Finally, I can call myself a true petrolhead. (Just bought my first Alfa!) | FerrariChat

Finally, I can call myself a true petrolhead. (Just bought my first Alfa!)

Discussion in 'Other Italian' started by nathandarby67, Jan 24, 2016.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
    Full Name:
    Nathan
    #1 nathandarby67, Jan 24, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    We all know how the old saying goes. I couldn't continue to live with myself not being a true petrolhead, so I found this little beauty. Completely restored 4-5 years ago, a few thousand miles since. Hope to have it shipped in the next week or so. Will post some driving impressions as soon as I can...have driven plenty of it's contemporary 70's British roadsters, but never an Alfa Spider. Looking forward to the contrast in experience.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  2. Skidkid

    Skidkid F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 25, 2005
    8,762
    Campbell, CA
    Full Name:
    John Zornes
    Congratulations! That is a great car. I had one for 12 years and finally did away with it when I was rear ended by a minivan, I was going 0 and they were going over 50.

    The shifter is a little odd and 2nd gear is very heavy so it tends to eat sycros unless you have the gears lightened (there are a few shops that do that work). I would tell people: There are a lot of cars that are faster, handle better, and ride better BUT this car always puts a smile on your face. It is SUPER fun to drive.
     
  3. Dom

    Dom F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 5, 2002
    8,482
    Congratulations! It's beautiful!
     
  4. ferraripete

    ferraripete F1 World Champ

    my kinda car!!!! enjoy her.
     
  5. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 19, 2008
    4,855
    Washington, DC
    Full Name:
    Chris
    Enjoy your spider - she looks great!
     
  6. damian in nj

    damian in nj Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 24, 2009
    983
    With all the Alfa's I owned I just shifted 1-3 until the gearbox warmed up to avoid messing with the 2nd gear synchro.
     
  7. Pantdino4

    Pantdino4 Karting

    Sep 17, 2015
    160
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Jim Oddie
    You could also use a lower viscosity oil, like Redline MTL, so you can use 2nd sooner
     
  8. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 4, 2008
    33,571
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Rich
    Outstanding - congrats! I have a Giulia on my list, even more so as that is my daughter's name (she's been pushing me to do it). Not the new one, but a 60's/70's variant...one of these days.

    Best of luck!
     
  9. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 30, 2007
    92,036
    awesome! such cool cars. fun to drive and look great :)
     
  10. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
    Full Name:
    Nathan
    Thanks for the comments guys. Shipper should pick it up by next week. Can't wait for it to arrive!
     
  11. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
    Full Name:
    Nathan
  12. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 30, 2007
    92,036
    :)

    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3YSCw6IEQM[/ame]
     
  13. ylshih

    ylshih Shogun Assassin
    Honorary Owner

    Mar 21, 2004
    19,827
    Northern CA
    Full Name:
    Yin
    Damn, I'm envious! Hope it drives as nice as it looks!
     
  14. TheMayor

    TheMayor Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    98,758
    Vegas baby
    I liked the '73 2000 spider so much I had 2 of them.
     
  15. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
    Full Name:
    Nathan
    This is the kind of feedback I was hoping for! :D Can't wait for it to get it here, shipper supposed to be picking up tomorrow (I think). Hopefully have it before the weekend is out. Will try to share some driving impressions and maybe a little video when I get a chance.
     
  16. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
    Full Name:
    Nathan
    ETA tomorrow afternoon. :D :D
     
  17. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
    Full Name:
    Nathan
    Driver ran a little behind, so just now got her tucked in. Overall seems really solid, needs a few more minor cosmetics and odds and ends than I was hoping in order to make it close to perfect, but even from my short drive around my subdivision I can tell why people get Alfa fever. It's a very different experience from a comparable era MG or Triumph.

    Going to give her a much needed wash and quick detail tomorrow.

    Also, what are the best sources for Alfa parts? Moss Motors has everything under the sun for British cars, is there a similar operation for Alfas? I think I'm going to buy some new trim pieces such as marker lenses and some interior chrome bits. The car overall is so nice, some of the remaining solid but worn original bits really jump out at you.


    Image Unavailable, Please Login

    Image Unavailable, Please Login

    Image Unavailable, Please Login

    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  18. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 30, 2007
    92,036
    nice man, congrats! that thing will be a lot of fun.

    what's the story with the cage on that Miata? does Manute Bol rent garage space for his race car?
     
  19. John M

    John M Formula Junior

    Nov 18, 2004
    887
    Kentucky
    Congrats and welcome to Alfa Ownership.

    A lways
    L ooking
    F or
    A nother

    :D

    I currently own two spiders and share ownership of a third. They are solid cars mechanically. Very fun to own and toss around. Parts readily available.

    There are several parts suppliers. Coming to mind:

    CenterlineAlfa.com
    vickauto.com
    alfaholics.com
    okp.de

    Lots of suppliers to choose from. I have used all the above with great success. Visit Alfabb.com to dive deeper. You will find many of the same people here as there with cross marque ownership. 2016 Alfa Romeo Owners Club national convention will be in Nashville this summer.

    Best Regards,
    John M
     
  20. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
    Full Name:
    Nathan

    Thanks!

    No idea why the original owner built that cage so tall. From pics I've seen of him in the car he's an average size dude. Maybe the runoff areas at his home track had exceptionally soft ground and he wanted a margin of error? :)

    Here's me in the car, I'm 6'1". I think it would probably be good for Shaq, not sure about Manute though.

    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  21. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
    Full Name:
    Nathan
  22. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 30, 2007
    92,036
  23. Mang

    Mang F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 11, 2007
    5,918
    ta HO
    Full Name:
    Mike S.
    I love 'em, I have a '73...yours is beautiful. Predicting you will love it. Driving a stylish slow convertible car fast is always rewarding. These are pininfarina icons, enjoy!
     
  24. 10/10ths

    10/10ths Rookie

    Jan 1, 2015
    3
    It certainly looks the part! I had a '79 Spider- my first sports car, Alfa, and, Italian car and I've had chronic, recurring bouts since. Get the mechanicals right and you are in for a DRIVE, my friend.
     

Share This Page