I bought a cheap unloved Alfa Romeo 1750 GTv for £1000, was the restoration worth it?

[@laneaj54]

That car has been my dream car since I was 19 years old I worked on Alfas in the seventies. I was married very young so bought a Alfetta to fit the kids in. I love the shape, sound and handling. I knew how to fix them. Maybe one day. I moved to Australia there weren't many of them here in Australia. I bought a 1972 Ford Fairmont GT 351 V8 in SA very popular here but it's not my style of car. I have a 2 litre Mk2 Ford Escort which really is enjoyable. That Alfa is beautiful and the intake of those cards will always be in my mind.

[@mattmcnulty7191]

Congrats!! It was lovely to watch. Im just currently restoring a 1965 Giulia Sprint GT, which also came from SA, a place which we go to every year, and love! Its my third 105 coupe, and you're right. In the 90s, they were much cheaper. My first two back them cost around 2500 each, (one a GTV 2000, owned late 80's, one a Mk2 1750GTV, owned early 90's ). Both were running and useable, but would have needed resto at some point. Hence, they got sold in as i didn't have the money to do it. So this time, in my early 50's, I went for a step-nose earlier car because i love the simpler dashboard (and nose, of course), it being the much closer relative to the GTA. It's also a rare combo car, originally in Bluette, with a full red interior. Currently, it's painted in Verde Pino (I think!), but it will go back to that rare Bluette in a few years when I have the funds to fully restore it. For now, it's getting it all mechanically, bodily, and electrically right, to enjoy it for a while!!

[@beatglauser9444]

When I was young in the later Seventies I always hoped to find one of those Beauties for a price I could afford. They were getting rare and the good ones were to expensive. It was the last really classic Alfa Romeo in my book. My Dad owned a 1600 Spider of 1966. One of the very first ones built. I was able to drive it from time to time. And I finally inherited it. I remembered it to be a fast and great handling car. But nowadays I am amazed that it does not seem as fast as I remembered it. the car is lovely to drive on our curvy Swiss roads and I love the handling and the transmission. But the brakes on the other hand seem weak for the standard of today. So it was a good decision to upgrade the brakes. The car was restored wonderfully. Thanks for saving it! A friend of mine who owned a Lamborghini Espada sold his car and replaced it with a 1972 GTV 2l. He says he does not miss the Lamborghini as the Alfa is a vehicle he can use without being afraid to park it when he enters a restaurant,

[@MrDamoreid]

I bought one virtually identical to yours in 1989 in Australia for $aus3000. (red, black int, S1 1969 1750 RHD) and I still have it :) I have given it a mild resto over the last 3 years including rebuilt Webers, new fuel tank, lines, new cooling system etc., + some Alfaholics touches like extractors, suspension but no need to touch the interior, paint, brightwork or engine. Like you say, mine has loads of compression and runs strongly. Don't care what they're worth now, it's not for sale. FYI, I've never had a 2nd gear syncro problem - I guess or because - I've always double clutched on the down change since the day I bought it 35 years ago. Love your car, keep it running just the way it is.

[@rcclassicgarage]

Thanks for watching and glad you still have your car

[@garethdavies6094]

Thank you. You’re are clearly my kind of classic car lover. Now this is a big call, and I make it with some trepidation. Your Alfa is, in my view, the number one best styled car in history. I now await the ‘inbound ordnance.’ 😅

[@ianlee487]

I agree totally

[@davidsherrick824]

I bought an unloved 1988 Alfa Romeo '75' Milano.... wait for it.....Automatic! Paid way too much, put way too $$$ in it, but I still love it. Anyone wants to see a rough looking car, come view my videos. Yes, Alfa. Always looking for another is so true. Im on Alfa number 15. I unfortunately could never afford the GTV's. Greetings from St Louis MO USA! Great video!

[@mmer1207]

what a great video sir and splendid sample you are a Lucky Man! I have a 2600 Sprint S2 also a nice car

[@rcclassicgarage]

Thanks very much and thanks for watching. I love the 2600 Sprint, what a great car. I am restoring a 1960 2000 Touring Spider

[@mmer1207]

@@rcclassicgarage I fully restore mine but now having a issue with a shaft vibration after changing the shaft bearing cant seems to get it right 🙃

[@NightfallDrives]

Great video Rohan and thank you for the mention! I'm still recovering from experiencing your collection and it's impact on my car wishlist 😆

[@rcclassicgarage]

Pleasure Doug, glad you enjoyed the experience

[@MrSparklespring]

An absolute gem. Congratulations Sir with this restoration!

