Driving A MANUAL Alfa Romeo 8C!

Check out my podcast, Behind The Glass (The UK's Number 1 Automotive Podcast)
/ behindtheglass
For all things Seen Through Glass, visit my website:
seenthroughglas...
----
Looking for a way to make car ownership easier? Check out Custodian:
www.custodian....
Thinking of financing a car? Check out the Magnitude finance calculator: www.magnitudef...
----
What I Use To Make My Videos:
Main Camera - amzn.to/3a7fNY6
Drone - click.dji.com/...
Second Camera - amzn.to/36a7bOY
On Camera Mic - amzn.to/2YegysJ
Radio Mic - amzn.to/3qO9u27
In Car Camera - amzn.to/365fbkr
[Cheap In Car Camera - amzn.to/3sRlTUN]
Camera Bag - amzn.to/39f9D91
Laptop - amzn.to/2LTnZDf
Essential Camera Accessory For Filming Cars - amzn.to/3c9R8V5
----
Follow me on:
Instagram - / seenthroughglass
Twitter - / seenthruglass
Facebook - seenthroughglass
---
Intro Music - Holismo, Sheldrake by Seiscientosdoce
Channel Art & Intro Photography by Adam Shah [ / adam_shah_ ] & Chris Williams [ / munch997 ]
----
Thanks for watching SeenThroughGlass. If you liked this video you may also like videos by Shmee150, Salomondrin, Supercars Of London, Car Throttle, MrJWW and Petrolicious.

[@RBEngineering]

They should do it to the Maserati Gran Turismo, same engine and also available with the F1 Gearbox👀

[@enjoiBoys]

😮 that would be amazing!

[@rousemotorsport]

I have had 3 GranTurismo’s, that would be a huge upgrade!

[@benzinapaul7416]

conversion cost would buy 2 Gran Turismos!

[@THESLlCK]

@@benzinapaul7416 some things are just worth it

[@uksharif]

Problem is it isn't worth the cost, you can pick up a Maser GT for 1/3 of the price of the conversion alone

[@PedroHenriquePS00000]

i think they should redesign the center console to be higher and actually keep the gearing flat. i really dislike the housing poping out like that... looks very strange... although i agree with ergonomics... it looks like a prototype not a finished thing... i would buy it anyways... haha

[@thatsthis753]

It looks very odd.

[@hhh7929]

Arrondir la partie côté frein à main pair alléger la pièce et qu’elle soit dans la continuité des arches de la console

[@all-caps3927]

They've gone for a Lotus/Pagani look with the exposed housing but you're correct, it just doesn't look right.

[@MrFluryy]

I crapped myself at 11:18 - nice save with that closed road

[@stephankyle6460]

I didn't love the gear lever popping out until you said exposed linkage. Im a sucker for function and in a car that pretty its like a glass back watch with proper motion. Maybe it just needs some more design so it doesnt look like a partially milled block of raw material.

[@2Bunphettered788]

9:54 min - I love these man and road, zero-chatter segments! Never stop doing them, Sam. I feel like I'm the one driving! 😁

[@memorimusic420]

Studying can wait... this video goes first!!

[@CarObsession]

That must have been such a joy to drive, the engine noise, the feel/sound of that gated manual, belissimo! Also really appreciated the POV angle as well, it really added to the experience - good work Sam!

[@flavioc5389]

This exact same car is for sale right now at the Bologna Classic!

[@js3602]

Sounds alright doesn't it mate? Nice downshifts! 🕹

[@pauln0371]

The Testarossa project sounds mint. Can't wait to see it when it's completed 👍👍

[@RemieRobinson]

Woah,, I gotta see that Testarossa when its done!!

[@notdaltonxd]

Now do it to the 4C!

[@verynormalman]

How long have you owned a 4C? Where is the current system lacking?

[@StonedNoob]

Idk but that gearbox sitting on top like that looks just weird and out of place. Idk prolly just me. I love that car regardless though.

[@joshn.5625]

Agreed!

[@pistonburner6448]

Who cares? What kind of a priss complains about the aesthetics of the height of a gear change mechanism? Oh, my mistake: your name and picture clearly indicates you are an absolute perfectionist in all aspects of life...

[@verhu010]

It looks ridiculous.

[@pistonburner6448]

@@StonedNoob Nice emotional response. Both of your responses are completely devoid of any thought and purely emotional, feminine whining. I bet everything you have and you do is far from perfection...or go ahead and inform us why I'm wrong. Even your username us so scummy I can't write it here or my reply will probably be censored...and your picture...you're as far from the height of sophistication and curated style as can be. Probably also just a child.

