Top Gear - Alfa Romeo GTV6

From Top Gear - The Worst Car in The History of The World DVD
With Jeremy Clarkson and James May

[@stuffhappens5681]

I have owned my GTV6 for 6 years now and while Clarkson is massively entertaining he’s also given to a bit of comedic creative license. No broom handle required in my experience. No backfires through the plenum or bits falling onto the road. In fact, the car has been fun and, dare I use the term? Reliable.

[@marksanfil]

I have an '86 US model, and while it's normally fine, my clutch has stuck twice in the five years I've owned the car. It only happens if I leave it sitting for a long period of time AND it's excessively humid. I think the problem is that the clutch plates rust just enough that they stick together. Both times I easily solved it by having someone hold the clutch and brake with the car in gear while I turned the crank shaft by hand with a large breaker bar. I have also read (via the ever-popular HPSI L-Jet tuning guide) the exploding intake is caused by massive air leaks, so if your car is well maintained I don't think you ever have to worry. After fixing all of the worn-out parts and neglected issues on mine it runs unbelievably well and is very reliable.

[@stuffhappens5681]

@@marksanfil - Rumor has it 1986 was the best sorted version. Mine is an ‘86 as well. As far as the clutch goes the OEM twin disc clutch is reportedly troublesome. Most GTV6s have been converted to the Milano single-disc assembly which seems to cure all ills as does conversion to their mechanical timing belt tensioner. The re-engineered head gaskets are a plus, too. I get annoyed because the GTV6 is the Alfa everyone (incl many owners) love to hate. I do not see them as any more problematic than other Italian cars that command prices 10 to 50 times higher. At those levels the exact same quirks people cry about regarding the Alfa are forgotten.

[@marksanfil]

@@stuffhappens5681 I get annoyed by that same thing. They have such a strong reputation but I never have problems from anything other than neglect. That is a good point about the car's value being related to complaints. I think there are a lot of really great cars that are affordable, but people stay away from them because some idiotic rumors got blown out of proportion. I do think the timing belt de-tensioner may have been a case of over engineering. I replaced mine with a fixed tensioner and it's been working great for a few years now. I have seen some argue that it only works because the belts themselves are so much stronger nowadays, but some cars from the same era do have fixed tensioners, so who knows.

[@deividasnavickas]

He had the worst of lucks.

[@KretinoSantino]

Must remember that Jeremy made "best car in the World" video bits about GTV6. As far as I remember from chidlhood, long lasting "common sight" cars like W123/W124 Merc, Audi 100 2.3E, Sierra's, Transit's were vanishing from market, niche Alfa GTV6 had still couple of running cars in each country. So it wasn't really that bad.

[@manosparavida3551]

Jeremy's analogy of comparing a V6 GTV to an alcoholic girlfriend is far too close to home for me. But on point and side splittingly hilarious.

[@gavinvalentino6002]

I immediately had flashbacks to a genuine Irish redhead who wpild rather have alcohol than oxygen. Screw you, Shannon, you psycho lush.

[@Muty]

Same here, hits like a truck doesn't it?

[@michaelmeliambro5117]

@@Muty Too bad you couldn't get hit by one; LOL.

[@trevormoses5061]

2:35 "That brings us neatly onto the French." LOL

[@marloc2019]

You succeeded in summing up in a single sentence why Alfa is still so loved

[@hughthompson4846]

Top Gear is immortal. Describing cars like art, at least the ones that deserved to be.

[@Mike-rk8px]

I’m an Alfa Romeo mechanic, and I’ve owned 14 Alfa’s, 3 of them GTV6’s. All Alfa’s have certain issues, BUT if you understand them, you can fix them and they’ll run fine. All of my GTV6’s have been great cars, and they’re absolutely addicting to drive. The sound of the engine is enough to justify owning one. The cars that I work on for clients range from showroom new to beat to Hell. The main problem is the clients who don’t service them when they should, these are not cars that you can neglect. I always tell people that you shouldn’t buy an Italian car unless you’re willing to take care of it. READ the owners manual, and follow the scheduled maintenance exactly.

[@rcpmac]

Thank you! Yours is an important and valued opinion.

[@joesephray208]

I'm on my second Stelvio (18 ti sport, 22 veloce) , easy the most reliable cars I have ever owned. Find me a better driver's car for $60k with that level of equipment.

