Should it have been scrapped?! | Alfa Romeo Spider Resto | Classic Obsession | Episode 42

In this episode Gary revisits his restoration of a 1970s Alfa Romeo Spider that had been rotting away in a barn for 30 years. Everyone said it should have been scrapped…do you agree?!
Created with the support of Footman James, classic vehicle insurance specialists and founders of
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[@klwthe3rd]

That story about the Liverpool old man who was a total guru of these cars was priceless. People like him lend so much credence to the hobby that it makes you thankful that they still exist with all their knowledge. As for the Alfa, I've NEVER seen one in that blue with an OxBlood interior color. What a freaking stunner!! I couldn't keep my eyes off it when you were doing your mantage of pictures. As a previous owner of a series III here in the USA, i really loved those cars. I miss mine so much as my was the top of the line Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio model in Black with red carpets and grey/red seats. I bought it thinking i could restore it but i soon found it was beyond my wheelhouse so i sold it on. It only had 40,000 original miles but the previous owner was NOT a good caretaker of the car.

[@nephos100]

"Shold this car have been scrapped?" Gary, we all love what you do.

[@rustyfox81]

Gary has a very warm voice, his videos are almost like a bed time story....."and when all the work was finished the car lived happily ever after ! "

[@stukatz3903]

I must tell you. Gary's enthusiasm to classic cars is inspirational. But his commitment to this resurrection when lesser mortals would have given up brought me to tears. Very well done Sir!

[@nigelratledge3485]

Another Pininfarina gem saved - well done Gary! Great story attached to the car and it looks superb now.

[@classic.obsession]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@peterduxbury927]

Having only ever completely restored a 1971 Beetle, which was discovered in a Car Scrapyard, (now owned for 20 years and is 100% electric and Tesla- powered), I just smile whilst watching your complete restoration projects. Love the story about the spanners left inside the Air Cleaner too! At 9:35, the blue Alfa was displaying signs of severe rusting on the Inner Wings. Although you didn't speak about this, I could only imagine your feelings - if you spotted this rusting. I wanted to go and get a brush, with Gear Oil, just to temporarily stop the rusting - until it could be saved! sadly, there is a culture amongst (some) of those high-earners that cannot see the value in something so beautiful, in allowing the cars to return to the earth. It hurts to see this! For some, you only need one car that could carry you through your whole lifetime, and (for me) it is a Beetle, it is a part of our family. Thanks for putting-on these great productions Greetings from Australia.

[@jonholmzee1]

Can't believe Gary has less than 20k subs! This channel is perfect for me. I find it as relaxing as Gone Fishing with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse. Must be Gary's hushed tones and voice over 😊 keep it up Gary, hopefully you'll get trending soon.

[@klwthe3rd]

It's because the average KZbin watcher is a complete moron and doesn't have the brain to appreciate this kind of content. I watch these videos over and over not only for the cars but because of what you mentioned, it's relaxing and so thoroughly satisfying.

[@BMan100]

If it was someone who wasn't as handy as you most would have scrapped it, or if it's back had been broken with rust, it's a Labour of love really with cars, and I think You've shown a lot of love. Watching all your videos makes me realize that much more that I should get myself " Stuck in" as you say with my own car.

[@individual1977]

Years ago I bought some parts from a gentleman who worked for alfa during the making of the movie, The Graduate. He told me 2 duettos were used. The first one Dustin Hoffman got into a accident while filming and wrote it off. Alfa actually made the studio buy the second car. That second car later was converted to a race car. The last I heard was it was in Colorado.

[@rayborg7378]

The last proper Alfa spider.These 105 series cars are all the things that an Alfa should be.On a plus point spares are mostly available right from the UK.

[@michaelcampbell4503]

Amazing work Gary. Those Spiders are beautiful. Definitely worth saving. If you want to help me resurrect my 1983 Alfasud Sprint Veloce let me know! It’s nowhere near as far gone as the Dr’s Spider.