[@pistonburner6448]

@@StonedNoob Nice emotional response. Both of your responses are completely devoid of any thought and purely emotional, girl-like whining. I bet everything you have and you do is far from perfection...or go ahead and inform us why I'm wrong. Even your username is so ------that I can't write it here or my reply will probably be censored...and your picture...you're as far from the height of sophistication and curated style as can be. Probably also just a child.

[@maxmoller]

As you said. The gearshift looks a bit "aftermarket". But honestly, I don't mind it. The only thing I don't like, is the steeringwheel. It's kinda shaped like a 90's BMW (E90) wheel, just without any buttons.

[@zanderwilll]

E90 wasn’t in the 90s, but i see what you mean

[@maxmoller]

@@zanderwilll yeah wrong decade, I know. Forgot to turn on my brain, before I started typing 😄

[@theroadblog2858]

The steering wheel is similar to the Alfa Romeo 159 TI steering wheel. But without the buttons and a different center/airbag. I wonder if the 159 wheel (and buttons) would fit, could be made functional

[@user-un7ip7di4y]

“a 90s BMW steering wheel without any buttons” I fail to see the problem here

[@zizazable]

It's cool to see how the gearbox pops out like that. Looks pretty interesting

[@paultucker1272]

Take a look at the gearshift mechanism on a Ferrari 250 GTO........THEN this look makes sense. What a car!

[@johngriffiths3394]

Magnifico! Just the best. A truly beautiful car. Timeless.

[@Snarge22]

Love the dual nature of the car now. There's so much driving one does that can be quite the drudgery. Even on a day when you're headed to the fun roads. The cruise to and from the fun roads might as well be in standard relaxed mode.

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

Ooh I love those seats... I'm having a CAV GT+ built for me, very much the restomod, and I need me some of those magnetic headrests. Great idea

[@masonpugh3637]

Love the gearbox it is a brilliant idea if they could just take in something and cover it so it would me such as cover to slip over the gate I love it now

[@secretbrad9259]

Only 4 minutes in and thought I would have to say that the production of your videos are simply next level! By far the most professional content on KZbin! Awesome thank you for bringing the amazing to my mundane!

[@ganz7ful]

Wow, that looks fantastic in black - probably the best colour for an 8C - I thought there was already an injected BB 512...?

[@3ducs]

At 3:56 an Alfa Romeo GTV, that is MY kind of a restoration-mod, or just a restoration to original. A relatable car that can be enjoyed on the twisty New England roads where I live.

[@atw196]

Do they have a youtube page or something ? I really want to follow that testarossa build !!

[@tyler_actual]

Same. Any answer?

[@matthewyoung3942]

I love everything about that car and I know people are going to be put off by that shifter arrangement but I think that it's right it should be the centrepiece of the interior as it's the big headline of the car, although I do think it could be prettier as it is in Zonda ect. I love that we are seeing the return of automotive cottage industry and let's face it the reason for that is because what we're seeing being released currently and how the future looks has made modern classics our only viable option for enjoyment and pleasure.

[@Bigwilliestyle322]

I’m with you Sam. Turn the wick up to 11 and you’ve enhanced the original ethos. Turn it up to 14-15, and you’ve got an entirely different car that may or may not be “better”

[@uksharif]

But he said at the end that if you take it out of sports mode, it comes down to 11 again basically

[@EdLo.]

That road looks so beautiful

[@2Bunphettered788]

16:40 min - Sam, the wristband color of your watch matches the color of the car seats. 😉

[@MarcSob22]

The more modified the car, the more I like it. I've been working in the area for over 15 years and I always enjoy seeing cars like this being modified and used. Some of my clients have extremely rare modified cars. This is the right way to have these cars for me! Nothing stock is much fun, no matter the car! And I've driven almost everything ever made! Love this 8C

[@R-Tap]

OEM+ is cool for more collectible car cars while full on restomod's are cool on more humdrum models IMO.

[@TheCliffHanger]

I love the look of that gearbox.. I don’t find it to be jarring or out of place. Looks factory enough…

[@acton909]

The word beautiful is overused but is totally appropriate when used with this car. I love what they have done but I agree that gear-lever assembly looks like an afterthought which clearly is not the case. Love the car.

[@sniepo_gaming9953]

I think that they should have lowered the gear lever. Made it fit into the center console more. I think it would further give that feel of old alfas as the gear levers were not that close to the wheel and sort of down real low. Or just make the lever longer.