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

I love these classic Alfa Romeos, I agree with what you said, it's got soul, great video

[@rcclassicgarage]

Thanks for watching, they are such great cars

[@brunobandiera2062]

I had a '69 1750 Berlina in the mid-70's, great road trip car, somewhat of a 'sleeper', drove it 8/10ths full chat and relied on those excellent brakes. I could (barely) afford the maintenance, but when rust set in, could not afford the restoration. Not the most reliable car I ever owned, but definitely the most satisfying to drive.

[@gentlemanamateur]

I have a 1750GTV mk1 in Grigio with Campagnolo wheels ex South Africa that I have owned for 36 years, brought with me to France in 2016. All your commentary hits the spot as to why this is the best of breed of the Bertone coupes. Well done

[@motorfab7014]

Complimenti la Giulia Gt era una spanna sopra la concorrenza da nuova ed oggi, da storica, rimane una delle auto più divertenti ed emozionanti 👏

[@OldCarsNewVan]

Another stunning car!

[@rcclassicgarage]

Thanks very much, I was lucky enough to buy some of my favourites 15-20 years ago, I have just never sold anything!

[@Desertduleler_88]

I always remembered they were always expensive to buy even in the late 1990's in Australia. The ones I looked at all needed some work done. I ended up buying a low kilometre 1988 Honda Prelude 4WS instead.

[@rcclassicgarage]

We used to buy and play around with them when I started driving and they were pretty plentiful in SA and really only a few hundred pounds each - I could never understand why they were so cheap as they are great cars

[@paulshearer9571]

Great philosophy friend. Don't ever stop keeping the faith... Cheers 🍻

[@racketman2u]

Is there a nicer looking saloon than the GTV? I struggle to think of any.

[@steven1000000000]

I missed my opportunity to buy one down in Cape Town about 20 years ago for R4 000 (about £200). Granted with inflation, that's a bit more today, but was still a bargain for a running, on the road car. Always loved the Alfa, but kicking myself even more now that the prices have climed to what they are now. You got a beautiful car.

[@arditbajraktari5631]

It is such a great looking car! True classic

[@rcclassicgarage]

Couldn't agree more!

[@CarloKitabjian]

How not to 1750 for me the berlina is one of the best Alfa Alfa for life👍👍👍👍

[@philhawley1219]

The Alfa- ist Alfa that ever Alfa-ed. My grandfather bought a new 1750 in 1969, we kept it until 1983. I have many fond memories of an absolutely amazing car. If I had the money I would have one now before any other car ever made.

[@CarloKitabjian]

Please preserve the Alfa 1750 my childhood is in front of me peace from Boston 👍🙏

[@miks564]

Awesome work!

[@Hornbaek-07]

Great video of this little Alfa. I have a 1978 Tipo 105 GTV 2000 and love it!

[@rcclassicgarage]

Thanks very much for watching, they are great cars

[@garyhoward4064]

In 1983 I had a 1750 and a 2000 which I both got for free. I gave them away as I did not have the money to restore them. Regrets, regrets..

[@bobz1736]

Love your videos and subject matter 👍 My only comment would be to make them a bit longer (10-15 mins) and a little more in-depth - something like youtuber Number 27 does 🙏

[@Retroscoop]

Given the fact that you have spend years working on it and given inflation, these figures give an idea, but of course, 1000 £ today is not 1000 £ 5 years, 10 years ago. Having said that: of course, it is a superb looking; iconic car. Love it !

[@rodneyemmerich8828]

Your accent definitely gives you away 😂😂😂 South African 🎉🎉🎉

[@killerrockguitar1845]

some are for sale at 50.000 to 60.000 euro. im in italy

[@janitor5850]

always loved these growing up, now I'll never afford one in my 20s haha. Really do wonder what was going through people's heads in the 2000s that this was 'undesirable' in literally any way. automotive perfection

[@rcclassicgarage]

Agreed they are such great cars and when you compare them to what was available when new, like a Ford Capri, they were so much more advanced.