[@ratman9802]

Should it have been scrapped? After seeing how you brought it back I'm sure you don't really think so. I have one of these, the same as yours and in Dutch Blue. It's in a shed waiting it's turn for a body restoration. I think yours was more rusty but lower mileage and more original. Your restoration is inspiring, I was thinking of selling mine but now I'm not going to. The best thing about your channel is that it inspires people to have a go or to have another go at a project that might otherwise have become abandoned. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@shelbygtsoo]

Garry the car magician ❤ I love watching your videos and love how you save those helpless cars who I sincerely never understand why would one treat a car like that and not just sell it???😊

[@59jaguar]

There was a time I was looking to buy an Alfa. I knew a sports car mechanic that added a turbo charge kit to them to increase their performance. Great looking cars.

[@295walk]

Incredible transformation. Beautiful colour and that interior !

[@johnthelwell3244]

Have had a couple of these. Great cars capable of being used as a daily driver in the summer.

[@classic.obsession]

And the winter! I used mine daily for a year as I do with all the cars I restore. I enjoy them and drive them as much as possible. Regards.

[@grayfool]

I wouldn't have been able to restore that but I'm very glad you did Gary.

[@Gizmo5h1t3]

Excellent content mate, keep it coming!

[@25view]

always a treat to watch your videos . preservation is sometimes even more beautiful than restoration

[@darrenbyrne4622]

That was a great vid gary loved the Alfa great cars you have the magic touch well done mate thanks again

[@nigelk780]

Just finished restoring a 1750 S1 which was even worse body wise and even today not worth restoring unless the labour is free, so back then doing an S2 wasn't worth it on economic grounds at least. Off the road for 20yrs and 3.5 yrs to restore but its a genuine UK RHD so I saved it but its the last one Im doing !

[@classic.obsession]

Never say never! Regards.

[@neilperry2224]

That car still exists, its raced now in classic racing.

[@johnkay3277]

Another great video, thanks Gary

[@henriknilsson7851]

Wow, I am even more impressed with your skills after this episode. What a beautiful result. The amount of work done is staggering!

[@MrBenzcdi]

courageous man, unperturbed by the challenge.

[@Simon-ry1lw]

Sunday evening therapy 😁

[@peterurquhart7191]

Fantastic video Gary 🥰🥰🥰

[@jamesmoon8947]

Splendid 😮

[@neildonaldsonlotusexcelresto]

I think we should call the authorities and have you sectioned Gary 😀. That said, I wish I had your balls, determination and attention to detail... Full respect!

[@LeoDijkstra-nr3xo]

Thanks for bringing it back. Loved the video and the humble and honest story about the spanners. I guess we’ve all accumulated similar stories in trying to resurrect classic in our own garages. 😊

[@MLC...]

These are amazing restorations. Well done and thanks for saving these beauties.

[@marinedrive5484]

The boat tail Alfa Spider gets all the admiring looks, but the Kamm tail is still a very pretty car and I would imagine not so pricey. You are right tho' about the plastic bits that they started tacking on the front and rear of the later models - not so attractive - still, I wouldn't say no to one. No, to the scrapping question - Spiders are always worth saving unless completely shot.

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

It's amazing what you were able to do with that sad rusty pile of sodden filthy junk... a fantastic DIY transformation. I'm just seeing light at the end of the tunnel with my 2001 Fiat Brava after basically removing everything in front of the engine to clean derust prep paint and protect everything behind the bumper after 20+ years of use in the British climate...

[@newblackdog7827]

Fabulous job!

[@JoostHillemans]

For the RHD 105 series had the standing pedals. The LHD had hanging pedals and only needed one vacuum booster. A to the carburettors. THE us versions had an emission demand that they could only fix with fuel injection Spica system.

[@Alfa147]

Correct..... Webers and Dellortos were both used too.

[@richardwillshaw7144]

Wow, fantastic.

[@digitalimager4946]

I smiled all through this video. Great stuff.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Great job, I had one from texas a few years ago, had spica fuel injection, lhd, rust free, bad syncro, n reg, 74.

[@jimmypratt6450]

Obviously a lot more work than you portrait on video, old cars are a nightmare but great content for wanna be restorers . Then things get real and they tap on our doors lol . Love the vids lad keep them coming 👍. jim Cheshire.

[@bracebridge20]

Lovely job well done😊

[@carlotomass119]

Another beautiful car saved

[@leebridge9187]

Beautiful cars. I love the earlier shape ones with the slant tail. Everyone should own an Alfa at some point.

