Alfa Romeo GTV - Classic Car Review

A sports car designed in the 1980s, and remaining in production - largely unchanged - until the noughties. The Alfa Romeo GTV did things differently.
Although not at the top of anyone's 'classic sports car' list, the earliest examples of the Alfa GTV are now 20 years old, putting it firmly in 'modern classic' territory.
Following his daily driver vlog series on www.classicsdriven.co.uk, join Motoring Presenter, Paul Woodford features the Alfa GTV in his latest motoring film. Produced in association with www.greatescapecars.co.uk.
For more motoring films and content, check out www.classicsdriven.co.uk, and join the discussion on Twitter - @ClassicsDriven.
Thanks for watching!

[@roby72s]

The Alfa GTV is the sexiest coupe ever made. The back end is phenomenal. And it should have been rear wheel drive.

[@sv916gtv7]

Have one in that exact colour (Vela Blu) and wheels but its a Twin Spark. Absolutely in love with it.

[@fireoil]

This car age like fine wine. I found it really beautiful and i remember the first time i saw a neighbor get one when i was 11.

[@k1k2k37]

you are just awesome!!!! the next jeremy clarkson is here everyone .. well done mate just superb vid and i hope you do more of these in the observable future

[@roasthunter]

Good review, a real Alfa, got a GTV myself, had a couple of other GTVs over the last 16 years. Shame Alfa now only sell hatchbacks, the GTV was a great car and still is.

[@GECKOZFTW]

How are the GTV V6s in terms of reliability? I've heard that the 2.0 TS is fine as long as you keep on top of maintenance. How is it with the 3.0 V6?

[@Negativvv]

V6 Busso are generally reliable. As long as you care for them. They are huge engines in most of the engine bays Alfa Romeo chose to install them in. I've had a 3.0 V6 for 6 years and it's never broken down or needed anything non maintenance related, yes I've replaced the clutch, timing belt, alternator and MAF but all of those have a lifespan...

[@Negativvv]

The Busso V6 was designed in the 1970s so its older than the GTV. It's also likely the reason why the GTV lived for so long and was so popular. The RWD argument is slightly overrated, I've had a few in my time and a decent front wheel drive car is fine for 99% of road driving.

[@ryanm.3681]

I'll respectfully disagree, this car IS undeniably beautiful. Its STUNNING

[@guidolauto]

The 916 is a lovely design. It still draws the eye 25 years after its release. It also laid to rest the Alfa's just breakdown myth. We took our Spider on a 2000 mile road trip to Italy and back at the end of August including this climb over the highest paved pass in Europe : kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpSzm42Mqap4nK8

[@philstaples8122]

The main two issues I had with mine were that the breaks aren't quite up to the job but you can upgrade them to GTA spec and the front seats feel a little too tall, almost as though your sat on it rather then in it. The rest was great, very few issues, handles pretty well for a front wheel drive car and isn't terrible on fuel unless your in slow rush hour traffic in town, then it is pretty bad.

[@hexagonview]

I have to say this is a terrific review. Great job paul!

[@Kit-Talon]

Actully the hole that the gear stick rises from 'isn't horrible or inexcusable' it's a really handy place to keep your sun glasses - which you need when driving the Alfa Romeo 916 Spider B-)

[@chriswinter5765]

Spot on with the driving position. I can't find a position that doesn't involve smacking my own knees with my knuckles when turning. But it's worth it.

[@mortenjacobsen9926]

Nice review. However, I think you need to understand that the wedge shape of the car can only be achieved with a transverse position of the engine. Hence the front wheel drive. So really there’s no point in complaining about the front wheel drive.

[@ianedmonds9191]

Mid engined - rwd Transverse engined cars are viable. Should have been that to properly cement the Mini Ferrari trope. See MR2 Sw20, Miura etc. Gorgeous car tho. I've wanted one for years and years. The front wheel drive puts me off but I've heard for the kinda car it is it's not an issue. Luv and Peace.

[@simonpollard8688]

Love it. Had one. Special car. Bought a 166 3.2 after and loved it too. But I broke it. Now I have an audi s5 v8, love it also, but harder to break

[@chriswatson7488]

Not sure about the comments on the driving position, as I'm 6ft 5in tall, and I fit in my 1996 GTV Lusso perfectly.

[@Kj16V]

Yeah but you have to peer down into the windscreen, like King Kong looking through an apartment window!

[@ianedmonds9191]

The Alfa GTV 916 is about the best looking car I've ever seen. It haunts me because there was a Cup model up for sale in Perthshire around the time My grandparents wanted to give me 5K for a car. I suggested it and they were like "No F1 Cars" They knew Alfas as crazy unreliable racing cars. They were happy to fund a BMW 320i with straight six engine... The Busso Cup Alpha GTV is the one that got away for me. I saw a gtv today at halfords. I couldn't bring myself to walk over and talk about the car. Still hurts. ... Luv and Peace

[@NaNa-wj8tw]

Ian, hunt down a 2 litre and stop beating yourself up:) There are still a few low mileage models about at sensible money. It’s the better balanced car and more enjoyable than most modern stuff.

