This “garage find” Alfa has obviously been off the road for a while. The seller says it runs, but the brakes and clutch are not working. They also state “no major holes” in the advertisement here on eBay. Jim S. was the Barn Finds reader that uncovered this find, located in Escondido, California. The opening bid is pretty steep at $7,800, but there’s no reserve, so the first bidder may get this one. The seller is unusually frank, stating that “there is likely a ton of bondo on this car” and “it won’t be cheap” when discussing what’s needed to be done. As you can see from the picture above, there is accident damage as well as the rust. There’s a lot of metal that will have to be replaced, and honestly it makes me wonder what’s so special about GTV’s? Any Alfista’s out there that can answer that?
The popularity of the 105 Bertone coupe has reflected on its values, typically running at $18k+ for daily driver material and completely restored cars hitting $50k and up. To understand the beauty of this design, one needs to step back in time to 1963 and see all the innovations that appeared on the Giulia GT back in those days – excellent proportions, tall and spacious “green house”, alloy twin cam with twin side drafts, 5 speed trans, 4 wheel discs and handling that was hard to beat.
There are a number of things that make this GT Veloce very interesting and appealing to an Alfisti. 1968 was the first year for the 1750 engine, perhaps the most desirable among the Alfisti currently – if properly running with period correct carbs, the engine alone can fetch over $3k. It has the “flying buttress” seats, which by themselves is $1k in their current condition ( or more if someone is restoring a GTV with skai interior). The steering wheel is an easy $500. A stripped out but complete body alone, even in this condition is worth at least $3k. So, in essence I’m seeing the asking price just in parts alone. Add to that the rarity of this model year in the U.S. – AR didn’t import any cars into US, maybe with exception of Giulia, in 1968 due to their preparation for more stringent federal smog requirements, hence the SPICA injection, which appeared from 1969 and continued in Alfas through 1981. This could be a rather interesting project for someone to undertake.
This particular car has been up for grabs for at least a year now. The seller also has a Milano which needs TLC as well. At one point he was offering either car. Now it appears he has 4 Alfas in total.
Tirefryar, thank you for the great explanation! I’m going to file this info away. I’m evidently one of the few who actually like the look of the later cars better, but the pull (and therefore value) of the earlier ones starts to make sense now.
You are welcome.
I had a friend back in the ’70s in Canada who had one of these, just like this one but in burgundy. This was the warm West coast, so zero rust.
The Alfa’s suspension was firm but very comfortable and the handling was precise. I had a first-year 240Z at the time that had more power but didn’t handle or stop as well as the Alfa. The Alfa had a 5-speed, to the 4-speed in my car. I thought the interior of the Alfa was classier and better quality than the Z-car, and more comfortable too. It’s just too bad this Ebay car was in the salty Toronto area for a while. These cars were really made for sunny Italy.
I can see the appeal of these cars, and agree with tirefire that they are special and definitely worth saving. The market agrees too, since these always seem to find buyers, even when rusty. This car has a bid at $7800 with half a day to go. I tried to buy one once but was too late. I ended up buying a GTV6 for less money, but it doesn’t look as good as these GTVs.
My 1974 GTV2000 is a delight to drive quickly for the following reasons: It weighs a little over 2,300 lbs., and it is quite well balanced, it pulls adequately and quickly all the way to top speed, but it is most happy and responsive when up in 5th on a fast curvy road. It seems to accelerate best there – just staying in 5th. It doesn’t have any noticeable vices when pushed hard through fast curves and the shifter is slick. The SPICA mechanical fuel injection system is faultless when properly adjusted. Brakes are power and only require a light touch. In person, you will find that the car is not very big and that’s one of it’s strong points when I’m out in the forests keeping the revs up. I didn’t buy mine for investment, but rather, because I liked the way it drives – and I will never sell it.
Joe, that’s the best reason to buy any car–thanks for sharing!