[@adrianrobertson1478]

Well Done! An absolutely amazing effort showing your determination and vision.

[@stewartevans3875]

Hey Gary - An unexpected episode but a great one at that! Ive often admired these Alphas' and often mused about owning one myself. It does make me wincewhen you look at the state of the existing bodywork and start to peel back the layers, to discover how far you have to go to find good metal work to attach the new panels to ! I guess the car had many good things going for it including the mileage, history and its completeness. Lovely looking motor I have to say and what a brilliant job you did ! Enjoy LA and look forward to you getting back to blightly and doing some more Porsche and Roller work :-) Cheers Stew

[@markclifton14]

Gary if it was not for people like your self . There would be fewer classic cars on the road. We done great channel.👍

[@michaelstaley2241]

Fantastic car very interesting..

[@pedrosalas4460]

What a great restaurarion Another great job Gary Tnank you for a well spent rainy sunday morning

[@mckengineer5727]

Brilliant job, beautiful car. I had an Alfetta GTV from 79, same engine….with Dellorto’s, so you remembered correctly. I wish I’d kept that GTV too 😢

[@lukemallory7832]

In my list of favourite KZbin channels, this has overtaken Harry's Garage.

[@michaellawrence3345]

Woow long time ain’t seen one of those as an apprentice panel beater I used to work on them in Finchley north London 👍🏾👍🏾

[@matthewcooney6525]

Love how he got embarrassed remembering his embarrassing episode … I guess you can’t wash some things clean

[@gerhard6105]

Very well done. Good that you saved the car. My favorite Alfa Romeo is the GTV6. Such a car in silver is behind you in this video. I had two and i still have one and i will keep it forever. And i have an Alfa 33 1.5 IE. Of ourse they are all standing inside. Regards from Belgium

[@christopherjohns968]

That was an excellent watch. Superb.

[@nigelnorton2416]

Left a tyre iron in a motorcycle wheel, wondered why it did not balance. My local bike shop found it, I was reminded about it for some time

[@ianmedium]

Yet another wonderfull episode, thank you Gary .

[@simonelliott5956]

Fantastic job, well worth saving!

[@martinboulden4388]

Beautiful car in a stunning colour combination. Question ……… Who selects the music for all your videos ? It’s the cherry on the cake to your content.

[@classic.obsession]

Hi Martin. I just grab free KZbin music and just try to compliment the content with it so nothing special. Regards.

[@leehayes70]

Pure class. Thank you.

[@BertramSFegg]

We have a very similar garage. Alongside my 928 S4 , is a Duetto. It is currently having a refresh, new rockers and fix the dull paint. Really interested in how you did the resto on yours. It looked the business and that blue is a lovely colour. Looks great. The chap you mentioned would be Ferdi. Very well respected garage in Alfa circles. I believe he has now retired.

[@chrisballs6848]

Magician ❤.

[@j14phe]

Gary what a job you done that car a great service I've allways liked them but never owned one what a pity. John

[@Fritsvrolijk]

Nice job pro

[@Russelljhart]

Hi Gary, Just seen your video on the Dutch blue Alfa spider you restored. I have owned this car for some years now and have a large history file on it. Your name is mentioned as the owner after the doctor. I have also had it restored again at great cost. Regards Russell

[@classic.obsession]

Hi Russell. Wow a blast from the past! It must’ve been about 20 years ago now. I remember it being a very original car but in an awful state of disrepair. Well done for keeping it on the road. I recall one of the worst jobs I had to do on it was replacing those big rear suspension mounts. The back end used to swing out as I went round a bend. Lovely sweet engine. Regards.

[@Russelljhart]

@@classic.obsession evening Gary, Evening Gary, You did a good job there, she still handles well! She had to have a lot of rot cut out since I’ve owned her, as I wanted to get her as solid and rust free as I could, much spent on the body and the mechanics. I’ve spent much more than I could ever get back , but it was worth it. In the history file is a letter you sent to one of the previous owners. Just to add she now shows 57000 on the clock. Russell

[@leepilkington6498]

Thanks again, Gary. Great video👍

[@robblack7949]

Dr Gary Mavers: Plastic Surgeon of the Cars

[@martinwiltshire8764]

Should it have been scrapped? Never, you’ve done such a brilliant job in restoring it, how can you even think that? Well done, a great looking car, but the Alfa don’t make ugly cars.

