Cheap Twin Cam: 1977 Alfa Romeo GTV
When someone asks you what color your car is and you reply “rust” the questioner probably conjures up images of a metallic burnt orange metallic with a hint of burnished brown. Well, if you owned this 1977 Alfa Romeo GTV and made the same claim, you wouldn’t be lyin’, rust it is and I don’t mean some DuPont shade. This sucker is sad-looking, a GTV edition or not. OK, so attractive optics aren’t in this car’s marketing palette but maybe it has some other redeeming qualities. Jim (not me) found the listing for this Cuyahoga, Ohio citizen and it’s available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,500.
This Alfa is referred to as a 105-series with the GTV variant being produced from ’67 to ’77 and based on the Guilia platform. Specifically, this example is a 2000 GTV and is one of approximately 37K constructed starting in 1971. The “2000” designation references the engine which is a twin-cam 2000 CC, in-line four. The engine in this car is a non-runner and appears as if it has been in that state for some time. It looks complete but the devil’s in the details – it would be beneficial to know if it turns over by hand. A five-speed manual gearbox makes the rear-wheel connection. The mileage is claimed to be only 51K but there’s no authenticating documentation so you can be the judge regarding that matter.
The black vinyl interior is an interesting study. The carpet appears to be burnt orange (like the exterior?) but perhaps it’s just an extreme fade. The seating upholstery is split and the pattern of the driver’s seat does match that of the passenger chair. The dash has a very angular design, reminiscent of many 1980s designs but the instruments look cheap and not in keeping with what one would expect to find in an Italian tourer of this era.
Now for the elephant in the room – the exterior. It looks like it underwent a federal sandblasting and was then left to fend for itself. And the abundance of surface rust is more than just that as there’s evidence of rust-through with that passenger side quarter panel. Beyond that, the bumpers are missing and the entire presentation is just shot. Nothing is said about the understructure of this GTV but I’d suggest that any interested party give it an in-person inspection.
The seller claims, “This car is a restoration project car” – there’s an understatement. I’m not that well informed regarding Alfa Romeo GTVs but my research finds lots of praise for their road manners and sporting intentions. Can this example find its way back to its former grandeur? I don’t know, probably, but is it worth the effort or would one be better served finding a sounder example?
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Comments
Lots of very uncommon parts for the US. Seats look to be the same pattern, one with new naugahyde and foam padding.
This is not a 105/115 Alfa 2000 GTV but instead is a 1977 116 ALFETTA GTV. Initially it had the same 2L twin-cam motor as the 105/115 models but had a totally different body style, suspension and drivetrain layout. It was built from 1972-1987, and was built in parallel to the 105 cars, until they ended in 1977. This one needs some love for certain…
The twin cam covers of an Alfa are worth the asking price all by themselves.
Almost.
Nah, who am I kidding…
Is this some variety of Bosch fuel injection?
Spica fuel injection. I would probably substitute dual Webers.
No, the SPICA F.I. is a mechanical system, not electronic. IIRC, Alfa employed it on all models destined for the U.S. market during the late 1960’s to the late 1970’s or early 1980’s when Alfa started using Bosch electronic F.I. SPICA F.I. has gotten a bad rap and was frequently replaced by Webers but, competent Alfa mechanics could and did adjust them for correct operation and maximum performance. A number of AROC members claim that removing the SPICA F.I. decreases the value of the car.
Decrease the value of the car? Of this car that’s the topic of discussion? Sure would hate to do that. ;)
It had what they called SPICA injection. Mechanical fuel injection that had nothing to do with Bosch.
These are pretty rare over here, but they are overshadowed by their prettier (and lighter) predecessors and their more muscular younger brother, the GTV6. Price seems pretty optimistic to me.
Kinda sad.