[@TheInstructor66]

I don’t think they was unloved. But price have been skyrocketing the last years. Mine is a 69 Gt1300 Junior (stepnose) with a built 1750 series 2 engine, in its original color Bluette. She is a keeper for shure.

[@chrischamberlaine4160]

I had one of these new in the late 70's followed by a couple of Alfetta 2000's (family requirement). You don't mention the rear mounted gear box and the de dion rear suspension which made them handle so well. Totally unrelaible electically and prone to burn pistons if pushed but you could feel every ripple on the road through the non power steering. It was likemy Brazilian girlfriend - the best when it was all working but a nightmare if something went wrong. The only car to match it for sheer driving fun was my 2,9i Turbo Technics Sierra - called The Red Bomber by the family.

[@leonardolupini3484]

And yet another South African in UK. Making memories should be in SA!

[@holdencaulfield1001]

Beautiful expression of a timeless design. Today's the first time I'd seen your channel and am so pleased. Love your Alfa spider as well. Is it the same red as the gtv?

[@rcclassicgarage]

Thanks for watching, yes the Alfa Duetto is the same red at the GTv (AR501)

[@holdencaulfield1001]

@ good luck with the synchro🤞Between you and me :do you hammer it when you're not on camera!?😆 I'll subscribe to your channel.

[@adrianmartinelli9799]

The second gear synchro grooves are full ot metal filings as well as being a bit warn ,just drain and fill with Auto oil. Your welcome .

[@rcclassicgarage]

Thanks very much for the advice, and I agree as I did that during the last service and it improved the changes significantly, going from 1st to 2nd is not too bad, it’s quite bad if you changing for 3rd down to 2nd

[@thepansthisthatandtheother7766]

ADORE!

[@pisomark]

The 1750 motor was the best of the legendary bialbero series..(1300,1600,1750,2000) Angrier than the 2000cc

[@rcclassicgarage]

Totally agree, thanks for watching

[@betaorionis2164]

Great car. But I'm not sure they were ever cheap. Well, maybe the basket cases, but not the ones in good shape. Definitely too expensive for me anyhow, but, hey, maybe a 1st series Alfetta GT could be more affordable...

[@craigyirush3492]

Did the mechanical bills include shop labour or did you do the work!

[@rcclassicgarage]

I did a bit of work like carbs, tank renewal etc, but the initial work was done by a mechanic to install distributor and high torque starter

[@ianlee487]

The gta wheels make the car ...a true classic

[@grippingyarnsuk]

I bought one in 86 for 80 quid with mot !

[@rcclassicgarage]

I love that, I hope you still have it

[@joneveritt1898]

Having owned 3 105 coups 65, 67 & 72 , berlina and two spiders , I can say they are ok cars but very overrated imo. If your less than 5'10" they suit you better but I think the later 116 cars drive so much better. GTV 116 is a much better driving car.

[@QuantumBlu9x]

🎉

[@andrewpreston4127]

Re: "Back in the 90''s..., you could pick up one of these for next to nothing.." That's BS. You could maybe buy a poor state project for next to nothing, but decent usable examples of these were never cheap in the UK. They were always regarded by people who know, as something rather special.

[@andyfoth66]

That's not true - my car is a year older than this one and it was bought for £250 for restoration in 1992. Clearly a fully finished car would be more but I bought mine in the mid 2000's for sub £5k for a fully running car which needed some bodywork attention. So what he says is correct

[@andrewpreston4127]

@@andyfoth66 £5K in the mid-2000's is the same as approx £9400 today. That kind of money, then or now, is a long, long way from "....next to nothing...". I stand by my original comment.

[@andyfoth66]

@andrewpreston4127 his point was about the mid 90's where these could be picked up for £250. Equivalent of my purchase price today is £7500......

[@dblaine-rg7jw]

There's no such thing as an unloved Alfa GTV.

[@angelofrigerio]

Big deal.

[@AlfaGTA156]

Eh🙄🥴. Digweed fozzlepot and the psycho cash beast does not agree.