[@dusankocisevic6823]

You need to love an Alfa. Period. There is no more GTV6 sound, but we must carry on..! For me, a Mito benzina works just fine 💚🤍❤️

[@gilibran]

Owners manuals used to tell you how to adjust the valves nowadays they tell you not to drink the cooling fluid

[@stefanobaccarin6899]

​@@gilibran😂

[@deividasnavickas]

Usually would be the first in line to call out Clarkson BS, but the fact that he has the worst of luck when in comes to cars and he did bought the GTV6 TWICE speaks volumes.

[@grahammiddleton8447]

Excellent cars, so much so I tracked mine down 16 years after I sold it and bought it back! Most issues stem from lack of use in my experience. Drive them till the wheels fall off!

[@darkobelisk4076]

The concern is what happens when the wheels do actually fall off :D

[@toninaude1552]

They were the kings! Excellent explanation of why Alfisti love Alfas!🤩

[@michaelmeliambro5117]

Mussolini's car, probably.

[@Schcarraffone]

@@michaelmeliambro5117 very intelligent comment like saying Mercedes are Hitler cars or corvette the cars of km kux klan amis

[@carstenweiland7896]

You will love a good car till it breaks, you will love a brilliant car despite it breaking!

[@e.d.4824]

Mr JC, we had a couple of GTV2.5 throughout their years of production I even learnt to drive properly on them in my teens My father used to drive them all the time the Italian way, as if chased by the Carabinieri in a Giulia TI and late for pasta at the nonna’s. Flooring, double clutching, etc And never a failure, nor breakdowns or glitches. Just pure pleasure!

[@rcpmac]

That ending was funny considering that James nominated the Citroen as most important car in history. On the other hand he has referred to France as that country that you have to drive through to get to Italy.

[@Corristo89]

You know that you're in a great relationship when the myriad of annoyances, flaws, faults and other problems can still be happily overlooked because you're still madly in love with the person or thing in question. My first car wasn't great in any real way. Underpowered engine, the battery died at random, the AC was barely there, the seats weren't great, noisy... But somehow I always enjoyed every day I drove that little car until I slid it into a ditch, flipped over the roof and landed on all four wheels again with a massive crash. The car was dead, but it saved my life and I'll never forget it.

[@philhawley1219]

I have never driven a Gtv6. A Bertone 1750 was the first car I ever drove on the road at the age of 14. My grandmother made me do it! I had a Sud which rotted away, but mechanically and electrically was reliable. Now I have a very old Ducati V twin, a bit of hard work to ride but if ever I sell it a GTV 6 will replace it. Just finished a big bowl of pasta for dinner and I can't speak a single word of Italian,for all their awkward foibles the Italian motor industry has produced some of the best and most exciting vehicles ever.

[@dusankocisevic6823]

💚🤍❤️

[@skeggjoldgunnr3167]

Past Alfa GTV owners admit it! He got this one SPOT-ON. Nothing needs to be added or retracted. Take a look at our angel. You melt. Now THAT'S design! Listen to that exhaust note. Dear GOD, everyone from the Lamborghini owner to the Audi Quattro owner must admit: This thing sounds the most serious, the silkiest. When she wasn't in the shop: she made it all worth it. Mine was black with flat black louvres on the three rear windows. A HUGE quadrifoglio emblem. A Mille Miglia emblem on the dash. Factory tuned baffle exhaust. The Busso motor was tweaked and massaged by a guy named Faize. (He normally wrenched on Lamborghinis and Ferraris, Maseratis and Lancias. He LOVED the opportunity to work on an Alfa. - I could tell.) He gave it dual side draft webers and a finicky turbo-intercooler kit. When he was done with that he took me for a spin. He got it up to 85mph, slammed on the brakes with his hands off the walnut steering wheel. Pointed out how it tracked straight and true, only nosed down. Back up to 85mph. Seems we're cruising - maybe 2,400 RPM. He floored it and she pushed us back in our Recaro seats. He said "The tune-up for an Italian car involves steering, brakes, handling, weight distribution, fuel and air delivery - intake and exhaust are ONE, the SEAT adjustments, EVERYTHING...all - as - ONE - and if done right: it becomes a part of you. Your Italian mechanic thinks of his job like he's servicing and adjusting a Swiss watch movement. He is proud, opinionated, misogynistic, stuck-up, always right and beyond scrutiny. No apologies. No questions, thank you. Now pay me." That man STAYED inside my wallet.