[@916gits]

Its missing its leather gear leaver gaitor Paul.

[@flanners41]

The gaiter is there but it is the OE plastic one, get a new set from eBay for £18 in leather and this fills the gap and looks good.

[@Monacomaverick]

I've always admired the GTV6 and have a model of one on my computer desk. Too bad they came out AFTER Alfa pulled out of the US market...

[@jimmygrant3212]

Monacomaverick GTV6 did come to the US and this car the ‘95 models in Canada were US spec cars so they’re legal to import but are rare but few people know about them so that’s a good thing lol.

[@Kj16V]

"When I open the frameless doors I feel like David Hasselhoff." ...And then you stop feeling like David Hasselhoff when you have to open and close the windows because the door hasn't closed properly *again* XD

[@sv916gtv7]

this always happens to my passenger door hahaha

[@Tolis-py2dc]

Another competitor for this car is Fiat Coupe 2litre 16vt or 20vt plus.Same chassis different engines and rear suspension

[@flanners41]

Same but much strengthened and therefore much stiffer

[@grzegorzmoc9294]

Tolis 1892 can you tel me is the rear floor fiat coupe and Alfa Romeo GTV exactly the same. Asking becouse I’m looking for upgrade my GTV on 4wd. Now having 20VT in GTV so if I’m lucky I can adopt Fiat Tempra 4x4 rear diff in to GTV. Question is is this rear floor Fiat Tipo. Cheers mate. Greg

[@Tolis-py2dc]

@@grzegorzmoc9294 I think it is.I also think that it has to be cut(even in the coupe) to fit 4x4.Much fuss mate,keep it the way it is.

[@castironbandito]

Ah yes, this car was one of the only two cars that could beat the Mercury Cougar. It's a terrible shame that they never sold the FIat Coupe and Alfa Romeo GTV in North America. Instead, we have to put up with Asian cars showing up all over the damn place. The Alfa Romeo GTV has great styling and the Fiat Coupe is one of those "Unreliable" cars that you should actually buy. The Peugeot 406 Coupe was a great car, but the running costs were horrendous though.

[@natnatfriday]

i like your video... I would like to see you make another with more action

[@petrhavlicek3594]

Alfa Romeo GTV is great car.

[@howardroyse6687]

That V6 has got the 2 litre wheels. Looks a lot better with the proper teledials.

[@Lacombeist]

Nope, it's the stock rims, even for a V6. The 17" teledials were available as an option, for V6 and 2 litres too

[@mistreku]

This would've been awesome with RWD!

[@ianedmonds9191]

Yes. We have that to look forward to now. Luv and Peace.

[@jamesavickers5961]

Good review grazie Mille ciao

[@petrost1468]

🇮🇹 Italian job viva alfa romeo simply the best!!

[@JaegerLeMaserati]

why did alfa not make a follow up to brera?

[@joseluisvillafane1636]

😍😍😍 alfa Gtv

[@born7invincible]

nice video

[@jackywhipet]

Top car

[@mariusmachap6379]

,salut mon père a la GTV de 2006 elle est de la même couleur

[@simonsymeou6449]

When you drive an Alfa you need to give it love because if you don’t then shit happens , you said it ain’t the prettiest of cars Well enough said my friend.

[@ianedmonds9191]

It's gorgeous.

[@malthuswasright]

It is a fantastic looking car. Paul must have something wrong with his eyes.

[@dragonslayerdarius]

Music please?

[@chriswinter5765]

+Darius Molotokas I'd assume some "royalty free" video production music, as should be used in online videos so as not to infringe copyright.

[@Josh-er6oz]

Anyone spot the tape on the dashboard 😂

[@malthuswasright]

Covering the engine warning light?

[@saoirseyoung130]

@@malthuswasright Airbag Light

[@Bojanmarsetic]

The only thing that sucks in this car is the front wheel drive. It should be rear. Dont argue if you dont know wtf I am talking about.

[@ravdobrzynski]

1:31 :):)

[@zacharyk7225]

mmm buuuuusooooooo

[@norihideshibata8634]

Not in the 1980s! It's a 1990s car!

[@malthuswasright]

Designed in the 1980s as the video explained. Do keep up...

[@scheethoofd]

It's good the engine looks good, cause you'll be looking at it quite a bit when she inevitably breaks down! :p

[@nigelblackler6347]

Actually a very reliable unit that can do very k's. Much better than many other comparable engines. Just keep the oil changes regular and do the cambelt changes on schedule.

[@TheRealCoyote]

I've had 2 versions of that engine and they are bullet proof as long as you stick to the maintenance schedule. The best V6 ever made.