[@owdladowdlad3889]

Great video Gary I just hope you haven’t scrapped your Adidas Spezials😊

[@classic.obsession]

No they’re still alive. Barely. I’ve come back out to LA to finish that 190SL I had a crack at in an earlier episode. What started off as a ‘can you get it going for me Gary?’ Has turned into a full on restoration! Came with no work gear so Trainees now destroyed!! Regards.

[@ronniewilson6597]

Great video Gary 👍🏻

[@markw4263]

I had a scuffed up 1978 in California 30 (!) years ago. It was rough enough so I didn’t worry about it in the parking lot but it ran well and was fun to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Traded it a few years later for a Miata!

[@kenlord9018]

Hey Gary, what beautiful car. As normal awesome video. Your calm and matter of fact videos are so informative, and interesting. Always loved the Alfa spider such a sexy looking car. Thank you again for the video. Take care see you in the next video. Regards Ken Lord New Zealand. ☺

[@christianmichael1970]

YOOOoooooou Spanner! lol what a wonderful video, Thanks for sharing it :0)

[@michaelhorner2722]

A super video ...as usual !

[@b19bry]

Great job, glad you saved it. From about 73 to 77 were, in my opinion, the best looking and this colour combination has to be one of the best. I worked for the Alfa dealer London Sports Car Centre back in the 70's and loved being able to drive these then. It was on the Edgware Road possibly the one you mentioned ?

[@classic.obsession]

First registered 1976 but was actually a 1973 car. Found this out when I came to tax it and it was free. So obviously sat in the showroom for 3 years before he eventually purchased it new. Regards.

[@tezblackwell6796]

Top man🙏

[@markw4263]

PS - carburetor wise, mine had the Spica mechanical fuel injection I think most US models did as well.

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

Yes, there's a good video series on the Cheftush channel about doing a fairly meticulous finishing up of a lovely light metallic blue Spider... that had the SPICA fuel injection but none of the smog recirculation stuff...

[@jasongargiulo3984]

Just found this channel. Great

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Aside from being a fine actor/presenter, you are a WIZARD car restorer. It is a bit difficult to understand how a physician who LIVES NEAR YOU could let a garage roof go to pieces. Let alone forget a wonderful vehicle. I'm in America: I've seen The Graduate and also Count Da Mosta's beloved Alfa on film. Fans of yours will applaud your rescue of this vehicle!

[@classic.obsession]

Thanks James. I’m in LA myself at the moment and very impressed with the standard and support of the local car meets here. Yes, it wasn’t just one but two cars left to die as I featured the Porsche 924 lying beside it a couple of episodes ago. Regards.

[@Backwardlooking]

They were known to be rust buckets when I first drove in the 60”s.

[@johncollier608]

Another classic episode, Gary. One of the best cars Italy has ever produced, you certainly don't see many of them on the roads here in the UK any more, which is such a shame. Do you still have the car? I don't recall seeing it before. Thanks for sharing.

[@classic.obsession]

Hi John. No, it went to a London dealer a few years ago now. Regards.

[@johncollier608]

A shame, Gary but you can be rightly proud for saving her from a grissly end in a breakers yard. Thank you for replying.

[@knoxyish]

i had one the same colour as yours ! we had to remove the engine gearbox when we put it back the 2 servos were reversed as i found out when i braked for the first junction and spun right round facing the car behind!!! i owned it for 8 years sold it for the wrong reasons and have been trying to find her great cars !!

[@classic.obsession]

Those servos! Nightmare to set up and bleed!

[@RUfromthe40s]

my favorite one is the last 70´s model i drove it for a few monthes but had to sell it, where i live is sunny most of the year but the head burns without a top, in summer only at night during the day it´s impossible but nice cars to drive, the 80´s model almost destroyd the car with the same body they put round plastic bumpers and a big side mirror they look a lot bad, normally i kept two seat cars convertible but they had to have hardtop

[@SuperWayneyb]

🤘😎🤘

[@RUfromthe40s]

this would never happened in my country a english guy was taking photos of old isolated villages and when taking photos inside the worses rest with lot of straw with 17 century stone pavement he discovered a jaguar with two seats completelly destroyd ,he inform himself about the car gave some money to the old lady who owned the house where the car was and after some years it was showed totally restored in national t.v. and the english man that took the car to england was talking about everything he had done to make it possible and it was a very rare jaguar convertible

[@datsunruss]

Good crack Gary.