[@jaythor7123]

Love the vid man! Great content

[@petermcelvogue7521]

Why not increase the length of the gearstick, It makes that part look like an afterthought. If you look at older Ferrari’s as an example such as a 250 series car or a classic Aston the stick is like a wand. It’ll look the part as well as keep the unit low conforming to what is already there. It’s not a Ferrari so there’s no need for a gated shift so a leather covering would also reduce the look of the gearstick.

[@SWR112]

I’m sure there is sponsoring opportunity with whatever Sam is doing on the shaving front. 😂 Electric shavers are a thing mate. But yes the 8C has just matured so well and they have improved it while being sympathetic to retain a classic feel and obviously keeping the drop dead looks. I wonder how you explain the Car to insurance company for cover “Well it’s a 8C but it’s reworked” I always prefer small Cars to large. Give me a pocket rocket every time. Some of the 1970’s BMWs modernised would be great too. I like that company in Wales who are producing mk1 and mk2 Ford escort RS cars brand new with modern tweaks but still retaining the classic looks.

[@rousemotorsport]

Being Italians, they can design a center console they is pretty and places the gear shifter higher. Right now looks odd.

[@chickliftsfarming1127]

At the end of the day a great drivers car simply comes down to the tactile feel of the control surfaces and how connected to the car , also a great sound ...it really has nothing to do with blistering speed

[@BoooSelecta]

An overlay with the name of that bloke and the company would have been nice.

[@jamespettitt9213]

Want!, hope they do the same to the 4C, 😜.

[@andygtv]

I would not to have my hands off the wheel in the 4C😂

[@beardedboon]

Its crazy how you and jayemm talk the exact same i can tell youre from the same neighbourhood

[@beardedboon]

Ive always loved the 8c its such a weird car

[@juliandmolinas1506]

I'd have thrown in a longer lever instead of rising the gate to it had a cleaner finish, but well that's my opinion.

[@kevinhenault434]

Great video but that shifter linkage looks nasty. Hopefully it’s the prototype and they will fix it for customer cars.

[@Ksilva2]

I love to see this with Koennigsegg light speed gearbox

[@iggihk]

You need a wood steering wheel to match

[@roydevans]

Not into the gear lever sitting up, looks so wrong, surely they should of reworked the centre console to suit a standard lever, proper cool tho, looked and sounded ace on the road when moving 👏👏👏

[@GM-kj6sb]

What road is this? It’s gorgeous

[@BoooSelecta]

SP197, Provincia di Cuneo, Italy 😉

[@teosk8er]

Actually, not SP197. This in Colle del Lys. Provincia di Torino. I know because I live there!

[@BoooSelecta]

@@teosk8eryou should Look at the sings when you’re there mate! SP197 leads to Colle de Lys, drove it last month with my 911. 😉

[@teosk8er]

@@BoooSelecta you are right about the sp197 name. But is provincia di Torino mate! From Valle di Susa to Valle.di Lanzo! Provincia di Cuneo is much further south! Isn't a 911 too wide for drive fast on this road?

[@keithevans5667]

STG coffee time ❤

[@jonathandemacedo158]

YES! More of the POV shots, that’s absolutely perfect. 💛

[@donjuan150]

I am more interested in the Testarossa. Impressive company!

[@EA40]

I know the gear selector may me marmite, but I'll quote a Ford GT owner I spoke to: "Do you like the car, or not?" Sam likes this car. And for the price, this seems to be a very good car.

[@77sdb]

Amazing car

[@brogenville]

They seem to have removed the electronic hand brake, but not installed a manual one..?

[@wpc692]

this is one of the road behind my place where when I was younger (and more stupid 😄) I went almost every night to drift and so fast

[@kace002pumpkinwizard]

I know for a fact that this 8C is not the only manual in the world! Come on down to the Alfa Romeo store in Indianapolis Indiana and talk to the top Alfa guy! He owns one!

[@lv8920]

it is based on the Maserati 4200. That could be ordered with a manual gearbox. Should'nt that fit ? Maybe cheaper then +100.00 euro's fot his one. Then you have more euro's to fine tune the suspension etc.

[@albertoascari9390]

Perfection

[@MrPhantom1961]

Very industrial looking gear shift. it wouldn't look out of place on an old Routemaster bus.

[@Drop_a_gear_and_disappear]

That BB though…

[@AccentShmaccent]

Those ox blood red seats are prime! Can’t understand the goofy McDonalds red some companies are doing now.

[@studiolezard]

I'm in love!