[@jmfleureau8662]

J’ai eu un gtv6. Une merveille .Aucun problème technique .Je regrette de l’avoir vendu

[@Focusonbehind]

Boot release button is not broken, it's needs finesse. All my eighties Ford Escorts had the same 'problem''.

[@europainvicta3907]

I’ve owned 2 Alfa Romeos - neither of them a GTV. And I had zero mechanical problems. They were both fine and I sold them on both to good homes. I currently have a 20 year old FIAT and it is absolutely reliable. All I have done recently is some small welding in the floor to get it through an MOT.

[@grdprojekt]

you must be a wizard

[@stevestace3921]

My GTV6 was fantastic to admire both inside and outside, but sadly at only 18 months old suffered from head gasket failure (oil in coolant) clutch slave cylinder failure, and starter motor failure, all within a few months of each other. Great to drive when working, but had to let it go for something more reliable.

[@davidpeters6536]

I had a 2ltr in 1985 and it was brilliant. I always wanted a V6 but never got one.

[@fins59]

Brilliant, I chuckled till my eyes leaked.

[@atsaari]

I own 2 GTV6 and am loving it till today. Yes they come with problems but working on the problems make your love affair with Alfa Romeo never ending.

[@donactdum6635]

I saw a GTV6 in Whitestone New York while delivering pizza today, it was in the most pristine condition ever, I feel like I’ve seen a ghost

[@BrainFuck10]

I saw one collecting dust in a Hollywood apartment complex I thought I seen a ghost as well, even in it’s neglected state you can feel the car has a soul to it

[@franktechmaniac7488]

Read on the history of the Alfa Sud plant to understand the qualities of the car.

[@christianjosephkarner]

I never could go in the f..in second gear. And the tempo mat accelerates all the time and could not hold the speed steady. The heating heated up so much that You need to keep the windows open in winter. Door locks You could easy open with a screwdriver. I miss my Alfa... Was my first car...

[@fredsalfa]

I had 3x GTVs and never had any issues like what Clarkson is talking about. Although he’s right about the alcoholic girlfriend

[@MaffiaAlfista]

Yeah me neither but the metaphor is spot on 😂

[@gavinvalentino6002]

The worst best-sounding car ever.

[@vincentbester3953]

I have to disagree with Jeremy. I had one for 4 years and the only breakdown I had was the electric window winder cable on the driver’s side. Other than that it was a hoot.

[@studiocalder818]

Brrr, a terrifying, fantastic, epic car

[@agustindetlefsen6944]

What a plot twist 😂 really fell for it

[@devravi7049]

I love how now he has a beloved gtv6. shows that even its probably the best good bad car ever.

[@muffcabbage9742]

Haha that ending was spot on 🤣😂🤣

[@alfredio]

0:27 and lightest due to rust issues

[@themancuniancandidate2744]

It's true that owning an Alfa is rarely dull. I once had a 3.2 GT that sounded like nothing else I've ever driven but was so fantastically bad that I sold it after 5 weeks. Now I have a 916 Spider from 2001. It's reliable, reasonably well built (for the time), and rarely needs repairs between services; it's actually been more reliable than the 2004 MX5 I had before it. And it's much cooler.

[@stevesteve201]

The busso engine is amazing. I have a 156 on the drive. I just go out and listen to it. Emissions are so hight I I can't tax it currently,£735. Classic alfa😂

[@FightingForceSoulless]

I have... or probably just had now... a moody, bad-tempered, drunken girlfriend. But I persevered. She really is an angel, I wouldn't change her for any other woman. Really is like an Alfa Romeo then.

[@MarcinHopa8]

The analogy to a girlfriend was brilliant! And the French bit lol hahah 🤣🤣

[@rcpmac]

That was funny considering that James nominated the Citroen as most important car in history. On the other hand he has referred to France as that country that you have to drive through to get to Italy.

[@dylanjulian1028]

...and yet some years later he buys another one, and a farm...

[@turbodragon66]

the last line aged really badly now (stellantis)

[@samorowell535]

“That brings us neatly onto the French” *steaming pile of manure*

[@GreenChildren39]

Even I agree

[@lasithigr]

Super!!

[@saadcarnerd]

The grill never gets old

[@Mckenziegen]

I own a 2004 147 and the sun roof leaks😂

[@Tracertme]

It’s funny now considering JC actually bought one and owned it.