[@user-yj1nf2vg5x]

Gary,. Im new to your Chanel,.. what is your background and how did you acquire your mechanical knowledge ? I think this would be great subject matter for a Video on its own,. with pictures as usual and so on... on another note,. I had a 67 Volvo P1800S that I adored ,. I passed up on the car I had been searching for for years (a Volkswagen T-34 1965 ) I have no idea why ,.. I guess I thought the VW was going to cost more to restore and it was about the same I think,,. Both ran and drove,.. anyhow I had been collecting old Vespas and Lambrettas for years before that,.. then Motorcycles of all sorts.. I think I liked the car the most.. everything is so dam overpriced now Im not sure which way to turn for what will be next to tinker with.. but I do enjoy the distinct manor of your approach to these videos,. keep up the Cheers!

[@LOTPOR0402]

Those Alfas were years ahead of what the brits were making at the same time

[@matthewjenkins1161]

Italian engines were way ahead of the Brits, who in turn were way ahead of the Yanks. Their side of the pond they were still producing engines in the 70s, with power per litre unseen in Europe, since before WW2. The problem with Italian cars was how swiftly they dissolved.

[@classic.obsession]

Beautifully engineered but bodily they started rotting before they hit the showroom. Roughly prepared from the factory. They only polished the top of the cars leaving the rest orange peel…but you can’t help but love them. Regards.

[@LOTPOR0402]

Yeh but in reality was the british stuff any better as far as rust goes .The Italain stuff got bad press in the Uk in an attempt to stop people buying , and only buy cars made in UK .Foreign junk mentality .Same for the Japs as well

[@classic.obsession]

I hear you and I totally agree. They all compete to manufacture cars as cheaply as possible to compete and maximise profit. It’s just when once in a while you see a beautifully engineered car you wish they’d go the whole nine yards and finish the shell to last..

[@fredsalfa]

That’s a beautiful job Gary. I’ve had 7 Alfas so far but never had the Spider. Could I ask how long that took to restore?

[@classic.obsession]

A year. Regards.

[@fredsalfa]

@@classic.obsession Wow

[@miex1324]

Your old blue spider ran on webers, it is clearly seen in the photo. Delortos has much difrent top lid. The US spiders ran Bosch injection from 1982 on, as seen in your video. from about 1969 the US market ran on Spicia mechanical fuel injection.

[@classic.obsession]

Hi, maybe it was the red one I had then. Regards.

[@scottstrails9369]

Haha..think this statement applies to about 90% of my scrappers rescued over the years..glutton for punishment

[@Dg-zj6jo]

i do not know how you do all this gosh buy you a beer sir

[@classic.obsession]

I might hold you to that….you’ll see what I mean next episode! Regards.

[@Dg-zj6jo]

I would have loved to do an apprenticeship with you your brilliant

[@kellymorgan1447]

Are all the boatttails Duetto?

[@nigelk780]

No. They had to drop the name after a lawsuit. Became the Alfa Romeo spider 1750 Veloce as an S1, most still call it a Duetto

[@moran68]

All that work by himself and without a post lift 🤔.

[@classic.obsession]

If you ain’t got the facilities you have to improvise!! Regards.

[@rapido2963]

The simple act of throwing a salvage sheet over the car years ago ………..

[@johnmclean7212]

surley this man isnt self trained if so whao

[@sim6699]

Did you go into car restoration on purpose to fit between acting jobs?

[@classic.obsession]

Yep. Classic Cars were something I’d always had an interest in and having so much downtime as actors do, it just seemed a good thing to put my energies into. Regards.

[@sim6699]

@@classic.obsession Thank -you for taking time out of your day to reply to me.

[@robbey300]

BHCC have almost everything you want. Took a few pictures for my 1966 EType and it helped. Never owned an Alfa but maybe now it’s time to get a fully fettled one?