[@ahmedelzahabi1451]

love it

[@ThePublisher-jl6bz]

❤ All is missing is one feature: Decappotabili

[@benzinapaul7416]

Sam starting to rock the Prince William look??!

[@nyhcbd]

nice rumbling

[@JPh-i9l]

You can tell people who learned how to drive on Automatics. They manoeuver the gear change lever as if it was a broom stick. They have no feeling of changing gears and the mechanisms under the lever . Like changing a button automatic gear .

[@stickshifter8]

Couldn’t identify your watch today Sam. Is that an IWC?

[@avmelidor]

Brilliant

[@davidpriestley666]

Great idea badly executed !!! Looks like it’s been stuck on ??? Great vid as always Sir

[@williama-d6]

They said that about the porsche

[@BoooSelecta]

That switch gate looks kind of improvised and does not match. Nothing I would expect for that extra money.

[@theroadblog2858]

It does look a lit like it is tacked on and not integrated

[@JPh-i9l]

They hold the steering wheel the same way. As if they were in front of a TV game .

[@Niine80]

Art ❤

[@HollandN54]

Yh gear stick looks awful 😂 And makes getting to the radio tricky & annoying, forget it.

[@Coutinho024]

What's the name of the company again?

[@kaydesign]

Most beautiful car in the world. I have a scale model 😅🇮🇹🍀

[@robertbroekema]

I love this

[@cj41079]

How many did they make 8Cs? IK it was limited production....

[@christopherwalker6056]

Hey is this Shmee's older brother!?!?? 😃

[@benzinapaul7416]

I'd have this over a Singer any day

[@albundy5992]

That was slightly sketchy with the oversteer at relatively low speeds!

[@jamespugh]

To me their other cars cheaper and better. It's very cool theo

[@colinmaduike2569]

Manual 8C is a great idea but the execution of that gated manual looks awful in the car. Huge letdown on the aesthetics front…HUGE

[@pipimontana]

How could you not make him rotate the Testarossa?!? 🙁☹️😭

[@alexanderswistak1778]

I wonder if these resto mods have a new car smell

[@ThatChrisGuy]

I really dislike what they've done with the milled gated shifter... it looks more like an architectural flourish than engineered perfection...but the rest of the car, I have to admit, looks magnificent.

[@andygtv]

😂😂😂looks like I did the mod

[@denisspratt926]

The 8C is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. On my top 5 list of favorite cars. And I like the idea of a manual gated gearbox in this. But the big block they have put under there ruins the interior. That looks so shit that I´d rather keep the terrible automatic if I had one. Nice video though.

[@gabrielbarcellos1036]

Os Restomod vão ser o futuro da emoção nos super carros, a indústria tá caminhando pro lado mais racional e elétrico, chato... pena que só os endinheirados vão conseguir essas coisas

[@anthonyjarvis9472]

lol those seats are shocking, this doesnt look very well executed tbh! great video though Sam.

[@garyleibitzke4166]

Here in the U.S. Alfa is failing again, mostly because of their horrid reliability issues. I know some people will reply that they've had no problems, but the facts speak for themselves. Beautiful cars, but horrible reputation.

[@Giovis968]

Only in USA , alpha Romeo giulia and Stelvio are a good cars

[@Memovox]

Video begins at 07:29

[@JonasDePrez1]

nah video begins at 0:00

[@mitchellsteindler]

What?

[@Ham1001dy]

dang bro you that bored? 💀👌🏽🔥

[@stickshifter8]

Not a big fan of the plinth like structure that holds the gear lever. Weird looking thing.

[@cbca6567]

Not true. One of the Alfa Romeo factory 8C protoypes tested by Georg Kacher in an auto review in period had a gated six speed manual subsequently not chosen for production, so that was the first 8C manual! Also the one offered for conversion is very expensive and not factory engineered; the gearknob looks an add on and not in harmony with the rest of the cabin.

[@dsd174]

The 8C competizione is my #2 dream car (the #1 is the original 33 Stradale - of course, all in red). I always thought about a manual conversion but, for what you showed, the change of gears clicks too loud and I'd get too annoyed. Hope someone tries a modern dual clutch conversion anytime. Anyway, nice video. Already saved it on my 8C playlist. ☘

[@jongib6096]

lol that shifter looks awful

[@S2000Y]

Thar gearbox gate is just horrendous

[@jjjfo1818]

Jeremy Clarkson is on record saying the 8C isn’t a very good car 😂

[@ThrottleBody]

The execution of the install looks very DIY