Tag Archives: GTV-6

1982 Alfa Romeo GTV-6

At one point, we owned a GTV-6. Black on black cloth, ridiculous 17" wheels, transaxle and DeDion sitting next to the car, rusty but no rot. Bought at a decent price, but never got around to getting it on the road. Part of that was a lack of commitment to making new hydraulic lines, and part of it was the fact that we needed garage space, having sacrificed work and storage space to that GTV-6 and an Alfetta project for too long. Our Milano Verde, with its acquired taste styling, checks many of the same boxes as a GTV-6, but as a friend with five GTV-6's will tell you, the sense of occasion is much stronger in the Giugiaro coupe version of the Alfa transaxle platform.

The GTV-6 was offered in the US from 1981 to 1985, with the 84-85 cars being most desirable to most due to their incorporation of many Milano upgrades. Those later cars got thicker Milano sway bars, longer sway bars to match the Milano (meaning heavy duty Milano bars can be swapped in), and the isostatic shift linkage from the Milano. They also featured the same 4.10 rear end as the 84-85 cars. In contrast, this 1982 model would utilize Alfetta torsion bars and sway bars and a 3.42 rear axle ratio. The seats are Alfetta-style, which is not necessarily a bad thing, as they are quite stylish, if a little bit less supportive.

Continue reading 1982 Alfa Romeo GTV-6

Save an Alfa: GTV-6 Edition

“When you see me on the block, homie you don’t know me,” the seller of this GTV-6 pronounces from his front valence, but we do know that he finds a certain “Kady” and “Hari” to be important, based on his windshield decal.  What else do we know?  Let’s parse through the photos included in this vague Craigslist ad description to find some information.

First, the car has been aerodynamically altered – bumpers were removed, presumably to reduce drag on the racetrack, and a single plane spoiler has been engineered to decrease lift  while maintaining a palatable level of drag.  Surprisingly, the side mirrors were spared during the optimization process, most likely for a proper view of the trailing field on the racetrack.  The interior is above average for a tan leather interior, based on what we’ve seen.  Though the rear muffler is from a faster and more furious era, don’t be too quick to write it off, at least sonically speaking.  Busso V6s are nearly impervious to the fart can – just hide it under the rear bumper to convey at least a modicum of taste.

Click to view listing

Year: 1985
Model: Alfa Romeo
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  Unknown
Price: $2,500

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV-6

Click to view listing

Click to view listing

Mechanically speaking, we rely on the seller’s description.  A hot dog 164S 3.0L V6, rated at 200hp new, supplants the original 2.5L V6.  In all seriousness, 3.0L GTV-6s are encouraged.  No word on the last engine service, but as we’ve made clear in prior Busso V6 write-ups, the front end engine service is very reasonable to complete either in your home garage or in the trust of an Alfa mechanic.  Around $1,000 or a Saturday – your choice.  The transaxle, likely the original unit with an open diff, is claimed to shift without synchro grind on second gear.  If true, remember to pause in neutral between shifts if you buy the car; patient shifting goes a long way in preserving shift quality.

Clearly this is not a car for a non-mechanical type, or someone looking for a no-excuses car for this spring.  But, for the value shopper, we believe that unreported rust would be the only way to weaken the business for this offering.  Swap the Verde wheels tea tray, bumpers, body cladding, and rear hatch sans spoiler from the parts car onto the 3.0L car, take the car into the shop for some economical but respectable paint, and work out the smaller items like brakes and suspension after you get the car back onto the street.  Sell those fat Borbet wheels to recoup some cost, and make a determination on the parts car.  If you have room, keep it around; otherwise, a weekend and a 6-8 large plastic totes will shrink it down to size.

-Graham