Vintage Alfa Romeos have a loyal following among car enthusiasts. Many of the 1960s and 70s-era models represented the generations that brought the bulk of their acolytes into the fold, but I would wager the model most recognized as an Alfa outside of the iconic Spider model is the GTV of the 70s and 80s. This striking hatchback put Alfa on the radar of almost anyone who enjoyed the experience of driving and the silky drivetrains along with driver-centric cockpits made them an instant favorite. The trouble is, they like to rust – so finding one that remains mostly intact both mechanically and cosmetically is a find, and this 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV 2000 looks like a winner.
The original incarnation of the “Alfetta” wasn’t exactly sexy, however, as it was your standard bread-and-butter sedan, akin to something that might compete with a BMW 3-Series or Mercedes C-Class in modern brand hierarchies. When the GTV was introduced, however, the Alfetta name suddenly became far more sporting in terms of its image. From the racy profile to the cockpit that was everything an Italian car should be, the GTV changed this model’s identity for good. The car shown here features one of the better vintage car color schemes of silver over red, with a handsome wood-rimmed steering wheel that accents it perfectly.
As mentioned, Alfas of almost any persuasion of a certain age can be significant rust buckets if you buy the wrong one; fortunately, this GTV has lived a charmed life in Northern California, which is a dream local for car enthusiasts who seek both rust-free vintage tin and epic driving roads. The underside photos reveal that this GTV remains exceptionally clean underneath, matching its preserved exterior body panels. As the seller notes, “…it looks like it has always been lovingly maintained by its past four owners,” a statement that is further reinforced by what seems like a very detailed list of ongoing maintenance.
The U.S. bumpers are an absolute travesty on a car like this, giving it the appearance of having a saggy hindquarters. European bumpers do exist, and would be a very sensible use of money on a car like this. An early GTV like this one is powered by a 2.0L I4, which does beg the question as to whether you should hold out for a later GTV6. The listing notes that major mechanical repairs, including a cylinder head and transmission rebuild, have been undertaken by previous owners, which certainly helps offer buyers some confidence that this GTV will simply need ongoing maintenance versus extensive overhauls in the future. Find it here on eBay with bids to $3,549 and the reserve unmet.
Jeff, ANY Alfetta, be it sedan or coupe, is something to covet. Each one is a wonderful driving experience. I’ve driven both, had a friend who owned both, and can attest to the sensory and aural pleasures one gets from behind the wheel. If said friend’s experience was anything to go by, they are far more reliable than many believe, too.
I’d go for the four-cylinder because a) less weight on the front is noticeable when you start pressing-on, which is what Alfas do best, and b) because that eliminates the hood bulge, which I personally am not fond of. The 2000 has plenty of suds, and sounds great when wound high. Which, again, is one of the things Alfas do best.
Since it is both rust-free and reportedly well-maintained, I’m betting the reserve is well above the current bid. It’s worth it.
Nice example here. They might think about getting the front wheels out of the ditch so we can see the proper stance of the car. RayT called it. As a former Alpha dealer service manager in the early ’80s I was the test guy to see if everything was up to par before we turned the cars over to the owners. Lots of fun there.
A ditch wouldn’t explain that wheel gap; it’s not as if the wheels drop while the car itself stays level. I suspect the rear end may have lowering springs, but they never got around to lowering the front end, which requires pulling the torsion bars and reinserting then a spline or two over.
IIRC, these rode high in US spec to bring the headlights and bumpers up to US-DOT minimum height without resorting to other, even more unsightly modifications.
I had an Alfeta of similar vintage way back then. Talk about a passionate car. Beautiful. I’m glad this one isn’t badly rusted. Mine in Ohio required sweeping the rusty metal off the driveway weekly back then. Russian Steel was the absolute worst.
Check the drive shaft. It had rubber donut universals that tend to crack and break down.
Love this car. Good buy.
Located in: Port Washington, New York
He might be hoping a buyer from Europe might be interested, I’m sure shipping is considerably less expensive from the east coast than from California. The last time the seller listed it on eBay it had a set price of $14,500, rather than an auction, his reserve is likely close to that.
Steve R