Back to classic car reviews! Yes!

[@kenchun7742]

Stayed up late just to watch this-its past midnight here…totally worth it! Now go review a Giulia super 1.6 Harry!

[@jfv65]

Why? Same drivetrain, same underpinnings. Harry should try to drive an Alfa 33QV 16v. Or a rare Alfa Sud Sprint 1.5L. When was the last time you saw one of those out on the roads?

[@MLC...]

That would be nice. How can a little saloon be so much fun.

[@1250GSX]

@@jfv65 learnt to drive on a 33qv 1.7. I suspect that they are all dust now sadly.

[@patf40]

I own since 4 years a 1300 scalino, and.. They have soul. They are not fast, not performing, but my God, since you start it, it makes you feel alive with her. It's just the joy of the ride, nothing else, and nothing moderns can deliver.

[@Anatoli50]

Great job, Harry, of explaining the essence of one of the most significant cars of the era. The unadulterated joy of driving a lightweight, well engineered coupe is a sublime experience. I would note that the Alfa pioneered the introduction of a fully synchronized 5 speed gearbox in a mass produced automobile. These units were far superior in operation to the clunky and slow shifting gearboxes found in British cars of the time. Many contemporary American cars still had 2 and 3 speed transmissions. The overall lightweight theme continued to the tactile feel transmitted to the driver through the controls. One really has to drive this car and compare it to a Jaguar, Austin Healy, or Corvette of the same period to appreciate the level of refinement. To elaborate on your “ tippy toes” comment in regards to handling: The Alpha featured extensive wheel travel, generous ground clearance, and a somewhat unique rear suspension system that allowed for a bit more body roll in stock form. When modified for racing in the Trans Am series, they did very well against other brands that had much larger displacement engines. In a sense Alfas of this era shared many similarities with competing 356 series Porsches: expensive, relatively small displacement, high build quality, lightweight, powerful brakes, and unique handling characteristics. The Porsches and Alfas of this era were my favorite cars to drive con brio.

[@martinrichardhorrocks9869]

Agree completely, Garth. You have good historic perspective and these cars are sophisticated in a way that only a well-sorted Lotus could match in the UK.. Outside Colin Chapman, not a lot was really known about suspension design and tuning in the 60s, hence all the roll and wheel-waving. Now you put a thicker anti-roll bar on the front of a Giulia, fit some Konis and slightly lower springs and the car is much more controlable without destroying ride or character. You probably know this approach was developed and marketed in the late 70s by Harvey-Baillie, who was a works GTA driver.

[@Anatoli50]

@@martinrichardhorrocks9869 As Harry properly noted, roads in much of Italy and England were in far worse condition than the super smooth surfaces we expect today. The suspension designs of Alfa, Porsche, and even Volkswagen in the 1950’s and early 1960’s prioritized traction and comfort on rough surfaces at the expense of maximum cornering speeds in stock form. The British cars, Jaguar and Austin Healy in particular, had a lower ride height that frequently resulted in undercarriage damage when driven in less than ideal environments. I owned and drove examples of the majority of European Sports Cars both on modern freeways and unpaved country lanes. My Series 1 E Type Jaguar would hit a tennis ball laying in the driveway, as would the Big Healeys. Similarly the Jaguar steering ( I owned many models) would kick back violently when encountering potholes and road debris. The 356 Porsches and VW’s with their trailing arm suspension absolutely ruled in rally type conditions. Driving the E Type in snow and ice was a tense and agonizing affair: the factory supplied limited slip rear axle made the rear end break away suddenly and soon one was exiting the lane of travel backwards at speed.

[@martinrichardhorrocks9869]

@@Anatoli50 Correct. I was mainly referencing racing cars and applying the lessons of fine-tuning learned in classic cars. British car design has always tended to be conservative and centred on the home market. Not the best for crossing continents or extreme conditions. Had the E-Type been a German product, it would have been developed into a real world beater. The 911 may have been a flawed concept, but look at it now!

[@The_Foulmouthed_Cypriot]

Bit late getting round to watching Mr M's latest Harry's Garage video and what a beauty it is.

[@freakysteve140281]

My dad had the 2000 GTV. I used to borrow it and drive the rings off it! Beautiful car.

[@peterbush1595]

Magnifico! That classic all aluminum dohc. Lovely ring as it revs. The ALFA of today is just a fraction of its former self