[@gilberrocal1363]

I've owned 6 gtv6s , never have i had any of theses problems, oh Jeremy such a fool, don't a bad one someone has abused to much!

[@Snarge22]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've heard this all before. The car had notable teething problems that were resolved 30 years ago. Maintain one to a high standard and it will be impressively rewarding to drive and enjoy. I've had mine for 33 years now and the most consistent problems I've had with the car is me! I.e., not leaving it well enough alone! Do the 3.0L SOHC with S-Pistons and S-Cams, put a limited slip transaxle from the Platinum or Verde/75, stiffer sway bars, extend the steering wheel, freshen the cam drive belt if necessary, and go enjoy. More power after that doesn't equate to more driving pleasure (ask me how I know). The GTV6 is indeed a "GT". Not a dragster, not the quickest, not the greatest in cornering speeds, but pick a nice day along a curvy road, pack a lunch, and you're in for a fantastic and engaging day. Yes, you'll have to learn to heal & toe the shifting, especially down from 3rd to 2nd, but that's part of the fun! Get it right, then nail the accelerator to 6000 rpm and you're in for a fantastic day. Oh, and did I mention slight 4-wheel drifting on moderate speeds? Right, most people have no idea just how much of a blast it is in driving a GTV6.

[@bumpyroad3251]

Top Gear was the best show ever, these guys were Kings.

[@shaungilmartin1505]

Had the 2 litre. Was the drunk girlfriend without the benefits

[@TheLexy131313]

What's up with that clicking sound they always put over the close ups of the badges of carbrands for dramatic effect. It's so cliché 🤮

[@capybara5522]

I'm pretty sure it's the sound of a tape being changed/stopping so it's for nostalgia ig? Idk bro I love top gear but some of the editing hasn't aged very well

[@TheLexy131313]

And what about adding dark clouds, rays of sunshine, thunder and lightening! And then the voiceover: "It's called...." For Gods sake....

[@anthonypipia6990]

The French 😂

[@publiusvelocitor4668]

Love the styling. The mechanics, not so great, as I understand

[@travelwithtony5767]

The GTV is forty years old now but had better styling then than the buttugly Alpha’s polluting the roadways today..seems such a shame they’ve lost the plot.

[@georgelibe7599]

Its not a car its an geniun alfa romeo Alfa ROMEO

[@sinsinsss5216]

Tidak langsung

[@raypurchase801]

Everything these blokes ever said about Alfa is true.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Sadly from 2030 on all combustion cars including classics will be banned from public streets in entire EU and Scandinavia :-( In Germany the Green Peoples Party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing all conventional fuel stations to only one state operated central gas station per city or county. Now they even want to slow down all the gas pumps from 20 litre per minute to 2 litre per minute...From 2027 on in the EU certain car spare parts will be banned too....as exhaust systems, turbo chargers and even some engine and gearbox oils...California and New York will do the same from 2027 on.... So no investments should be done in oil burning cars any longer....They even created a new kind of crime here, called emissions and smoke crime.

[@edombre4637]

I hope you're incorrect and just joking - where do you get these facts from?

[@Schlipperschlopper]

@@edombre4637 From Bruxelles and Berlin leaks

[@jpthiran]

said to be the best V6 engines of all times and won 4 European Turism car championships !... all the rest is just bad jokes!... and yes, Alfa Romeo is the most carismatic brand in Europe, by a large distance!...

[@chriskappert1365]

I had the 2 liter version for 8 years , bought it when 3 years old . After astronomical repaircosts it finaly rotted away in 11 years , leaving me bankrupt and desillusioned . Never ever an Alfa or what Italian car again , probably in the next incarnation but NOT in this life .

[@flisko123]

selling this car for 1k squid if anyone wants it, time limited offer

[@21cup]

👀

[@Bottas-Boy69]

This is why top gear is a joke.The Gtv6 is a legendary vehicle in automobile history and is one of the best.They are reliable.

[@guzzaccio]

Italians do it better

[@ianlee487]

Even though Clarkson admits that he like alfa romeo .hes like the rest of the critics in by pulling them down.these haters make me smile as the first chance they get they will put a picture of an alfa or italian car up for everyone to see.

[@sinsinsss5216]

Yahudi isrsel sbenre koe ki lapo berbuat opo sampek pihake membenci koe. Secara tisk langsung.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Cars great narrator worst of Sloopy English Obnoxiosness.